A Guide to Shipping for Small Businesses

Shipping is an essential step for your business to reach out, and go global. Here are some shipping tips to help you with your business.

Shipping products for your business is the single most important step towards making your business global. Sometimes, it is hard and inconvenient for customers and buyers to get your product from the store for spot purchases.

That way it is always easy to ship the product to your buyers. In some cases, shipping can go wrong if the shipping companies don’t pay much attention to the wellness and fragility of the product. The product might be delivered all damaged.

Hence to keep away from other shipping companies, and to avoid such mishaps you need to be keen on such details and accidents.

It’s often hard to manage shipping along with fulfilments and returns in a small business. This can either help to grow or break the business. The customer seeks transparency from these shipping companies along with a reliable return policy And also a faster shipping process.!

With so many options available for shipping, it can get a bit confusing for you to select. We will be discussing some pros and cons, and other details on shipping, so it becomes easier for you to select your preferred one.

A Guide to Shipping

Before you check out your purchase for shipping, you need to check a few factors of what you are being charged for shipping and how the shipping business works.

Shipping’s Speed and Services

For companies like Amazon, it is easier to use other shipping labels, as consumers expect fast delivery, as well as vast shipping options. Tip to keep in mind, if you speed up your service, the shipping rate will be higher.

However, there are other factors to look upon when it comes to calculating your shipping cost, such as:

Weight and Dimension of the Product

Big companies like FedEx, UPS, USPS use dimensional weight (DIM) to charge for the shipping cost. This is the basic way to calculate the shipping charge.

Dimensional weight is based on the size of the parcel rather than the weight of the product itself. So for big but light products, you will be charged more than small but heavy products. To calculate the DIM of the product do your math first with the equation- (Length x Width x Height)/ Divisor.

Keep in mind, the higher the divisor, the cheaper the rate will be. However, that depends on the shipping label itself.

The Distance the Product Needs to be Shipped

This is one of the factors that have an impact on the shipping charge. They often calculate the domestic rate by zones. For international shipping the case is different, here are few factors you need to keep in mind:

Product Shippability Confirmation:

It is very important to check if you can ship certain items, as certain items can be illegal to ship in some countries.
Taxes and Documentation:

These are never an issue when it comes to domestic shipping, but for international shipping, it is a big factor.
Shipping Policy and Pricing Update:

It is important to check if you are taking proper steps to charge your international customers, as selling internationally is pretty expensive.

Manage Shipping Volume

Shipping products in large volumes can get you the products shipped at a negotiable rate. The tip is to build a strong connection with the shipping company’s manager for benefits such as discounts.

There are ways to save up on additional shipping costs, here are some tips you can follow.

Packaging

Companies often offer extra packaging services like insulation and cushioning for fragile items, which might increase the shipping cost. So keep an eye on that and negotiate with the shipping company’s manager.

Insurance of the Products

Usually, the shipping companies offer insurance in case there is a mishap or accident. The insurance money can usually go up to $100.

Return Policy

Returning a product is a process that is a given concept when it comes to doing business. So be well prepared for it! Even the best products get sent back for return.

Most customers tend to check the return policy, even before they place an order. Having services that keep your customers at ease and make them comfortable, is a sign of good business strategy.

You can always propose a refund or replacement if the customer agrees to it. If not, you can simply go with the return.

Packaging

Good packaging is like a physical confirmation for customers which makes them more comfortable, knowing about your shipping label. It is a mark of trust for them and the shipping company a sign of loyalty.

They recognize by your packaging, logo, and brand name. So you can conclude it is as important as it can get, the name and reputation of your company as the outcome.

1.Saving Money for Small Businesses

Lastly, if there is a scope to save money when it comes to shipping for small businesses, no one should ignore this opportunity. Here are some ways you can go with it:

2.Research on Other Shippers

is better to research before going to a shipping company. As other companies might offer better services at lower prices.

3.Automated Shipping

Shipping software helps you save both money and time. By this, you can always avail of the best rates.

4.Advantage of Flat-Rate Shipping

It is always a cheaper option to take advantage of. Nothing is sadder than paying for one product that is equal to 5 products.

5.Give Back to the Planet

There are many ways you can contribute to your planet and bank balance.

Automated shipping helps in the reduction of total supply inventory to only the amount you need.
From returned products reuse the shipping materials. Only if it’s in a good condition. Or look for a local recycling center that uses recycled products.
Educate and encourage customers more on recycled products. Advertise more on recycled products.

Combing Through Shipping for Small Businesses

Now that you have a clear idea of which shipping company to go for and what factors you should be looking into before you trust your product with them, the concept shouldn’t be too hard.

It is rather an easy process and with adequate knowledge, anyone can rely on shippin g.

Hopefully, with all this information you can help grow your business!