Getting your product out of the warehouse and on your customers’ doorstep is a commonly overlooked, nonetheless equally complex part of doing business. Here are five great ways to ship your business products:
Use an Affordable but Variable National Service
One of the most standard methods is a national service like the USPS or the United States Postal System. Rates will vary depending on the size of your item, weight, destination, and how fast you need it to get there. USPS splits America into nine zones, which is then used to measure the cost of distance. Shipping something to your local destination will be tagged as zone 1. Anywhere farther away will be zone 5 or up. If you are looking for a cheap option, USPS First Class Mail Without Delivery Confirmation is one of them. Other affordable services are USPS First Class Mail Letters or Flat Envelopes. However, the caveat is that this takes a lot longer, so you cannot assure your client when the package is arriving. Another drawback is that your package can get lost along the way.
Try a More Expensive but Fixed National Courier
If you are looking for expedited shipping, it is better to avail of the USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Packaging. This will also ship to higher zones without jacking up your price. There is a lot of packing material in your local post office, so if you are feeling confused, you can go there and look around which pouches, boxes, or mailers best fit your needs. Various types of packaging have dimensions that vary the rates. For instance, a flat rate envelope that measures 12.5 x 9 x ½ inches costs $7.75, while a large flat rate box measuring 12 ¼ x 12 ¼ x 6 inches costs $21.10. It is important to note, of the different eight kinds of Priority Mail packaging, they all hold a maximum weight of 70 pounds.
Avail of Customized Delivery Services
You can avail of white glove delivery services, where each client is viewed as unique, with special needs. This specialized service caters to all requests, whether it is privacy, shipping schedule, or other special handling requirements. You are assured of superior customer service because the goal is to meet all your specifications. If you ask for a specialized box, they can get it done for you. You can also request what packaging insert to put or what other promotional materials to add. For instance, you are sending something delicate like a painting from your online gallery; they will pack it up using best practices. The highest shipping standards are applied to ensure your items get safely to the intended destination.
Take Advantage of Tracking Services
If you want to be sure where your package is, you will need to avail of tracked services. Private companies like UPS, DHL, and FedEx provide this option. This service requires more attention to details; hence the prices are also a lot steeper. Your clients will be able to see exactly where their products are when they follow the tracking number you give them from your waybill. Every port of entry and exit will be recorded, and all these details are then encoded online. Each step of the way is documented as it happens, so your clients can get the assurance that their orders are in transit. Typically, the package sent through this kind of service provider has to be signed for when they get to their intended destination. It would help if you told your clients to prepare identification to receive what you sent.
Consider Availing of Insurance
If you are shipping an expensive product, then you will most definitely need to get insurance to keep it protected. This way, you don’t have to stress while your package is in transit. The amount you spend on the coverage will depend on the declared value of the product you are shipping. This protects you against stolen, lost, or damaged goods. If somehow, your package doesn’t make it, you are reimbursed for your declared value. This is one of the safest ways to send your package, but it is also one of the most expensive. You can avail of this through USPS Certified Mail as well as through private shipping companies.
When your shipping process runs without issue, your customers get their products on time, which keeps them happy and satisfied. It means fewer order cancellations, more space for new inventory in your warehouse, and a fatter bottom line.
