Shipping module configuration

[bedfordch]

We are having troubles setting the shipping module. This is our first shop and the shipment is very difficult to manage.

Our shop is www.gdkits.com. We have many items that may be grouped in 2 big groups:

1. photoetched parts: They can be sent by normal letter so no need to have a package.

2. parcels, from little item to many items in a box.

 

In our case not only the weight can change shipment cost but also the size of the items. Photoetched items are flat so they can be sent by letter, but other kits are about 100-200gr but can't be put on a letter, as since 2cm is considered as parcel and not as letter anymore.

Also if we have up to 5-6 items of the first group (photoetched parts) then we manage as letter.

if we have others items, then we are directly in parcels from 2cm in any size and since 500 grams.

 

So we are thinking of managing it by setting zone and weight.

 

We have activated zones shipping module but how to manage the 2 kinds of material ? We are thinking of putting weight to reach our needs (I mean 100 gr for every photoetch item) so at 5 items it's automatically a parcel. Also even if kits are lower than 500 gr we will put 500.

The other problem is that on international parcel, at 1.5 kg (3 items) the shipment is very high and maybe 3 items all together will only be 700 gr.

An other idea is no to care about weight and put some sort of points. Like photoetched = 1 point, little kit=5 points, big kits=10 points.

and use points to manage such things

 

How to define shipping cost not only by weight and zone but also on dimensions ?

Maybe we may manage all sending using the "parcel" cost then manage a refund policy if the real shipment cost less than expected.

 

Thanks for help and suggestion.

 

Bob