eCommerce Shipping

Can You Lower Shipping Costs by Reducing Package Sizes? A Comprehensive Guide on Ways to Reduce Sizes of Package For eCommerce Shipping [2024]

Shipping costs form a significant part of the overall expenditures that eCommerce businesses need to incur to successfully fulfill orders. While it is a necessary and unavoidable cost, practising a few sensible strategies can enable sellers to save a large amount of money, which is especially crucial for small and medium-sized businesses that are already operating on thin profit margins. We can reduce shipping costs in a variety of ways, but one of the most attainable ones is by reducing package sizes for every shipment. It may not seem like an obvious solution but if every package comprises a reduced footprint on the delivery vehicle, more parcels can be added and delivered in the same shipment, rather than needing multiple attempts. A large portion of shipping costs is calculated depending on the size and weight of the shipment. By having small package sizes, retailers can offset additional costs by either having smaller package sizes or using the extra space to ship more orders. In this blog, we will take a more detailed look at the importance of reducing package sizes, how it can help lower shipping costs and 5 ways to enable small package sizes. Importance of Reducing Package Sizes in eCommerce Lowers Shipping Costs The primary reason for reducing package sizes is to lower shipping costs. Since shipping costs are largely determined by the size and scale of the shipment, having small package sizes can be beneficial to retailers by saving them a significant amount of money that they can then reinvest in other aspects of the business, such as product development and marketing. For eCommerce sellers that are in the process of expanding their services to other regions, having lower shipping costs due to reduced package sizes will enable them to offer lower prices to their customers, ship more orders in bulk and attain positive customer feedback as a result. Reduces the Amount of Packaging Material Needed By optimizing all the processes involved in packaging, retailers can reduce the amount of material they need for each delivery. eCommerce packaging generally requires many layers to keep the product safe and intact in transit, such as the product box, bubble wrap, plastic covers and the outer box. If the entire package is stripped of any unnecessary materials and is only delivered with the components that are needed, it will not only reduce shipping costs by creating smaller, less weighty shipments but will also reduce the amount of wastage that customers need to get rid off when they unpackage their order. Related Article: Eco-Friendly Shipping for eCommerce Companies in 2024 to Go Green & Be Sustainable Takes up Less Space in Storage and Transit We have already established that reducing package sizes enables lower shipping costs but the central way that this is achieved is through the use of lighter and smaller packaging. For instance, 1 large television will cost more to ship than 2 smartphones, even though the value of the smartphones may be higher. This is due to the fact that the television will take up more space in transit, thereby reducing the storage capacity of the eCommerce shipping company. Additionally, heavy items are more challenging to load and unload which increases labour costs. Therefore, it is important to try and store as many items as you can while shipping out orders. [contactus_uth] 3 Areas Where Reducing Package Sizes Can Lower Shipping Costs Weight One of the biggest trends in eCommerce shipping is the effort companies are making to reduce the weight of their packages, which can be done by removing certain elements such as bubble wrap or plastic. The heavier the package, the more costs they inspire due to the difficulties associated with loading and unloading them, shifting their position, and additional strain they put on the delivery vehicle, causing higher wear and tear, and lower fuel efficiency, not to mention the increased risks of them damaging other, more petite products. Dimensions When it comes to eCommerce, bigger does not always mean better. Larger packages are always more expensive to ship than their smaller counterparts. Therefore, it is important for retailers to find ways to reduce their package dimensions. A relatively well-known example of this would be the recent trend of smartphone manufacturers opting to ship their phones without headphones or chargers, initially pioneered by Apple. This has enabled box sizes to reduce dramatically, while devices themselves continue to get bigger. This allows companies to ship more of their products in the same cycle, reducing the number and frequency of shipments they require to fulfill a certain amount of products. Handling Packages that are larger in size translate to many physical constraints such as more workers required to load or unload them, or heavier vehicles needed to transport them. For instance, maybe 50 boxes of a small product, such as AirPods, could be loaded onto a vehicle by the time it takes to load 5 washing machines. This is one area value isn’t directly associated with size as smaller products are often more expensive than larger ones. To make product handling easier, faster and cheaper, consider investing in lightweight and more durable packaging materials so that products can have the same protection, without the added bulk. 5 Ways to Successfully Reduce the Package Sizes of Your eCommerce Business Optimise Your Product Placement The way a product is placed inside a box can have massive implications on its overall footprint. Analyse your product's dimensions and figure out the most efficient way to place it inside of its original box. This will automatically reduce the size of the outer storage layers. Practices like vertically stacking product elements on top of each other instead of side by side can have a positive impact on reducing package sizes. Source Bundle Similar Products / Orders Together One way to reduce shipment sizes is by placing similar products or orders together. For instance, if a shipment comprises multiple beauty products, they can all be packaged together in the same overall consignment. Similarly, if many orders are placed from the same location, all the products needed to fulfill those orders can be bundled together (also known as product bundling), which will result in a reduced shipment size as opposed to having scattered packages for the same order location. Source Use Custom Packaging Solutions Custom packaging services offered by 3PL companies can immensely help in creating small package sizes. In contrast to companies like Amazon that just have a standard package design for every order, regardless of the nature of the product, customized packaging can tailor every aspect of the package to your liking. This will enable products to be packaged more optimally, taking into consideration the design and dimensions of the product. Additionally, you can have more control over how you highlight your brand. Source Reduce the Use of Plastic Plastic packaging materials in the form of bubble rap and protection film can significantly increase the size and bulk of shipments. While products do require some amount of protection from mishaps that can occur in transit, a large amount of space can be saved by only cutting it down to the bare essentials. You can also conduct research into how to make boxes stronger so that they will be able to withstand more pressure rather than relying on heaps of plastic materials within the box. Source Opt for Multi-Function Packaging If you sell a wide range of products with similar sizes, consider having one standard box design that you can use among all of them, with just the design and product information varying based on the product. Additionally, you can make your packaging itself double as the brochure instead of including a separate one. There are also a wide variety of box designs that can fold in when stored and expand when unpackaged. Source Conclusion: Can WareIQ’s Services Help Reduce Package Sizes for Your Company? If you need to reduce your logistical and operational costs, shipping expenses would be a good place to start. To enable significant savings on shipping and last-mile delivery, reducing package sizes to their smallest possible occupancy is essential. eCommerce packaging generally comes with a lot of bloatware that is ultimately wasted once the product is unpackaged. It is important to ascertain what materials are essential to keep the product safe and what materials can be removed to save space. Additionally, how a product is placed in a box can also have an impact on its size. By having small package sizes, you will be able to reduce the amount of space that is taken up by each SKU, resulting in lower shipping costs and additional space to place more items. If you are an eCommerce retailer that needs assistance with reducing package sizes to lower shipping costs, WareIQ can be the answer you are looking for. WareIQ is one of the fastest-growing eCommerce fulfillment companies in India. We provide a swathe of solutions encompassing every aspect of eCommerce. In terms of reducing package sizes and lowering shipping costs, we offer the following solutions: Custom Packaging We provide all our customers with custom packaging facilities so that they can offer a truly personalised experience to their customers. You can choose to highlight your brand, choose your design, colour, materials, product placement and much more. We can help offer your customers a one-of-a-kind unboxing experience while also reducing package sizes to help you generate more space in storage and transit. Partnership With Multiple Shipping Companies We have partnered with 20 of the largest shipping aggregators in India. We will automatically assign the fastest route and most cost-effective delivery option for every order. If there is a delay with any provider on any route, we will transfer the order to the next-best option, ensuring that your orders are always delivered on time. Additionally, you can avail of bulk discounts if your orders are over a certain threshold. No Order Restrictions We do not impose any minimum or maximum restrictions on your inventory, either in storage or transit. You can simply opt for the amount of space you need in any of our fulfillment centers or transport vehicles and pay for what you use. Additionally, you can add or remove space according to your requirements. Reduce Packaging Sizes: FAQs What are all the factors that affect shipping costs?- Delivery speed- Distance- Package dimensions- Shipment Weight- Handling fees What percentage do shipping costs generally make up of the total costs of an eCommerce company?Shipping expenses can easily comprise 15 to 20% of a company’s total expenditure so it is important to reduce them as much as possible. Why are bigger items more expensive to ship?Bigger items are more expensive to ship because they are more cumbersome to load, unload, handle and take up more space in a delivery vehicle, thereby reducing its overall capacity to store other products. What are the predictions for shipping costs for the remainder of the year?Shipping costs are expected to fall at least 30 to 40% compared to 2020. Does WareIQ offer any other fulfillment services?Yes, WareIQ offers a wide suite of eCommerce solutions such as inventory storage across a nationwide network of fulfillment centers, warehouse management through our custom WMS, last-mile delivery, reverse logistics, an app store and much more.

October 10, 2022

What Are eCommerce Operations? A Detailed Guide for Operations Professionals on Functional Aspects & Best Strategies for eCommerce Operations Management in 2024

