If your business is selling online, then it is absolutely important that you know how to ship stuff. A solid understanding of how to ship, and all that it entails, is the backbone of e-commerce.
Good shipping practices can make or break your business. Most customers will not notice when you ship efficiently but they can be quite observant when you don’t do it the right way. If you want your online business to succeed, learn how to ship things properly.
Ship On Time. When a customer places an order in your online shop, do not wait! Pack your product immediately, the same day if possible. Customers can get irate if it takes you a several days to even ship their order, and then they have to wait even longer for delivery. Figuring out a system for how to ship things quickly and efficiently will keep your customers happy. Always remember that a satisfied customer is a repeat customer.
Offer Free Shipping. There are numerous ways to provide customers with incentives to shop in your online store. One way is offering free shipping. Though offering free shipping may seem like it will hurt your profits, you may discover in the long run that a lot of customers are willing to spend more money on an item if shipping costs are eliminated. Thus, in all likelihood your shipping costs will cover themselves, and you may even increase your profits.
Research Shipping Costs. If you don’t do your research, you could end up losing money on shipping.
Don’t wait until you have an order to research your shipping methods. Figure out how to ship products ahead of time. Know the exact details of how you are going to ship and what it is going to cost you.
Pack Your Items Properly. If your product is moving around in a box, expect it to arrive in its worst condition imaginable. Consider what is best for your product. This includes box sizes, packaging materials, and package guidelines.
Have a Clear Shipping Policy. Be upfront and straightforward with customers about how you ship things. Don’t make them go through a maze of pages, or register on your site just to see your shipping policy. This will not increase the likelihood of a sale. It will only leave them annoyed, and will potentially cost you a customer.
Follow Up. Provide your clients excellent after-sale customer service. For example, consider sending out shipping notifications, tracking information, and so on. The more info your buyer knows, the less conflict and the higher the chances of making business with you again.
Shipping Insurance is a Must. When it comes to how to ship things, insurance is a good idea. Selling online always involves risk, but it’s best to minimize the risks where you can. When a package is lost or damaged in transit, you don’t want to have to come out of your own pocket to cover the loss, specially if it involves an expensive item.
International Shipping. Offering international shipping opens your business to the world at large, exposing you to a greater market and thus potentially higher profits in your online store. However, it can be a bit trickier than domestic shipping. When deciding how to ship things internationally, be sure to consider the potential problems. It is much more expensive, you are at greater risk for fraud, and there is a great deal more uncertainty overall.