When you sell items through your e-commerce store, you need a seamless shipping process that delivers orders on time without damage. If shipping is improperly handled, it can negatively impact the customer experience and your sales. Choosing the suitable carrier and packaging method ensures happy customers who will shop with you again.
In this article, you’ll learn tips for selecting a reliable shipping service, properly packing merchandise, generating labels, keeping customers updated on delivery status, and managing expectations through order tracking. Following these best practices for shipping products will help you succeed as an online seller.
Choose the Right Shipping Carrier
As an online seller, one of the most important decisions you need to make is which shipping carrier to use. The carrier you select will majorly impact key factors like delivery times, reliability, tracking capabilities, and shipping rates. When evaluating carriers, there are a few key things you should compare.
Speed
First, look at the carrier’s estimated transit and delivery times. Compare delivery times between carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and others. Choosing a carrier that consistently meets delivery estimates is vital for keeping customers happy. Ensure they can fullfil the expected delivery windows you advertise to your customers online.
Tracking
Next, research each carrier’s tracking features. Choose services with features like push notifications, bookmarking, and more that are compatible with third-party tracking websites. For example, with only the package tracking ID, FedEx delivery times can be tracked using third-party tools by customers to follow their order’s progress from purchase to final delivery online.
Cost
Additionally, compare shipping rates across carriers. Though reliability is critical, you want to balance fast shipping with affordability. Check if carriers offer discounts that can help save money. Understand any account, label, or pickup fees, as well.
Ultimately, the carrier you decide on should provide transparency into delivery times, tracking, and estimated arrivals. This allows you to set accurate expectations with customers and ensure a smooth process from checkout to receipt of the order. Investing time in selecting the right shipping partner is worth the effort.
Package Your Products
Once you’ve chosen a shipping carrier, properly packaging orders is critical to ensure your products reach customers undamaged. The packaging materials you use and methods of securing items for shipment will protect the merchandise in transit.
Choose Appropriate Materials
Start by selecting suitable packaging materials. Cardboard boxes in good condition work well for most shipments. For fragile items, use extra bubble wrap or air pillows for increased padding and cushioning. If mailing liquid products, purchase approved containers and include absorbent materials in case of leaks.
Measure Accurately
Make sure boxes meet any size or weight restrictions from your carrier. Oversize or overweight packages may incur extra fees. Properly sealing boxes also provides an extra layer of protection. Use strong tape and reinforce all edges and seals. Moreover, leave space inside for cushioning material to prevent damage in transit.
Cushion the Content
Pad all sides and corners of the boxes with cushioning. Use divider boards to prevent heavier objects from crushing lightweight items. Learn to section off different products for individual protection.
Label Correctly
Additionally, address labels should clearly display the recipient’s name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Include a return address in case the package cannot be delivered. Applying the shipping label securely is also important to safeguard against damages or delays.
Start Shipping Process
Once orders are packaged, the shipping process involves generating labels, scheduling pickups, and passing tracking information to buyers. Streamlining these steps helps orders move quickly through transit to excited customers.
- Start by purchasing and printing shipping labels via your carrier’s website. Services like FedEx offer label generators during checkout. Ensure all information, like addresses, packaging details, etc., is accurately entered. Print labels on sticky paper or adhesive-backed sheets that can adhere firmly to boxes.
- Schedule package pickup if not dropping it yourself. Checking your carrier’s pickup calendar makes coordination easy. If dropping off, note the closest in-network location and any drop-off deadlines that must be met.
- Email customers their tracking number and shipping details. This may include anticipated delivery timeframe, carrier website to check status, and package identifying information. Services like FedEx Delivery Times tracking allow customers to follow along each step.
- Finally, have a backup contact number, email, or process flow if delivery issues arise. Communicate promptly with buyers if hiccups occur to manage expectations.
Following this shipping routine, get your business sales moving quickly. Tracking and communication will also continue to nurture the buyer-seller relationship after checkout. Moreover, maintaining open channels and visibility makes customers feel valued.
Manage Customer Expectations
As an online seller, keeping your customers informed about their order status prevents frustration and builds trust. You can leverage delivery estimates and tracking capabilities to set clear expectations.
Provide Accurate Delivery Estimates
When a customer orders, use your carrier’s transit times to share an expected delivery date. Moreover, package tracking services online give reliable timeframe estimates for delivery from multiple carriers at a time. Transparent communication about when an item should arrive prevents disappointment later.
Share Order Tracking Information
After shipping an order, immediately email the customer the tracking number and carrier website link so they can follow its progress. Delivery tracking will enable shoppers to monitor each leg of the journey. Proactively sharing this information is a courtesy customers appreciate.
Have a Backup Plan
Despite best efforts, delays can occasionally happen. It is wise to develop backup protocols for when a package is running late promptly notify customers via email or text and offer remedy options like express shipping or discounts on their next purchase. Taking accountability if you are at fault diffuses frustration.
Meeting quoted delivery timelines, and managing expectations confirms you value your customers. Their ongoing support depends on having confidence in each transaction.
Conclusion
A smooth order fulfillment process is vital to running a successful online retail business. Take time to choose a reliable shipping carrier that offers tracking and delivery transparency. Also make sure to package products properly to avoid damage and keep your customers updated on shipping status and delivery estimates. Managing expectations well retains happy repeat shoppers who will buy from your store again. Following these tips streamlines your shipping operations.