In article 201120091915185610%dave@N_O_T_T_H_I_Sbalderstone. ca, Dave Balderstone wrote:
In article , Gerald Ross
wrote:

Have you noticed that most of the woodworking supply companies have
quietly changed over to shipping charges being based on how much you
pay for rather than how much it weighs. This used to be a hallmark of
bottom feeders such as JC Whitney and Harbor Freight.

I first really noticed it when I ordered a couple of small gifts for
my grandson from Lee Valley. Shipping was $11.50. The order weighed 14
oz including packaging.

I live out in the hinterland and everything comes by FedEx or UPS.
Even the nearest Lowe's is 40 miles away. This really hurts.

Can you drive 80 miles for $11.50?

Easily. Hell, I can manage that in my old truck -- 85 Dodge, 360 4bbl, about
17mpg on the highway -- and most cars will do far better. At the rate I paid
last time I filled up, $11.50 is 4.75 gallons, which will take my Saturn SL2
considerably farther than 80 miles. Like more than *twice* that.

Of course, that disregards the value of my *time* to drive 80 miles...