The average small business spends about $340 per month on shipping. If you do the math, that works out to be over $4,000 per year.
Don’t want to spend so much? Consider using flat rate boxes.
Unlike regular boxes, the price of shipping will be the same regardless of the parcel’s weight. As long as you can fit the item in the box, you can ship it.
Do you run a small e-commerce business? Looking for more tips for shipping products?
Because that’s exactly what we’ll be going over below. Keep reading for more information on how to ship items!
- Pack Your Items Properly
Proper packaging will not only keep the contents safe, but it’ll also showcase your brand’s identity. Remember, the goal is to give the customer a good first impression.
Start by choosing the right shipping materials. For example, you can use a polyurethane bag for light, non-fragile items or a small cardboard box for heavier items.
Just make sure to fill the empty space with padding. That’ll prevent the item from shifting and moving during transit. If anything, this is especially important if you’re shipping a fragile item.
Cardboard pallets are another option if you’re dealing with large shipments.
- Know Your Carriers
There are several shipping carriers to choose from. Take USPS, for example, they have a Click-N-Ship program for low-volume shippers, which allows you to purchase and print shipping labels online.
FedEx also has a Small Business program that’s designed for startups. Not only does it come with a rewards program, but there’s also a Packaging Help Hub, which you can use to calculate your package’s dimensional weight. They also offer temperature-controlled shipping.
UPS is another option. Their Small Business Program lets you schedule pickups and manage returns. They also offer special discounts on shipping and other product services.
- Consider Packaging Solutions
The costs of packaging can quickly add up if you’re shipping numerous items. One thing that you can do to prevent that is by reusing packaging. Not only will it save you money, but it’s a great way to recycle as well.
For example, if you have supplies arriving in boxes, you can reuse them for shipping goods. Similarly, you can also reuse bubble wrap, air packets, envelopes, and styrofoam peanuts.
Also, consider buying your shipping supplies in bulk. If anything, it can be a lot cheaper. Just make sure that you have enough storage space for everything.
Shipping Products The Right Way
And there you have it—three ecommerce tips for shipping products. As you can see, there are a few things that you want to consider, from the packaging to the shipping carrier.
Did you find the information in this guide helpful? If so, you’ll be happy to know that we have a lot more articles like this in our business blog. Check it out today!
