Believe it or not, studies show that global eCommerce sales are expected to reach a whopping total of $4.8 trillion in 2021. More people are buying online than ever before, and COVID-19 has only encouraged this trend.
If you’re an online business, this is good news. If you’re not, then it’s time you consider selling online as well as in-store to boost your profits.
One of the biggest troubles with selling online is figuring out shipping logistics, but it doesn’t have to be. Read on to learn 5 tips for improving shipping services for your business and customers.
1. Offer Order Tracking and Estimated Arrival
Current shipping technology has advanced to the point where anyone can offer estimated delivery dates and package tracking. If you want to sell successfully online, then you’ll want to make sure that you provide these to your customers.
Being able to track their package proves to new buyers that your business isn’t a scam and makes them feel safer about choosing to order from you. It only makes sense that they’ll be more likely to buy when they know they’ll actually receive the item. Providing an arrival time before purchase also encourages purchases by people who may need the item by a certain date.
If same-day deliveries could be possible for your business, utilize it to your advantage. You can create your own delivery team and optimize routes for field sales directions to work efficiently. You can also subscribe to local courier services that also offer same-day deliveries.
Make sure when you set up delivery estimates that you’re as accurate as possible. Consider the carrier, process, and distance.
2. Create Packaging Standards
Whether you’re shipping out gorgeous care packages or a regularly boxed item, creating packaging quality standards is essential to providing great service. It will result in happier customers, and you’ll know that any damage that may come to a shipment wasn’t your fault.
Create a detailed checklist that you or your employees can follow of the standards to meet for each package and what to look out for.
3. Keep Everything Documented
Documentation for shipping is key when it comes to creating an effective and streamlined process. There are hundreds of apps, programs, and software out there that can help you. Some businesses use more than one, but the simpler you can keep your documentation process, the better.
Create a system where you can see everything in one place for easy management, including where your products are in the process and what still needs to be done.
This will create a smoother shipping process with less chance for error.
4. Consider All Transportation Options
Another tip for improving shipping services is to make sure that you’re using the transportation choice that works best for your business, product, and customers.
Many business owners don’t realize that outside of standard shipping trucks, there are other options including planes and moving cargo ships. They each have their own unique advantages and cost of deliveries.
5. Make Your Packaging Count
Sure, the main purpose of packaging is to keep the items you ship out safe and undamaged. Smart businesses, though, also use it to contribute to a branded customer experience. Branded packaging makes the experience of ordering from you more personal and memorable, increasing the chance that they’ll buy again.
Improving Shipping Services Is Easier Than You Think
If you own a business that sells online or is looking to, then you know how complicated shipping can be. From managing product inventory to packaging, there’s a lot to consider. Keep in mind these 5 tips, though, and you’ll be improving shipping services in no time.
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