eCommerce Operations are the foundation of any organisation and the function that makes things happen. And a lot is going on in the background regarding eCommerce operations. An eCommerce operations manager must enhance eCommerce processes that directly increase gross margins. Managers can wisely allocate essential resources to deliver the most value to the business by prioritising profit-generating eCommerce operations. According to statistics, Global retail e-commerce sales were estimated to be around 4.9 trillion dollars in 2021. Over the next four years, this amount is predicted to increase by 50%, reaching roughly $7.4 trillion by 2025. eCommerce has contributed to more than 40% of the rise in retail sales in the US alone, and by 2040, experts predict that 95% of all purchases will be conducted online. The operations manager significantly influences the growth of an online brand. To ensure that your operations can fulfil customer expectations and keep expanding, you must maintain a constant watch on the market, your rivals, and the wants of your clients. This article provides a detailed analysis of eCommerce operations and how to enhance eCommerce operations for productivity and growth. What are eCommerce Operations? All components of online goods sales and shipping are referred to as eCommerce operations. Successful online retailers are defined by having a solid eCommerce operations plan. Your ability to address essential eCommerce operations and sales components, such as order logistics and fulfilment, domestic and international shipping, and inventory management, is crucial to developing an efficient eCommerce operations management plan. Making your eCommerce operations strategy as clear and thorough as possible is essential because it enhances the likelihood that purchases will be finished and delivered on time, keeping customers happy and ultimately improving your business. Source Significant Functional Aspects Involved In eCommerce Operations Management Since its start, the eCommerce sector has expanded incredibly quickly to reach its present status, defined by a solid market position. Due to this process, new difficulties have also evolved in the worldwide landscape of eCommerce operations. Merchants must change to remain competitive and gain an edge over their rivals. The problem that most eCommerce merchants now confront is simplifying their business operations seamlessly. Here is a list of business tasks retailers can use to create a successful and efficient eCommerce operational workflow. Order Management Online stores have replaced traditional physical businesses as the norm in eCommerce. As a result, the need for multichannel order management has grown due to this transition. It is getting more challenging to handle and execute your orders when there are hundreds of sales channels available, whether they are marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy or sales channels like Shopify, Magento 2.0, or Woo-commerce. Therefore, their most significant chance of remaining competitive is to have the capacity to manage orders across several digital channels. This helps eCommerce businesses both attract new clients and keep their current ones. Product listing, inventory management, order placement and processing, billing, payment collecting, fulfilment, shipment management, and communication are all included in the multichannel order management process. Import all your orders into one location: eCommerce shop owners with a fully integrated order management system can monitor and manage their orders from a single platform. As a result, they can stop logging into different portals to check on the status of their orders.Address verification: An automated address verification method is necessary to limit the number of failed deliveries, accounting for up to 10% of eCommerce package deliveries.Printing shipping labels and invoices in bulk: For anyone selling goods online, batch processing and mass printing shipping labels and invoices are essential. Thermographic printers make these processes simpler. [contactus_lilgoodness] Inventory Management A robust platform and successful inventory management system like Inventory LogIQ can help an eCommerce firm reach its highest potential. The two most essential factors in an eCommerce business are time and money. Companies can save both by using a centralised inventory management procedure. Furthermore, it provides companies with Accurate forecasting: An eCommerce business might profit from monitoring customer wants during a specific season and concentrating on marketing campaigns.Product Evaluation: Separating the products in high demand from those that aren't is just as important as anticipating. Long-term inventory storage of the latter can be dangerous for an eCommerce store's ability to sell. As a result, businesses can offer tempting discounts when buying such a product.Relationship between an eCommerce firm and its suppliers: A successful relationship between an eCommerce business and its suppliers is crucial. This guarantees the timely delivery of goods. Additionally, it is a good idea to have fallback plans. As a result, if the primary suppliers cannot ensure on-time delivery for some reason, the secondary suppliers can do it quickly, maintaining the positive perception of your brand among your target market. The ideal contingency plan should provide effective inventory management and serve as a conduit between eCommerce stores and their customers without jeopardising the interests of either. Including this information in the terms and conditions not only allays client concerns but also facilitates future business transactions by saving time, money, and hassle. Warehouse Management Warehouse management includes monitoring all aspects of eCommerce operations, from staffing to equipment and inventory management. Receiving, storing, and tracking inventory are only a few of the procedures involved in warehouse management. Other activities include keeping an eye on the flow of finished items into and out of the warehouse and managing their effectiveness. The flow of inventory and other activity across a warehouse (i.e., what is being received, stowed away, fulfilled, and sent and by whom) is frequently tracked using a warehouse management system (WMS). With a WMS, manual processes are eliminated, time is saved, and a more accurate picture of what is happening inside a facility is provided without needing ongoing warehouse audits. In addition, operations managers can track their success and find areas for improvement using the data collected from a WMS, which promotes supply chain optimization. Fulfilment and Shipping Logistics All these features are necessary for your system to fulfil your requests successfully. Serviceable Zip code management based on prepaid orders and cash-on-deliveryEvaluating shipping costs across various carriers and the services they offerReal-time tracking number and allocation Expecting to complete this manually may cause delays and mistakes. Additionally, clients demand error-free communication from eCommerce businesses in this digital age. Further, the success of an eCommerce business determines its reputation. Choosing a Product, Packing it, and Shipping It Successfully processing customer orders is essential to the success of an eCommerce firm. This must be carried out without fail. An exemplary implementation creates a win-win scenario for an eCommerce company and its clients. While the latter can reduce the possibility of product returns, the former can prevent the potential for mistakes in monitoring its inventory inventories, and using equipment like a barcode scanner to automate order picking and packing up can be beneficial. Order Shipping, Schedule Pickups, Tracking & Delivery Ensuring prompt item delivery is one of the critical components of order fulfillment in eCommerce operations. It aids businesses in creating a favourable reputation and long-term customer retention. In addition, utilizing the advantages of shipping management software can help the company grow. Fulfilment automation has emerged as one of the current trends, with eCommerce businesses becoming increasingly reliant on them. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense for eCommerce enterprises to use software and systems that do away with the laborious manual processes and facilitate the efficient completion of this activity. Returns Management Owners of physical stores encourage a "no return or no exchange" policy regarding purchases made there. They can avoid the inconveniences of product returns as a result. However, this is not true with online eCommerce retailers. Customers have the option to cancel their orders while they are in transit, as well as return things after delivery with eCommerce businesses. The former might occur for several causes, ranging from unsatisfied customers to the delivery of incorrect goods. Therefore, having a well-planned and recorded return management policy is necessary for eCommerce stores. To ensure that customers know what they can return and how it is ideal for making this remark under terms and conditions. Returning an ordered or delivered item must also be made clear in advance. One of the best methods for putting customers and business owners at ease is this. As a result, it leaves clients with a favourable impression of an eCommerce store. Commercial Accounting Keeping track of your brand's financial activities and ensuring your books are in order are crucial components of your eCommerce operations. This includes balance sheets and inventory write-offs. Inventory is the most critical (and frequently valuable) asset for eCommerce enterprises. Thus any anomalies in inventory counts can affect your bottom line. You may gain insights into your spending and earnings with accurate eCommerce book-keeping, making it possible for you to be ready for tax season. 6 Best Practices To Simplify and Streamline Your eCommerce Operations in 2024 With today's technology, we have many eCommerce automation choices to choose from to meet our business needs. The idea is very straightforward—using software to turn manual processes into automated workflows. Numerous tasks can be completed with technology without the involvement of humans. Examples include sending emails to many customers, creating support cases, and completing orders. eCommerce automation saves not only time but also money. Additionally, it means that eventually, the company team will have more time to concentrate on innovation, client satisfaction, and creativity. Let's look at six ways technology could make an eCommerce business function more efficiently. Multi-Channel Automated Centralized Inventory Management eCommerce Brands can optimise their supply chain and stop any losses during stock-out situations by using a cloud-based omnichannel inventory management system. Businesses can display their products on many eCommerce platforms and handle orders using a single dashboard that provides real-time access to stock movement with the help of an IMS. Eliminating the manual component from inventory management saves additional overhead costs that may be spent to grow the firm rather than risking human error. The following are the main benefits that an IMS offers: Reduce the amount of staff needed for daily operationsReduce overstocking and understockingPrevent misshipmentsHasten order fulfillmentAccurately estimate and plan inventoryDetailed inventory and sales reports Automated Accounting With Least Effort and Sales Identification A small sales team is one of the main advantages of a digital business. Automated processes and evaluation tools like a CRM can improve operations even with a small sales crew. For instance, gathering contact details, planning calls, and allocating follow-ups may all be done quickly and openly when a new lead is added to the system. Additionally, it prevents situations where several people are pursuing the same information, which is almost certainly a dead end. The sales staff can also record call details and outcomes, which could be helpful for follow-ups in the future. Some of the most well-known CRMs are Zoho, Hubspot, and Salesforce. Sales and accounting should always work together since book-keeping is never fun. There are several ways to keep track of accounts on your own, but you can pick one that integrates effectively with your inventory management system. Read more about eCommerce accounting software. Building Brand Loyalty With An AI-enabled Customer Service Consumer service plays a crucial role in building brand recognition and customer loyalty. There are several options for handling customers and automating the time-consuming steps in the process. One of the most popular ways to handle this topic correctly continues to be chatbots. By responding to a set of predetermined circumstances, triggers, and events, chatbots help automate client interactions. As a result, companies are quickly using chatbots for their customer-facing products. According to a Facebook poll, more than half of customers believe they are more likely to shop with a firm that offers live chat. Customers anticipate being able to quickly and easily find the information they require. Chatbots are merely a tool to achieve that goal. Additionally, several tools can quickly and cheaply integrate chatbots into social media accounts and eCommerce websites. Since they have been around for a while, chatbots have established themselves as a crucial component of any company's customer care strategy. Innovative and Seamless Payment Methods Powered by Technology Customers desire personalization and frictionless eCommerce experiences. Global consumers are anticipated to make 1.1 trillion non-cash payments by 2024 as they buy goods and services using a combination of web, mobile, and connected devices, according to Business Insider. The experience is smooth when individuals can make purchases online fast, effortlessly, and safely. Passive authentication techniques like face and touch ID are becoming more and more common as technology advances since they may be used to complete transactions since the user's credentials are already stored in their wallet. This holds for applications such as GooglePay, AmazonPay, PayPal, PhonePe, Paytm, and others. Giving clients the option to use digital payment methods improves the customer experience because it is easier and takes less time. Nearly all eCommerce businesses provide a choice of digital payment alternatives nowadays to speed up checkouts and improve consumer convenience. Switch to An Omnichannel Customer Experience It's become less important to test a product before buying it. The ease of a single-click purchase on eCommerce sites, brand recognition, social media presence, and general lifestyle affinity are essential factors in deciding to buy. Social media, online markets, and web stores are part of omnichannel retailing. Making sure that marketing strategies enable customers to convert across any sales channel is the aim of multichannel selling. Your company may offer a smooth customer experience if you have efficient automation technology at your disposal and an omnichannel strategy in place. One of the best instances of how organisations can utilise technology using an omnichannel strategy is Walmart's "order-by-text and chat services." Walmart offered a service that guaranteed same-day delivery and allowed users to place orders by text message alone. Although the service is no longer in use, it opened the path for other eCommerce firms to provide their clients with something remarkable. You can use various tools and methods on your online store to collect data, monitor conversions, and target messaging when executing an omnichannel marketing plan. Make Social Commerce A Part Of Your eCommerce Strategy Many firms use social media platforms for advertising. The accessibility, ease and reach that come with social media aids consumers in purchasing. 2018 saw the launch of Facebook Marketplace, which aims to take on Google Shopping, Easy, and Amazon. In addition, Instagram started using product tags in 2016 to make it simpler for consumers to identify the goods and prices they see in advertisements, and in 2017 Shopify and BigCommerce were integrated, directing shoppers to a website where they could make an immediate purchase. Select brands were given buyable pins on Pinterest, which resembles Instagram in functionality, in 2015, and the number of brands increased in 2016. In addition, to make it simpler to make purchases from several merchants at once, a shopping cart was also developed. Conclusion In conclusion, operating in the eCommerce industry requires balancing many competitors with matching client needs and expectations. The technology at our disposal now has the potential to automate repetitive work and expedite processes that call for more attention to detail. You can start using parts of it immediately and take your time selecting others, like an IMS or a chatbot, to boost your company's overall productivity and operational effectiveness. How WareIQ as a 3PL Fulfillment Partner Helps in Your eCommerce Operations Management? WareIQ, as a tech-enabled fulfillment partner, uses a fulfillment network that returns information to our clients so they can monitor inventory levels and orders as they are chosen, packed, shipped and delivered in real-time. Orders are automatically delivered to our warehouses once your store is connected. The product is chosen, packed, and dispatched (and tracking info is pushed back to your store and shared with your customers). WareIQ's fulfilment services assist you in time and cost optimization as well as the utilisation of the delivery process to surpass customer expectations and take control of a more significant portion of the client relationship. With the aid of WareIQ's fulfilment facilities, you can strategically distribute your inventory among our locations to deliver your products more quickly and affordably. By keeping inventory close to your target market, you can cut down on the shipping zones and expenses involved in sending orders to distant locations. With WareIQ's 2-Day Express shipping model, you can provide 2-day shipping across the country whether you ship from one fulfilment centre location or several. WareIQ delivers data and analytics to assist you with everything from year-end reporting to better supply chain decision-making. We do this to give you visibility into our operations and performance and to hold ourselves accountable. For example, we provide information on the fulfilment centres you should stock, the number of days your inventory will last before it runs out, the effect of sales promotions on stock levels, the average cart value, shipping costs, and transit times for each shipping option, your fulfilment costs per order, your storage costs per unit, and much more. Ecommerce Operations FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions What does a manager of eCommerce operations do?The eCommerce operations Manager acts as the cross-functional point of contact for Marketing, Operations, Finance, and third-party technology and fulfilment partners. For all eCommerce business lines, the incumbent is in charge of overseeing the fulfilment and orders-to-cash process. How can I make my eCommerce operations better?eCommerce operations can be improved in several ways. Automation and technology are essential in the age of on-demand logistics because they help eCommerce operations managers automate time-consuming tasks, provide visibility into business operations, and gather accurate real-time data to support business optimization decisions. What are the primary eCommerce operations?Storage, inventory management, order fulfilment, shipping, logistics, website operation and maintenance, marketing, customer service, and business accounting are among an organization's primary eCommerce operations. What does a manager of eCommerce operations do?To ensure that operations are carried out as effectively as possible, an eCommerce operations manager is in charge of organising, carrying out, managing, and analysing various procedures within the eCommerce supply chain. What are the advantages of a successful eCommerce operations strategy?An eCommerce operations strategy must be carefully planned to meet your business needs and customer expectations.Having a successful eCommerce operating strategy has the following advantages:A thorough eCommerce operations process and the plan are essential to support the growth of your bran:-Well-defined operations strategies increase prospects for growth. You may scale your eCommerce brand to meet rising consumer demand and enter the omnichannel market to serve more customers, thanks to growing sales volume and high order fulfilment.Greater backend efficiency results from effective eCommerce operations management:- Efficient fulfilment procedures result from an eCommerce operations strategy that handles every aspect of warehouse and logistics operations.Improved eCommerce services lead to better client relations:- Customer loyalty keeps your brand successful. Poor assembly, slow shipment, and inaccurate orders won't do much to attract customers. Carefully specified eCommerce operations greatly enhance a seamless purchasing experience. Customers are more inclined to choose your eCommerce site over rivals when orders come on time and are delivered exactly as described.

