Question: what foods or ingredients do you like to buy online - regularly or from time to time?

I think I can answer your question, aajay: I have a website and each item is assigned a weight.

As customers fill out their order the software adds up the weight, then at checkout it beams the info to UPS and gets an immediate estimate on shipping, based on the zip code. It's usually within a dollar of the eventual shipping charges, much more accurate than tying it to a dollar amount, because as Richard says some expensive items don't weigh much. Any handling charges are added in at this point.

Perhaps there's a way to keep a running total of the shipping and handling charges as you're shopping but I'm sure I couldn't afford the software!

Shipping charges have jumped up with the price of fuel and the total can be a shock sometimes. Customers who order from me by phone get a better deal because I haven't adjusted to the higher rates either.

I agree that "handling" charges can be a ripoff. We add one dollar to each order, to pay for the box.

Anyway, if your state charges sales tax and you order out of state, the tax savings are worth the shipping.

 
Here in Alabama, you are supposed to "fess up", and pay the Consumer Use Tax...

on any tax-free out-of-state purchases when you file your state tax return. The state caught me last year, on a purchase of furniture I bought in FL, because the store sent a report of purchases delivered out-of-state to Alabama Dept. of Revenue. I bet that eventually all states will adopt this procedure, and it will spill over to internet purchases, because they want their sales tax.

 
Gretchen, which would be your favorite? Think I'll order.....

Could you give an example of what you use each for, please? Thanks a bunch!

G

 
Actually, the same is true in California, but it's never enforced...

No one knows what a "use tax" is.

 
I like them all, and if you order all 3 you get a bit of a break.

I use them in rubs and BBQ sauces mostly. And vinaigrettes. The hot smoked is very spicey. Unfortunately I don't think I can give you very many specifics at the moment. I seem to be on a cooking hiatus--or at least a creative cooking hiatus.

 
Mimi, being a chocolate lover I buy chocolate (in cooler weather ) on line...

chocolate nibs and the Mexican chocolate disks from Amazon and chocolate chips (dark and milk) from Bakers Catalog. Also from Bakers I love their mini crystallized ginger chips that are a bit soft, as well as their regular ginger chips.

A bunch of spices from Penzys and recently an assortment of different powdered chilies from another on-line source (can't remember the name right now.

Most my cookbooks come from Amazon because of their discounts and free shipping on orders over $25.

That's about it for me!

 
King Arthur (FRC)

I like King Arthur flours, have gotten the new smaller pkg. of different flours. Also love their scone mixes...

CYH
Cyn

 
King Arthur, Penzey's, Omaha, Maid of Scandanavia and I guiltily admit...

crab cakes and ribs from QVC. I know, I know, but a neighbor bought some and they were so tasty, now when I don't have time to shop or cook I have something nice in the freezer in lieu of tv dinners. Oh, also Stonewall Kitchens, I like their spice rub for chicken and their fig vidialia onion sauce for ribs.

A request for Mimi or us swapsters- where is a good source for mail order lobster that isn't a big rip off?

 
Re: I think I can answer your question, aajay: I have a website and each item is assigned a weight.

It's also true in Maryland. they are attempting to enforce it.

 
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