Why Buying From One Vendor Can Save You Money on Shipping
Last updated: October 25, 2025
Buying all your tarantulas from one source often saves real money on shipping, even if individual spiders cost a bit more.
TL;DR: Overnight shipping is usually a flat fee per box. If your species can ship together, one well-packed box usually beats two smaller orders once you add shipping and box extras.
The Quick Idea
- Reputable vendors typically charge one shipping fee per box (often overnight).
- For small animals, shipping one can cost nearly the same as shipping several, as long as they fit safely in a single insulated box.
- Bundling 2-4 slings/juvies with one vendor usually beats splitting across multiple vendors, even if a few individual prices are slightly higher.
Use the Vendors filter: Start by searching your must-have species on TarantulaList.com (e.g., Brachypelma hamorii). After you pick a vendor, toggle the Vendor filter to see everything that seller has in stock so you can bundle and amortize the shipping cost.
Use the Multi-species filter: Search for as many species as you want, clicking the "add" button between each one. Then you will only see listings from vendors that have all the species you want (eg. Brachypelma emila and Caribena versicolor).
How the Shipping Math Works (without the spreadsheet)
Total cost = spiders + shipping + box add-ons − freebie value
- Shipping is usually flat (As of October 2025, it tends to be around $35-$65 for FedEx overnight; varies by vendor and region).
- Box add-ons (heat/cold pack, insulated liner) are often included now, but verify in extreme temps.
- Freebies are more likely as order value increases. Policies vary; always check.
Example scenarios (you want two slings)
Let's go over two quick scenarios with this table.
- You just order each spiderling you want for the cheapest price regardless of the vendor. You have to pay two shipping fees because they aren't from the same vendor.
- You order both spiders you want from a single vendor that has both, even though the prices are higher. You only have to pay one shipping fee.
| Scenario | Spider Prices | Shipping | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split orders for lowest prices | $25 + $30 | $45 + $35 | $135 |
| One vendor, slightly higher spider price | $30 + $40 | $45 | $115 |
Even with slightly higher spider prices at one vendor, the second shipping fee you avoid usually outweighs the difference, plus you might unlock a freebie.
When One Box Helps Beyond Money
- Fewer variables: One route and weather window = fewer failure points.
- Timing control: Easier to schedule "hold for pickup" and unbox when you’re free.
- Freebies: Larger single orders are more likely to qualify (don’t chase what you don’t want).
When Splitting Orders Can Still Make Sense
- Big price deltas. If a species is dramatically cheaper elsewhere, the savings can offset a second shipping fee. This is rare, but it does happen sometimes. I always check each species I am ordering using TarantulaList.com to verify the price difference isn't greater than the shipping cost.
- Specialized stock. If it isn't possible to get all the species you want from one vendor, of course you'll need to split orders.
- That's really about it, combining orders is almost always the best way to go.
Rule of thumb: If the second order’s shipping fee is greater than your per-spider savings from splitting, consolidate.
Practical Workflow (Using the Vendors filter)
- Find your must-have species. Search the exact species on TarantulaList.com.
- Pick a reputable vendor. As I say often, I made the tool for my own use first, and then opened it up for others to use because I found it useful. I personally like the vendors that are listed. That said, feel free to use the Vendors filter checkbox to remove any vendors you do not personally like prior to your search (see screenshot below).
- Toggle the Vendors filter. After choosing your vendor, clear the species search and filter to that vendor to see all their in-stock species.
- Build a smart cart. Add species you genuinely want; don’t pad just to hit a freebie.
- Place your order and schedule your delivery. Soon enough you'll be enjoying your new spiders! If this is your first time ordering tarantulas online, check out my What to expect when ordering a tarantula online guide.
Pictured: A screenshot of the TarantulaList.com tool showing how you can easily select which vendors are shown to match your preferences.
Tiny Math You Can Do in Your Head
- Per-spider shipping (rough):
- 1 spider: $48 ÷ 1 = $48
- 3 spiders: $48 ÷ 3 ≈ $16 each
- 5 spiders: $48 ÷ 5 ≈ $9.60 each
If consolidating drops your per-spider shipping by more than the small price difference between vendors, it’s a win.
FAQs
Does one big box increase risk?
Not typically with a reputable seller. Packing is designed for multiple vials, and having one shipment means you only need to account for one good weather window from one location.
What about freebies, are they worth chasing?
They’re a perk, not a strategy. I would never add unwanted species just to hit a threshold. I will consider structuring my order to get a freebie if it is a freebie I wanted to keep regardless.
Is two-day shipping ever okay?
I personally always opt for overnight. The marginal savings aren't worth the risk to me. When you're buying a tarantula spiderling, you are buying an animal that will live anywhere from 3 years (an individual from a fast-growing species that matures male) to decades (a slow-growing species female). Spending an extra $10-$20 to get overnight shipping feels like a no-brainer to me.
Should I wait to bundle or buy now?
If your must-have species is rare, buy it. Scarcity plays a role here. Otherwise, it’s reasonable to wait a bit until you're ready to buy a couple tarantulas at once.