If you run an online business or a small brick-and-mortar business, you know how important it is to get your shipping right. Poor planning can result in a loss in savings you could be enjoying.
Not only that but having a poor understanding of your shipping operations can result in fewer sales if customers experience poor quality when it comes to your shipping times.
If you're looking for a way to get your shipping goods in order and process your shipping orders efficiently, consider these five tips.
1. Consider Your Order Volume
Small and online businesses can be at a disadvantage to larger businesses because they carry fewer products. That is why small businesses must get their shipping logistics right.
Small businesses and online stores can benefit from contacting distributors to negotiate shipping rates to bring down their costs. That way, you can fulfill your order volume while charging your customers a practical shipping fee.
2. Consider Your Packaging
Another area that can drain a small business or online business' bottom line is their packaging. It goes without saying that you want to ship customized and branded to represent your company well, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank on every shipping order.
If you're a company that typically ships smaller objects, you can save a lot of money on shipping costs with branded poly mailers. These are respected by many customers as a safe way to send smaller items and won't break your budget.
For larger items that require boxes and extra supports for fragile items, you want to make sure your shipping budget can adjust for different kinds of packaging.
3. Consider Product Tracking
As a small business or online business, trust matters. While larger corporations can stand to lose a customer or two due to an error in shipping, that is not a luxury you can afford.
A few negative reviews can really undo your business, especially when they hint at dodgy shipping processes. Save yourself the hassle and invest in product tracking. This will make the process transparent and ease your customer's mind as they wait for their product.
4. Get the Insurance
Accidents happen. Shipping goods get lost, broken, or stolen. As a small business, it's important that you explicitly state your policies for when things like his happen.
It will offer your customers peace of mind, and save you from negative reviews on shipping for what are, let's face it, occurrences that are bound to happen.
You can either purchase insurance on packages or pass along this option to your customers. Either way, you should insure items for the eventual problem.
5. Be Transparent About Delivery Timing
It's important to be upfront about the delivery times for shipping goods to reach the customer. If a product will take two weeks for shipment, inform the customer. Being transparent about shipping is the best practice in building trust with customers.
Shipping Goods Don't Have to Break the Bank
Your shipping goods don't have to break the bank. With these five tips and tricks, you'll be in a better place to enjoy savings when it comes to the complicated process of shipping.
Looking for more business advice on product packaging and shipping goods? Check back often to learn more about logistics and smart shipping. Our blog is regularly updated to help you answer your toughest business questions to help you get a leg up on your competition.
