Shipping Options For Small Businesses
If you're a small business owner, shipping can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to make sure your shipments get where they need to go on time.
Shipping is an important part of any business, but it can be difficult to know when to outsource your shipping services and which brands to trust. We'll explore the best brands for shipping like Shipstation, GoShippo, and their costs and fees. We'll also look at when it's appropriate to outsource your shipping services and what factors you should consider before making a decision.
Benefits of Using Shipping Services for Your Business
If you run a small business, it can be tough to manage everything yourself as well as ship out your product. That's where shipping services come in. Shipping service providers like Shipstation, GoShippo, and their competitors offer a range of benefits for businesses. They can help you save time by managing all aspects of your shipping process - from creating labels to calculating rates and tracking packages.
They also make it easier to manage orders across multiple sales channels, so you can track your inventory more effectively and grow your business faster. Plus, they often provide seamless integration with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, making it even easier to keep on top of everything.
Choosing the Right Shipping Services
When choosing a shipping service provider, there are a few important factors to consider.
- First, look at the available features - do they offer all the services you need?
- It's also a good idea to check out customer reviews, as these can give you an indication of reliability and customer service.
- Finally, carefully compare prices - some providers will offer discounts for bulk orders or longer-term contracts.
Shipping services usually charge fees for their services. These tend to be based on weight and distance, so it's important to get quotes from various providers before making your decision. In addition to the cost of shipping itself, there may be additional fees such as customs clearance charges or fuel surcharges - make sure to factor these into your final calculation when comparing different providers.
Best Brands for Shipping
There are plenty of different providers to use for your small business shipping needs. Some of the best include:
- Shipstation: This is a cost-effective shipping platform that integrates with major online stores and marketplaces, allowing you to manage orders in one place. It's easy to use, and its cost structure is straightforward - you pay a monthly fee plus discounted shipping rates. Pricing starts at $9 per month.
- GoShippo: GoShippo is a popular choice for small businesses, offering cost-effective solutions that are tailored to your needs. They offer discounts on shipping rates and have no minimum order requirements, making them a great option if you're looking to keep costs low. Pricing starts at $17 per month.
- EasyPost: EasyPost is a cost-effective shipping platform for small businesses. It provides access to discounted carriers and transparent pricing, with no minimum order requirements. Pricing starts at $10 per month.
Shipping services like Shipstation, GoShippo, and EasyPost can offer cost savings and efficiency gains for your business. By considering the cost of services as well as customer reviews and available features, you can choose a shipping service that best meets your needs. With the right provider, you'll be able to streamline your operations so you can focus on growing your business.
When to Outsource Your Shipping Services
Deciding when it's time to outsource your shipping services can be tricky. Generally speaking, if you're handling more than two hundred orders per month or dealing with complex products or international orders, it could be a good idea to outsource your shipping. This will free up your time and resources so you can focus on growing your business.
