Running an eCommerce business can be a lot of fun. You get to make your hours, work from home and sell the products you love. However, there are a few things that aren’t as enjoyable about running an eCommerce business: having to ship the items and dealing with returns. It’s important to make sure your packages are packed well and you provide good instructions for returns.
Your customers should enjoy receiving the products they ordered without any problems. When you take care to avoid common mistakes, shipping can be a breeze and your customers will keep coming back for more.
To help you out, here are some useful tips on how to properly prepare your products for shipping.
Find The Reputable Shipping Company
There are a lot of shipping companies in California today, but you only want to work with the best ones. When you’re starting, it’s probably best to go with one of the more established shipping companies. To find the best option, make sure to research the top three shipping companies in California and choose which one would be most suitable for your business. Each company has different criteria they consider when determining their rates, so it’s important to have a qualified team working on this decision with you. Selecting a professional shipping company will guarantee that you get a good deal and your packages will arrive on time every time. You should also ask whether there are other services you can use. Some companies offer storage solutions if you have a lot of orders.
Related: How to Start a Food Delivery Business from Home
Pack The Products Well
Packing is an extremely important factor in having successful eCommerce deliveries. To avoid damaging the products during shipping, remove any pieces or parts from the packaging that can easily break off or become damaged (e.g., styrofoam). Also, make sure you’ve packed the products in a sturdy box or container. You want to use something that won’t break apart during the shipping process. This also includes choosing your packaging materials – since they come in many types, shapes, and sizes. Using boxes is often best since they are usually made of stronger materials than other containers. If you’re using another type of container, it’s important to check for cracks or holes before closing anything up.
Include Instructions For Returns
If your business provides returns, then be sure to include instructions with each purchase when picking up your product(s). This will help prevent any issues with customers not knowing how to complete the return process on their own. Sending along some pre-paid envelopes can be helpful, too. Not only does this increase brand loyalty by making returns easier for consumers, but it also increases the chances that they’ll shop with you again in the future. Plus, if your business provides returns and exchanges, avoiding problems with this process will ensure more repeat purchases.
Label The Product Properly
When you’re writing up your shipping labels, it’s important to give each product its label so you don’t mix things up during the delivery process. You don’t want a customer expecting one item and getting something else because of a mistake on your part. Also, make sure your labels are clearly labeled with what size or color is included in the package. If you have a lot of different sizes or colors available for one type of item, consider labeling each box instead of just having multiple labels stuck onto one big box.
Take Your Time With Packing
Nothing is worse for a customer than receiving a package with an item they ordered destroyed because the shipping method wasn’t good enough to protect it. Speed can be important when you’re operating an eCommerce business, but that doesn’t mean rushing things is a reliable or reliable option when it comes to shipping. Some sales come in spurts, so the last thing you want to do is damage your stock due to careless shipping practices. Make sure you have plenty of time set aside when packing each product and take your time going through each phase of the process without rushing things along too much.
Keep Records For Tracking Purposes
One of the most important things you can do as an eCommerce business keeps detailed records for tracking and other purposes. When something gets damaged during shipping, it’s helpful to be able to prove where and when the package was mailed or received by whoever sold it at your store. Most online retailers use software that automatically tracks their packages, but if yours doesn’t come with this functionality, you can purchase a system that will provide you with everything you need for dealing with such issues in the future. This “insurance” will help ensure no problems arise due to lack of proof of delivery or mishandling by carriers or store employees during transit.
Shipping your products can be tricky if you don’t put the time and effort into preparing your items appropriately. Taking advantage of these six tips will help prevent shipping problems and create a better experience for both your customers and the business as a whole.
