Starting your own eCommerce shop is exciting, but one ongoing expense can quickly add up: shipping. It’s a major cost you’ll need to manage effectively.
What affects those shipping costs? Here are a few factors:
- Delivery speed: Faster delivery usually means higher prices.
- Shipping zones: The more zones your package travels through, the pricier it gets.
- Weight and size: Bulky or heavy items face higher fees.
- Insurance and tracking: These add-ons provide peace of mind but increase costs.
Don’t worry, you can trim these costs down! Here’s how:
- Get to know your shipping zones: Understand how carriers calculate costs based on where your packages are headed.
- Compare, compare, compare! Don’t just stick with one carrier. Shop around for the best rates for your specific needs.
- Negotiate with carriers: If you ship in volume, carriers might offer discounts – you won’t know if you don’t ask!
- Consider pick-up/drop-off: Sometimes taking parcels to collection points or arranging carrier pick-ups can secure savings.
- Smart packaging: Use lightweight, appropriately-sized materials to keep costs down.
- Mind your dimensions: Carriers sometimes price based on a package’s size as well as weight.
- Factor shipping into your prices: Can you slightly increase product prices to offset some shipping costs?
- Calculate the full picture: Don’t forget those sneaky extras like handling fees when working out your shipping budgets.
- Mix and match carriers: Different carriers might be better for different types of shipments (size, distance, etc.).
- Partner with a 3PL: Companies like Green Fulfilment specialise in logistics. We leverage our volume and expertise to negotiate excellent shipping rates, passing the savings along to you. Plus, outsourcing your shipping frees up your time to focus on building your amazing business.
Let me know if you’d like more tips to keep your shipping costs in check!
