Shipping costs, making local a better deal

[pfarber]

I spent most of the morning looking for oil filters. I generally buy filters for the GPW/CCKW in bulk (well, 6 of each at the same time) to save.

Sad truth is that the bulk filter places online have raised the significant savings to not the case qty, but the PALLET qty. Unless you are into the $2000+ range on an order there is no significant saving that isn't eaten up by the shipping cost.

Case in point, 12 WIX 57060 (for my caliber) 6 51503 (Senior filters) and 6 51100 (Junior filters) would save me $25 vs buying locally once shipping was applied. The local NAPA generally gives me the shop discount (10-15% off retail) if I pay cash. Previously there was either free shipping on case QTY, or the online prices were 40-50% of retail. Best discount I could get was 20% off unless I bought $120-$250 in a single filter, and STILL have to pay shipping

Bottom line... if you get a good price jump on them! And don't forget to share where you got them from.

[pfarber]

Here are some hard numbers:

12 Wix 57060 (for my Dodge Caliber)

Fleet Filter = $4.03 * 12 = 48.36 + $14.41 (Shipping) = $62.77

NAPA Minersville PA = $6.03 - 15% (discount for cash) = $5.12 * 12 = $61.44 + 6% (tax) = $65.12

So I 'save' less than $3 online. Don't have to wait for shipping, and have the filters, as worst, next day.

[pfarber]

For NAPA Gold 5103 (Senior filter)

Fleet Filter: $9.10 * 6 = 54.60 + $14.10 (Shipping) = $68.70

NAPA Minersville PA: $15.75 - 15% (Cash discount) = $13.39 * 6 = $80.34 + 6% = $85.16

Saves $16.

So if I get the 18 filters I save $20 online. That's not a great as it used to be. Previously I posted that I was saving 30% or more. Now I am lucky to save 10-20% using online bulk dealers.

And if you only want to put one or two extra filters on the shelf the savings % falls even more. Using a quick spreadsheet unless you order at least 6 filters its cheaper to get them locally as the minimum UPS shipping (generally $9) eats up all the savings.

[pfarber]

Since I am currently on a fire extinguisher binge I emailed a seller that had 2 extinguishers... one was correct for a jeep, the other just a brass extinguisher.

$50 BIN with $25 shipping.

I messaged if he would split them up, and ship for $15 on a single extinguisher (would be $45 for the Pyrene).

Guy went nuts because I wanted to 'rip him off on shipping'. Yet his preferred shipping was UPS with local pick up fee. Needless to say even relisted as single item the shipping is to high. USPS could do it for like $15.. UPS was over $20.