M&M's and You!

I love M&M's! That's why I sell them. I have always liked the milk chocolate and the peanut M&M's. But when M&M/Mars started coming out with new flavors a whole new world appeared. One of  Peanut Butter and Almond and Cherry and Coconut. Speaking of coconut... They are a case in point of what drives me nuts with regards to the marketing folks at M&M's. They come out with a flavor like coconut, distribute it in large bags and just as people start to notice them on the shelves they yank 'em away and either discontinue their sale or distribute them in the 1.5 ounce personal size only. I don't get it. Wildly Cherry two years ago. People were nuts about them. M&M's said they were a limited edition and to be honest they did keep that flavor on the shelf foe six months or so. But after six months they disappeared never to be heard from again. I was amazed that when they came out with peanut butter it would depart the shelves after a few months. Thankfully it outsells milk chocolate and peanut combined in areas where they compete for shelf space. Perhaps after my and others countless suggestions to them to leave these flavors on the shelf they will finally acquiesce. But for now as soon as a new flavor shows up I will announce it here and have it readily available for your enjoyment.

Shipping with Omar

There has been a lot of controversy between buyers and sellers regarding shipping costs. i know I get a number of questions from potential customers as to why some of my items have such a high shipping cost. Believe me, If I could ship for less I would do it because I would attract more customers and enhance my bottom line. So here's the deal:

I ship almost exclusively with the US Postal Service. Fo me this makes the most sense. The type of items I sell ship better this way and frankly the overall service has been better. When I ship over seas I use USPS priority mail international. When I ship MM's, Reese's Mini peanut butter cups, or Reese's Pieces I use the flat rate envelope. I can ship up to 4 pounds of goods in this envelope worldwide for $11.75. That is what the postal service charges and that's what i charge my customers. If it is an item like mugs or globes or plates etc..., I ship either USPS parcel post or priority mail. I use the E-bay postage calculator on all of my aucions and store items. The price of shipping on each auction is dependent on the weight of the item being shipped and the size of the box. I also charge a one dollar handling fee foe domestic shipping and a $2.00 fee for international. The handling fee covers the cost of the box, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts and address label. If insurance is required then that cost is also factored in according to the USPS guide lines.

I realize that there are some sellers out there that charge high prices for shipping. many of them are legitimate costs but some are just padding their profit margin. Take the time to compare items and see what different sellers are charging for shipping. They may charge a low preice for the item but a high price for shipping or vice-versa to balance the price. Take all charges into consideration before making a decision and then decide if the item is worth it. Don't just base your decision on the cost of the item alone. Omar@omarstent.com

The Dark Knight is Back! In Reese's Pieces that is.

The Dark Knight Reese's Pieces are back! I have had the hardest time getting these from my supplier. Apparently Reese's didn't make that many of them and the demand has been greater than the supply. I just don't know how much longer they will be available. If Reese's is anything like M&M I believe that once Labor Day hits the Dark Knight products along with the Indiana Jones promotion at M&M will be a distant memory.

I have been able to capture some though and have listed them in the store. Check them out here and see how they do: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=380055788371&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

I was also able to get my hands on the ever elusive Dark Chocolate Bats. These too will be all but gone by the end of Labor Day. You can check them out here and see how they fare: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=380055786538&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

If you haven't seen the Dark Knight then GO SEE IT! and take some of these Reese's Pieces with you. You'll love every minute of it!