I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
Big fan of this forum, where I've gotten a lot of help, and I love to browse your online store, where you carry probably the biggest collection of knives I've found so far. Despite that, I decided to buy my knives from one of your competitors (whose name I won't say in case it violates forum rules).
Why? Because when I put a random knife in my cart, it's asking for $32 USD in shipping fees. And that doesn't include any potential custom fees (I'm Canadian). That's just too much, especially when the competition is offering $7 USD flatrate or free shipping over a certain threshold, depending on the site.
It's a shame because you've got such a fantastic collection here, but I'd rather not spent more than I need to. If you could get competitive with the shipping prices I'd likely be making purchases here in the future.
Just wanted to give some feedback.
Why? Because when I put a random knife in my cart, it's asking for $32 USD in shipping fees. And that doesn't include any potential custom fees (I'm Canadian). That's just too much, especially when the competition is offering $7 USD flatrate or free shipping over a certain threshold, depending on the site.
It's a shame because you've got such a fantastic collection here, but I'd rather not spent more than I need to. If you could get competitive with the shipping prices I'd likely be making purchases here in the future.
Just wanted to give some feedback.
- Drewski
- Posts: 1309
- Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2018 2:01 am
- Location: Manitoba, Canada
- Has thanked: 429 times
- Been thanked: 46 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
I still buy from CKTG because of the selection and service, but I agree that the shipping fee can be prohibitively high. I end up waiting to bundle orders, but still must have spent hundreds on shipping alone in the past couple of years.
-
- Posts: 2359
- Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 8:37 am
- Location: Taylor, Az
- Has thanked: 185 times
- Been thanked: 142 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
Domestic orders over 60.00 shipped free is about the best I’ve found, not to mention I find most the knives here to be listed a tad bit cheaper than other options. I ordered a knife from Canada a month ago And experienced a 27.00 shipping charge for a single knife. So I guess it works both ways.
I will say this. I’ve ordered from here, other vendors here in the states and from overseas. CKTG has been the fastest and best service I’ve found and I’ve tried most of them. Most of my orders are over 60 bucks and that free of shipping here, the few that aren’t are shipped for low shipping charges than most others I’ve used. The only item I ever received that I had a problem with was a cutting board and that was more to do with Arizona’s lack of humidity than anything. I oiled and oiled it but it still cracked after 3 weeks. I sent an Email to CKTG with full disclosure on what I had done to take of it asking if I did something wrong and literally that same day another cutting board was in route. It arrived two days later. I did a better job that time around and had no issues. It didn’t cost me a dime and I was told to keep the split board which I fixed and gave to my daughter. Service like that is above and beyond in todays world. I’ve ordered dozens of other items with no issues and I am constantly amazed at the shipping time and the care they are packaged with. it’s incredible.
Mark and Sue’s prices are vey competitive, customer service is outstanding and the shipping is the fastest I’ve experienced. In my eyes there isn’t much they could do to improve. To each their own.
I will say this. I’ve ordered from here, other vendors here in the states and from overseas. CKTG has been the fastest and best service I’ve found and I’ve tried most of them. Most of my orders are over 60 bucks and that free of shipping here, the few that aren’t are shipped for low shipping charges than most others I’ve used. The only item I ever received that I had a problem with was a cutting board and that was more to do with Arizona’s lack of humidity than anything. I oiled and oiled it but it still cracked after 3 weeks. I sent an Email to CKTG with full disclosure on what I had done to take of it asking if I did something wrong and literally that same day another cutting board was in route. It arrived two days later. I did a better job that time around and had no issues. It didn’t cost me a dime and I was told to keep the split board which I fixed and gave to my daughter. Service like that is above and beyond in todays world. I’ve ordered dozens of other items with no issues and I am constantly amazed at the shipping time and the care they are packaged with. it’s incredible.
Mark and Sue’s prices are vey competitive, customer service is outstanding and the shipping is the fastest I’ve experienced. In my eyes there isn’t much they could do to improve. To each their own.
