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Deciding which shipping carrier to use is one of the most important decisions for ecommerce business owners. In order to receive high customer ratings it’s imperative customers get their undamaged package on time. Not going broke while maintaining high shipping standards is no easy feat. To choose the best shipping carrier for your company, you have to decide what your specific needs are and then determine which carriers meet those needs.
Who and Where Are You Shipping To?
Finding out the wants and needs of your target market will provide valuable insights when choosing a carrier. Consider whether the bulk of your customers live in a rural or urban area. Are your customers willing to pay more for reliability and speed? How much do they value having their shipment tracked?
It’s also important to determine whether or not you’ll be shipping internationally. Knowing which shipping carriers partner with local shipping services, such as Canada post or Royal Mail, is vital especially if the majority of your orders come from a specific country. Keep in mind that you may have to deal with customs when shipping internationally so factoring in potential costs or delays is worth the effort.
Know Your Product
Some carriers offer deals and discounts based on weight and size, so be sure to comparison shop to find the most affordable option for your products. Remember that even if a package can be shipped inexpensively, if it’s a high cost item it may be worth spending money on a more reliable carrier. Very large shipments can require freight charges. Research each carrier extensively so you are aware of the most reliable, cost efficient, and convenient way to ship.
Make certain that your product can be shipped by the carriers you’re considering. Some shipping carriers can’t deliver packages of a particular size, shape or type. If your product is expensive determine if you’ll want insurance on your shipment in case of damages or losses.
Don’t forget to factor in returns. Finding a reputable carrier that can make returns easier on your customer can help keep feedback high, even if the buyer was unhappy with a product. Learn about each carriers policies for picking up items from people’s home to avoid burdening the customer further.
Should You Use More Than One Carrier
If your shipping needs vary greatly, perhaps you should consider offering multiple carriers. Companies with a vast array of products will benefit from using multiple carriers because they can customize shipping to meet the needs of their product. If one carrier has the right price for your large furniture but another carrier is better suited for smaller home goods, using both carriers can help your bottom line.
Do You Have the Software Needed to Ensure Best Shipping Practices
Now that you’ve decided who your shipping carrier (or carriers) will be, do you know if your software will support your company’s shipping needs? Using a software solution that can seamlessly handle multiple carriers is vital for running your business smoothly. Expert software should allow you to automate tedious tasks so your time can be used in a more productive way. Most importantly, orders should be kept organized in one centralized location and easily sorted through, to ensure the most efficient shipping experience for you and your customers. Just as important as determining which shipping providers work for your business is determining which software will fulfill your shipping management needs.
Do you use multiple shipping carriers for your store? Which carriers do you feel offer the best service? I’d love to read your insights in the comments!