eCommerce Shipping Best Practices
The eCommerce business is a flourishing industry and has several opportunities for entrepreneurs. However, having the perfect product to attract customers is not enough. You must also consider the possibility of providing high-quality and trustworthy eCommerce shipping services to meet customer expectations and repeat business.
Whether you’re a new small business or an established eCommerce brand, carefully planning your shipping strategies will help your company prosper. Unexpected high shipping costs, the ability (or inability) to trace products, inventory, return shipping fees, orders, and other factors can significantly influence your customers’ experience.
We’ll go through what customers have come to expect from delivery, as well as eCommerce shipping best practices that might help your online store.
Customers will buy from you if you offer free shipping options
The foundation of an eCommerce shipping strategy is ensuring that the right products are delivered to the correct location at the right time. It is an essential feature of any business, particularly an eCommerce store whose success depends on providing orders to clients as quickly and efficiently as possible.
When customers are shopping online on your eCommerce site, they expect an easy and quick delivery experience. According to statistics, shipping costs have a substantial influence on cart abandonment. Customers abandoned their carts in 41% of cases because shipping rates were more than expected and in 26% of cases because shipment took too long. 78% of customers are willing to buy more products on your website if you are offering free shipping.
Customers want free delivery but ensure you can afford it. One method for covering free shipping is to increase the price of your product. Setting a minimum purchase value to qualify for free shipping is another option. Whatever you choose, ensure your free shipping policy benefits you and your consumers.
Provide flat rate shipping costs
Another efficient shipping strategy for your online business is flat-rate shipping. Unlike regular shipping, flat-rate shipping implies that shipping costs are not directly related to specific product size or weight. This means you may provide flat-rate delivery depending on particular restrictions or requirements you establish, such as how far a shipment must go, the maximum size or weight of the package, or order totals.
This shipping approach provides your consumers with a simple delivery choice — but, as with free shipping, it’s critical to evaluate the typical cost of delivering a package before adopting it. Understanding this can assist you in ensuring that you are not undercharging for flat-rate delivery.
Charging real-time carrier rates
Giving your consumers shipping options is essential in this shipping strategy. Customers will often pay the precise price carriers charge to transport their items and pick their delivery timetable when charging real-time carrier rates.
For example, if a client wants expedited shipping with your preferred carrier, they might choose this option and accept higher shipping costs. If another buyer isn’t concerned about the delivery time, like same-day delivery, they can select the most cost-effective option and pay the lowest price.
Order tracking
Consistency is essential when tracking clients’ orders and shipment statuses and ensuring customer satisfaction. Customers, once again, demand a mechanism to trace their purchases. Use proactive tracking as an extra marketing technique in addition to merely providing a superior client experience.
This goes beyond just indicating when the shipment is likely to arrive via a USPS or FedEx link. Shopify eCommerce businesses may utilize the company’s tracking add-on, Shop. Customers download the free Shop app, and the order appears on their smart device as soon as they purchase from an eCommerce business that uses Shop.
The app displays the customer’s purchase data, tracking number, carrier information, and a live map of where their shipment is, with comprehensive tracking information every step of the way.
Use a reliable shipping company
According to https://firstmile.com/, the shipping carrier (or carriers) you select is critical to your eCommerce shipping solutions. When looking for carriers, remember the types of goods you’re delivering, where you want to ship to (e.g., locally or international shipping), the average weights and sizes of your shipments, and how much you’re selling your products.
When you begin studying which carrier to utilize, these variables will serve as your starting point and ensure you have a thriving shipping process.
Use shipping software
It s recommended to go beyond merely giving tracking information to clients to give the best customer experience. Automation solutions and eCommerce shipping apps may assist your eCommerce platform in tracking and organizing all aspects of shipment. These solutions can also give you the information and insights to enhance your shipping methods.
Customers can profit from automation technologies as well. Because these technologies provide detailed information on the client’s order, they are less inclined to contact your customer service team for assistance.
Utilize protective packaging for your products
The packaging you select impacts the rates you or your customers will pay to have items delivered by third-party carriers. Based on the size and weight of your items, carefully determine how much and what sort of packaging you will require.
Delicate things may require protective packaging, such as bubble wrap, stretch film, corner boards, etc., to ensure the items are secure and will arrive at their destination intact.
Have a return shipping strategy for your online store
Your return shipping plan is almost as important as your delivery strategy. The return procedure should be simple if a consumer has to return a product for whatever reason.
As a new eCommerce business owner,a flat-rate return shipping cost may be an excellent place to start. It has a lower impact on your bottom line than giving free return shipping since it divides the financial burden between you and your consumer.
Understanding your profit margins, what your rivals are doing, and what sort of customer service you want to provide all play a role in determining your return shipping policy.
Final thoughts
The eCommerce approach you adopt affects both the consumer experience and the bottom line of your organization.
Pay particular attention to your product pricing, profit margins, AOVs, average package dimensions and weight, and what shipping plans your closest rivals provide as you develop your approach. All these considerations will play a role in determining the optimum shipping plan for your company and which carrier to choose.