August 21, 2022

10 Simple Ways to Utilize Eco Friendly Shipping for eCommerce Companies in 2024 to Go Green & Be Sustainable

Biodegradable materials are frequently used to make eco friendly shipping supplies. According to studies, shipping emissions may account for 17% of all global carbon emissions by 2050. Having a well-thought-out shipping process is one of the most crucial components of running a successful online business. However, eCommerce businesses now need to take into account a new aspect of eCommerce shipping. Customers are starting to notice how their products are packaged and transported in light of how quickly the environment is being damaged and they are paying attention to companies who are making their deliveries green. This is where environmentally friendly shipping comes into play. Our environment can be severely impacted by how you package and ship your goods; if you can find ways to reduce this impact, you might even find that your customers become more devoted to you. This post will outline the value of eco-friendly shipping options in 2024 and how to go about implementing them. What is Eco Friendly Shipping? Eco friendly shipping refers to packaging that must be made of biodegradable materials that can be easily recycled, put to other uses, and break down quickly. It can also apply to tactics such as combining orders into a single shipment, adopting low-emission modes of transportation, and other strategies to reduce the environmental impact of shipping items. [contactus_gynoveda] Benefits of Using Eco Friendly Shipping Some online store owners are reluctant to make the following adjustments because they worry that raising costs to make up for more environmentally friendly operations will drive away their current clientele. However, it's crucial to highlight the statistics supporting it: More than two-thirds of consumers with a strong sense of purpose are willing to pay an additional premium of at least 35% when making sustainable purchases for recycled or eco friendly products.In addition, 73% of consumers said they would alter their buying patterns to lessen their environmental impact. Here are a few advantages of using environmentally friendly shipping supplies: Customers Have a Positive Response to Eco Delivery Brands that own and actively improve their operations to benefit the earth will succeed as retail patterns become increasingly digital. The trend toward internet buying is being driven by Millennials and Gen Z and the facts supporting it are fascinating: 67.1% of millennials said they occasionally or always research a company's ethics and sustainability policies before making a purchase.People take pride in their ability to balance potential environmental implications while purchasing, according to Business Insider.People have access to a wealth of information thanks to social media so therefore, it stands to reason that there is a movement to save the environment by choosing to purchase sustainable and environmentally friendly goods as well as goods that will have a positive social impact. Now more than ever, setting an example for a greener future is crucial. Cost Savings Can Result From Eco Friendly Shipping Once the changes have been made, eco delivery can help you save money, even though the initial expenditure may force you to reorganize your spending. The philosophy of eco friendly shipping is to only utilize what is necessary and to prevent waste at all costs. As a result, you will avoid paying for extra shipping supplies that you would otherwise need to buy for superfluous packaging. You Can Get Positive Brand Recognition You join the ranks of other businesses striving for a greener eCommerce landscape when your online store introduces greener solutions like biodegradable delivery options. You can flaunt your new, environmentally friendly packaging and highlight the ways in which you are reducing your carbon footprint. Even better, you can highlight your environmental awareness on social media. Due to your efforts to save the environment, you might become the next successful eCommerce brand. However, keep in mind that customers will not hesitate to criticize companies that use sustainability as a marketing gimmick. 8 Ways to Utilize Eco-Friendly Shipping in eCommerce and Be Sustainable Source Optimize and Reduce Your Packaging Making use of sustainable packaging is one technique to improve eco-friendly shipping. Additionally, compare the measurements of the product and the package to get more accurate delivery estimates. Be careful not to overpack items with extra packaging. It is not only economical but also environmentally friendly. Reusable shipping containers are provided by some businesses and they can be returned once the delivery has been completed. Reduce the size of the box and the materials used for packaging to ensure that your shipments are packed as tightly as possible, as long as this won't cause damage to your products). This helps you reduce waste while also lowering the dimensions, weight, and overall costs of a shipment. You can also check ways for custom packaging for ecommerce. Use Sustainable Materials You can make use of eco-friendly packaging from multiple different suppliers. Using materials such as recyclable air pillows rather than bubble wrap and packaging peanuts, which are more damaging to the environment, can help you provide eco delivery. FedEx is another carrier that makes use of green delivery trends. FedEx takes pleasure in using envelopes that include 93% or more recycled material on average. Additionally, the materials for their packages, white boxes, and brown boxes are recycled. Ship Orders in Bulk Group and ship tiny items together. Don't, for instance, sell makeup or little items like toothbrushes in individual pieces. Bulk shipping is less expensive than shipping little items individually. If online retailers need users to buy more things, their sales will increase. Additionally, it increases value for the customer. Customers must plan their purchases or split an order. The result for you is less shipping frequency, lower shipping costs, and potentially higher sales. Insulate Your Warehouses One of the greatest energy wasters in the storage process is the fact that warehouse walls are often built of thin metal components with low insulation. Thermal energy is lost during the winter due to ineffective warehouse heating. It is essential to spend money on the thinnest layer of insulation to prevent the need for too many air conditioning units to be installed in the warehouse. Additionally, a good ventilation system with large ceiling fans that evenly distribute warm and fresh air throughout the warehouse reduces the need for heating. Use Electronic Vehicles for Last-Mile Delivery It is well known that electronic vehicles have much lower pollution levels than conventional vehicles. Electronic scooters are becoming widely available so if you are really committed to eco friendly delivery, you can switch your last-mile delivery fleet completely to electric vehicles to reduce your carbon footprint. Use Thermal Printers Since no ink is used, choosing direct thermal labels is a more environmentally friendly label option and results in one less non-recyclable waste product. If earlier labels lacked an adhesive backing, thermal labels can replace them, saving both time and resources. A popular thermal label printer choice is the Zebra LP2844. Provide In-Store Pickup One benefit of in-store pickup is that the consumer has complete control over the time and place of the pickup. Customers can reroute and reschedule their packages to an access point location in conjunction with the delivery personnel. This enables the business to reduce their travel miles and thus, be more environmentally friendly. Partner With an Eco-Friendly 3PL Company There are many 3PL fulfillment companies that provide eco-friendly shipping services, which keep online consumer behavior in mind and provide the best sustainable shipping services. Partnering with them will help your company achieve its goals of reducing its environmental impact. While they may charge more than conventional 3PL companies due to the added costs associated with providing eco delivery, it will be worth it. 10 Environment-Friendly Packaging Materials to Help Your Business Go Green in 2024 Compostable Packaging The term compostable describes a substance's capacity to break down organically and return to the ground, ideally without leaving any harmful byproducts behind. Bio-poly mailers and plant-based materials (such as corn, sugar cane or bamboo) are typically used to make compostable packaging materials. It is crucial to remember that material must be able to decompose in a home compost within 180 days and in a commercial compost within 90 days in order to be regarded really biodegradable. Recycled Packaging Recycled packaging is another option for environmentally friendly packaging materials. These are products that give already-used plastics a second chance at being used. By reducing the need to gather raw materials, employing recycled materials helps you protect the environment and provide eco friendly shipping by reducing the quantity of waste that ends up in landfills. Corrugated Packaging Box fibers created primarily from trees and used in corrugated containers are referred to as corrugated packaging. They can be recycled seven to ten times to create new packaging materials. More corrugated packaging than any other type of packaging is also recovered for recycling. Numerous online retailers package and transport their products using corrugated packaging, which is commonly used in the business. Seaweed Packaging The gelatinous material agar, which is present in a range of seaweeds and algae, can be utilized as green packaging in a variety of industries, from corn to mushrooms to seaweed. Seaweed can be used as a thickener or as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin in the food business. Seaweed packaging might be the next big thing in eco friendly shipping because it is derived from a plentiful and renewable raw material. Cellulose Packaging Hemp, wood, and cotton are examples of natural materials used to make cellulose packaging. The substance is a sustainable replacement for plastic because it decomposes and can be composted. Because cellulose packaging resists moisture, food brands in particular favor it. Cornstarch Packaging As you might have guessed, items comprised of cornstarch are referred to as cornstarch packing. It is sustainable and biodegradable due to the fact that it is made from renewable resources and doesn't include toxic substances. Another wonderful substitute for bubble wrap and styrofoam is biodegradable packing peanuts, which are made from cornstarch. Recyclable Air Pillows Another excellent budget and eco friendly shipping package substitute for bubble wrap or styrofoam is inflatable air cushions. They come in a range of sizes and are perfect for padding packaged objects or filling gaps in boxes. Small bags that can be inflated, or "air pillows," are mostly made of air. Compared to alternative cushioning materials, this reduces the amount of plastic consumed in their manufacture and transportation. They are recyclable, reusable, and even biodegradable. Ensure you get air pillows that highlight biodegradability and are created entirely from recycled materials. Kraft Paper Wood pulp is used to make kraft paper. All varieties of wood, including resinous pine, are used to make kraft materials, unlike normal paper, which typically excludes this type of wood. Since almost all of the chemicals needed to create kraft paper can be utilized again, the production process is more environmentally friendly. Green Cell Foam A bio-based foam product created from cultivated corn cultivated is called green cell foam. You can get rid of it by putting it in water or by composting the substance at home or in commercial settings. As its name clearly says, green cell foam behaves very similarly to foam, making it the perfect choice for companies that need to transport their products with padding. Organic Fabrics You'll discover that there are many different types of organic fabrics available on the market, such as hemp, organic or recycled cotton, tapioca, palm leaves and many others. All of these materials are biodegradable and require only about 100 days to break down as opposed to a plastic bag's 10,000 years. These materials can be used for a wide range of other things besides bags, such as apparel. Conclusion To provide eco friendly shipping, every effort counts. Investing in the sustainability of your company now will benefit both the health of the environment and the future of your brand. To continue running a successful business while also taking care of the environment, keep in mind the advice provided above. If you assistance with eCommerce fulfillment, you can consider partnering with WareIQ. WareIQ is a leading eCommerce fulfillment company that provides multiple eco-friendly shipping facilities such as ultra-fast delivery, a nationwide network of fulfillment centers so that you can store products closer to customers, your choice of packaging materials and much more. Suggested Read: eCommerce Shipping Trends for Year 2024 Eco Friendly Shipping: FAQs How can delivery be done sustainably?Utilize more environmentally friendly solutions that minimize packaging waste to fit more things in each box, handle more deliveries with each vehicle, save money on packing and lower carbon emissions. Air pillows, compostable mailers and recyclable cardboard boxes are all examples of eco friendly packaging. What are the drawbacks of environmentally friendly packaging?Cost: Switching from conventional to eco friendly packaging can be rather expensive for many organizations, especially small ones.Contamination: The components of eco-friendly packaging are easily degradable but only when properly disposed of. What is eco friendly shipping?Eco friendly shipping is sometimes referred to as sustainable or green packaging. It employs manufacturing processes to cut down on energy use and lessen its negative impact on the environment. It is made of recycled materials, is safe for use around people and the environment and is simple to recycle. What substance is eco-friendly for eCommerce packaging?Generally speaking, natural materials like Tencel (produced from sustainable wood pulp) and organic cotton and linen (derived from plants) are more environmentally friendly than synthetic fabrics like Polyester and Nylon.

