Why does Der Franzose dispatch the smallest screw ordered in a big cardboard box?

Why does Der Franzose dispatch the smallest screw ordered in a big cardboard box instead of sending it in an envelope? That's environmentally not very friendly, is it?
Der Franzose:
Neither do we have a MOQ (minimum order value) nor do we calculate a minimum quantity supplement. But Der Franzose dispatch all parts, carefully packed via registered, insured and trackable parcels.
From a commercial point of view, every order below a value of 40 euros, is a pure customer service, considering the necessary handling processes,i.e issueing the invoice, printing, picking of goods from the warehouse, packing and dispatching. If that order were now to be dispatched via envelopes, this would mean that the normal, logistically semi-automated shipping process for this order - including the running conveyors! - would have to be interrupted. This procedure will slow down handling of further orders. And as you know, time is money!
Nevertheless, we are pleased to offer this service to our customers, as we all know, from our own experience, how far a small part, like a screw, a nut or a gasket can penalise oneself. However, we have to do it as far as possible, in a most cost-effective way. 
In the daily business practice, it has been proven that it is more ecological to use a slightly larger box for a better handling. Small box is then to be handled in a particular way, most of the time manually as it does not really fit the conventional belt conveyors. Moreover, handling of boxes with a regular size is much efficient. Nevertheless, as in many other situations. the question is about "what do we want to" vs "what can we do", considering the fact what is economically reasonable!

Perhaps this can help you understanding, why we don't send any parts in envelope - this simply disrupts the handling process and is therefore too expensive. Moreover, the parcel is not assured but also not trackable. 

Furthermore, we do not offer any express delivery for logistics and ecological reasons. This shipping option will not only disrupt the handling process but is also not really ecologically efficient. The transport vehicles are not fully loaded and more tours are being organised for delivery of such dispatching. It often happens that delivery delay of such "express shipment" does not really varies compare to regular shipment. Finally, we all want to get involved for a better environment, aren't we?
We are actually storing over 1 million spare parts in our warehouse. Those parts are partially not being in production since 50 years! You may have certainly noticed it yourselves: parts for modern vehicles are mostly available only upon request. There is nothing which is on stock in the next garage. Thus, a tour will be booked exclusively for the delivery of an oil filter! Is it much eco-friendly?

Why can't I add something to my order, which I made just a few minutes ago? Shall I pay once again postage fees for the reorder?
Der Franzose:
After receipt of an order, via our website, Email, fax or phone, we consider that the customer has well prepared the order before closing the transaction. Thus, we handle that order including the payment as a closed transaction for us to proceed with shipping procedures as soon as possible. All logistics documents, like pick-up list for the warehouse, packing list as well as shipping label (size and weight of the parcel) to be transmitted to the postage service, are being printed. The inventory is being automatically updated. Now, to add an additional part to that parcel, means that the one at the sales department shall move to the shipping department, looking for that particular parcel, amongst hundreds of other parcel, get the registered shipping data cancelled at the post station, puting then that order on stand-by and issue a new invoice to get a further pick-up list for the additional item to then be picked up from the warehouse and added in the box! This procedure is unfortunately not possible to manage. 

However, for orders with "payment in advance" as payment method, is somewhat different. This order will not be forwarded to the shipping department until receipt of your payment.Thus, a amendment can be done at any time as far as the order has not been paid. And yes, even for the reordered "wiper blades", which one actually wanted to add to the order, postage fee is due again. After all, the postman will not carry the package  for free, even a day later...

Over the years, we have gained the impression that this "reordering", especially of smaller parts, is often an organization problem. It often happens, particularly with workshop customers, that we get some reorders hours later after the previous order has been confirmed. Thus, a new invoice, including shipping will be issued and that tiny forgotten nut will be sent in a parcel. 
We, therefore always recommend to do first of all a check-list and send the order after the final inspection has been done. This process is much efficient, cost less money and definitely environmentally friendly.
Moreover, we give you the option to insert the required parts in your shopping cart, which are being saveguarded for max. 6 weeks. You have then the possibility to send the final order, after all needed parts have been added in the cart. It is cheaper for you. 

Why does it take several days until my ordered exhaust system arrives?
Der Franzose: 
Bulky parcels are in general non-conveyable parcels. In that case, the same manual handling procedure is applicable. The dispatching of non-conveyable parcels are done manually and have to be forwarded manually from one station to another and this process can cause a delay. So, please take into consideration that delivery of bulky and lengthy parcels, e.g an exhaust pipe, which is longer than 150 cm, might be done 1-3 days later.