“The goal is to die with memories, not dreams.”
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
Assuming you are domestic, freeshipping over $60, just add saya and you would have gotten it for free.
If you are ordering less than that, I imagine the time and effort to pack it up lower the margins to almost zero.
For international, shipping can be pricey. For handles shipped overseas, I’ve had to move from priority to first class, which is about half the price. Using USPS, priority rate small handle to Europe was priced at $40.
If you are ordering less than that, I imagine the time and effort to pack it up lower the margins to almost zero.
For international, shipping can be pricey. For handles shipped overseas, I’ve had to move from priority to first class, which is about half the price. Using USPS, priority rate small handle to Europe was priced at $40.
Instagram : jobone_craftsman
https://www.instagram.com/jobone_craftsman/
Etsy : https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoBoneCraftsman
https://www.instagram.com/jobone_craftsman/
Etsy : https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoBoneCraftsman
- Kit Craft
- Posts: 4844
- Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2017 8:57 pm
- Location: Pennsylvania
- Been thanked: 11 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
I've paid about that for shipping from Canada and Europe to the US. Seems to go both ways. I've ordered from places in Japan and my shipping has ranged from $7-100...International shipping can be expensive. It is what it is. Mark has a great selection, when we move back to Europe I'll still order when I can.
-
- Posts: 712
- Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2017 5:33 am
- Location: Berkshire UK
- Has thanked: 41 times
- Been thanked: 80 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
I absolutely concur with all of the above points. I live in the UK and shipping combined with import tax can make it very expensive.When I bought my Takamura Uchigumo from another US vendor(due to availability), the shipping and import duty was nearly $200!!! God knows what it will cost me moving forward when/if Brexit happens!!!
I have bought more knives from CKTG than any other vendor. The main reason for this is the amazing service and great pricing in that order. I have ordered many knives on a Tuesday or Wednesday and I have received them on the Friday. I think this is great service and even with shipping/import costs, it represents great value for money. Also I have never had a problem with a knife bought from Mark, but I have received bent knives from 2 other vendors. Mark and Sue are always happy to respond to any queries.
Well done Mark and Sue!!!
I have bought more knives from CKTG than any other vendor. The main reason for this is the amazing service and great pricing in that order. I have ordered many knives on a Tuesday or Wednesday and I have received them on the Friday. I think this is great service and even with shipping/import costs, it represents great value for money. Also I have never had a problem with a knife bought from Mark, but I have received bent knives from 2 other vendors. Mark and Sue are always happy to respond to any queries.
Well done Mark and Sue!!!
- Drewski
- Posts: 1309
- Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2018 2:01 am
- Location: Manitoba, Canada
- Has thanked: 429 times
- Been thanked: 46 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
Totally agree, and although shipping costs a bit extra to Canada, I've always found it to be a smart purchase.arthurfowler wrote: ↑Tue Feb 19, 2019 9:37 am I absolutely concur with all of the above points. I live in the UK and shipping combined with import tax can make it very expensive.When I bought my Takamura Uchigumo from another US vendor(due to availability), the shipping and import duty was nearly $200!!! God knows what it will cost me moving forward when/if Brexit happens!!!
I have bought more knives from CKTG than any other vendor. The main reason for this is the amazing service and great pricing in that order. I have ordered many knives on a Tuesday or Wednesday and I have received them on the Friday. I think this is great service and even with shipping/import costs, it represents great value for money. Also I have never had a problem with a knife bought from Mark, but I have received bent knives from 2 other vendors. Mark and Sue are always happy to respond to any queries.
Well done Mark and Sue!!!