August 04, 2022

Top 7 Strategies to Deliver a Branded Shipping Experience to eCommerce Customers in 2024

People think an online seller earns a lot of money. Yes, they do, but how? Does the seller just make accounts on different online selling platforms and start his new journey? No! People might not know the process behind every single sale, but an e-seller has to put in a lot of effort and strategise accordingly. When a seller starts selling on multiple platforms through multi-channel selling, they have to do a lot both before and after the order gets shipped. They have to list their product, upload details category-wise, make FAQs on different selling platforms, etc. After this, the next process would be if they receive an order request. They need to pack it, take care of online payment, maintain inventory details, and a lot more. Among all, branded shipping is one of the most essential processes in online selling. It helps online sellers to make the process as personalized as possible and helps customers associate with the brand they have ordered from. What is Branded Shipping? Branded shipping is the shipping of a product by a seller to the buyer’s address which includes a process of using custom boxes, packaging slips & labels, sending order confirmation messages with tracking details, making product presentations highlighted, and adding various personalised touches. Experts believe branded shipping in ecommerce is an opportunity, especially for an online seller who cannot reach their customers directly. It helps them to increase brand presence and boost the recall value of a brand leading them to gain the mind-share of their customers and establish them as a brand. The primary objective is to safeguard the product through its movement with a delivery partner but it comes with numerous advantages. [contactus_gynoveda] How can your Business Offer Branded Shipping? A business can offer branded shipping by taking care of several steps: Offering Customised Packaging Packaging plays an important role in defining the impression on a consumer's likelihood to purchase the same product again. A seller cannot sell products without packaging. Packaging not only safeguards products but also adds value to your brand. A seller should always pack the product in customised boxes and bags. It takes into account the exact space needed, reduces the logistics costs, and increases brand presence. Sending order confirmation and tracking details The buyer should know their purchase details through tracking IDs. Every time an order is placed, the seller should send a confirmation of order placement to the respective buyer. It is helpful for both the buyer and seller. A buyer will get assured of his order and can track when they are going to get the delivery. At the same time, the seller can also track the product and get further insights into the status of the order and if the customer or the delivery partner is facing any problems. Sending an e-bill as well as a hardcopy E-bills have transformed the conventional way of giving a purchase receipt. An e-bill acts like a notification reminder for the buyer. In case the need arises to avail guarantee or warranty, it is easier to find than hard copies as they are susceptible to getting lost. In the threshold of the digital era, we have all kinds of people around us. Most of the time, consumers are not the final buyer. They sometimes buy for someone who is not internet friendly and still prefers physical buying. So for them, the bill gives a personalised touch from the seller's side by informing them about your company and brand. Using visual branding elements Without marketing, your product sales are incomplete, and visual branding elements are a tricky way of marketing if you are not in direct contact with your customer. It includes logos, imagery, typography, colours, packaging and messaging, among other elements. As an eCommerce seller, it gives you recognition in a crowd of other sellers on the same platform. It can help you emerge as a brand and later get identified as a brand. Partnering with branded logistics companies The biggest online retailer, Amazon, offers the premium service of same-day or next-day delivery, for their prime members. Ecommerce logistics is the key to the success of online selling. It is a big factor among sellers to partner with a good logistic company to sell and buy products. People having a bad logistic experience may not choose the same seller and platform and would rather opt to purchase the same or a similar product from a different website. Suggested Read: Find the Right logistics companies for your eCommerce Business. What are the Advantages of Branded Shipping in eCommerce? There are dozens of advantages of branded shipping for both the seller & the buyer. A few of the major advantages are listed below: For the seller Saves Time In branded shipping, you already have developed a system of packaging, delivering, and much more to the product, post-sale. You just have to send the product for delivery from your shop, warehouse or fulfillment center. Then it will get wrapped, packed, and sent via the best delivery partner. Features like checking shipment unavailability or product unavailability can save time, money, and energy for both buyers and sellers. Saves Money Yes, this system will save money too in comparison to an unorganised way of packing and shipping. Unnecessary packing can be saved by using custom packaging. The extra weight and paper usage can add up to significant expenditures for businesses over time. It can also help you save money on shipping. The majority of shipping expenses are determined not only by the weight of the package but also by the size of the box it is shipped in. Dimensional weight pricing is the accurate term for this. If a seller doesn't use custom shipping boxes, they're probably spending more for each item they send than they need to. These may not appear to be significant factors, but when multiplied by the number of units sold, they can add up to significant savings for any company. Adds Brand Value Premium packaging, fast delivery, brand presence on and in the box, tracking options, etc. makes each purchase hassle-free and unique for the customer which increases the brands reputation and value. The customer will want to keep choosing the same platform because of the positive experience associated with it. Increases Brand Visibility Packing slips & labels along with the product invoice in a customised bag/box with branded packaging tape, and neat packaging is a trick of advertising and marketing where a consumer will appreciate all the fine details. This gives a touch and feel experience to a buyer instead of having a look at it on some random sites. Enhances the Customer Experience A customer receiving an order with all the small details being taken care of, such as getting the purchase confirmation to posting a delivery review and return policy, will appreciate the effort. Many sellers do not care about such things but it matters a lot when we talk in terms of positioning for customer satisfaction. For the Buyer Ability to track order The buyer will have a sense of satisfaction if they have been informed of all the detailed information about their order. They can see the entire delivery process, which is one of the most important things in online shopping. Ability to contact the seller directly The detailed information about the order and brand makes it easy for a buyer to reach out to the seller directly. Most of the time, people refuse to buy a luxurious or an electronic item for fear of being cheated so this eliminates that fear. Offers a hassle-free Purchase A buyer who talks about the disadvantages of online shopping usually mentions the bad experience and problems faced during the purchase. Branding Shipping eases the process and makes it hassle-free for them. What are the Costs Associated with Branded Shipping? A good service that will give you several advantages, market your brand, protect your product then it will automatically become quite expensive. Every time you will have to purchase customised boxes, and bags as per the dimensions of your product, you will have to spend more for genuine tracking and will have to do a lot of compliances. So here is your business worth question arises: What to do now? You can do two things, either hire an expert if you are a single-channel seller, own warehouses with good inventory, partner with appropriate delivery channels, or you can just outsource an expert to do this all. Interestingly, the outsource channel may cost you less and give some extra features that you can not avail yourself of. These features are: Customised packagingOpting for the best delivery partnerGives you details about trackingReduces your cost of brandingManage your inventoryMake return policy easyEnhances post-purchase experience There are few businesses helping e-sellers with all the above services at an effective price that will cost less in a ratio per product compared to doing it by self. They save money because they do inhouse packaging, keep multidimensional bags and boxes, have their own fulfillment center, and eCommerce logistics experts to compare prices of different logistic channels with the fastest delivery, if the product got returned then they receive and keep it again at the fulfillment center which is quite cheaper than sending it back to the manufacturing units or warehouse and again ship it to some other buyer. These days they tell you, your fulfillment status and the return number(percentage) by the buyer which again helps you to choose to ship them or not. Top 7 Strategies to Deliver a Branded Shipping Experience in 2024 Use Custom Shipping Bags and Boxes The packaging supplies and shipping boxes can be ordered online and delivered right to the buyer's door, saving money for the seller. When it comes to branded shipping in eCommerce firm, the box is the first thing a seller should think about. This gives plenty of chances to make it a memorable aspect of the delivery process. From corrugated boxes to printed courier bags, tapes, and stretch film rolls, can give the products a branded look without sacrificing quality. Check out the custom shipping boxes for a variety of alternatives. Choose from a variety of sizes, colours, materials, and forms to create your ideal branded box. Customers are more environmentally sensitive than ever before, hence eco-friendly boxes are also accessible for shops. It ensures that the brand receives notice and that the shipping is more brandable. Include Packing Slips & Labels Two crucial components of branded shipment are branded labels and packaging slips. For many e-commerce businesses, they are only a means of improving brand loyalty and the transactional aspect of the e-commerce shipping process. Sellers might be wondering how a standard shipping label and slip contribute to branded shipment. Remember that anything a customer touches or sees has the potential to engage them with the brand. Give the package slips and labels the same attention to produce the perfect branded shipping. A well-planned packaging slip can help in expanding the business. The packaging slip is more crucial than the invoice because it ensures all aspects of a shipment, from purchase details to track, as well as identifying out-of-stock items, damaged items, and the package's worth. Packaging slips are one way to ensure branded delivery and manage customer expectations, regardless of how a seller handles their shipment. Opting for the best logistic partner One of the wealthiest people in the world guarantees you better logistics because he knows and has proved that the USP of online multi-channel selling will be the supply chain. We know logistics is the key to selling online, and being in your business you may not be a logistic expert then what to do now? Here, you should play smartly. You are not a logistic expert so get partnered with experts, and now your product has an equal better post-purchase service. Send Order Confirmation & Tracking Details When a buyer places an online order, they should receive an automated email immediately confirming that their order has been received. They should also be notified about the order status. It is important for informing the customer of the branded shipping experience. It also raises the chances of customers returning to the seller's website and encourages signups. It helps in gathering consumer information to evaluate which customers convert the best. Highlight the Product Presentation The presentation of the product inside the box is just as critical as the exterior. This necessitates the use of high-quality packing materials, as well as consideration of the product's size and shape, as well as the shipping box. The usage of separators within the box improves the appearance of the products. A seller may create a terrific unboxing experience that your consumers can post online. By using a certain colour scheme, look up some popular unboxing and product presentation ideas and keywords to discover which ones have attracted the most attention. Add a Touch of Personalization The easiest method to amaze a consumer is to add a personal touch to your shipping boxes. Consider the brand and let buyers know the company is paying attention to them. Including a thank you letter in the shipping box will demonstrate how much the company values its customers. Furthermore, employing customised options might enhance the consumers' unboxing experience. Allow customers to take their time enjoying the things they've ordered. Although this may appear to be a minor action, it has the potential to earn sellers a fantastic reputation. In today's competitive environment, how sellers brand their unwrapping and shipping experience has a direct impact on your customer's experience and perception of that brand. Box Inserts Once the box is opened, will you take this moment to present your customer with something in addition to what was ordered? This stage in the fulfillment process is often overlooked, but it can greatly enhance the customer’s experience of unboxing their order. Here are some different options and ideas for box inserts: Personal touches At volume – handwritten notes aren’t feasible, a printed note card is more than adequate to evoke a similar welcoming feeling. Consider taking this opportunity to thank your customer or formally welcome them to your brand.Even packing slips can be personalized with a signature or stamp that says, “Packed for you by ____.” This reminds customers that your business is run by real humans who care about the customer experience. In an increasingly automated world, these simple human touches can make your brand stand out. Postcard inserts Feature a call to action, such as an invitation to join a social media contest.Ask customers to document their experience with a photo of their new products.Share your company’s origin story or brand values.Include an on-brand quote or introduction.Companies that offer high-touch support can invite customers to contact customer service with questions or feedback.Promotional material such as a discount code for future orders will encourage repeat sales and maximize a customer’s lifetime value. Gifts Delight your customers with an unexpected free item such as stickers, freebies, or other bonuses. If your products can be distributed in sample sizes, this is a great cross-sell technique to introduce your customer to a new or complementary product. For the proper effect, the product sample must be of interest to the specific customer segment, based on the product ordered. Random or non-complementary gifts can have an adverse effect and may appear to be a tool for liquidating stale inventory. Post purchase experience Companies are now putting more emphasis on customer service than on product and pricing. It's all about driving new sales for numerous brands. When clients click the buy button, the mission is complete! Isn't it time to rejoice? Not so fast, my friend. The seller's work is just getting started. The truth is that post-purchase touchpoints determine whether or not a buyer becomes a lifetime customer. The fact holds whether you're looking at it via the objective lens of lifetime value or the subjective lens of customer experience. If a brand can keep a customer satisfied for 100 days, the average customer will stay for five years. It's time to get serious about the post-purchase experience if your company sells products or services online. Conclusion: How Does WareIQ Help eCommerce & D2C Brands Deliver a Branded Shipping Experience? WareIQ offers a variety of services to eCommerce Retailers and can help deliver a high-end branded shipping experience to their customers. From our state of the art app store to custom shipping badges to inform customers of the estimated delivery time, WareIQ has got you covered. With our comprehensive branded tracking system, you are able to: Get a unique customised tracking URL Integrate customised tracking links to your website and let customers track their orders on your website. Intelligent marketing placements to cross-sell/up-sell Turn your order tracking links into a profitable marketing channel. Create cross-sell/up-sell opportunities, drive repeat, and educate customers. Store links on your tracking page Convert customers back to your site by adding links to your website on the tracking page. Shipping journey and order tracking Get full shipping journey and real-time order updates on the tracking page. Gather feedback from customers on the shipping experience Customer Reviews App collects feedback from your customers & gives you an insight into the brand performance that can help you increase customer retention & loyalty, cater to the problems highlighted by dissatisfied customers faster & improve brand perception. Shipping Badges Shipping badges appear on your product pages that helps customer check pin code serviceability and the expected delivery date for any product. The WareIQ App Store is well-designed and is enhanced to be as user-friendly as possible to allow customers to browse through all our apps, consolidated within the app store with just a few taps. With convenient navigational tools, fed with live data of your business performance, our app store offers users next-level capabilities to get the most out of their eCommerce business & offers best branded shipping experience. Some tools that we offer are listed below: Provides you with more tools in your arsenal to boost your eCommerce operations and make the supply chain your competitive advantage.Acts as a centralised portal, empowering you to manage all the stages of your eCommerce fulfillment and shipping operations from WareIQ platform directly.Shed down the inefficiency, inconvenience and complexity of working on multiple non-integrable apps. Our suite of powerful applications can easily integrate with your eCommerce workflows and systems, thereby opening new avenues to scale up your business.Leverage AI-ML powered analytics, fed with live data, for smart demand planning, smart inventory placement and network optimisation to enable same/next-day delivery for our customers.Helps you reach out to your customers on the right channel at the right touchpoint, and build trust with your customers through transparent communication and seamless engagement.Build customer loyalty by ensuring a delightful post-shipment experience for your customers. 300+ brands, such as The Man Company, Future Group, Kama Ayurveda and Wingreens Farms, have trusted WareIQ as a reliable partner in their growth journeys. No minimum order quantity requirements make it suitable even for small businesses, having low order quantities, to take advantage of the latest trends such as next day delivery and same-day delivery. The onboarding process is simple, convenient and less time consuming, while the pricing policy is clear and transparent. WareIQ also undertakes strict safety precautions at its warehouses and complete ownership of the operations, thereby minimising the risk exposure of WareIQ customers. Thus, WareIQ will definitely prove to be a more reliable and trusted long-term fulfillment partner compared to dropshipping and conventional 3PL companies. [signup] Branded Shipping FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) What is branded shipping in ecommerce?Branded shipping serves to strengthen your company's identity while also telling its unique story. Branded shipping is a way of providing superior post-purchase or post-ship experience to online shoppers. How to provide branded shipping experience to your customers?• Go for custom packaging boxes• Add packaging slips and labels• Share timely order tracking information• Try including something to add personal touch• Make sure that products are presentable What is custom packaging?Customer packaging is packaging used by your brand to ship products, it should reflect your brand’s identity every time. Does WareIQ offer branded shipping experience?Yes, wareIQ offers a comprehensive branded tracking system through its app “Branded Tracking” and branded shipping experience through real-time communication updates regarding order status, custom packaging, shipping tags & shipping labels. Why is labeling a product important?A label serves as identification to an otherwise nameless item and aids in right products reaching the right customers that further creates a trust between brand and the customer.

