Category Archives: Shipping Fulfillment

Traditional consumers may not realize there’s a difference between shipping and mailing, and maybe it’s not something they’re dying to know about. However, for those in the logistics industry, it’s a topic of interest. When searching for a logistics partner, how do you know what their services entail if they use the term “mailing” vs “shipping?” Is there even a difference to be noted? The short answer: yes. To learn about the difference between these seemingly identical terms, keep on reading.

There are many things to consider when setting up an e-commerce business. Some of these include delivery arrangements, inventory and stock locations, and finding the most cost-effective and least time-consuming way to organize products. Although many companies use drop shipping for their e-commerce web sites, there are many disadvantages of drop shipping that you should be aware of. Here’s what you need to know about the risks of drop shipping.

As you know, free shipping has become one of the most sought after and expected additions for consumers when shopping online. While the impact of free shipping on sales can be amazing, some companies don’t always have ways to offer free shipping to their customers. E-commerce businesses can generate even more business when they offer free shipping, from encouraging repeat purchases to attracting new clients altogether. Here are a few ways you can implement free shipping into your e-commerce strategy. 

Free shipping has become an expectation from online shoppers, rather than the bonus it once was. Offering free shipping options can be advantageous for your business, but there are certain things you’ll need to keep in mind when implementing it—things like the cost of free shipping, free shipping conversion rates, and how to advertise your free shipping all play a part in how valuable it ends up being for your business. The benefits of free shipping can be immense, but owners need to assess all of the associated risks and ensure they introduce it to their e-commerce business appropriately. Check out these common mistakes, and make sure you avoid them when offering free shipping.

Online shopping and e-commerce have become synonymous with sales culture in 2017. More and more people are choosing to browse the Internet over browsing the aisles, which is why e-commerce is such a booming industry right now. Since online shopping has become so popular, it’s become increasingly difficult for online retailers to win the loyalty of customers. A strategy many companies have used is to offer exclusive deals to online shoppers to encourage them to choose their store. One of the most common perks offered is free shipping—it’s become so common for companies to offer this that it’s now expected, and those who don’t offer it are seen as the exception rather than the norm.

The terms “shipping” and “delivery” have become more popular with the rise of e-commerce. Online shoppers often assume these two terms are synonymous when, in reality, their meanings are completely different. Whether you’re an online retailer or a consumer, it’s important to note the difference between shipping and delivery. As a retailer, you should be clear about letting your customers know what their shipping and delivery dates are to avoid complaints and unhappy customers. In addition, online shoppers should make sure that they observe both dates when ordering somethings online in order to avoid disappointment—especially if their item is time-sensitive. We’ve outlined the definition of shipping vs. delivery, so if you’re unsure of the difference, just keep on reading!

If you’re wondering how to figure out shipping and handling costs for your products, there are some important factors to consider. Product type, weight, dimensions, handling time and cost, customer location, and competition should all be considered before determining your average cost of shipping. Finding a middle ground between charging what benefits your business—and pleases the customers—is the mark you should strive for. Additionally, there are different ways to charge for shipping, and some may be more suitable to your target customers than others.

Technology has allowed for dramatic improvements in e-commerce business and enhancements to supply chains and logistics have improved delivery performance for the big-box retailers like Walmart and Amazon. This has caused customers to begin wanting—and in some cases, expecting—a larger number of services when they engage in e-commerce. Meeting these expectations and desires is an excellent way to improve the e-commerce shipping experience, but understanding what to do and how can be tricky. This guide will break down some of the more common expectations among the modern customer, and then offer some e-commerce shipping best practices to help you develop the best shipping solutions and fulfillment.

Shipping can be a complex and costly part of e-commerce businesses. Not surprisingly, this is why shipping is often looked at when it comes time to find ways to improve savings and profitability. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce shipping costs that any e-commerce enterprise can take advantage of. Follow just some of these tips for reducing shipping costs, and you’ll begin to enjoy a more efficient and profitable business. 

Every year sees rising shipping costs as a result of both inflation and the shipping carriers making changes to try and optimize their profitability. On the plus side, these rate increases will help the carriers continue to grow and improve service. On the down side, you will be paying more.

What Are the Rate Increases for 2017?

All of the major shipping carriers, FedEx, UPS, and USPS, will have shipping rate increases going in to 2017. Depending on the exact service and provider, the rate increase will vary but it is generally between a 3.9% (from USPS) and 5% increase (from UPS). FedEx isn’t so much raising rates as adding additional types of surcharges to its dimensional weight structure.