Shipping – Part of the Warehousing and Order Fulfilment process

Shipping is one of the most critical aspects of e-commerce for various reasons. The rapidly rising demand in e-commerce has meant consumer standards and expectations have reached an all-time high.

In 2021, customers expect various options in every aspect of the e-commerce experience. From multiple payment methods to choosing delivery times, businesses should always provide selection and convenience to their customers. Lack of shipping options could result in customers going elsewhere if they feel a company is not catering to their needs.

Some customers are happy to pay less or receive free shipping and wait longer for their goods, whilst many will pay a premium to receive items as soon as possible. Providing variety allows customers to be in control and select a shipping preference to suit them.

Setting shipping costs based on guesswork can lead to e-commerce businesses losing significant sums of money. It’s essential to do your research before setting shipping costs to make an informed decision on pricing. Charging too little can result in a loss whilst charging too high could deter customers.

Inefficient product packaging can cause all sorts of problems when it comes to shipping. Using cheap materials which are not suitable for the product can cause breakages, leaving the customer to receive a damaged item. This error will also result in customer returns and will impact your profits

Shipping and logistics is the backbone of many businesses, and the increasing number of competitors in the market has made choosing the best provider even more difficult. As a result, many e-commerce businesses now use multiple carriers to manage capacity and maintain growth while meeting customer expectations.

However, choosing a suitable shipping carrier is not a straightforward task, as failure to select a company that would best fulfil your organisation’s needs could have lasting implications.

If you want to increase your bottom line, it’s crucial to consider the cost of packaging materials.

Some carriers – UPS, USPS and FedEx – currently offer free packaging supplies for their customers; however, other shipping providers will charge a fee. Factor in the cost of shipping supplies and see if you can negotiate a deal with your carrier as boxes, envelopes and labels quickly add up.

Weigh up whether it’s worth getting free shipping materials from a more expensive carrier or paying the costs yourself with a budget carrier to see which option is more cost-effective. Then, research both local and regional carriers to see where you can get the best rates and service.

You’ll also need to consider whether your ecommerce store only serves domestic customers or facilitates international shipping, as you’ll incur customs on top of higher shipping costs.

A carriers’ reputation is an excellent way for you to determine whether a shipping company is right for your business.

Most online shoppers now expect to receive their delivery within 72 hours of placing the order, which has ramped up pressure on retailers to offer same-day and next day delivery. However, a significant number of consumers would prefer free delivery over fast shipping and will wait a few extra days to minimise expenses.

That said, fast delivery and shipping times will help you retain existing customers and increase your chances of capturing new leads. You need to choose a shipping carrier that aligns with your vision and can fulfil your requirements to avoid disappointing customers.