Running a digital business is hard work, but making those sales can be exhilarating. That’s great! But it’s not the time to let your guard down. You’ve done a lot of work on branding, marketing, and getting your product in front of the customers’ eyes. However, don’t let the ball drop when it comes to shipping. According to studies, customers say that they would like to see improvements in eCommerce delivery times. Unfortunately, one of the most challenging parts of the online shopping business is shipping.
- Make Prompt Deliveries
No one wants to receive their products five days after making a purchase, so shipping is critical to running a successful online store. When shipping runs smoothly and customers get their items promptly, it can boost customer satisfaction and create more sales for you. With that being said, we’ve listed five shipping tips to help improve the efficiency of your shipping department.
- Tracking Number Visibility
Once a customer makes a purchase, he wants to see where his package is in the delivery process. In addition, he wants to know precisely when it will arrive. So online stores that offer customers accurate estimated ship dates make tracking numbers accessible, and answer shipping-related questions can stay competitive while other competitors fall behind.
With the shipping information on hand, a customer will never be unsure how long it will take for their item to arrive.
- Keep Customers Informed
When problems do arise, a natural disaster, a shipping facility closing, or an emergency of some kind, keep your customers updated. Mention the delay on your website or on your product site. Having a package arrived late without notice or an apology from the company will result in customer dissatisfaction.
- Use Proper Packaging
Proper product packaging is ultra-important. It’s the packaging to protect the product and determines how much the carrier charges you. Avoid using boxes that are too large for the products you’re sending. If possible, use custom product packaging. Custom packaging allows you to have custom-sized boxes for the product you need to ship, including irregular-shaped items. Knowing what package you will use makes the process faster and cuts down on your shipping costs. Let’s not forget, using the correct size box also offers increased protection for your item.
- Packaging Is An Opportunity to Brand
Using custom product packaging can also help brand your business and give the customer an exciting opening experience. Using your business logo and business information, you show your customers that you care about your business and provide them with another opportunity to buy from you. This action gives your company a distinct advantage above all others in the same industry.
- Simplify Internal Shipping Process
Deliveries need to go smoothly, so you want to organize your internal shipping process. Keep boxes, and shipping materials managed correctly and use the fastest delivery carrier in your area.
If you carry specialty items, liquids, or meltable items. Make sure you train your employees to handle these items. You want your team to know how to ship meltable items or anything that requires special packing and care.
- Negotiate Shipping Costs
Standard shipping companies like USPS or FedEx offer discounts and better shipping prices the more consistently you ship. You can get more out of your shipping by negotiating shipping costs with the customer service department of your preferred carriers.
If you are shipping a large number of items be sure to ask the courier for special less than truckload shipping prices. Often if you have several pallets of items, but less than a full truckload a courier can give you a special shipping price.
Conclusion
If you want to create a more efficient and effective shipping environment for your business, try different shipping processes. First, find the best courier service for your needs. Then, choose one that gives you competitive rates for the speed and priority they offer.
