Well-known for its affordable and appealing furniture, IKEA has been the ‘got-to’ store for your home furniture and décor needs. Shopping for furniture can be a hassle but IKEA makes it much easier (and enjoyable, especially for kids!).
However, you may have noticed that IKEA’s shipping fees are quite expensive. Just when you thought you were within your furniture budget, the shipping fees come in and you go way over budget. So IKEA’s shipping fee is puzzling to many customers who depend on it.
If you’re itching to know why, you are in the right place! Read on and find out the reasons for IKEA’s expensive shipping charges.
Why Is IKEA Shipping So Expensive?
The straightforward answer is that IKEA focuses on the delivery of bulk orders. Priority is also placed on high standards of product delivery to its customers.
Unlike most retailers who charge delivery fees based on distance from your address, IKEA charges a flat-rate fee. In fact, IKEA has a few delivery fee price options ranging from small order delivery to room of choice delivery.
The cheapest delivery method is Small Item Delivery priced at $5.99 only. As the name suggests, this is ideal for small orders in terms of size and quantity. Perfect for small tables, bedside tables, cushions, etc. The more common choice is Doorstep Delivery with a flat rate of $49.
There are many reasons for IKEA’s pricey shipping fees. Here are five reasons to know.
Reason #1: Bulk Order Delivery
IKEA’s shipping infrastructure is designed for bulk order deliveries (i.e., buying in large quantities). Whether you order one cabinet or ten cabinets, the delivery charge is the same – $49. To make your shipping expense worth it, it’s best to order all your items at one go, rather than separately.
This is IKEA’s strategy to encourage customers to order in bulk which translates to more revenue for the company. And it is intended to benefit those who purchase large quantities.
Reason #2: High Standards of Delivery
Good quality does not end with IKEA’s products, it also applies to how IKEA delivers customer orders. IKEA maintains high standards of delivery to ensure that items are delivered to your doorstep safely and with your furniture in one piece (see the irony here…?).
Shipping damaged goods caused by sloppy and incautious delivery is simply bad for business. It only takes a few customer complaints to damage IKEA’s reputation. Hence, the reason IKEA prioritizes high quality delivery service, and that comes with a higher price.
Fragile items like glassware or easily scratched materials can be damaged without proper care. That’s where bubble wrap comes in and padding material. On top of that, IKEA staff have strict procedures to follow, from prepping items to the entire delivery process.
Furthermore, for customers with no IKEA stores in their country, they offer a convenient and simple delivery service. Giving you a hassle-free shopping and shipping experience. So you’re paying for high-quality service.
Reason #3: Nature of Product
Remember, home furniture is no ordinary product or parcel easily delivered on a bike or car. Furniture is large, bulky, and heavy. It requires more manpower and large vehicles to transport furniture items. So it is no surprise that the delivery charge is expensive.
After all, IKEA needs to cover the cost of labor and transport vehicles like moving trucks or vans. And these vehicles aren’t known for being fuel-economical (they can be crazy thirsty), so petrol is a significant cost too. Once you add it all up, it makes sense to charge higher delivery rates.
Reason #4: Encourage Shopping In IKEA Stores
If you have been to an IKEA store, it is truly like no other furniture store around. IKEA has intentionally created and unique shopping experience for customers. By displaying their products openly and allowing customers to touch and feel them, your human senses are engaged in their products. You can see, touch, feel, and smell (the smell of wood…mostly).
IKEA invests billions of Euros in its stores and other services to enhance the shopping experience, so obviously they would encourage shoppers to visit their physical stores. Also, there are inherent risks to shipping and delivery, such as damaged goods, inefficiencies, shipping costs, etc. However, in a physical store, the risk can be better contained and managed; there is less room for error.
IKEA wants to take advantage of the fact that in physical shopping people tend to make more purchases than planned. Even at your grocery stores, think about the snacks, sweets, chewing gum, and chocolate bars that are displayed at the cashier. They are there for customers to make last-minute purchase decisions, and IKEA is applying the same strategy.
You’re drawn to the beautiful furniture all around. The next thing you know, you are buying that additional table, drawer, or mattress.
Reason #5: Additional Charges of Tax
IKEA transports items by road, sea, train, and air. Goods that cross borders and even between states incurs certain tax and custom charges. Depending on the size and weight of the items, the charges can increase.
Tariff rates differ from country to country. Within the US, delivery via company vehicles are taxable depending on which state. Shipping overseas is expensive, so IKEA has to ensure these costs are covered.
Tips To Save Cost On Shipping
- Plan Your Purchases
Plan out the items you wish to order into a list. Try to order everything you need in one purchase. That way, you make full use of the flat rate delivery service.
- IKEA Coupons
Keep a lookout for any shipping coupon codes available to get discounts on your shipping fee. Or even better, free shipping coupons.
- Order Small Items
If you can, try ordering small items as the shipping fee is much cheaper. $5.99 compared to $49 is a big difference. Purchase large items in-store instead.
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Conclusion…
IKEA is long known for its great furniture, but shipping costs can be too expensive. There are reasons for this. IKEA maintains high standards of delivery to avoid damaging the goods during shipping. The shipping flat rate fee is designed for bulk orders. The high shipping price is IKEA’s strategy to encourage customers to shop at their physical stores.
When delivering items overseas and across states, tax and customs charges apply which can be expensive. And not to forget, delivering furniture is different from transporting small packages. The larger the package, the higher the costs.
To save some cash on shipping, make sure to order everything you need in one purchase, order small items, and use IKEA coupons. Do you think IKEA’s shipping price is worth it? Let us know in the comments below!