July 27, 2022

The Importance of First Attempt Delivery and 3 Methods to Increase Your First Attempt Delivery Rate (FADR) in 2022

In the vast world of eCommerce retail, one of the most crucial aspects is to ensure that customers receive their orders on the promised date and time. Delayed order delivery can result in confusion regarding the customer being present at the location, someone being available to receive the order, the delivery executive trying to contact the customer to clarify the location and so on. This is why it is in every retailer’s best interests to try and deliver orders according to the ETA mentioned to the customer to be able to have a smooth receipt of the order by them and to avoid further implications such as initiation of returns, dissatisfaction caused by longer delivery timelines and inconvenience caused to all parties involved because of the inability of the order to be successfully delivered. In this blog, we will go over the meaning of first attempt delivery, its importance, the main reasons for its occurrence and 3 important methods for retailers to increase their first attempt delivery rate. Read along. What is First Attempt Delivery? First attempt delivery is classified as the initial attempt of a last-mile delivery partner to fruitfully deliver an order to a customer, regardless of whether they are in the position to receive it or not. The number of first attempt delivery attempts can vary depending on factors such as the customer’s availability, if there is someone on the premises that can accept the order on their behalf or if the delivery partner has arrived either before or after the scheduled delivery date and time mentioned by the order tracking software. The number of last-mile deliveries that are successfully fulfilled by a company is known as the first attempt delivery rate (FADR). It is beneficial for retailers to have a high FADR as this indicates that most orders are fulfilled seamlessly, without any errors occurring from either end. Conversely, a low FADR can spell trouble for a business as this can often mean more return initiations, customer displeasure and negative reviews online. [contactus_lilgoodness] Importance of First Attempt Delivery Improves Customer Experience Online shopping customers in this day and age are accustomed to instant gratification due to same-day and next-day delivery becoming the norm and eCommerce retailers constantly striving to find ways to cut delivery timelines even further. Thus, when a delivery is delayed and does not arrive on time, it further amplifies the negative impression that customers will have of that business. When a first attempt delivery is successful, customers will have an overall positive opinion of their whole interaction with a company, as this reiterates how effortless and less-time consuming online shopping can be. Mitigates Added Expenses If a first attempt delivery isn’t successfully accepted by the customer, retailers will have to shell out additional resources on subsequent delivery attempts, which can instantly add up costs. If an order has to be re-delivered multiple times, the general costs associated with the delivery process can triple, reducing the profit margin of the business in the process. A successful first delivery attempt reduces the need for any of these additional costs and retailers can focus on fulfilling other orders instead of being held up in trying to deliver prior orders. You can also read : How to reduce shipping costs? Enhances Brand Image If a company has a high first attempt delivery rate (FADR) and has a ton of positive reviews from previous customers relating to their order delivery experience, it enhances the brand image of the company and inspires confidence in new customers that they will receive their orders in a punctual manner. This can increase conversion rates as potential customers generally trust the opinions and experiences of existing customers, which leads to overall satisfaction and an increase in the popularity of a brand. Helps Gain a Competitive Advantage When a brand has consistently positive reviews regarding first attempt delivery, it will instantly garner a favourable reputation among new customers, compared to a company that is flooded with negative feedback and complaints. Customers spend hours trying to find the best possible deals and if they are assured that they will get better service with one company than its competitors, they will gravitate towards that company for their requirements. Main Reasons for Failed First Delivery Attempts Incorrect Address Information A large portion of the success of first attempt delivery depends on whether the location details are accurate. If the wrong address is entered in the system or is given by the customer, delays in delivery become inevitable due to the need for the delivery executive to find the new location and travel there. Wrong Contact Details Imprecise contact details can have a drastically negative impact on first attempt delivery due to the fact that customers will not be able to be contacted in the event of a delay or if the wrong location details are given. Instead of the delivery executive being able to contact the customer and clarify any queries relating to the location or other details they might have, they may have to send it back to the warehouse and try again on another day. Unforeseen Circumstances Order fulfillment is subject to many factors that are not within the control of the retailer or the delivery partner. Common unforeseen occurrences include vehicle breakdowns, traffic congestion, road repairs and protests or festivities causing road blockages, among many others. Unavailability of the Customer The main reason that inhibits first attempt delivery is the unavailability of the customer when the delivery partner reaches their location. This can be due to multiple factors, some of which can be attributed to the retailer, such as delayed delivery, earlier arrival than the specified ETA or problems in finding the location but can also be the fault of the customer themselves, such as not being physically present due to other commitments, not informing family or friends to collect the parcel or mistakenly giving the wrong address or contact details. 3 Key Methods to Increase Your First Attempt Delivery Rate Consolidate All Your Information Collating all the information about a company’s logistical and operational processes, especially relating to last-mile delivery, and also all the data about the specific order can have a positive impact on their first attempt delivery rate. This ensures that all the information needed by the delivery executive to have a successful first attempt delivery is at their fingertips and can reduce the number of errors or mishaps that occur during the fulfillment process. Employ Real-Time Order Tracking Advanced order tracking software can help significantly in increasing the first attempt delivery rate of a company. By making all the tracking information about the order available to both the delivery personnel and the customer such as the stage of fulfillment, real-time updates when the parcel enters a new phase and any cause of delays or revisions in the ETA, both parties will have a better idea of when the first delivery attempt will be made and the customer can make the necessary arrangements to ensure that the order is picked up. Automate Important Processes Automating processes using advanced software solutions such as sending notifications to customers every time there is an update in the order fulfillment cycle, ensuring that the delivery partner is present to pick up the order when it arrives at the dispatch point and making sure that they have all the relevant information regarding the delivery location and contact details of the customer, increases the chances of the first delivery attempt of being a success. Conclusion: How Can WareIQ’s Offerings Help Improve Your First Attempt Delivery? First attempt delivery is an extremely important aspect of order fulfillment and the success of the company as a whole as it determines how efficiently and frequently they can fulfill orders. If a company has a high first attempt delivery rate, it generally indicates that the time taken to fulfill each order and the costs involved are reduced. On the other hand, if a company has a low FADR, it conveys that the cost and time involved in delivering each order are higher than it needs to be and this can result in fewer sales and reduced profit margins. These factors can have a large impact on the operational capacity of a company. If you are an eCommerce retailer and need help with increasing your first attempt delivery rate and any other eCommerce requirements you may have, you can place your faith in WareIQ. WareIQ is one of the country’s leading eCommerce fulfillment companies. We take advantage of advanced technology in every department relating to eCommerce fulfillment to ensure high rates of success and fewer mistakes or errors. Some of the ways that WareIQ can help to improve your first attempt delivery are as follows: We offer intelligent inventory placement in a pan-India network of fulfillment centers and dark stores to ensure that your inventory is located close to your customers and major transport hubs, which reduces delivery timelines.We offer an advanced WMS that can track your inventory across multiple fulfillment centers and can integrate with more than 12 of the biggest eCommerce marketplaces.We provide branded tracking facilities that can be customised as per your requirements to give you and your customers an enhanced order tracking experience.We have partnered with more than 20 of the largest shipping aggregators in the country and always ensure the quickest and most cost-effective delivery for every order. Give your first attempt delivery the boost it needs to be successful by partnering with WareIQ. First Attempt Delivery: FAQs What is first attempt delivery important?Delivering an order in the first attempt can save a business a lot of time, hassle and money and also saves their customers a lot of inconveniences. Overall, both parties benefit when an order is delivered and accepted on time. What is last-mile delivery?Last-mile delivery involves the on-ground picking up and delivery of an order from the final warehouse to the customer’s location by a delivery executive. What happens if a first delivery attempt is unsuccessful?The delivery attempt will be marked as failed, which indicates that the delivery executive attempted to deliver the order but was unsuccessful. The order will then head back to the warehouse from where there will be attempts to deliver it again until the customer receives it. Why is order tracking necessary?Order tracking provides insights into the journey of a parcel to the customer that ordered it. This helps reassure the customer that it is on its way and they can ensure that they are available to collect it to avoid unnecessary confusion. Does WareIQ offer other eCommerce solutions?Yes, WareIQ provides a whole range of services from storage and inventory management to shipping and last-mile delivery using advanced technology.

