With more consumers embracing ecommerce, shipping has become a critical function of any business that sells and distributes products. But, while packing up products and sending them on their way may seem straightforward enough, the shipping process is fraught with potential issues that can lead to delays, damages and dissatisfied customers. However, many of the most common shipping mistakes are easily avoidable with some preparation and best practices. Today, we’ll highlight the top five shipping mistakes and how to avoid them, keeping your customers happy and your bottom line healthier. Let’s dive right in.
Mistake #1: Mailing products with poor or inadequate packaging.
This may include:
- Using a too small or too large box to place items
- Not protecting fragile items with extra cushioning materials
- Providing insufficient padding between items in a box and between the items and the box walls
- When reusing a box, not removing or concealing old labels
- Failing to use strong tape designed for shipping
Improper packaging is one of the most frequent culprits of shipping damages and delays. As such, start by considering the fragility and weight of the item being shipped when selecting your packing materials. All major shipping carriers advise using sturdy, undamaged boxes with all flaps intact and double walled boxes for heavier items. If reusing a box, remove or cover old labels. Then, make sure to use enough filler material, such as polybags and bubble wrap, to keep your item(s) from shifting within the box. Once the item is safely nestled, seal your box using the “H” taping method, applying shipping tape equally across the edges. Following these guidelines can help you avoid the common pitfalls of improper packaging and ensure your products arrive intact.
Related: Loss prevention enhanced by careful packing
Mistake #2: Shipping packages with improper labels or incorrect information.
This may include:
- Using incorrect or incomplete address information
- Failing to include a return address and contact information on the shipping label
- Improperly printing and attaching shipping labels to packages
- Skipping fragile, hazard or special handling labels
Sure, this mistake may seem obvious at first glance, but oversights are common and can happen to anyone. In order to avoid significant delays or even lost shipments, always double-check the recipient’s address, making sure to verify that the address is complete and accurate before shipping. It’s also best practice to include a return address and contact information on the label. Once you’ve verified all shipping information, make sure the shipping label is printed clearly and, along with any other necessary labels, attached securely to the package to ensure it reaches its destination without any issues. Taking the time to confirm that all information is correct and properly attached can help save you time in the long run and prevent costly errors.
Mistake #3: Overlooking shipping costs.
This may include:
- Relying on a single shipping carrier
- Using unnecessarily large boxes
- Incorrectly listing the package weight
- Failing to consider all costs, including packing materials and extra handling fees
When businesses fail to properly account for all shipping costs, they risk unexpected expenses that can significantly erode profits and impact their bottom line. For starters, the idiom of putting all your eggs in one basket certainly applies here; by relying on a single shipping carrier, you could be missing out on potential cost savings. Different carriers offer varying shipping rates so you can save money by shopping around and hiring multiple carriers. Make sure to use the shipping calculators provided by all the major carriers to determine the most cost-effective option. Most importantly, though, remember that you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Effective shippers measure key factors of their shipping operations continually, including average weight per shipment and total shipping spend. They also understand that subtle changes like using a box with dimensions that subject it to oversize fees can dramatically impact costs. Keep your eye on the bottom line and find smarter ways to reduce shipping expenses.
Mistake #4: Failing to communicate with customers and provide shipping transparency.
This includes:
- Using shipping services that don’t provide tracking numbers
- Not keeping customers informed about their order status, shipping details and potential delays
- Promising unrealistic delivery times
One critical shipping mistake that can severely impact customer satisfaction is the lack of transparency and accurate delivery projections. Failing to provide tracking information and promising unrealistic delivery timelines sets the customer up for frustration and the business for lost future sales. Fortunately, the solution here is straightforward. First, based on your shipping methods and location, make sure you set accurate delivery estimates from the get-go. Then, leverage shipping services with tracking capabilities — providing customers with a way to stay updated on the status of their order goes a long way in keeping them happy and informed. Remember that transparency builds trust. By prioritizing accurate shipping projections and transparent, open communication with your customers, you can meet expectations and safeguard your reputation as a reliable business.
Mistake #5: Ignoring shipping insurance.
Some consequences may include:
- Lack of protection against the damage or loss of high-value shipments
- Liability for damages that could put your business at risk
- No safeguard against the costs of shipment re-delivery or replacement
When shipping high-value or fragile items, one of the biggest risks a business faces is potential damage or loss of products during transit. Even when following shipping best practices like proper packaging and labeling, accidents can still occur; and although many shipping carriers offer basic liability coverage, these policies often have low claim limits and exclude many types of damage. Thus, ignoring shipping insurance is a costly mistake few businesses can afford. This is why Parcel Insurance Plan offers comprehensive door-to-door coverage tailored to your needs, providing the ultimate safeguard so you can ship confidently and avoid catastrophic losses. Don’t risk it — insure your shipments.
Smooth and safe shipping
Don’t let preventable mistakes undermine your product and your reputation. Efficient shipping is possible! Follow the tips outlined above to keep your shipments — and your business — sailing smoothly. And remember, Parcel Insurance Plan offers tailored policies to protect your high-value packages, offering you and your business much-needed security and peace of mind.