Since 2001, we've posted 20,582 different business opportunities and ideas, so you're sure to find something here to inspire you!
Your Shipping System
photo credit: mugley
In business, shipping is kind of like cleaning your house. No one wants to deal with it or talk about it, but everyone has to put up with it and do the best they can. Some entrepreneurs find shipping to be quite a challenge as no one vendor or system fit’s anyone completely.
When choosing your shipping system, ask lots of question’s, and not just questions regarding expenses. Ask about morning pick ups, paperwork involved, different services and if they have way’s of tracking your shipment recently talked about on Entrepreneur.com.
Don’t add extra padding to prices to off set shipping charges, this could end up costing you the sale in the end. As a perk/bonus, maybe once in a while choose a few select items that you offer free shipping on. Decide wether or not you will charge for returning or exchanging items.
Overall, it’s wise to remember that shipping is the last transaction you make with customers. A bad final impression means you won’t likely see customers return. A good experience is the equivalent of a warm smile and handshake, the beginning of a good relationship.
How do you handle your shipping system challenges?
Related Businesses in the Directory
Related Posts
Related Resources
Tom Stuart on April 22nd, 2009 9:54 am
When selecting the appropriate shipping software, be sure to select a system which automatically handles your “business rules”.
Business rules are typically any steps or decisions necessary to meet your business objectives. One example might be when a local customer requests overnight delivery. If you are interested in reducing shipping charges, you might want to use a ground service level (such as UPS or FedEx ground) which will be delivered in 1 day for considerably less an express service level such as UPS Next Day Air or FedEx Priority Overnight.
A rules-based shipping system can be configured to automatically accomplish virtually any steps which might otherwise require manual, human intervention.
Generally speaking, the free carrier-provided systems such as UPS Worldship, cannot accomodate business rules. Or, in other words, you get what you pay for when you get a free shipping system.
If you can streamline your processes or reduce freight costs through rate shopping, then you should consider a third-party shipping system.
Leave a Reply