Posted by Newton Duggan
From the very beginning of your business venture, you’re in control of aspects such as the #products you will sell, and how you will market them. In addition, you also control the content featured on your website, including images, details and other information. You write the emails and choose the audience you want to reach out to. All in all, you ensure everything runs smoothly. However, when it comes to shipping you have minimum control unless you make sure you’re choosing the right shipping company to deliver your goods.
A proper shipping partner would coordinate with you to ensure the delivery is not only handled with care, and packaged properly but also delivered on time. Shipping can either sustain your reputation or blow it. Customers are bound to experience a poor customer service experience if their items are shipped to them in poor conditions.
Unfortunately, many new #eCommerce entrepreneurs don’t reflect much on the outcome of such situations. This article addresses the ways in which these problems can be overcome and how an effective shipping strategy can be employed.
Packaging & Marketing
In the virtual world a person can enjoy convenience and instant processing of their #transactions without having to wait in line. They also have the benefit of viewing as many items all in one place. But the burden of this retail experience falls on the entrepreneurs who have to make sure the products ordered by customers arrive in an impressive packaging, in uncompromised aesthetics and in a timely manner. With the expansion of online businesses and sales, customers’ expectations have too expanded. When they shop online, they not only look forward to receiving their products but as well as the experience of receiving them in presentable ways.
Packaging Options
Before shipping out your products you need #package them in suitable shipping boxes, or envelopes that are either padded or unpadded. The beauty of a packaged parcel lies in how nicely the size of the box accommodates the product inside. For a fragile item, a close fitted box with soft padding will not only keep the item from rolling on to the sides but will also make it look attractive.
For the aesthetics you can also explore outside the range of conventional packaging materials and opt for coffee bags. Coffee bags are of high quality and inexpensive. Coffee bags combined with beautiful tassels, will make your product look the most attractive to your customers. Due to their light weight and smaller package size, you can even save money on the shipping expense. You can use this strategy for various shipments. There are tons of strategically designed shipping boxes that do not use unnecessary space and are ideal for saving on shipping fees.
Shipping Options
The most motivating factor of all in having customers buy from you is the free shipping option. Customers would absolutely love to save on as many expenses as possible. But as you suspect, shipping isn’t practically free. Someone does have to pay for it. The way you can manage this is by slightly increasing product prices to cover #shipping_costs. In addition, you can set a minimum order amount for acquiring free shipping. This is a popular strategy that works well.
Real Time Carrier Rates
Another effective strategy is that you can charge based on real time carrier rates. This assures the customer, he isn’t being ripped off his money.
Flat Rate Shipping
You can offer flat rate shipping, but this practice works best if your product line has a similar range of dimensions and weight. Otherwise, if you’re selling a variety of products, this may become complicated and end up costing you money.
Before you decide on which shipping option to take up, consider these factors that determine the charges of shipping and handling products:
– Package dimension or size
– Package weight
– Departure destination
– Arrival destination
– Tracking
– Insurance
If you’re shipping internationally, you will have to add a disclaimer that states the reasons for any possible delays such as the product getting stuck at customs. The disclaimer should also include potential tariffs, taxes and duties the product may be subject to.
Additionally, you will need to fill and include customs documentation that can be found at your local post office. The form includes information of the country it is being sent to, and the cost and description of the goods.
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