Tired of losing money on shipping? Follow these shipping solutions for small business to save money.
Running a can be stressful, especially if costs seem to be constantly racking up. Is shipping one of the worry spots for your business? If so, it’s time to put those worries to rest!
Shipping doesn’t have to be expensive, even if you don’t ship huge quantities of products like a big box store. In fact, it can even be affordable. You simply have to know how to cut those shipping costs.
Ready to learn how to do it? Then keep reading! Here are nine money-saving shipping solutions for small business owners.
1. Rent a Shipping Container
Purchasing a shipping container takes a lot of money up front. If you aren’t prepared to give up that much cash at once, consider renting a conex box or other type of shipping container. Go for a rent-to-own program and the container will be yours when the rental term ends.
Renting allows you to pay a little at a time. While this may not actually lower costs overall, it is easier on your pocketbook, since you can split up the cost over multiple payments.
2. Negotiate Rates
Don’t be afraid to negotiate a little bit when looking for the best deal. Even though a company quotes you an amount, that doesn’t mean they won’t budge on it.
If you use a company’s services regularly, you may be in a better position to get the company to come around. They’ll likely appreciate your continued business and want to keep you around.
If you’re new to this company, let them know just how much volume they’d get if they gained you as a customer. Show off how great it would be if you decided to work with them. Just don’t get too cocky while you’re doing it, or things may go the opposite direction.
3. Take Advantage of Discounts
Shipping companies may offer discounts, especially if you’re shipping a lot of stuff. Don’t be afraid to shop around for discounts. You can even ask the company directly yourself.
There may be discounts available that are just waiting for you to notice them, so don’t assume you’re already getting the best deal. If you can ship in bulk, do it. Shipping in bulk often brings discounts that you don’t even have to ask for.
4. Shop Around
There are plenty of shipping options available to you, so don’t think you’re stuck using a specific company. Instead, shop around to make sure you get the best rate.
Comparison shopping is best in just about any circumstance, and the same principle applies here. You may be wasting money if you don’t see what else is available.
Don’t get caught in the trap of defaulting to what everyone else uses. As long as the shipping service is secure, trustworthy, and time efficient, go with your cheapest option!
5. Look for Pick up Services
Some shipping companies will pick up your packages. This means you won’t have to figure out how to get the package to the shipper.
Make sure this extra perk is free of charge, though. Some companies may charge for this service, while others will not.
Taking advantage of free pick up services allows you to devote that time to other things, which indirectly saves you money. Plus, it won’t cost you the gas or effort it would take if you did it yourself.
6. Offer Free Shipping
This may sound counter-intuitive, but hear us out. Have you ever added something to an online shopping cart but abandoned it when you saw alarmingly high shipping costs? So have we.
You definitely don’t want your customers doing that. If you want customers to follow through with their purchases, you’ve got to have reasonable shipping prices.
Even better, offer shipping for free. This will keep your customers buying and finishing out those purchases.
The secret is, you should only offer free shipping for orders over a certain dollar amount. That way, you’ll also drive up sales, which will help recoup the costs of you covering the price of shipping.
7. Use a Fulfillment Company
Fulfillment companies help you cut costs in multiple ways. You won’t have to worry about storing items and filling your own orders.
Plus, fulfillment companies have great shipping rates. You’ll be able to take advantage of those rates if your work with a fulfillment company.
8. Print your own Postage
Printing postage may be pricey, depending on the size of the package or envelop you’re sending. Save yourself some cash by printing the postage yourself instead of having another company do it for you.
9. Use Flat Rate Shipping
Flat rate shipping may save you money, depending on your item. The cost is based on the size and weight of your product. In turn, you can offer flat rate shipping for your customers.
Don’t jump on the flat rate bandwagon without gathering some info, though. You’ll find different rates across different carriers, so shop around to find your best option.
Shipping Solutions for Small Business Owners
Owning a small business can be exciting, and even a dream come true for many business owners. When it comes to shipping, though, it may seem that small businesses are out of luck when it comes to cutting costs.
Luckily, this isn’t true. There are money-saving shipping solutions for small business owners.
Now that you know what some of them are, go ahead and put them to the test! You’ll love the money you save, and your customers will love their savings too.
If you fulfill your own orders you’ll need to include a packing slip. for a free, printable form!