July 19, 2022

What is Peak Season Shipping? 10 Proven Ways to Prepare eCommerce Stores for Peak Season Shipping in 2024

Businesses often wait for peak season to expand their operations, launch new products, open new branches, and more. The peak season has a lot of potential to generate sales and revenue. Businesses see it as an opportunity to populate their brand, clear stock, generate leads, and store data. Peak season sale is a familiar term for everyone who shops online but the people involved in setting it up know that it is a complex task and requires perfection in terms of planning and execution. Initiating the fulfillment process after getting multiple orders during peak season becomes more of a challenge than an opportunity. Learn the ins and outs of peak season shipping including the challenges, opportunities, planning, and factors to be taken care of before a big event. What is Peak Season Shipping? Peak season shipping or peak season fulfillment is the term that refers to fulfilling eCommerce orders during peak season when there are a high number of orders. The time of the year may differ depending on location, season, festival, culture, celebratory events, etc. During peak season shipping, retailers have a large number of orders to fulfill due to growing customer demand during that period. At this time, sales velocity is at its highest. It is a testing time for supply chain efficiency, inventory planning & management, 3PL fulfillment partners, and a seller's skills in order management. Any disruption can result in late delivery, damages, lower revenue margins, bad customer experiences, and ultimately downgrades a seller's ratings. [contactus_lilgoodness] Peak Season Shipping Challenges When you have a high number of orders, you have more chances of making mistakes during peak season shipping so let's look at some challenges that retailers face: Fulfilling Orders at a Fast Pace Fulfillment companies and sellers usually provide same-day and next-day delivery as one of their USPs which is quite a difficult task to achieve when you have high sales velocity. Peak season fulfillment is a trying time for retailers because every department will be struggling to meet its quotas due to the increased demand. On the other hand, customers continue to demand ultra-fast peak season shipping to take full advantage of the season. Lack of Staff During Holidays As the name suggests, seasonal sales occur during special times of the year so a large part of the workforce may want to take leaves which puts extra strain on retailers. This is not just limited to supply-chain staff but also employees that handle picking, packing, inventory management, and other processes. To counter this, a seller can ask their staff to work reduced shifts, provide incentives on orders and give their staff a bonus post-sale, based on their performance. High Expectations From Customers During peak season, customers expect to receive their orders before a specified time period. In India, peak season shipping needs to meet customers' expectations as they often plan ahead and expect to receive their orders before the start of a holiday season or festival. Risk of Product Damage Damage can occur during peak season fulfillment while storing, picking, packing, shipping, delivering, and managing returns. When retailers need to provide peak season shipping for a large number of orders, they cannot provide personalized care to each item because it will take extra time. They are under pressure to provide delivery services at the same pace while having to fulfill a much larger number of orders than any other time of the year, which leads to more careless handling of products and thus, there is more scope for mishaps to occur. Limited Amount of Warehouse Space While providing peak season shipping, you have more items to deliver which means that the sales velocity is high and you need to have an appropriate amount of inventory and enough space in the warehouse to store it. Keeping only a few items in stock can result in product shortages and storing more items than the warehouse capacity allows can result in product damage and deterioration. Incompetent Supply Chain Processes An incompetent supply chain could be your biggest challenge during peak season fulfillment. An order that is not fulfilled properly leads to customer dissatisfaction. If a logistics company does not deliver on time or damages the product in transit, there is a high chance of the customer returning the product and giving negative feedback to your business. The customer may never think of ordering from your business again which could result in other customers not giving it a chance. 10 Proven Ways to Prepare Online Stores for Peak Season in 2024 Plan in Advance To plan ahead of time and prepare online stores for peak season, arrange all of the data, create and implement planned promotions and figure out how you will handle the surge in demand. You can optimize stock levels and make smarter decisions about when and how much to reorder for each SKU by estimating demand. Though inventory forecasting may never be 100% precise, there are things you can do to bring your projections closer to reality such as analysing seasonal historical data, considering upcoming promotions and expected demands, and tracking fast-moving vs. slow-moving products to optimize stock levels. In the case of a stockout, you will have to set up a mechanism that immediately identifies products that have a low level of stock and that are out-of-stock in your store, so both you and your consumers are aware of the current availability of stock. If you have dead stock, you can launch a promotion or a flash eCommerce sale to clear it out and create space for in-demand products. Use Dropshipping & Direct Fulfillment Dropshipping, also known as direct fulfillment, is a business strategy in which online retailers, with the help of their merchants, distribute products directly to customers, without assistance from 3PL fulfillment services. Here, an eCommerce seller does not purchase or store inventory with them. They list it on their websites, generate sales, and take care of peak season shipping directly to the customer from their supplier or supply chain network. The dropshipping fulfillment process involves: eCommerce sellers listing items on their website or other selling channelsBuyers ordering a product from any of the platformsThe buyer is informed about the order placement and if there is an additional shipping feeSeller replicating the order with the supply chain network and keeps the vendor in the loopVendor or fulfillment companies pick & packing the order and ship it directly to the buyer Utilise Technology A simplified tech stack can increase peak season shipping speed while improving order accuracy. It also delivers accurate data in real-time that can be integrated across multiple platforms. Before you begin peak season shipping, add the following technological elements to your supply chain: Warehouse Management System (WMS)Inventory Management Software (IMS)Order managementSupply chain managementAutomated order processingRTOs and Returns management Partner With a Trusted 3PL Provider It's difficult to meet seasonal demand on your own and leasing your own warehouse can be costly and time-consuming. From inventory planning to returns management, working with a 3PL like WareIQ gives you access to premium technology and direct connections with major eCommerce systems. It's never too late to include technology in your supply chain if you want to optimize it before peak season fulfillment. Partnering with a 3PL can make the hectic season a lot easier to handle by providing the following: Ability to focus more on core business operationsFulfills orders on behalf of youTakes care of multi-channel sales orders Gives you multiple eCommerce warehouses and intelligent inventory placementProviding technological benefits and monitoring of your business from a single platformTake care of COD orders and settles transactions within a weekEnsures same-day and next-day delivery Utilize Multiple Shipping Carriers You can increase your peak season shipping flexibility by using different shipping companies. However, collaborating with various shipping carriers can be time-consuming and it may cause you to fall below the minimum shipping threshold required to receive discounted shipping prices. Fortunately, a 3PL like WareIQ can assist you by giving you the choice of a variety of logistics firms like BlueDart, DTDC, DHL, etc. This will allow you to optimize your shipping strategy without having to manage things on your own. WareIQ also negotiates bulk shipping costs so that you can benefit from the savings. Use Multiple Warehouses Across Different Locations If you work with a third-party logistics company, you will be able to distribute inventory across different fulfillment centers, lowering shipping costs and shortening transit times in the process. WareIQ has locations all across the nation. It gains access to data tools and helps you determine which regions are generating the most sales, so you can improve your inventory allocation plan accordingly because every location is driven by the same technology. You can match consumer expectations by using a distributed inventory technique to offer competitive, rapid and economical delivery choices such as same-day or next-day delivery with a minimum spending threshold that exceeds your average order value (AOV). Calculate MOQs and EOQs During peak season shipping, you need to have a good amount of inventory to fulfill the orders of all your buyers. Also, you must take care not to buy more inventory than is necessary to avoid your money being held up. To provide the ideal peak season fulfillment, you need to calculate the number of items you need to keep. There are two major ways to do so: Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) The economic order quantity (EOQ) is a method used to determine the actual inventory quantity to order. It is calculated after taking into account product demand, unit pricing, and holding costs to assist sellers in figuring out the order quantity. The purpose of EOQ is to help sellers figure out how many products they need to meet demand without overordering and raising their holding costs. A seller must have a good grip on the following to make this method work: Order costs – Cost per merchandise orderDemand rate – Sold units during a certain periodHolding costs – Expense for holding the product The EOQ formula is : EOQ = Square Root of [{ 2 (Order Costs) X (Remand Rate)} / Holding Costs ] Source Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) The minimum order quantity (MOQ) is a method used for calculating the amount of inventory a seller should order at any given time. This is for the sellers who wish to be careful with their ordering habits or want to maximize their cash on hand while avoiding excessive inventory storing and spending. There isn’t a set formula to calculate MOQ but a seller can calculate the right MOQ for their business by: Calculating DemandBeing Aware of Holding CostsKnowing the Breakeven PointDetermining MOQ Prioritize Your Peak Freight Shipments Shipments can get delayed during peak season shipping. You need to inform your freight partner about boxes or containers that consist of higher-priority items. Before a shipment is rolled out, the relevant teams will be notified and they can help guarantee that higher-priority boxes or containers will be given extra importance. You can prioritize using a variety of factors such as securing prepaid orders first and then others. If you sell laptops and other peripherals, try to deliver the laptop primarily and other related products after that so that there will be fewer chances of order cancellation, RTOs, and unhealthy feedback. The idea is that your key product should be delivered first. Establish Reverse Logistics By making the returns procedure as simple as possible for the customer, you can enhance brand loyalty and retain customers. A positive returns experience may also inspire your clients to exchange their items, allowing you to avoid losing a transaction. To ensure you are not losing money, make necessary changes to your return policy. Examine which products are getting the most returns, figure out why and make modifications to the products and/or product descriptions to better meet expectations. Also, make sure you have a well-defined return and exchange policy in place that is easy to comprehend and accessible on your online store or product listings page at all times of the year. Opt for Damage & RTO Insurance A recent report from April 21 to April 22 shows that Indian buyers returned 73% of products after buying them online. Damage and returns can be more painful than having few or no sales. Here, the seller pays delivery costs and risks product damage in transit twice and in the end, they do not achieve the sale and no revenue is generated. So these days, online sellers not only have an option of taking insurance on the product but also on RTOs. In RTO insurance, sellers are paid a specific amount of money if the product gets returned. WareIQ’s RTO Meter shows the RTO requests of individual buyers. If any buyer in the past had not received a product then it would reflect on the RTO Meter. A buyer with high RTOs is not preferred and insurance companies do not cover them in the policy. How Can WareIQ Help You in Peak Season Shipping? Ensuring that every component of your supply chain is synchronized is the best approach to preparing for peak season shipping and satisfying consumer expectations. You can outsource fulfillment to a 3PL expert like WareIQ instead of operating a warehouse, investing in your own fulfillment software, and shipping orders yourself. Leave it to the experts and save time and money to utilize it in the long run. WareIQ does not just provide multiple warehouses and logistics. It is a full-stack eCommerce fulfillment service provider that operates across India. It empowers you to ensure your customers receive same-day or next-day delivery. WareIQ provides warehouse management, inventory planning and management, logistics management, and much more, with full transparency in terms of operations and supplying real-time inventory information. Our custom WMS integrates with leading eCommerce selling channels allowing sellers to have all of their order and shipping data in one place. WareIQ also assists you with your item purchasing list by determining the right quantity and the right time to procure it. [signup] Peak Season Shipping FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) How do peak seasons affect the supply chain?Demand and supply in the market have a direct impact on supply chains. This is true not only for seasonal items but also for peaks and falls in sales throughout the year, like a rise in sales during holidays and a fall during off-seasons. What are peak season charges?Peak season charges or surcharges are a temporary increase in the base shipment rate that major shipping carriers impose to cover additional operational costs during periods of high demand. The majority of surcharges are in the form of a flat price per package that varies between carriers. What peak season fulfillment facilities does WareIQ provide?When you are busy selling products on multi-channels and managing your eCommerce shop, WareIQ assists you by taking care of order fulfillment, shipping services, sending order confirmation mail/messages, and taking delivery feedback from buyers. It also includes product warehousing, picking and packing as well as reverse logistics. How do holidays affect the supply chain?A chunk of the labour force could be on leave or if your supply chain is on schedule for the holidays, your vendors' supply chains with their manufacturers may be severely disrupted. When Is Peak Season?It generally depends on the location, season, festival, culture, celebratory events, etc. But in general, it happens to start in August and goes till the end of autumn, probably till Thanksgiving. Can a seller outsource to WareIQ during peak shipping season?Yes, a seller can outsource WareIQ during peak shipping season and any other time of the year. It's never too late to get partnered with WareIQ as a fulfillment partner.