- mauichef
- Posts: 3992
- Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2017 9:10 pm
- Location: Boca Chica, Panama
- Has thanked: 695 times
- Been thanked: 1066 times
- Contact:
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
I am not sure I should comment but I find the OP to be unnecessary and somewhat combatitive. Shipping costs vary widely from one company to another. They vary in terms of when they kick in, where you live, time of year etc etc etc. to make a blanket statement like this on a forum is completely meaningless. Especially as there is zero context stated in his argument. I get free shipping from amazon so what? If you Live in Canada and want something from the USA well suck it up because I do whenever I buy from a Canadian company. There is not one mention of the fact that CKTG regualrly sells stuff for less than most of its competition. The speed of shipping. The excellent service. Not one meaningful statement other than one guy ships for $7 and not another.
Edit: I just checked and all of the knives I have purchased from Canada over the past few years have cost over $28 each to ship. In fact I paid $50 for one knife from a New York dealer! But this is meaningless unless there is more context given to the overall transaction.
Edit: I just checked and all of the knives I have purchased from Canada over the past few years have cost over $28 each to ship. In fact I paid $50 for one knife from a New York dealer! But this is meaningless unless there is more context given to the overall transaction.
- Corradobrit
- Posts: 185
- Joined: Thu Feb 08, 2018 10:36 am
- Been thanked: 5 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
LOL. The piper must always be paid. One way or another you're paying
- mauichef
- Posts: 3992
- Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2017 9:10 pm
- Location: Boca Chica, Panama
- Has thanked: 695 times
- Been thanked: 1066 times
- Contact:
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
In the states, Mark actually beats all the competition with regards to shipping . Over $60 and it’s free.HelloSir wrote: ↑Mon Feb 18, 2019 4:29 pm Big fan of this forum, where I've gotten a lot of help, and I love to browse your online store, where you carry probably the biggest collection of knives I've found so far. Despite that, I decided to buy my knives from one of your competitors (whose name I won't say in case it violates forum rules).
Why? Because when I put a random knife in my cart, it's asking for $32 USD in shipping fees. And that doesn't include any potential custom fees (I'm Canadian). That's just too much, especially when the competition is offering $7 USD flatrate or free shipping over a certain threshold, depending on the site.
It's a shame because you've got such a fantastic collection here, but I'd rather not spent more than I need to. If you could get competitive with the shipping prices I'd likely be making purchases here in the future.
Just wanted to give some feedback.
Out of your own country , always gonna rise . Was the company you ordered from in the USA? If not , apples to oranges.
Also worth mentioning , I order from Tosho (Canada) from time to time on variants of Konosuke Fujiyama cktg doesn’t get, and no matter what I spend , $200 or $700+ , shipping is ALWAYS 30-40$.
There is always a price to be paid when ordering out of your own country . If you enjoy the forums so much , then support the business behind it.
In the states , Cktg shipping isn’t just competitive , it’s downright unmatched .
- Jeff B
- Posts: 14757
- Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2017 5:59 pm
- Location: Louisville, Kentucky
- Has thanked: 1987 times
- Been thanked: 2352 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
Whiner...
If God wanted me to be a vegetarian he wouldn't have made animals taste so good.
-
- Posts: 2359
- Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 8:37 am
- Location: Taylor, Az
- Has thanked: 185 times
- Been thanked: 142 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
Yep.Inhuman wrote: ↑Tue Feb 19, 2019 4:11 pmIn the states, Mark actually beats all the competition with regards to shipping . Over $60 and it’s free.HelloSir wrote: ↑Mon Feb 18, 2019 4:29 pm Big fan of this forum, where I've gotten a lot of help, and I love to browse your online store, where you carry probably the biggest collection of knives I've found so far. Despite that, I decided to buy my knives from one of your competitors (whose name I won't say in case it violates forum rules).
Why? Because when I put a random knife in my cart, it's asking for $32 USD in shipping fees. And that doesn't include any potential custom fees (I'm Canadian). That's just too much, especially when the competition is offering $7 USD flatrate or free shipping over a certain threshold, depending on the site.
It's a shame because you've got such a fantastic collection here, but I'd rather not spent more than I need to. If you could get competitive with the shipping prices I'd likely be making purchases here in the future.
