How to get free shipping?

[NDKoze]

Has anyone got free shipping when you ordered the Smoken-It from Amazon with Amazon Prime?

I don't have Prime, but I have heard of others that have signed up for the free 30 trial just to ship a high shipping rate item.

Amazon's price is $48 more expensive than ordering directly from Smoken-It, but if you can get free shipping with Amazon Prime, you would save almost $75.00.

Just wondering if anyone has tried this.

 

[benjammn]

NO idea...that would be interesting point of course

 

[DivotMaker]

I have Prime, and it's great.  Unfortunately, though, not all items are Prime-eligible.  The SI units, as well as Smokin Tex are not prime - so no free shipping there.  Ordering from SI directly is still cheaper.

 

[old sarge]

Free anything is generally offset by something, such as a higher price for the item concerned, or a long term contract with guaranteed business, or very slow service.  I really have no idea what I am talking about, but I had to chime in.

 

[DivotMaker]

LOL!  Now THAT'S funny, Dave!  You just made my day! ;D

 

[es1025]

Just pay the shipping, the smoker is that good!

I thought about driving to Ohio but it would have cost more than the $130 for shipping.

 

[old sarge]

All kidding aside, in comparing similar analog stainless steel smokers by capacity, or build, or heating element size, whatever criteria one wants to compare, the SI units come out on top regarding initial cost. Adding in the shipping might cost a little more than the competition (I don't know that it does), but you still end up with a smoker that has more features:  larger heating element, larger wheels, longer cord, dual latches on some machines, and a better more active forum i.e. consistant daily posts. It all adds up to a better user experience.

 

[Walt]

Bingo!

 

[NDKoze]

Well, it was worth a shot. Just trying to think outside the box. I agree that even with the shipping the SI units appear to be well worth it compared to the similar models from CookShack and SmokenTex. My only wish was that they came with a built-in Auber unit instead of having to rig it yourself even though it appears to be fairly easy.

 

[old sarge]

NDKoze,

No doubt about it, built in is nice and convenient.  One downside is that when you lose the control board, you have lost your smoker. With the Auber (free with the model 4), if it dies, you still have your smoker. If you look at the CS smokers, parts, you can see just how expensive a digital replacement controller is; much more so than an Auber.  AND:  There is in testing stages, a model 2 with built in digital, so you may want to check that out.

There are pros and cons for both built in and add on. If you follow the postings regarding the Auber and the innovative way one particular fellow connected his, you will have the best of both worlds.

As for the shipping, well, some of the cost could be built in to the price of the smoker (mark up + hidden fees)  in order to achieve a perceived lower shipping rate but then the competitive pricing edge is lost. And the packing that SI units come shipped in is very substantial and that adds to the cost. I know nothing about the cost of doing business from manufacturing, handling, shipping etc.  But I imagine the profit margins are just slightly higher than slim.

Well, that is my take on the subject. It never hurts to ask.

Happy smoking.

Dave

 

[DivotMaker]

Well, it was worth a shot. Just trying to think outside the box. I agree that even with the shipping the SI units appear to be well worth it compared to the similar models from CookShack and SmokenTex. My only wish was that they came with a built-in Auber unit instead of having to rig it yourself even though it appears to be fairly easy.

Dave's right about the built-in controller costs for Cookshack - crazy expensive.  We're testing an electronic #2 (check out the post in Upgrades).  Got a ways to go on the controller board, but it's moving in the right direction!  Baby steps...  Lots of hurdles to overcome, but Steve and Ben are definitely heading the right way.  I believe the digital controller will eventually be an option on all models; it's just the test unit is a #2. 

The Auber is amazing, and Like Dave said, if it quits working you still have a functioning smoker.  I think a great balance between the electronic controller I'm testing, and the crazy level of Auber functionality, would be sort of an "Auber-Lite" version for the built-in.  Not as complicated as setting all the PID variables, but more than just simple time & temp settings.