Hi davidw49-
Thanks for your comments on shipping rates... this is indeed an on-going challenge that many smaller on-line retailers and shoppers alike have to face...
We have recently begun offering USPS when possible to alleviate expensive Fed-Ex shipping charges. (You will need to call us or email for a USPS quote, as it has not been integrated on our site yet.) Unfortunately we found that in many areas, USPS offers little/no savings and has a much less reliable tracking and delivery system. This varies from country to country, as the does the price, but unfortunately overall FedEx is still the better value in the long run. Fed Ex is BY FAR the most reliable, informative, and fast delivery system in our experience, hands down. While it is very expensive you've unfortunately noticed that other delivery methods are 95-100% of the cost without the excellent tracking info and timely delivery.
We do not make money on our shipping charges, in fact we are usually in the red. If there are other companies who are able to ship less expensively, they may be located in other countries or more likely they have a huge selling volume that HeadRoom is unnable to compete with. As a boutique retailer & manufacturer, we not only strive to offer great advice & service but also reliable and high qulaity delivery. Paying an extra couple dollars in shipping is worth safe & fast delivery-- and I believe the majority of our customers agree.
