How does BMI stay in business given their shipping costs

[peejster]

Rant coming...

Every time I look to buy something from BMI, the shipping ends up being way more than the part. How do they stay in business?

I understand that shipping costs have gone up a lot in the last several years. And, yes, I have been incredibly spoiled by Amazon Prime's free same day delivery for most of my purchases (mostly commodities but sometimes not).

But, at this rate, I can't imagine ever buying anything from BMI. I don't expect free shipping on everything but when I have to pay $15 shipping for an $8 part, I get a little agitated. Then, I think, well I'll make it worth it by buying a few more things - throw another $20 worth of items into the order; but then shipping is now $29.

And, yes, those were shipping prices quoted over the phone.

And, yes, I know I don't have to buy from them as I have other choices so stop complaining.

Complaining finished .... for now.

 

[qtband]

I have read that if the item arrives and the shipping cost is lower than they quoted, they will refund you if you call them.

 

[peejster]

I have heard that - especially with respect to online orders. I haven't heard that with respect to phone orders. In fact, I do my shopping online, then getting the online site to quote shipping, then call in with the same items. When I call in, I have always gotten a lower shipping quote than what was calculated online.

But, even with the "lower priced" shipping quote I get when I call in, the shipping costs are outrageous.

 

[strykersd]

I'm pretty new to go karts, but from what I've seen their competition chargers similar shipping costs. Any suggestions on vendors who don't charge an arm and a leg for shipping?

 

[peejster]

I am equally new - building my first kart. But, thus far, I have been buying from OMBWarehouse. They have a flat fee for shipping - $7.99 - which I think is reasonable. And, any order over $99 ships free.

 

[Masondw]

I'm fairly new. But I figured I'd buy the chain from them (given that it was the exact chain for the kart I have) the chain was $10.00 and the shipping was $9.45 I understand it has a little weight to it but, it's just a tiny box?

 

[Jfive]

I buy so much cheap stuff the shipping is offset by the better deals. If not eBay and gopowersports.com have been where I get stuff. Just bought my rims from BMI on ebay. Best deal I found.

 

[pRoFiT]

Surprised chancer has not chimed in yet. He always says call bmi. I too have been charged arm and a leg. Last item a $2.00 brake disc. I think about $12 shipping! Should have called and checked on that. Oh well next time I call and check shipping. They do have great prices sometimes.

 

[Gordylightfoot]

Surprised chancer has not chimed in yet. He always says call bmi. I too have been charged arm and a leg. Last item a $2.00 brake disc. I think about $12 shipping! Should have called and checked on that. Oh well next time I call and check shipping. They do have great prices sometimes.

Mang...I just been here a little bit, and I already know that. ( I'm telling you; I am SMART!)

Anyway, Chancer says to call them firstBMI).

But, why would you think people would go out of business because they got extra money? Please choose a corner , dummy. Golly, I really am smart!

 

[Bbqjoe]

One of the last things I ordered was a petcock, it would have fit just fine in a padded envelope for a buck or so.
At most, they could have stuck it in a 5 dollar if it fits box.

Which is what they did, but charged me 10 anyway.
I called them on it. They said I had a 5 dollar credit.
BFD.

 

[Gordylightfoot]

One of the last things I ordered was a petcock, it would have fit just fine in a padded envelope for a buck or so.
At most, they could have stuck it in a 5 dollar if it fits box.

Which is what they did, but charged me 10 anyway.
I called them on it. They said I had a 5 dollar credit.
BFD.

A "petcock"? Why do you need 2?

Say: " Lordy Lordy, I wish I'd never met Gordy!"

 

[Hellion]

The "official word" from Chancer is that their online shipping calculator is "dumb" and charges a ridiculous amount not based on weight. I guess it's better to overcharge than undercharge and muck up the works?

CALL BMI, CALL BMI, CALL BMI to order! Deal with a real human being for a change and get a precise shipping quote.

I recently shopped for dirt bike parts at one of the big parts suppliers. Prices were pretty good compared to a few others I checked whilst shopping. Loaded up a virtual shopping cart prepared to supply my CC info and the shipping was calculated. Screeched everything to a halt right there!

No way in heck am I paying $20.72 shipping and handling for:

3 screws
1 brake cable
1 brake cable spring
2 rubber fuel tank bushings
4 mini bulbs
2 grommets

I imagine it's possible they (Babbitts online/Honda Partshouse) have the same issue as with BMI but why even bother?
It was late at night anyway.

 

[Bbqjoe]

3 screws
1 brake cable
1 brake cable spring
2 rubber fuel tank bushings
4 mini bulbs
2 grommets

And a Partridge in a pear tree!

That there is seasonally funny!

 

[chancer]

I'm pretty new to go karts, but from what I've seen their competition chargers similar shipping costs. Any suggestions on vendors who don't charge an arm and a leg for shipping?

Sounds like you all got my point. "Calling is cheaper"
Also "Free Shipping on orders over 200 bucks"
But yeah it sucks when you want a 2 dollar item and shipping is 11 bucks!

I also like to use MFGSupply.com
They have "Flat Rate" Shipping. All you can order for $6.95
Its like a Chinese Buffet! But seriously, no matter if you buy 2 Bearings or a Whole big list of stuff $6.95
But BMI and GoPowerSports.com have a larger selection of parts.

Always remember coupon code DIYGOKARTS at GPpoSpo for 10%off.

 

[KartFab]

bmi has good search engine optimization, so it doesn't matter how much they charge for shipping, they just have the traffic pouring in. Just looking back one year, their traffic has increased 100% since 2015.

 

[chancer]

That is the KEY to online business S.E.O. Period!

 

[bob58o]

The base price is usually cheaper and part selection is usually better.
Mary is a sweethart on the phone.
StevBMI on ebay is the same seller, but I don't think the price is any better.
http://stores.ebay.com/BMI-Karts-and-Parts?_rdc=1

I got like 20 pairs of pedals shipped for like $15 from BMI. Didn't even use the phone trick.

What state is Round on both Ends and has expensive shipping in the middle?
Go Great Lake States!!!!

 

[Hellion]

bmi has good search engine optimization, so it doesn't matter how much they charge for shipping, they just have the traffic pouring in...

Maybe you didn't quite catch the thrust of the argument here. We care how much they charge for shipping because it's money, mang! It's being wasted by frivolous over-charging.

You must be loaded. Can I get some of that?

Maybe it won't matter so much if they start giving us a massive discount on items because their profit margin went up 1000%...

I'd say we send them a fair piece of the action as their name is bandied about DIYGK on a routine basis, not to mention providing links to their site for X product that no doubt is a decent portion of the traffic.

 

[chancer]

I'd say we send them a fair piece of the action as their name is bandied about DIYGK on a routine basis, not to mention providing links to their site for X product that no doubt is a decent portion of the traffic.

I Agree. They get a ton a name recognition HERE! and give no thanks.

GoPowerSports.com

 

[Mr. Spindle]

A kill switch from them is extremely inexpensive, but then shipping comes into play. Like 6.50$ shipped!