Why We Changed Our Incense Shipping (And Made It Simpler)
Shipping. The word alone makes most small business owners groan. Boxes, tape, labels, post office lines—it’s not glamorous. And if you’ve ever added incense to your cart only to see a surprise shipping fee pop up at checkout, you know how quickly that little box can ruin the mood.
We get it. We’ve been there. And that’s exactly why we decided to change the way we ship incense. This post is a behind-the-scenes look at what wasn’t working, what we fixed, and how it helps you. Spoiler: it involves fewer surprises, better vibes, and maybe even a little more space in your wallet.
The Old Way: Complicated and Costly
When we first started shipping incense from our studio in Austin, TX, we were just happy to have orders. But with each order came a reality check: shipping costs added up fast.
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A single pack of incense isn’t heavy, but once you add the box, tissue, and label, it tips into higher USPS pricing.
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The cost was unpredictable. One order might cost $4.75 to ship, another $6.50. Customers never knew what they’d see at checkout.
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For bigger retailers like Urban Outfitters, shipping costs can be absorbed. For us, it was harder. Every dollar counted.
Here’s the truth: when I sell through Urban Outfitters, I actually lose money on shipping. I don’t get to set the rules there—I have to follow theirs. They’re huge, and I’m not. They can absorb those costs, but for me, every box, every label, every extra ounce matters.
Why We Decided to Change
Nobody complained, and no one told us to do this. But as we keep growing, I started asking myself: could shipping be one of the reasons people hesitate at checkout? It felt worth experimenting with a better setup—something clearer, cleaner, and easier to understand.
We also recently adjusted our incense price so that we could build in better shipping options. This new setup gives us room to offer free shipping on multiple packs, while still keeping things affordable.
The New Way: Simple Flat Rate + Free Shipping
So we scrapped the old model and tried something new:
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1 incense pack = $5 shipping
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2 or more incense packs = free shipping
That’s it. No hidden fees. No mental math. No checkout rage.
Why does this matter?
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It’s predictable. You know the cost before you even hit checkout.
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It’s fair. One pack still covers the basics. Two or more, and we reward you with free shipping.
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It’s sustainable. It keeps our handmade incense business in Austin running strong.
Why Austin Matters
We’re proud to be based in Austin, TX. Every incense stick you order is part of a handcrafted process. We’re not a warehouse. We’re not Amazon Prime. We’re a small team that handcrafts, packs, and ships incense with care.
When you search “incense near me – Austin, TX,” we want you to know that you’re supporting something local and real. Better shipping helps us reach more of you in a way that makes sense.
What This Means for You
If you’re new here, welcome. If you’ve been with us since the $10 incense days, thank you for sticking around. Here’s what our new shipping rules mean for you:
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Easier gifting. Want to send incense to a friend? Now it’s just $5 if you send one, or free if you double up.
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More value. Free shipping kicks in at just two packs, which means you save more while stocking up.
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Less friction. You can focus on the scents you love, not the shipping fees you hate.
A Peek Behind the Curtain
Running a small business is a balance. Shipping is one of the trickiest parts because it’s invisible. You don’t think about cardboard boxes, tissue paper, and tape until you have to pay for them.
We knew we couldn’t compete with giant retailers, but we could make the experience better for our direct customers. That’s exactly what this new shipping model is designed to do.
What About Incense Holders?
Our incense holders are handmade favorites too. They fall under regular shipping rules, but we’re always looking for ways to simplify there as well. For now, our big win was making incense shipping predictable.
Shipping may not be the sexiest topic, but it matters. It shapes how you shop and how we run our business. With this new policy, we hope you’ll feel more confident filling your cart, knowing exactly what you’ll pay.
This change isn’t just about numbers. It’s about making your experience smoother and keeping our Austin-based incense studio thriving. I may not be able to control how Urban Outfitters handles shipping, but I can make sure our direct customers get the best experience possible.
So here’s to fewer surprises, more good smells, and an easier way to get your favorite handmade incense delivered right to your door.