Just wanted to give some feedback.
Out of your own country , always gonna rise . Was the company you ordered from in the USA? If not , apples to oranges.
Also worth mentioning , I order from Tosho (Canada) from time to time on variants of Konosuke Fujiyama cktg doesn’t get, and no matter what I spend , $200 or $700+ , shipping is ALWAYS 30-40$.
There is always a price to be paid when ordering out of your own country . If you enjoy the forums so much , then support the business behind it.
In the states , Cktg shipping isn’t just competitive , it’s downright unmatched .
“The goal is to die with memories, not dreams.”
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
Perhaps the OP would have done better to suggest a positive plan of action. For instance,
Free U.S Shipping over $60
Free Shipping to Canada (or internationally) over $300 (or some other $$$ figure)
would that work?
Whatever figure it would take, if at all possible or desirable as an incentive, I think the fellow was - at the bottom line - just asking for that; an incentive.
Sometimes those are possible, sometimes not. But as Morpheus has already hinted... it's never really "free"
Free U.S Shipping over $60
Free Shipping to Canada (or internationally) over $300 (or some other $$$ figure)
would that work?
Whatever figure it would take, if at all possible or desirable as an incentive, I think the fellow was - at the bottom line - just asking for that; an incentive.
Sometimes those are possible, sometimes not. But as Morpheus has already hinted... it's never really "free"
“If we conquer our passions it is more from their weakness than from our strength.”
― François de La Rochefoucauld
― François de La Rochefoucauld
- lsboogy
- Posts: 1486
- Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2018 1:23 pm
- Location: Minneapolis
- Has thanked: 41 times
- Been thanked: 132 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
I think we need to stop worrying about shipping. It's a fact of life. I get most of my (all of them for the past couple years) here because of the service and great feedback from users of knives. If a Canadian is worried about $20, that's fine. We are a bunch of knife nuts who should be able to allow for others budget ideas.
I spent too many years going to New York every December to visit Korin, drool, and buy another knife the salesman talked me into - most shops try to sell you the most expensive thing you will agree to buy - Mark and Sue take the time to talk to you and recommend (hmmm) sometimes cheaper knives than what you are looking at. I have a good bunch of Kohetsu blades that I love in a pro environment - bought my first on a recommendation phone conversation with Mark. I get my stone advice from Ken, and basically trust this place to sell me what I want and like to use. If it's Amazon you are trying to compete with, go ahead. Most of us support this place because of what the owners do for advice and what we can get.
I spent too many years going to New York every December to visit Korin, drool, and buy another knife the salesman talked me into - most shops try to sell you the most expensive thing you will agree to buy - Mark and Sue take the time to talk to you and recommend (hmmm) sometimes cheaper knives than what you are looking at. I have a good bunch of Kohetsu blades that I love in a pro environment - bought my first on a recommendation phone conversation with Mark. I get my stone advice from Ken, and basically trust this place to sell me what I want and like to use. If it's Amazon you are trying to compete with, go ahead. Most of us support this place because of what the owners do for advice and what we can get.
-
- Posts: 897
- Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2017 5:09 pm
- Location: N.E. Ohio
- Has thanked: 14 times
- Been thanked: 4 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
Pretty hard to beat the selections that Mark has to offer and at some great prices too.Top that off with CKTG great service and loyalty to his customers and a little increase in shipping is well worth it.
-
- Posts: 631
- Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2017 12:00 pm
- Has thanked: 1 time
- Been thanked: 1 time
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
Shipping from some canadian vendors has been horrible. I didnt even receive a tracking number until it arrived from one. Cktg gives good customer service and a forum you can complain on. Shipping costs money, subtract it from the cheaper prices you find here.
-
- Posts: 107
- Joined: Tue Jan 09, 2018 10:21 pm
- Has thanked: 1 time
- Been thanked: 5 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
Almost everything been said in this topic. With the exception of one important point.
