combating the shipping problem

We are having a problem getting visitors (which are traffic reports indicate we have plenty of!) to take the leap and buy from us. Our problem is, we can't buy in bulk from our vendors till sales increase so our prices are competitive, but we can't afford to offer free shipping yet. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get visitors to take the leap? Is anyone else struggling with the same thing? I see these bigger sites offering this free shipping and I believe that is our problem. Any suggestions on negotiating with vendors?

I offer free shipping over a cetain amount. If you do that, your bottom line might suffer initially but you might make it up in repeat sales.

Roban has the right idea. But you may want to also look at "Flat Rate" shipping.

Think Creative! Offer free shipping on 1 certain item. Offer 10% discount on next purchase. Offer a buy one get one free. Goodluck!