Top 6 Tips For Shipping for Small Business Owners
As a small business owner, you juggle multiple responsibilities. Running a small business – from planning, marketing, and manufacturing to shipping and logistics, can be stressful and challenging. You’re constantly bombarded with tasks that need your time, energy, and attention. To overcome the challenges that you face daily, you need smart and intuitive solutions to power your business. On top of that, you need to invest in cost-effective methods to prevent excessive spending that limits the growth of your small business.
One such recurring expense for every small business is shipping costs. Having high shipping costs can turn your customers away, which is why it is crucial for small and medium-sized businesses to strike a fair balance between service and cost. This guide on small business shipping tips will show business owners how to ship efficiently while saving money. These hassle-free small business shipping strategies will enhance your customer experience and boost your profit.
In the age of digitization and high-growth e-commerce brands, consumers expect fast and free shipping from companies. Today, approximately 32.5 million small businesses exist in the United States. The new normal has pushed many small business owners to evolve and adapt their operations to meet growing customer demands worldwide. That’s why every small business that wants to thrive today needs a robust and reliable shipping solution.
From last-mile delivery to large-volume shipping, here are a few methods every small business can implement for improved shipping efficiency and growth.
Small Business Shipping Tips for Success
Tip #1: Selecting an efficient shipping partner
Small businesses need to find the cheapest shipping options to save money and increase profits. The first step is to identify and select a shipping platform based on your product requirements and business growth potential, so you can negotiate rates and establish benchmarks.
Tip #2: Getting a sense of shipping costs
When you ship products, always consider these factors that can affect overall shipping costs - speed, weight and volume, service, place of delivery, package dimensions, and delivery service. It’s always a good idea to check the shipping policy with your shipping provider to get a sense of the rates and liability associated with shipping. Try to opt for a shipping platform that provides enterprise rates to SMBs so that you can reduce your shipping costs.
Tip #3: Picking a shipping carrier
When it comes to narrowing down a shipping partner, finding a carrier with favorable rates and contingencies is key. Consider all your options, do your own research, and compare them to determine what is best for your small business. Prepare a strategy in advance for dealing with returns, damaged shipments, or lost shipments. Look out for shipping platforms that offer access to multiple reliable carriers so that you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting.
Tip #4: Insuring your shipment
Accidents during shipping are inevitable. It is a possibility that your package can suffer damage or get lost during the shipping process. If you're worried about the possibility of damage, loss, or theft, consider getting extra insurance beyond the shipping company's liability coverage.
Tip #5: Automating real-time updates
Staying up-to-date with shipment status updates is a great way to be informed and in control. Several shipping companies make use of freight analytics to provide real-time status updates about your shipments.
Tip #6: Finding a shipping platform with growth potential
Look for a dedicated shipping platform that offers enterprise-friendly rates that will allow you to ship with peace of mind. If you’re a growing small business, partnering with a shipping platform that offers delivery services unique to your industry and seamlessly integrates with your processes can be an excellent choice. Make sure your shipping partner understands your business needs and offers a variety of services to choose from. You may want to keep an eye out for a platform that helps you manage returns easily. An easy-to-use claims management system and a hassle-free claims process will ease your burden and make shipping a breeze.
Work with a trustworthy shipping partner
These tips on how to set up a dependable end-to-end shipping system in your small business framework can make your shipments more cost-effective and worry-free. With a reputable shipping partner by your side, you can propel your business forward and increase revenue substantially.
The Benefits of Partnering with Freight Club
Shipping can be complex – however, Freight Club can help you optimize your shipping performance. As part of Cymax Group Technologies, a leading eCommerce technology and services provider in the furniture industry since 2004, Freight Club offers retailers 7 levels of LTL drop shipping services, from back of truck to white glove light assembly, across the U.S. – with a network of 30+ pre-vetted carriers.
We offer exclusive access to enterprise rates with no volume requirements by bringing together one of the largest carrier networks of LTL and parcel shipping providers in the United States. Access and compare discounted rates for big and bulky items and freight shipments from the most trusted carriers at once.
Trusted by thousands of small to medium businesses since 2015, Freight Club enables shippers to ship with confidence and ease.