Three Cardinal Rules about Small Business Shipping
Posted by Bryan on 4/30/2013 to
Shipping
As an owner of a small business shipping is a vital aspect of your customers' experience. It is seen as an extension of trust. You give your customers an expectation of time, quality and assurance when you ship. If the item is delivered late, damaged or not at all, it’s your brand and/or reputation that suffers. While there may seemingly be a flurry of considerations in shipping, it really boils down to three simple factors in small business shipping. Convenience, pricing and reliability.
It’s critical that your shipping access is convenient, both for you and the recipient. Find a shipping provider that has drop off locations near you, or will establish a pick up at your location. Don’t be afraid to ask the company to pick up directly at your doorstep. If your business has volume shipping, they will often work you into their pickup schedule free of charge. It’s also crucial the shipping solution you choose is able to deliver to the areas you need to reach. Be sure to ask the agent if they can conveniently delivery to those locations.
When it comes to pricing, the shipping business is highly competitive, and weight and volume are king. Shipping light-weight, large area pieces can be expensive, while heavy compact items are gold to shipping companies. Most importantly, always, always, negotiate! Shipping prices are never ever concrete and taking the time to work down the price will almost always net you a lower cost, which can really help on your margin.
Finally, make sure the company you decide to work with is reliable. Ask the agent you are speaking with some success stories they can share about working with companies like yours. If they are reputable they should be able to give you several, and it’s not unheard of to get references you can call. Also, never presume that bigger means better. Just because they are big names in the industry doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best. Also check out your local solutions. Often they will work harder, and cheaper than the big guys to earn your business.
We are that company. We give you discount shipping supplies AND a dedication to customer service.
It’s critical that your shipping access is convenient, both for you and the recipient. Find a shipping provider that has drop off locations near you, or will establish a pick up at your location. Don’t be afraid to ask the company to pick up directly at your doorstep. If your business has volume shipping, they will often work you into their pickup schedule free of charge. It’s also crucial the shipping solution you choose is able to deliver to the areas you need to reach. Be sure to ask the agent if they can conveniently delivery to those locations.
When it comes to pricing, the shipping business is highly competitive, and weight and volume are king. Shipping light-weight, large area pieces can be expensive, while heavy compact items are gold to shipping companies. Most importantly, always, always, negotiate! Shipping prices are never ever concrete and taking the time to work down the price will almost always net you a lower cost, which can really help on your margin.
Finally, make sure the company you decide to work with is reliable. Ask the agent you are speaking with some success stories they can share about working with companies like yours. If they are reputable they should be able to give you several, and it’s not unheard of to get references you can call. Also, never presume that bigger means better. Just because they are big names in the industry doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best. Also check out your local solutions. Often they will work harder, and cheaper than the big guys to earn your business.
We are that company. We give you discount shipping supplies AND a dedication to customer service.
