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Home businesses are a vital part of our local economy. As a small business owner, you’ve put a lot of time and energy into developing your product, services and pricing model.
The next step is delivering your product to consumers in a world where consumers expect free and fast shipping. The process of shipping your product may seem overwhelming.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to decrease your shipping costs, providing you keep a few things in mind before deciding on a shipping company.
The Basics Of Shipping For Small Businesses
Before choosing a shipping carrier, you will want to answer a few basic questions.
What is your shipping volume?
Are you going to be shipping 100 packages per week?
How much does your product typically weigh?
Volume and weight can affect the price of shipping, so it is recommended to get a postal scale to ensure you know how much you’re shipping. However, your packaging style is also relevant here.
Flat Rate Boxes are free boxes that have flat postage rates, no matter the weight. If you’re shipping small, heavy items, they will give you the best bang for your buck. On the other hand, many businesses like to use their own packaging as a brand-related strategy.
Will you be shipping priority items? If so, look at a domestic zoning map to see how quickly a package can feasibly get to its destination. Consider overnight services to ensure your package reaches its destination early the next morning.
Do you want to ship internationally? If you are not shipping internationally, you should state this on your website somewhere people will see it.
Do you want to offer free shipping? Free shipping is the best way to limit shopping cart abandonment. In fact, “a free shipping offer that saves a customer $6.99 is more appealing to many than a discount that cuts the purchase price by $10,” says Wharton marketing professor David Bell.
Shipping Carriers And Shipping Solutions Platforms
Once you have answered these fundamental questions, you can finally think about choosing your shipping carrier. FedEx, UPS, and USPS are popular options, but there are many alternatives that may suit your needs.
Each offers a variety of business plans and perks for all business types, so there should be something for you.
Some notable features to look out for when you are researching include home pickup, free priority mail, reward systems, and temperature control. You could go a step further and speak with a small business shipping consultant.
Marketing and selling your product are only part of your journey, and shipping is an important consideration for any small business.
To ensure your customers are satisfied and receive their orders in a timely way, consider your shipping options carefully before choosing a service.
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