As the owner of a small business, you likely already know how expensive shipping can beHowever, when you’re just starting out with your e-commerce business, paying for different small business shipping options can be a high costThis is especially true when you have to meet the expectations of modern customers who are used to getting their orders quickly and for free from big e-commerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart.
There are several strategies to cut down on shipping expensesLearning how to cut down shipping costs can help you make more moneyUltimately, the money you save could be better used to move your business forward.
Here are some helpful tips for online stores that want to lower their shipping costs.
1Make Sure The Address Is Right
Sending orders to the wrong customer is one of the most common shipping mistakesShippers should take the time to make sure that the address on the bill or invoice matches the address on the package so that the package goes where it needs to goEven with the correct ZIP code, it can take a long time to find the shipment and send it to the right customer.
2Know How Shipping Costs Work
Shipping costs depend on many different factors, so it’s important to know what goes into figuring out shipping costs by asking a shipping supply company or researching on your ownAlways make sure to check the shipping policies of your carrier for small businesses.
3Talk With Several Shipping Supply Companies
Too many businesses just go with the first shipping company they findIt’s clearly not a good ideaAlmost all shipping companies change their prices based on how much they shipSo the price varies as the quantity changesTry to get a better deal by going to the offices of a few local carriers or calling them upAsk if they have packages, and pick the one that best fits your needs.
4Use The Right Quality Of Packaging Boxes For Shipping
Customers are quick to make a complaint if they see a product that is in bad shape or has been broken in shippingThey might ask for their money back or write bad reviews on your websiteIf you prepare your boxes for mailing packages with more care, things like this won’t happenItems that are fragile may need a box and bubble wrap or crumpled paper to fill the space between the item and the heavy-duty cardboard boxes.
5Track Packaging Boxes For Shipping
Inventory management is essential for a well-run warehouse, but what about boxes for mailing packages? These things are needed to send out customer orders, so if you don’t keep track of how many packaging boxes for shipping, packing materials like box and bubble wrap, tape, and labels you have, you might have to wait for more shipping supplies while you send out customer ordersThis will result in an unhappy customerHowever, when you keep track of your shipping supplies, you can set up re-order points to make sure that you always have what you need.
6Use Heavy-Duty Cardboard Boxes And Supplies That Come For Free
Small businesses can get a lot out of shipping supplies that come for freeFor example, the major shipping supply companies give away boxes for mailing packages for freeYou can either make your own shipping label or ask the carrier to send you a bunch of themThis is the best piece of advice for small businesses because it saves money and has more pros than cons.
7Choose The Right Size For The Package
Packaging is very important because it keeps your goods safe while they are being shippedIt also builds the image and identity of your brand and determines how much carriers will charge for shipping the product based on its size and weightWhen you want to ship something, you should think about how it will be packed and how big it isYou could damage the product if you try to save money by shipping it in a box that is too small or doesn’t have enough stuffing and bubble wrapBut you could also spend more money if the box is too big for the product.
8Provide Simple Returns
Returns are a big part of both online shopping and shopping in storesYou will save money if you make the return process as easy and smooth as possibleThis can be done in different waysFor example, you could put a return label in each package so that customers can send it back easilyOn the other hand, you could put a return address label on each package and let the customer pay to send it backThe important thing is that you don’t have to pay for this.
9Prefer Prepaid Shipping
When you pay for shipping beforehand, you can save up to 20%This means that you buy a lot of shipping labels at once and put them on packages when they are ready to be sent out instead of paying for each one individuallyThis is the best option for people whose business sends out boxes for mailing packages of the same weight over and over again.
There is a lot of confusion among business owners about how to cut shipping costsYou can’t be vague when it comes to something as big and complicated as figuring out your supply chain strategyReview all the choices you have and make a prudent choiceWith packaging boxes for shipping, if you make the wrong choice, your business could lose money, but if you make the right one, it could do wellUse these tips to save money on shipping costs for your business right now.