#5 Ways to Avoid Expensive Delivery Fees

Table of Contents

5 Ways to Avoid Expensive Delivery Fees

The shipping costs can greatly affect the profitability of your company. The world is changing, and the demand in the eCommerce industry has increased dramatically. It has, therefore, created the necessity for revision of shipping rates while looking at the contributing factors from warehouse space to transit distance. It is, therefore, very important to learn to reduce shipping fees. However, you will need to conduct the required research to match your demands with a carrier.

Automate Your Shipping Process With a Software

The e-commerce business is rapidly booming, and there is a need to ease the whole shipping process in your business. Luckily, there is software to automate some shipping processes, making your work easier and faster. Your business is continually growing, and so is the order volume. A huge order volume without proper management will lead to disappointed customers. Integrating shipping software will assist you a lot in managing your inventories and organizing your fulfillment center. Consider also using a rate shopping shipping software that will help you calculate your rates against services in real-time hence indicating the cheapest one. It is cost-effective, and it saves you a lot of time.

Negotiate with Different Carriers

You may stick with the first carrier you met when you began your eCommerce business. However, that is not always healthy as all carrier’s prices vary, and they charge their shipping fees based on the volume; thus, the lower the volume, the higher the price. Nevertheless, your business has a say when negotiating the price with your carrier. Talk to different carriers and make sure you familiarize yourself with factors that may give you a bargaining advantage, for instance, the size, weight, and destination of your package. In addition, there is great competition between shipping vendors giving you some bargaining power. However, look into the fulfillment of your customers, and make sure the shipping carrier meets your customer’s expectations.

Reduce Dimensions and Weigh Packages

Unless you have opted for flat-rate shipping, heavier packages and those with bigger dimensions will cost higher. It is crucial to ensure that you have a postage scale to guide you during this step, and this will help you calculate the costs more accurately. Try also to reduce the dimensions of your packages accordingly. For instance, you should not pack a lightweight product in a big box as it is unnecessary and will only cost you more. In addition, you can apply for a flat-rate shipping model, which will save you a lot of costs. Careful researching and making an economical choice will help reduce your shipping costs.

Use Carrier’s Packages

Another great way to significantly reduce your shipping costs is by using packages and boxes provided by your carrier. Many carriers charge dimensional fees when a business uses its packages and boxes. Your packaging may help create brand awareness, but consider using the carrier’s packaging if you cannot afford to pay the extra charges to use it. Some major shipping carriers will often provide free or discounted packaging supplies for businesses. Therefore, it is advisable to look at the available options and try different carriers. In addition, when packaging materials such as bubble wrap and dunnage are purchased in bulk, they will be discounted, saving your business on costs.

Recycling and Reusing Own Shipping Supplies

There is a high chance that as much as you are an online seller, you are also an online buyer, which may help you save the delivery fees. Consider keeping the packing materials and boxes you receive and reusing them for your own packaging needs. However, always remember to remove the original packing labels or cover them up with your own, hence speeding up deliveries as it will help you avoid unnecessary delays. It also contributes to more green shipping.

Conclusion

Whether your business is small, average, or big, keeping the shipping costs low is of the essence for your business. Minimizing shipping costs also ensures maximum customer satisfaction because if you attempt to pass your shipping costs to them, you are more likely to lose them since many customers compare delivery fees before shopping. The above ways will help you kick off the journey of evading expensive delivery fees to your customers, giving you a bargain in retaining your customers and gaining more.

by Hannah Boothe

If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on Google News too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.