June 15, 2022

What is Free Shipping In eCommerce? How To Offer Free Deliveries in 2024 For Your Online Store in 10 Ways?

eCommerce Shipping stores are a common sight in online shopping. Instead of wandering around in physical stores and fighting amongst crowds, fulfillment sellers can sell whatever their products at great convenience from the comfort of their offices or homes. For many merchants, free shipping (also known as free distribution, or free delivery) is an added draw that helps them build customer loyalty and lower shipping costs. However, it's not just enough to give away the goods; there needs to be a strategy behind putting this offer together. Free deliveries are a marketing strategy for eCommerce fulfillment companies. In today's competitive online world, many small businesses plan to offer free shipping or at least find ways to lower shipping costs - but it can be hard to understand how to apply this successfully in a real-world scenario. Warehousing and Fulfillment can be tricky for eCommerce logistics, especially those that rely on warehousing and D2C fulfillment companies. However, there are many benefits of free delivery - from increasing customer retention rates to receiving appreciation from your customers. This article will outline how you can provide free shipping and lower shipping costs to your online customers in 2024. What is Free Shipping in eCommerce? Free shipping is a fantastic feature for online shoppers. It allows customers to get their items without paying any extra fees. It can be a great way to attract new customers and make them feel appreciated. Ensure you have accurate shipping information on your website and offer free shipping on qualifying purchases. Use promotional codes and discounts to incentivise buyers to make purchases that qualify for free shipping. It will help you reach your MOV requirement faster and increase the number of customers who receive free shipping when they make a purchase, which will enable a higher rate of customer retention and acquisition. [contactus_gynoveda] Why Should Online Stores Offer Free Shipping? Online stores can evaluate both flat rate shipping or standard shipping offered by the 3PL players & then decide which kind of shipping will help them offer free shipping to their online shoppers. Read the blog on flat rate vs standard shipping to understand the differences. Free Deliveries are a great way to attract customers and keep them returning to your online store. Offering free delivery on all orders can help you gain loyal customers and make more sales. There are many reasons online stores should offer free delivery, but four of the most important ones are listed below: Helps Increase Your Customer Base When you offer free deliveries, you tell customers that you value their business and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that they're satisfied with their purchase. It makes customers more likely to return and recommend your store to their friends. Boosts Your Sales Figures If an online retailer has many shipping options, they can better cater to the sizes and needs of their consumers. The availability of these different shipping methods equates to a higher sales rate. In 2017, eCommerce warehousing giant Amazon reported that offering free shipping increased sales by 27%. That's a massive boost for any online store and it demonstrates just how important free shipping is for attracting customers. Can Increase Profit Margins The shipping charge should be available both on the product page and at checkout to maintain an ongoing cost from product page to checkout. If an extra shipping charge deters a customer, they may abandon their shopping cart. Offering free delivery or at least providing lower shipping costs makes it even cheaper for customers since they don't have to pay any additional fees associated with shipping. Plus, if you have a lot of regular customers who order large items, free shipping can save them money. Shows Your Customers That You Care Many online stores offer free distribution on orders on a specific retail value to show their customers that they're valued and appreciated. Offering free delivery is one way to show your customers that you understand the importance of their business. 10 Different Ways to Provide Free Shipping to eCommerce Customers in 2024 There are a few different ways to offer free deliveries by eCommerce fulfillment to customers. Here are some examples: Use Voucher Codes If you have voucher codes that you offer your customers, you can include them with orders or offer them as a separate product. This way, customers can get access to lower shipping costs or free shipping without spending extra money on more purchases. Offer Free Returns If you offer free returns, you can make it so that customers who return items receive free shipping. This way, customers won't have to worry about paying for shipping twice – once for the original purchase and again for the return. However, use this policy sparingly if your business incurs the logistics cost. Provide Free In-Store Pickup If you have a brick-and-mortar store, you can also offer free in-store pickup for online orders that are above a certain amount. This way, eCommerce customers can take their purchases home without having to pay for shipping. Offer Exclusive Deals on Free Shipping Sometimes, it's beneficial only to offer free delivery on specific items or particular year periods. This way, you can promote your products and keep your customer base loyal by offering exclusive deals with the benefit of free shipping. Use Social Media to Promote Free Shipping You can use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to promote special deal. This way, you can attract new customers and keep your existing ones happy by offering free shipping on their favourite items. Offer Minimum Requirements You can always specify minimum requirements that customers need to meet in order to take advantage of free shipping. This could result in more sales as customers try to reach these minimum requirements which will result in more revenue for the company. Offer Free Shipping to Certain Locations You can offer free shipping to certain locations that meet your expectations for the amount of demand and confirmed orders that they yield. It will help to increase demand even further in these areas, while mitigating increases in shipping prices as orders can be shipped in bulk and you can take advantage of large scale discounts offered by shipping companies. Provide Free Shipping During Specific Seasons Certain seasons result in more demand and more products sold than others. In order to make your customers happy and not risk your bottom line by being too generous, you can offer free shipping only during seasons that result in a large number of sales for your business. Suggested Read: Peak Season Shipping Include the Shipping Fee in the Price of Products By doing this, you are able to maintain your profit margins and also make customers feel like they are getting a better deal than what they actually are since they assume that they are getting something for free. Use Memberships or Subscriptions as a Way to Entice Customers You can entice customers into signing up for memberships or subscriptions by offering perks such as free shipping and ultra-fast delivery. This will help to promote your products as well generate new sales. How Do eCommerce Brands Recover the Zero or Lower Shipping Costs? Brands that are not profitable enough to provide shipping free on all products can choose to offer bonuses with purchases so that customers will spend more and qualify for free delivery. Find Out How to Increase the Price of Your Product. When you are pricing expensive items, shipping may be more than the cost of the item itself and make the product seem overpriced. However, adding a little to the price of already expensive products might not dissuade customers from buying as it will still be cheaper than paying for shipping. Add markup to your products to cover the average shipping and logistics costs. It is hard to predict additional orders, so covering shipping might make it plausible for the other charges. Find Out How to Get Customers to Spend More Gradually Increase LTV, offer subscriptions and loyalty programs and consider effective email marketing strategies. Customers often need to make a second purchase to cover the cost of acquisition. For example, six will subscribe for a second transaction out of ten customers. If the customer's next purchase covers their initial expense, then anything after that is a bonus. Add Bundling or Lower the Spending Threshold to Increase Your AOV Bundle products together to be able to charge lower shipping costs. Include other benefits, such as buying a membership to the website to get more value and money from the customer's purchase. Increasing your AOV (average order value) will help you reach new customers and keep old ones coming back for more. To increase the average order value (AOV), you should bundle products together or pre-kit them, so it's a single pick and pack process to fulfill an order. For example, Bathorium, a manufacturer of bath frames, allows customers to purchase six for the price of five – this saves shoppers money and increases AOV. To avoid losing customers, consider raising prices if the cost of free shipping is too high. If you offer low-cost items or no subscription model with a product, you might require customers to have a minimum order quantity(MOQ) to receive free delivery. How Do I Know if Free Shipping is Right for My Online Business? Some stores have the flexibility to offer customers free shipping on all products. However, other stores need to offer free distribution as an incentive for customers for specific products. For instance, if your product is expensive, you should test free delivery/shipping out for that product by running a limited-time promotion. To promote or boost sales, experiment with the minimum spending requirements and time limitations. It will help you customise the campaign to your customer's needs. Remember, experimentation is critical when it comes to marketing, and you should always keep track of what is working by doubling down on it and stop or remove things that aren't working well. Free delivery likely indicates that retail fulfillment is profitable. If you keep purchasing and making returns, there's always demand for the product and shipping aggregation. Avoid excessive returns by examining the potential impacts and ramifications of your purchase. If you want to offer free shipping, lower shipping costs or make your entire shipping process more efficient, WareIQ can help. We offer the choice of more than 20 of the largest shipping courier providers in the nation at the most competitive prices to enable you to retain higher profit margins and provide a high quality delivery experience to your customers. WareIQ is one of India’s leading and fastest-growing full-stack eCommerce fulfillment companies that offer a variety of services from same-day and next-day delivery, shipping badges and RTO Shield, to state of the art technological solutions such as our custom WMS and our intuitive, well-designed app store. We can take care of your brand’s entire fulfillment service requirements and ensure that you and your customers get the best order fulfillment in the country and have a hassle-free experience and raise satisfaction levels to new heights. [signup] Free Shipping in eCommerce FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Is it worthwhile to provide free shipping?Free delivery is an increasingly common online shopping option in which customers do not have to pay an additional shipping fee. Customers who value clear pricing structures may welcome free delivery, making it a possible competitive edge for online enterprises. How significant is free delivery to customers?Free delivery makes up to 75% of consumers more inclined to purchase. This is because the incentive enhances the online experience and eliminates the barrier that shipping prices generate. Most importantly, customers consider free delivery to be easy and convenience influences their purchasing decisions. Does offering free delivery increase sales?Free delivery is a great method to increase your sales since customers adore it. They see it as an extra benefit that will allow them to save money when the time comes to buy. How does free delivery make money?Free shipping is used as a lever by smart merchants of all sizes to enhance conversions and average purchase values while minimizing the negative impact on revenue generation. Furthermore, free delivery might save customer care expenses for returns. When returning an item, customers frequently request that delivery costs be paid. How can eCommerce business lower shipping costs?• changing product packaging materials which in turn will help reduce the weight and dimensions of packages• decreasing shipping distance by using a network of multiple fulfillment and micro - fulfillment centers• get discounted shipping rates with a 3pl service provider like WareIQ Is free shipping actually free?There is no such thing as free shipping, the customer is paying for it in one way or another. There is a significant amount of money that has been used in shipping and handling of products, so it can never be free. Yes, there is no charge in the bill ~ shipping fee= 0 INR for shipping but it is compensated in the cost of the product or MOV or other. How do I offer free shipping for my online store with WareIQ?There are a few methods that online retailers such as WareIQ use to offer free shipping. One approach is to require a minimum purchase amount before providing free shipping. Other methods include charging additional fees for free shipping or offering different discounts for customers who choose to order products with free shipping. Since we offer users a choice of shipping companies, you can always ship your products at the most competitive rates.

