Why is IKEA shipping so expensive? (What to know!)
Known for its affordable and attractive furniture, IKEA has always been the “must go” store for your home furnishing and decor needs. Buying furniture can be a hassle, but IKEA makes it easier (and enjoyable, especially for kids!).
However, you may have noticed that IKEA shipping is quite expensive. Just when you think you’re within your furniture budget, shipping comes in and you’re over budget. So IKEA’s shipping costs have puzzled many customers who rely on it.
If you’re wondering why, you’ve come to the right place! Read on and find out why IKEA shipping costs are high.
Why is IKEA shipping so expensive?
The straightforward answer is that IKEA focuses on the delivery of large orders. Priority is also given to delivering high standard products to customers.
Unlike most retailers that charge delivery fees based on distance from your address, IKEA charges a flat fee. In fact, IKEA has a few delivery fee price options, ranging from small order delivery to select delivery.
The cheapest shipping method is Small Express Priced at $5.99 if only. As the name suggests, this is perfect for small orders in size and quantity. Perfect for small tables, bedside tables, cushions and more.The more common options are Delivery at a flat rate $49.
There are many reasons why IKEA shipping costs are high. Here are five reasons to know.
Reason #1: Bulk Order Delivery
IKEA’s transport infrastructure is designed for bulk order delivery (i.e. bulk purchases). Shipping is the same whether you order one cabinet or ten – $49. To make your shipping cost worthwhile, it’s best to order all items at once rather than individually.
This is IKEA’s strategy to encourage customers to order in bulk, which means more revenue for the company. It is designed to benefit people who buy in bulk.
Reason 2: High Standard Delivery
IKEA’s products aren’t just of good quality, it’s also about the way IKEA delivers customer orders. IKEA maintains a high standard of delivery to ensure items are delivered safely to your door and integrated with your furniture (see the sarcasm here…?).
Shipping damaged goods due to sloppy and careless delivery is simply bad for a business. It only takes very few customer complaints to damage IKEA’s reputation. Hence the reason why IKEA is prioritizing high-quality delivery, and also at a higher price.
Fragile items such as glassware or easily scratched materials can be damaged without proper care. This is where bubble wrap and padding materials come in. On top of that, IKEA employees have strict procedures to follow from preparation of items to delivery.
Also, for customers who don’t have an IKEA store in their country, they offer a convenient and simple delivery service. Provides you with a hassle-free shopping and shipping experience. So you are paying for a high quality service.
Reason 3: The nature of the product
Remember, home furniture is not an ordinary product or package that can easily be shipped by bike or car. Furniture is big and bulky. It requires more manpower and larger vehicles to transport furniture items. So it’s no surprise that shipping is expensive.
After all, IKEA pays for labor and transportation vehicles such as mobile trucks or vans. And these vehicles aren’t known for being fuel-efficient (they can get pretty thirsty), so gas is also a significant cost. Once you add it up, it makes sense to charge higher shipping rates.
Reason 4: Encourage shopping at IKEA stores
If you’ve ever been to an IKEA store, it really is unlike any other furniture store around. IKEA intends to create a unique shopping experience for customers. Your human senses engage with their products by showing them publicly and letting customers touch and feel them. You can see, touch, feel and smell (the smell of wood…mostly).
IKEA has invested billions of euros in its stores and other services to enhance the shopping experience, so it is clear that they will encourage shoppers to visit their brick-and-mortar stores. In addition, there are inherent risks in shipping and delivery, such as cargo damage, inefficiencies, shipping costs, etc. In brick-and-mortar stores, however, risk can be better controlled and managed; there is less room for error.
Ikea wants to capitalize on the fact that in brick-and-mortar shopping, people tend to buy more than planned. Even at your grocery store, think about snacks, candy, gum, and chocolate bars displayed at the checkout counter. They allow customers to make last-minute purchasing decisions, and IKEA employs the same strategy.
You are attracted by the beautiful furniture around you. The next thing you know is that you’re buying an extra desk, drawer, or mattress.
Reason #5: Additional Taxes
IKEA transports items by road, sea, train and air. Goods that cross borders or even interstate incur certain taxes and customs charges. Fees may increase depending on the size and weight of the item.
Tariff rates vary from country to country. Within the U.S., deliveries via a company vehicle are taxed based on which state. Shipping overseas is expensive, so IKEA has to make sure to pay for those costs.
Tips for Saving Shipping Costs
- Plan your purchase
Plan the items you wish to order into a list. Try everything you need to buy in one go. This way, you can take advantage of flat-rate shipping.
- IKEA Coupons
Keep an eye out for any shipping coupon codes available for shipping discounts. Or better yet, a free shipping coupon.
- order small items
If you can, try ordering smaller items as shipping is much cheaper. $5.99 is a big difference compared to $49. Buy big-ticket items in-store instead.
Check out other useful articles
- Does IKEA have curbside pickup? (How it will work in 2022)
- When will IKEA restock? (full guide!)
in conclusion…
IKEA has long been known for its beautiful furniture, but shipping can be prohibitively expensive. There’s a reason for this. IKEA maintains a high standard of delivery to avoid damage to goods in transit. Flat rate shipping is designed for bulk orders. High shipping rates are IKEA’s strategy to encourage customers to shop in brick-and-mortar stores.
Taxes and customs fees can be expensive when shipping items overseas and across states. Don’t forget that shipping furniture is not the same as shipping small packages. The larger the package, the higher the cost.
To save some shipping costs, make sure to buy everything you need in one go, order small items, and use IKEA coupons. Do you think IKEA shipping is worth it? Let us know in the comments below!
