We live in a global world that is forever connected through technology and social media. As a small business, it is imperative to make global trade deals. Perhaps you have a brilliant product or service and need to market it worldwide.
If this sounds like your business, then you know the importance of managing your small business shipping. Staying competitive in the global market often hinges on the ease and costs of your shipping process.
Read on for some essentially effective small business shipping tips.
1. Choose the Right-Sized Packaging
When selecting packaging for a small business shipment, choosing the right size is important. Too big, and you risk excessive cost and use of materials. Too small, and you risk items getting damaged in transit due to insufficient protection.
Choosing the right-sized packaging helps to streamline costs. This also ensures that shipments reach their destinations safely. Be sure to allow plenty of wiggle room between the contents and the walls of the box when packing items.
This is to ensure they are snugly secured with ample space for protective cushioning materials. Aside from packing smartly, contact reliable distributors to acquire your packaging needs to ensure high-quality materials and service.
2. Use Flat-Rate Shipping When Possible
This means that you pay a predetermined cost for a shipment of any size or weight. This is within certain confines, regardless of its destination. This allows you not to worry about extra costs for heavier or larger shipments and can save businesses hundreds of dollars in costs.
Shipping companies that offer flat-rate shipping include USPS, UPS, and DHL. In addition, utilizing flat-rate boxes from any of these carriers can further reduce your costs.
3. Know When Rates Change
As a small business, it is essential to keep up with current shipping trends and related legislative or logistical changes. Knowing when to expect rate increases or take advantage of discounts is something small businesses should keep an eye on.
Business management should regularly review online shipping rates and be aware of when peak shipping periods will begin so they can plan ahead and suggest new strategies accordingly. It is also beneficial to take advantage of promotional activities or discounts (e.g., bulk shipments) offered by shipping companies. Check them out https://www.shiply.com/
Negotiate with a service provider to ensure the best rate possible. Small businesses must also be aware of any changes to pricing structures. They should also be aware of taxes that might influence future shipments.
4. Offer Local Delivery or Pickup
Local delivery or pickup can be a great option for small businesses looking to save on shipping costs and keep their customers happy. Offering this option can help to build customer loyalty since customers will be able to get their items quickly and conveniently.
Make sure to advertise the service extremely well, so customers know about it. For deliveries, consider using a third-party vendor to manage the process. Check out and call this same day courier for all your quick and safe shipping services needs.
If you choose to offer pickup, make sure to provide a designated area for customers to do so. If there are any delays in the process due to weather, or unforeseen circumstances, make sure to communicate that to your customers as quickly as possible.
Small Business Shipping Tips to Keep In Mind
Overall, small businesses can save time and money and optimize the customer experience by implementing best practices for shipping. Utilizing the latest technologies, respecting customer timelines, and working with a trusted shipping partner can help streamline the shipping process.
Need more small business shipping tips and advice? Keep browsing our blog!
