As a business, we are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our customers while navigating external challenges. One such challenge has recently emerged with changes to courier size restrictions. DHL, one of our trusted logistics partners, has introduced a new policy: parcels exceeding 1000mm in length now incur a handling surcharge of £17 per item. Additionally, parcels exceeding a weight of 25kg will also face the same £17 surcharge. While we understand the logistical reasoning behind these changes, they have presented significant implications for our product offerings.
The Impact on Our Products
At Benchdog Tools, we take pride in designing and manufacturing innovative tools and accessories that meet the highest standards of quality and usability. Some of our products, particularly our fences and workstations, have traditionally been designed to lengths exceeding 1000mm and weights exceeding 25kg to provide maximum versatility and functionality.
However, with the introduction of these surcharges, shipping these products at their current sizes and weights would result in higher costs for both our business and our customers. To avoid passing on these additional expenses for our fences, we have reluctantly made the decision to adjust their lengths to 950mm. This change ensures that our parcels remain within the size restrictions set by DHL, avoiding the £17 surcharge. For our workstations, which exceed the 25kg weight limit, the surcharge will unfortunately need to be included in the shipping costs.
Our Commitment to Quality and Functionality
While the size of our fences has changed, and the shipping costs for our workstations will reflect the new weight surcharge, our commitment to delivering exceptional quality and functionality remains unwavering. The newly adjusted 950mm fences are designed with the same precision and durability you have come to expect from Benchdog Tools. Similarly, our workstations continue to offer robust performance and versatility despite the added shipping cost.
Why We Made This Decision
Reducing the size of our fences and updating our shipping costs for workstations were not decisions we made lightly. We carefully considered several factors, including:
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Customer Experience: Avoiding unnecessary surcharges for our fences ensures that these products remain competitively priced and accessible to a wider audience. While the weight surcharge for workstations is unavoidable, transparency about these costs helps maintain trust and clarity.
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Sustainability: By adhering to courier size and weight limits, we reduce the need for additional handling and resources during shipping, contributing to more sustainable practices.
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Efficiency: Streamlining our product dimensions and updating shipping policies help ensure that parcels are processed and delivered smoothly, minimising delays and complications.
Looking Ahead
We understand that change can be challenging, and we appreciate your continued support as we adapt to these new courier restrictions. Our team is already exploring innovative ways to maximise the utility of our products within these revised dimensions and weight limitations. For more information regarding our new fence sizes and how they affect your older fence when extending, please check out our Fence Blog Post.
If you have any questions or feedback regarding these changes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your input is invaluable as we continue to refine and enhance our products to meet your needs.
Thank You for Your Understanding
At Benchdog Tools, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We’re grateful for your understanding and loyalty as we navigate this adjustment together. As always, we’re here to provide the tools and support you need to bring your woodworking projects to life.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we’ll continue to build a future of exceptional craftsmanship and innovation.
