In the last couple of years, as the world suddenly came to a standstill and businesses were forced to close their doors, virtual doors began to open. Yes, the world moved online to keep going. This, for many, meant the difference between their business was succeeding or collapsing. Unfortunately, many people still lost their jobs or didn’t have an income during this time, and the need to get creative or change their career path became a necessity. And so, with the internet looking like the safest option, many have started up their businesses. Never before have so many new businesses been created. While this is commendable, and we wish these businesses the best, sadly, not all will succeed. Having a good business plan and strategy is key to success. One thing that someone setting up a new business might not think of is eCommerce shipping tools. But you would be doing your business a disservice if you didn’t consider it from the beginning.
Why Might it be Overlooked?
When a business is in inception, it will likely run from a home office, maybe even your dining table. For example, say you just started making your jewellery. You will sit at your dining table with your chains and beads and stones and shells and whatever else you include. You will make your jewellery pieces there; you will make your cute little displays there and photograph them. You will sit there and package up your items when you get your first orders through. You will write your packaging labels there. In fact, the first time you have to leave your dining table is to go to the local postal agency to send your parcels out. This may work in the short term, and you may be happy with this arrangement and so don’t even consider the option of eCommerce shipping tools. But, by using eCommerce shipping tools, you could save yourself valuable time. The aim is always to expand the business beyond a few orders to sustain you and your family at the very least. So, planning for the hopeful expansion of your business is a crucial step in making your business a success.
What Exactly is Ecommerce Shipping?
Ecommerce shipping is something we’ll have all experienced without even thinking about it. It is anything to do with the shipment of parcels and packages and their delivery once purchased online. It is what gets the package from the person or company selling to the person or company that is buying. It is all online, including any online transactions to pay for these packages and parcels. These packages could be heading to a warehouse, a person’s home, or a store; it doesn’t matter; it is all included. It can consist of local, national, or even international packages, depending on which company you use.
How Can Ecommerce Shipping Tools Help?
As we’ve already hinted at above, software for shipping can free up more time and money for you. As you start to receive more orders, you may start getting your orders picked up by a logistic company, and again, you may be satisfied with this arrangement and think that this is all you need for the long term. But when the orders pick up, even more, you will quickly realize that it costs you time and money to continue like this. It isn’t an effective business strategy to get the most out of your business. Think about it: no doubt, for your online shop, you will have also considered, or likely already be using, software that helps you send out regular newsletters or maybe software to run your social media accounts to promote your business. Indeed it makes sense to you to also use software to help with all that shipping.
With the right software for your shipping, you can manage your business much more efficiently, with all your parcels labeled and collected quickly and cost-effectively.
What are Some Helpful Tips for Good Planning?
There are a few things that you can consider that will make it easier to get started with this. There are a lot of eCommerce shipping businesses out there, and finding the right one could depend on what you sell and where you’re sending it. But thinking about the following can help make things easier and more punctual. In all things, a key to remember is that it is all about the customer. You want to give them a pleasant experience and have them return to you and recommend you.
What is the Proper Method of Shipping?
Only you can answer this depending on your business. For example, is your company selling luxury goods? If so, you would want to use high-quality and appealing packaging to match your item’s luxuriousness. You would like to make sure you used premium postage and had the item tracked. What if the items you sell are recycled, sustainable goods? You will go a long way with the customer if you use recycled, eco-friendly packaging materials to reflect the message your business wants to convey. A side note to consider is how you package your items – make sure things are well padded to avoid any breakages.
Free Shipping
I’m sure you would agree that when looking to purchase a product online, seeing the words’ free shipping’ can make the difference between buying a product or not. I have often been through a whole order process only to find the delivery fees are enormous, and I’ve canceled the entire order in protest. To be popular with your customers and increase your sales, offer free shipping.
Have the Orders Tracked
Another thing that customers appreciate is the ability to track their item from the time it leaves you right up until it is in their hands. So, having tracking available on your items is another way you show you are considering the customer and putting them first.
Summary
Using software for your eCommerce shipping needs is excellent for your business. It will allow you to focus on other things while the shipping of packages, tracking of packages, and printing of labels to go on the boxes are all taken care of for you. It shows the customer you are thinking of them and what they would like and helps to give them a positive experience when purchasing from your business.
Hey Guys! My name is Richard Andrew. I am a contributor to the Strategy Watch. I have finished my graduation with a major in Economics. My interest areas are Economics, Financial Analysis, Stock Analysis, and Business Strategy.