Why does shipping cost more than expected?

We know shipping charges can impact your purchasing decisions, which is why we offer free shipping in the contiguous USA on orders over $250 that weigh under 10 lbs. 

That said, shipping for small or lightweight items can sometimes seem higher than expected. Here’s why:

• Carrier Weight Rounding: Even if an item weighs only a fraction of a pound, carriers like UPS round all shipments up to the nearest 1 lb. That means shipping a 0.05 lb package costs the same as 1 lb.
• Safe Packaging: Many of our products are fragile and can bend, crack, or break in transit if not properly protected. To ensure safe arrival, we ship these items in sturdy boxes rather than envelopes or mailers. In the past, lighter packaging led to damage, so we no longer make exceptions.
• Rural Delivery Fees: Some addresses—especially in rural or remote areas—include extra carrier surcharges, which can increase shipping costs.
• Rising Carrier & Processing Costs: Since 2020, shipping rates have more than doubled across all carriers. At the same time, our processing costs for small orders have also increased. We only use carriers and service levels with proven reliability and strong customer service.
• International Shipping: There are no inexpensive choices for international shipments. We only offer fast, trackable services through reliable carriers and avoid postal systems with inconsistent service or complex agency involvement.

📦 While shipping charges may sometimes feel high compared to the size or value of an item, our priority is ensuring your tools and findings arrive safely, securely, and ready to use.