Hello,
So that we do not end up losing on the shipping charges, we simply tell our customers that there will be two charges to their credit card: the first is the item they have purchased and the second is the actual shipping charge. We usually have enough packing material on hand so that we do not charge a handling fee and only have to charge the actual shipping fee. If we have to purchase packing materials or services, those are also added to the customer's bill. We have never had anyone be unhappy with that arrangement.
Best,
Sharon Duane Koomler
Director of the Museum
Shaker Museum and Library
Old Chatham and New Lebanon, NY