-
- Posts: 90
- Joined: Wed Jun 06, 2018 8:04 pm
- Has thanked: 9 times
- Been thanked: 15 times
Re: I just bought my knives from your competitor, and here's why
Question for Canadians, do you all pay sales tax when you make purchases from retailers in other provinces. Say you live in BC and buy a knife from a retailer in Ontario?
Here in the states our Supreme Court recently made tax collection the job of retailers by forcing collection of state sales tax by out of state retailers. Not my favorite interpretation of our laws but that gets into politics which this is not the place for.
That said, prior to this decision I ordered from CKTG vs going to my local shop or looking overseas because free shipping and no tax. Now Mark has to get taxes at my Zip Codes tax rate so it has now made international shipping a wash for me. For Christmas I ordered a knife from Japan and it literally was the quickest I have ever received an order from an online retailer. DHL from Japan to Seattle in 2 business days for 4 bucks less than tax would have run me.
OP my point is basically that even though I really appreciate doing business with CKTG, many things affect the calculus of my decision to make a purchase.
Furthermore if you do not get taxed on domestic purchases from other provinces or do not get a customs exemption on international shipments under certain dollar amounts then this can incentivise your buying from a domestic retailer. Not really sure what your situation is but perhaps purchasing through a domestic vendor is just the way to go for you. If that is the case then this post was kind of unfair to Mark and Susan.
Just can't please everyone you know. Oh, and just to pile on, I paid $42 USD to get a stone shipped from a Canadian retailer and would do it again because I wanted it. I was in Canada for my b-day and got an HD2 at a retailer in Vancouver. I bought it and paid more because it was my birthday and I wanted a knife, I like the shop and the owners, and because CKTG went out of stock on them in December and I wanted a blond horn handle. These are personal decisions and often are complicated by one's own situation. I could have saved almost $100 if I got it from CKTG because I paid BC's sales tax and CKTG beats their base price on these knives by quite a bit. If CKTG would just make sure they have stock whenever I want something, ugh!
One should not expect a retailer to alter their business model to accommodate every potential customer's location or situation. You wanted to save money so you did.
Blame Canada is also an acceptable alternative.
Here in the states our Supreme Court recently made tax collection the job of retailers by forcing collection of state sales tax by out of state retailers. Not my favorite interpretation of our laws but that gets into politics which this is not the place for.
That said, prior to this decision I ordered from CKTG vs going to my local shop or looking overseas because free shipping and no tax. Now Mark has to get taxes at my Zip Codes tax rate so it has now made international shipping a wash for me. For Christmas I ordered a knife from Japan and it literally was the quickest I have ever received an order from an online retailer. DHL from Japan to Seattle in 2 business days for 4 bucks less than tax would have run me.
OP my point is basically that even though I really appreciate doing business with CKTG, many things affect the calculus of my decision to make a purchase.
Furthermore if you do not get taxed on domestic purchases from other provinces or do not get a customs exemption on international shipments under certain dollar amounts then this can incentivise your buying from a domestic retailer. Not really sure what your situation is but perhaps purchasing through a domestic vendor is just the way to go for you. If that is the case then this post was kind of unfair to Mark and Susan.
Just can't please everyone you know. Oh, and just to pile on, I paid $42 USD to get a stone shipped from a Canadian retailer and would do it again because I wanted it. I was in Canada for my b-day and got an HD2 at a retailer in Vancouver. I bought it and paid more because it was my birthday and I wanted a knife, I like the shop and the owners, and because CKTG went out of stock on them in December and I wanted a blond horn handle. These are personal decisions and often are complicated by one's own situation. I could have saved almost $100 if I got it from CKTG because I paid BC's sales tax and CKTG beats their base price on these knives by quite a bit. If CKTG would just make sure they have stock whenever I want something, ugh!
One should not expect a retailer to alter their business model to accommodate every potential customer's location or situation. You wanted to save money so you did.
Blame Canada is also an acceptable alternative.