Here's a story problem: let's say that you have to devise a formula for shipping orders in such a way that several factors are considered, such as the printing of shipping labels, the cost of the shipping materials, the cost of each shipment for the order if there are multiple shipment dates, and the weight of each item as it adds to the cost of shipment. You need to do this in such a way that you don't lose money on orders taken, you include payment for the expense of time that it takes to prepare and ship the order, and you don't turn away the customer for the cost of shipping. I don't know what the right answer is, but mine is this: | Base Shipping Rate per Order | $2.00 | | Base Shipping Rate per Shipment Date | $1.00 | | Base Shipping Rate for Frames | $2.00 | | Shipping Rate per Frame | $0.25 | | Shipping Rate per Card | $0.15 |
How does that translate? If you buy one card from me with a single shipment date, then shipping would be $3.15. If you buy eight cards from me with a single shipment date, then shipping would be $4.20. If you buy two cards from me, each with its own shipment date, then shipping would be $4.30. If you buy one card from me with a frame and a single shipment date, then shipping would be $5.40. Does that work? Seems like it fits my criteria. I'll find out, I guess. Interesting stuff, business. ETC: The calculation of shipping is now built into the shopping cart.  Next, order processing. Then, the ability for customers to view their order status and duplicate previous orders. Then, the pages to manage order fulfillment. | 
