THE ARCHOSAUR ASYLUM VOL.25:
- Matt Ramieri
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Why Shipping Got Weird—And How We Fixed It (Sort of)
If you've ordered from Ancient Era Artistry recently, you might have noticed something strange: the shipping costs were… a bit much. Some customers even paid more for shipping than they did for the actual models. That’s not okay—and it’s not how we want to run our business.
So, what happened?
The issue comes down to the ecommerce platform we use to run our website. While it's great for showcasing the models, its shipping calculator is frustratingly limited. We have the option of only two settings:
1) Either it adds the shipping cost of each product together (which overcharges you), or
2) It sets the highest-price box to cover the entire order—regardless of how many pieces you're ordering.
Neither works well.
It also doesn’t allow us to set box sizes or weights for specific model versions (like disarticulated kits vs. built-and-painted display pieces).
The problem affects both multiple-item orders and built-up/painted orders.
After a lot of trial, error, and some very colorful language, we decided to scrap the auto-calculated shipping altogether.
Here's how it works now:
Instead of relying on the broken system, we now ask all customers to email us directly for a custom shipping quote. It takes a tiny bit more effort, but it means:
You get the lowest possible shipping rate
We can be sure we're not undercharging and losing money on every box
Everyone wins (especially the web platform's support team, who'll stop hearing from us... for now)
When you're ready to order:
Decide if you want to check out online or not.A. If you check out and pay for your order (minus shipping), we can look it up on our end and will have everything we need to generate a shipping quote.B. If you'd rather know the shipping price beforehand, just gather the info on the products you want—model name, scale, and kit type—and email us at matt@think-loudly.com. Be sure to include your name, phone number, and shipping address.
We’ll calculate the exact shipping cost based on box size, weight, and your location.
You’ll either get a combined order invoice or a shipping-only invoice from us via email, depending on your choice above.
Bonus: Free Shipping Code
If you're one of the unlucky customers who got stuck with sky-high shipping before we fixed this system, first off—thank you for your patience.
To show our appreciation, we’re offering free shipping on your next order. Just include the code:
BLOGFREESHIP
in your quote email, and we’ll cover the shipping for you.
Thanks for sticking with us while we smooth out the bumps. We’re committed to making sure you get high-quality models and a fair, transparent shopping experience. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Keep an eye out for some models that will be dropping soon: Sarcosuchus, Styracosaurus v.2.0 ( based on a 1:1 head commission for a museum), a custom T.rex collaboration (with a well known paleoartist), and Megalodon. Expect solo kits and dioramas. In the meantime, why not check out some of our existing models. Remember, we will quote any size! if you don't see it in the scale you want, just email us at: matt@think-loudly.com
If you are considering a model,
We offer several different payment methods and plenty of options for paying in multiple installments, including interest-free payments in some cases.
We’re excited to partner with Affirm, which gives you the flexibility to pay at your own pace. Next time you shop with us, just select Affirm at checkout and choose how you want to pay—from four 4 interest-free payments to longer monthly installments.
With Affirm, split purchases into 4 interest-free payments every two weeks or longer-term monthly payments.
Transparent: Affirm tells you up front the total amount you’ll pay.
That number will never go up.
Flexible: You choose the payment plan that works for you. Our smart checkout gives you options.
Fair: Affirm won’t charge you late fees or penalties of any kind, ever.
Here’s how it works:
1. Fill your cart Select Affirm at checkout, then enter a few simple pieces of info for a real-time decision.
2. Choose how you pay. Pick the payment plan you like best. You’ll never pay more than you agree to upfront.
Klarna.
Pay in 4. Split the cost of your purchase into 4 interest-free payments, paid every 2 weeks. No interest. No catch. Just more time to pay for the things you love.
Pay in 30 days. Start enjoying your Ancient Era Artistry model kit right away. Make payments online or in the Klarna app after trying the product. No interest and only pay for what you keep. With Ancient Era's Dino-Mite Guarantee you have nothing to fear but missing out on a great model.
Monthly financing. Klarna's transparent credit options offered in partnership with WebBank, member FDIC, give you flexible financing you need to seamlessly shop larger purchases.
So.. Whatcha waiting for?
Until next time...
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