The success of your small business depends on customers receiving their orders on time. Shipping complications and hiccups can hinder business growth. You can think ahead and anticipate challenges before they touch your operation. Address shipping concerns from multiple angles and optimize every part of the process. Consider taking the following steps to improve shipping for your small business.
- Use Smart Technology
Build an online store system that can support efficient shipping. Create customer accounts that save payment and shipping information for an easy repeat purchase experience. Employ address validation api shipping tools as insurance against common human errors. Help customers eliminate delays by inputting the right shipping address every time.
- Offer Free Shipping
It may seem counterintuitive to offer free shipping as a small business, but this feature attracts customers. Build the cost of domestic shipping into your product listings, reduce total price increases during the checkout process, and turn more carts into packing lists.
- Choose the Right Package Size
Cut the price of shipping for you and your customers by choosing the right package size. Explore box and padded envelope sizes that can accommodate your products. This can reduce the overall bulk and weight of your shipped items. Using the correct package size can also minimize the chance of damage while in transit.
- Get a Scale
Acquire a small scale to weigh your packages before taking them to the post office or having them picked up by a carrier. This can aid your efforts to economize and eliminate shipping delays. You may be able to repurpose a small kitchen scale or luggage scale to meet this need. Small differences in package weight can have a big impact.
- Print Custom Labels
Custom shipping labels can be more accurate than carrier-generated options. Create a consistent package appearance and ensure that your shipments appear professional upon arrival. You may order custom labels or use a sticker printer at your home office to make shipping labels in demand.
- Choose Eco-Friendly Materials
Determine your eco-footprint as a small business and explore sustainable packing materials. This can mean using recycled paper and biodegradable packing kernels rather than plastic or styrofoam. Today’s eco-conscious customers seek business with sustainability in mind. Highlight your smart choices on your business website and create a sustainability pledge logo.
- Organize Your Shipping Station
Make shipping from a small office or home easier by organizing a dedicated shipping station. Stock boxes, labels, stabilizing materials, tape, and a scale within reach. Create visual reminders of your shipping schedules and write personal notes of appreciation on new packing slips. A good shipping station can accelerate your order turnaround process.
- Compare Carriers
Compare shipping carriers such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS. You may be able to use USPS flat rate shipping boxes for your small business, which can be delivered to your address for free. Other carriers can pick up batches or order from your place or business or local collection site. Choose the carrier that best serves your common delivery areas and delivers great bang for your buck.
- Enable Order Tracking
Track your orders from start to finish. Allow customers to track their package’s progress by logging pre-shipment progress. Provide carrier tracking codes so that customers can log in directly and receive real-time updates via text or email. This can help people to be at home to receive their packages in the case of inclement weather or security concerns.
- Respond to Customer Feedback
Create space for valuable customer feedback. Use a customer service email address to organize inquiries and resolve potential shipping issues expediently. Positive and constructive communication can help to retain customers who will leave glowing reviews. Each order and customer interaction is an opportunity for improvement.
Optimize the shipping process for your business to gain a real advantage over your competition. Stand out as an up-and-coming business leader with efficient shipping methods and consistently satisfied customers.
