Managing a small business comes with pros and cons. The rapid growth of e-commerce has opened up more opportunities for entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to fruition, but sometimes they are overwhelmed with the number of online orders. Whether you own an online business that offers product customization or a brick-and-mortar store in a busy location, it’s crucial to consider the shipping methods you need to accommodate your customers.
Being able to handle shipping, fulfilment and returns can make or break your business. Because so many consumers shop online, it’s no wonder they have expectations when it comes to receiving packages.
It’s expected that shipped products arrive quickly and free from damage. While this is not an unreasonable expectation, small businesses must meet it. They can foster positive customer relationships by introducing unique packaging and delivering parcels quickly.
Small businesses can follow these five shipping methods to send their products to customers within their country or overseas.
1. DHL
DHL considers itself the global leader in the shipping and logistics industry, and it offers a plethora of services to small businesses worldwide. DHL provides domestic and international shipping services and delivers by air, road, ocean and rail.
It’s simple for business owners to get quotes from DHL regarding their shipments.
2. FedEx
FedEx understands how vital shipping efficiency is for small businesses. Because of this, it offers an array of services to best suit your company. FedEx’s FedEx Trade Road Map allows you to explore the option of shipping internationally and provides the essential steps to follow when trying to do so.
3. Local Postal Service (USPS and Royal Mail)
The local postal service is an excellent option for shipping. Both USPS and Royal Mail offer business services to help support you and your shipping needs.
4. United Parcel Service (UPS)
UPS offers various shipping services to accommodate the needs of your small business. Its reliability and flexibility are great for shipping products of all sizes. UPS operates in many countries and provides a list of items it accepts.
5. Shippo
Shippo allows users to create discounted shipping labels, track shipments, notify customers about their shipping status and streamline the returns process. It will find the best carrier for your business needs based on price and has multiple pricing plan options.
Choose the Best Option
While these shipping companies offer value for money, it’s best to do your due diligence and research before committing to only one option. Set a budget and stick to it — the last thing you want is to drain your resources by spending on high shipping costs.
Be sure to consider these essential factors when shipping your products:
- Shipping destination
- Delivery speed
- Tracking capabilities
- Insurance
- Packaging
All these factors can impact your shipping costs. Larger packages that travel further tend to cost more, so keep that in mind when you plan on selling your products online or internationally.
Finding the Best Shipping Method for Your Business
Because there are multiple shipping companies, it can be challenging to choose the right one to suit your business needs. However, it’ll pay off to invest in high-quality shipping options to best serve your customers and keep them coming back for more.
