Shipping can be quite expensive through the usual channels (UPS, USPS,FEDEX). If you have ever tried to ship a used textbook then you know what I am talking about. The application allows the carrier (ie person carrying the package) to specify a rate(per pound per mile). Obviously the intent is that such a service should be significantly cheaper than what the existing shipping companies charge otherwise no one should use it.
My point isn't that you can't undercut the shipping companies. It's that if you do so, no-one will offer to deliver things for you, because they won't earn very much.
I mean, they might. It depends on many factors. I just thought you should think about it from that end too.
Example: If you were driving from point a in city A to point b in city B, how much money would you want to first drive to point a' to pick up a parcel and to deliver it to point b' before you reach your destination. $5? $10? Just something to think about.
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Shipping can be quite expensive through the usual channels (UPS, USPS,FEDEX). If you have ever tried to ship a used textbook then you know what I am talking about. The application allows the carrier (ie person carrying the package) to specify a rate(per pound per mile). Obviously the intent is that such a service should be significantly cheaper than what the existing shipping companies charge otherwise no one should use it.
Perhaps. But shipping a used textbook via USPS Media Mail usually costs <$5. That's fairly inexpensive.
My point isn't that you can't undercut the shipping companies. It's that if you do so, no-one will offer to deliver things for you, because they won't earn very much.
I mean, they might. It depends on many factors. I just thought you should think about it from that end too.
Example: If you were driving from point a in city A to point b in city B, how much money would you want to first drive to point a' to pick up a parcel and to deliver it to point b' before you reach your destination. $5? $10? Just something to think about.