10 Useful Shipping Tips

Do you ship a lot of packages? If so, you might be wondering if there’s anything you should know about improving the shipping process. This is especially important for small business owners, not to mention that we’ve been sending more packages in the mail than ever during the pandemic. Here are some Useful Shipping Tips that will help you.

If you own a store, whether it’s online or a brick-and-mortar operation, it can be challenging to keep up with order fulfillment. Many small business owners find this process overwhelming. And not to forget, most customer’s number one priorities are convenience and fast shipping. We’ve come to expect things right away.

Entrepreneur Life

If you own a store, you probably handle many tasks on your own. Most small business owners wear a lot of different hats to get everything done right. Many companies can’t afford to hire people to take care of things like shipping, unless they’re quite established and have a lot of orders.

The truth is that being an entrepreneur in Southern California isn’t all beach life and cocktails. If you’re having shipping woes, just starting out, or would like some tips and tricks, keep reading to learn more about improving your shipping service process.

1) Branding

It’s easy to forget, but even the packaging you use will be seen as a reflection of your brand. This is something to keep in mind. Depending on your company, you may want to select a unique packaging design that sets you apart from other brands in your industry. Sometimes it’s the smallest details that make the difference, so do what you can to make your packages more attractive, even if it means consulting with a designer for a dose of inspiration. But most importantly, never try to reuse the old boxes; it sends a poor impression to customers.

2) Keep an Eye on the Package’s Weight

It’s no secret that heavy packages cost more to ship to your customers. The cost is directly related to the weight and dimensions of the package. So, this is something to pay close attention to if you want to reduce your expenses, without passing on these fees to your customers. For instance, don’t ship something small in a large box. It will hike up the rate. Make sure boxes are an appropriate size.

3) Quality Packaging Materials

While we’re talking about packaging, be sure to choose quality materials. The last thing you want is for products to be damaged while they’re on the road, or for shipping materials to tear open. This will only lead to unhappy customers and costly replacements.

4) Try Waterproof Tape

Waterproof tape is another way to up your shipping game. Don’t settle for regular packing tape, especially if you’re shipping things in poor weather. Take a little extra time to find a great waterproof tape you can rely on. You’ll have more confidence as you send things off in the mail.

5) Book Rates

Did you know there’s a special rate just for books. This is called Media Mail. It includes other things, too, like: manuscripts, film, sound recordings, and CDs and DVDs. These packages can weigh as much as seventy pounds. Great news if you’re a bookseller.

6) Tracking and Insurance

Choose tracking and insurance when you’re shipping valuable goods. Customers like to be able to track their packages so they can be around to pick them up. This also means you’ll get less calls from customers who want to know where their delivery is.

7) Poly Mailers are More Affordable

You’ve probably already used poly mailers, although you may not have known what they were called. Poly Mailers are a great alternative to boxes. For non-fragile things, you can always shift towards these padded bags. Not only do they take up less space for delivery, but they’re also very affordable.

8) Order Packaging in Bulk

A great way to cut down on the cost of packaging is to order in bulk. Most wholesale suppliers offer discounted rates, depending on how many units you order. The only snag is having somewhere safe to store your packaging materials. They need to be kept dry.

9) Minimize the Shipping Distance

Shipping distances can play an important role in determining cost. When a package crosses more shipping zones, the price rises. Some locations are more costly to ship to as well. For example, states Hawaii and Alaska are harder to reach. If you’re looking for a way to cut back on costs, then one option is to minimize the areas you’re willing to ship to. Only you can determine if this is right for your company, though.

10) How Costs are Calculated

When it comes to shipping, most people don’t really understand how shipping costs are calculated. The most common thing most online store owners do is search for “shipping near me” options. This is sure to bring up a long list of facilities. But how do you know which option is best for your needs? Well, here are the main things to consider to help you make the right decision:

• The size and weight of the package
• A package’s dimensions
• Delivery times, like overnight fees
• Distance and how many shipping zones are crossed
• Surcharges, taxes and duties
• Handling fees if you have employees

These are some of the most important factors that go into determining the overall cost of shipping your products. But whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been in business for years, there’s always room for improvement. At Mail Boxes Times, our shipping experts can provide you with more detailed information on all of these topics, and clear up any confusion you might have about your best options.

Shipping Questions?

There you have it: 10 useful shipping tips! We hope you found this little guide helpful. That’s all we have for now, but let us know if you have any other questions that we didn’t answer. We’re always happy to help. If you’re in the Beverly Hills area, feel free to reach out to us at Mail Boxes Times by calling (310) 276-5076. You can also learn more by reading this information. Till then Happy Shipping!