Are you a small business looking to improve your shipping process? You’re not alone! Many businesses struggle to ensure their products reach customers promptly and cost-effectively. Fortunately, there are some small business shipping tips you can use to avoid common mistakes that could cost your business time and money. In this blog post, we’ll explore 3 common small business shipping mistakes that you should avoid.
1) Estimating Costs by ‘eye-balling it’
One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make when it comes to shipping is not accurately estimating costs. Many small businesses make the mistake of ‘eye-balling it’ and guessing the cost of shipping, which can leave them paying more than they need to. To avoid overspending on shipping costs, it’s important for small businesses to take the time to accurately estimate the cost of shipping based on factors such as delivery time, day deliveries, bubble wrap, flat rate shipping, service USPS, shipping volume, and more.
By taking the time to understand your shipping needs, you can more accurately predict the cost of shipping and save money. Research the services available, such as USPS, FedEx, or UPS, and determine what type of shipping solution best fits your business. Also, consider flat-rate shipping options, which can reduce your shipping costs. Knowing the right combination of services and the weight of the package can help you get the best deal on shipping costs. Finally, consider using a third-party logistics provider who can offer you better discounts due to their high shipping volume. By taking the time to estimate costs properly, you can save your small business from unnecessary expenses.
2) Planning Last Minute
Shipping and delivery can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to plan ahead in order to ensure that your product reaches its destination safely and on time. However, sometimes it can be difficult to do this, especially if your business has a high shipping volume or when you have orders placed unexpectedly. In these cases, waiting until the last minute to ship an item can be tempting, but this can lead to costly mistakes and potentially damaged goods.
When planning last minute, it is important to consider the time it will take to package the item correctly. If you do not have the proper packing materials like bubble wrap or extra packaging for fragile items, you may pay more for shipping or delay the delivery time. Additionally, if you are using a flat-rate shipping service like USPS, it may be worth considering other options that could reduce your shipping costs. By researching different shipping solutions and understanding the cost of shipping at different times of the day, you can save money while still delivering the goods on time.
Finally, when planning last-minute deliveries, it is important to consider any potential delays due to holiday shipping schedules or weather conditions. By anticipating any potential issues ahead of time, you can ensure that your customer’s product arrives in a timely manner and in perfect condition. With careful consideration and proper planning, you can avoid costly mistakes and provide customers with quality service.
3) Not Knowing your Shipping Options
When running a small business, shipping can be one of your operations’ most challenging and expensive aspects. Shipping costs can quickly add up if you are unaware of all the options available. One of small businesses’ most common mistakes is not understanding their shipping options. Knowing the different options available to you can help reduce your shipping costs and get packages delivered in the most efficient way possible.
First, consider the type of package you are sending and its size and weight. Smaller packages are typically cheaper to ship than large ones, so take advantage of flat-rate shipping services if you can. The USPS offers flat-rate shipping for packages that weigh less than 70 lbs. This service can help you save money on smaller items, as you pay the same rate regardless of how far the package travels.
Look into more specialized delivery services for larger items or bulk shipments, such as day deliveries or shipping solutions. Depending on the size of your business and the amount of shipping volume you have, you may be eligible for reduced rates on specific services. Researching the various delivery times and rates can help you decide which services will save you money while providing the best delivery time for your customers.
When it comes to packing your items, always use bubble wrap, foam sheets, or other packing materials to ensure they arrive safely at their destination. Consider labeling boxes with fragile contents or selecting delivery services that offer extra protection such as insurance on packages. Taking steps to protect your items from damage can help reduce costs and provide peace of mind for you and your customer.
Understanding your shipping options and taking steps to protect your products can save money on shipping costs and ensure fast and safe delivery for your customers. Research different delivery services, compare costs and delivery times, and select packing materials that will reduce the risk of damage. Taking these measures can help ensure that your business runs smoothly and efficiently regarding shipping.