June 07, 2022

How To Calculate Shipping Costs Instantly in 2024? 6 Top Factors Affecting the Calculation of Shipping Rates

The eCommerce shipping industry is constantly evolving and changing. As a result, the methods used to calculate shipping costs also change from time to time. It is crucial to be aware of the most recent changes and trends in the shipping industry to budget your shipping needs and calculate shipping/courier rates accordingly. It's no secret that the cost of shipping charges can be a significant factor in eCommerce sales. Nearly 60% of shoppers said they would abandon their cart if shipping charges were too high. With that in mind, it's essential to make sure that you accurately calculate shipping costs to offer competitive rates and avoid losing potential customers. Information Needed To Calculate Shipping Costs Know Your Shipping Zones One of the first things you need to do when it's time to calculate shipping costs is to determine which shipping zones your products will fall into. Shipping charges are based on these zones and distance from your fulfillment location and also range from local to international. Knowing which shipping zone your products fall into will help you calculate shipping rates. For example, local shipping is typically less expensive than international shipping. Use Flat Rate Shipping If you're looking for a simple way to calculate shipping rates, consider flat-rate shipping. With this method, courier charges are incurred, regardless of the weight or size of the order. Flat rate shipping can be a great option to keep your shipping charges simple and easy to understand for customers. Plus, it can help you save money on shipping if you have heavier or larger products. You Can Also Read: Flat Rate Shipping vs Standard Shipping Calculate Shipping Costs Based on Weight Another option to calculate is to base them on the weight of the shipped products. This is a common method used by many eCommerce businesses. While calculating shipping costs based on weight, you'll need to determine the average weight of your orders and then find a shipping carrier that offers rates depending on the weight of the shipment. Once you have that information, you can start to calculate your shipping costs. Make Use of Shipping Software Shipping software can be a great way to calculate shipping costs. Shipping software typically includes features like real-time shipping/courier charges and shipping label creation. Using shipping software to calculate shipping rates can help you save time and money on shipping. Plus, it can help you automate some of the more tedious aspects of calculating shipping charges. Get Shipping Quotes from Multiple Carriers When you calculate shipping costs, it's essential to get quotes from multiple carriers. This will help you compare rates and find the best option for your business. Getting shipping quotes from multiple carriers can be time-consuming, but it's worth it to make sure you're getting the best possible deal. You can use shipping software to get quotes from multiple carriers or contact each carrier directly. Keep these tips in mind to while estimating shipping rates and you'll be on your way to offering competitive rates that won't break the bank. [contactus_gynoveda] Factors to Keep in Mind Before Calculating Shipping Costs in 2024 Shipping prices may be tough to calculate since there are so many variables that influence the final cost. But, there are four key pieces of information that you'll need every time. You should be able to receive an accurate price if you have this information. Here are the four factors that may impact your shipping rates every time: Points of Origin and Destination for Shipping The distance traveled by a package from its point of origin to its shipping destination is an important element in determining the cost. In general, the greater the price, the more away you are. Shipping zones are used by couriers to properly calculate the distance a cargo travels from its origin to its final destination. There are now eight shipping zones in the United States, divided by zip code. Although it's a basic concept, you must first decide the location you are shipping from and the destination to which goods will be delivered before you can begin calculating prices. Gross Weight of the Package The deadweight of a package refers to its weight. Put it on a scale and find out how much it weighs. The more expensive it is to send a package, the heavier it is. But there's also dimensional weight to consider. This becomes more intricate and is determined by the dimensions of the box in which you are shipping the products. Dimensions of the Package The length, breadth, and height of the packaging used to ship the products are the dimensions. Because packages arrive in a variety of sizes, it's critical for eCommerce retailers to understand how this affects the price. Particularly when couriers charge by dimensional (or volumetric) weight as well. In a nutshell, this is the amount of room a product takes up in the delivery truck. To calculate the dimensional weight, couriers multiply the length, width, and height of your box, then divide the result by a cubic divisor of their choosing. It's a good idea to understand more about dimensional weight and how to save shipping expenses by optimizing your packaging. These modest measures will help you save money on shipping and receive a more accurate quotation for eCommerce businesses Shipping Delivery Times Delivery time refers to the time it takes for a product or cargo to arrive at its destination. Depending on the distance the cargo is travelling, this can range from overnight to over a month, & prices might vary accordingly. It will cost substantially more to get a parcel sent overnight than if you go for a typical 3-7 days delivery period. Before you settle on a shipping cost estimate, you'll need to determine how quickly you want your products delivered. Value of Products If you're delivering high-value items, you should consider having your shipments insured. Senders who have their packages lost, stolen, or damaged in transit can get reimbursed with shipping insurance. This service, while handy, can dramatically increase your delivery costs. Top 6 Factors Influencing Your Shipping Costs in 2024 Because of the many extra taxes dependent on the destination country, the size and weight of the shipment, and the duration of delivery, international shipping can get complicated. It's critical to do thorough research and properly calculate shipping costs so that your consumers aren't surprised by exorbitant charges, which is one of the leading causes of shopping cart abandonment in eCommerce. Insurance for Shipments If you're shipping costly items, consider obtaining shipping insurance to safeguard against items being lost, stolen, or damaged during transit. The majority of shipments arrive safely, but mistakes can happen, and if you're delivering high-value items, replacing inventory will cut into your earnings, so it's important to be insured. Couriers normally charge a little fee for this service - around 3% of the reported value of your package on average. Another option is to get shipping insurance from a third-party provider, which is usually less expensive. Through the Insurance Settings section of their dashboard, Easyship users can quickly add insurance to their shipments. Cost of Fuel When fuel prices, particularly diesel, are greater in a certain location owing to taxes, market pressures, or other geographical variables, shipping charges rise. When fuel prices fall, shipping costs should fall as well. Carriers may raise their charges to protect themselves from abrupt fuel price spikes if fuel costs are variable at the time you're shipping. Keep in mind that shipping across states is typically more expensive owing to gasoline prices. Fuel prices in each state vary widely depending on local and state taxes. The cost of fuel in your location may differ from the cost of fuel in the shipment area. Fuel surcharge calculators are used by some truckers to estimate these fees, which are usually added to shipping rates. Minimum Costs for Carriers Minimum tariffs apply to all carriers. Regardless of how tiny your package is, if it falls below that level, you will be charged the minimum. Before hiring a shipper or looking into alternative shipping options like FedEx and UPS, you should make sure you have a package that is larger than the bare requirement. Extra Charges If your package necessitates lift gates, inside delivery, residential delivery, or other access difficulties for drivers, factor them into your freight shipping prices. Dock-to-dock transportation is a specialty of commercial shipping. If you deviate from that, you will be charged for the inconvenience. Accessorial fees might range from delivery to a strip mall to appointments scheduled in advance. Make sure you're aware of all of the alternatives ahead of time and that you consider them in the price of each task. Related Article: Ways to reduce transportation costs Charges for Handling Dangerous Goods Due to the contents of the package, packing, weight, and dimensions, you may be charged extra costs. Chemicals, needles, weapons, and, most significantly, lithium-ion batteries for eCommerce businesses are examples of risky goods that a courier feels are dangerous to handle. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defines dangerous products worldwide, therefore that's the best place to look for an official list. If the parcel exceeds the standard dimension or weight, is constructed of a substance such as wood or metal, or is cylindrical, an extra cost may be charged. It's a good idea to double-check these costs before buying any boxes or containers. Taxes and Duties Before your cargo is delivered to another nation, you or the recipient of your product may be requested to pay extra customs and taxes. Duties and taxes may be charged depending on what you're shipping and how much it costs. These can be complicated and differ from nation to country. You should be aware of two sorts of responsibilities since they are frequently the source of hidden expenses. DDU Shipments (Delivery Duty Unpaid): The recipient is responsible for paying the duty in order for the package to be released from customs. If the recipient refuses to pay the taxes or refuses to accept the delivery, you, as the sender, are still accountable. This is why, as a trader, it's ideal to keep your overseas shipping charges as transparent as possible. It helps you save money.DDP Shipments (Delivery Duty Paid): The sender is responsible for paying the levy, however, the computation is more complicated. When the shipment reaches the destination country, couriers will charge a "DDP handling fee" for paying the taxes and customs on your behalf. The proportion of taxes and tariffs is used to compute a "disbursement charge." Yes, it's complicated, but at the very least, you'll know that the box won't be returned because the receiver doesn't pay or declines it.When the cargo reaches the target country, the couriers will charge you an extra cost for paying the Taxes & Duties on your behalf. Aside from the predetermined DDP handling charge for managing certain taxes and levies, one can expect a disbursement fee.Under-declaring items on a commercial invoice might result in extra charges and lengthy delivery delays. If the customs clearing agency feels the claimed value is less than the market value, a fresh invoice is frequently requested, which might result in additional costs. There may be additional warehousing fees for keeping the product if it is not received within the desired time range. In addition, if you under-declare the contents of the box, the courier may charge you. As a result, this is an area where you must exercise extreme caution and pay close attention to the smallest of details. Importance of Calculating/ Estimating Shipping Costs Accurately There are a lot of businesses out there that don't take the time to calculate shipping costs accurately. This can lead to many problems down the road, including lost customers and increased expenses. Here are just a few reasons why it's important to make sure you calculate your shipping costs accurately: You Could Lose Money on Each Shipment If you're not careful, you could easily lose money on each shipment you send out. You could either be charging your customers too much for shipping or not enough. In both cases, you're leaving money on the table that could be used to improve your business in other ways. Your Customers Could Get Frustrated If your customers are constantly overcharged with shipping prices, they could get frustrated. This could lead to them taking their business elsewhere, which is the last thing you would want. Make sure you're fair with your shipping charges, so your customers will stick around. You Could Run Into Cash Flow Problems If you're not charging enough for shipping, it could eventually lead to cash flow problems. You'll be spending more money on shipping than bringing in money from customer orders. Make sure you calculate shipping costs accurately so you don't run into any financial difficulties down the road. It Could Affect Your Bottom Line Your shipping charges will have a direct impact on your bottom line. If you're not careful, you could spend more money on shipping than you're making in profits. Make sure you're doing everything you can to keep your shipping charges under control, so your business can be successful. It Could Hurt Your Reputation If customers consistently have problems with your shipping charges, it could hurt your reputation. Hence, it's important to make sure you calculate shipping costs accurately. By providing fair and reasonable shipping charges, you'll be able to keep your customers happy and maintain a good reputation for your business. As you can see, there are many reasons why it's essential to estimate courier charges. If you're not careful, it could lead to many problems for your business. Make sure you take the time to calculate shipping costs to avoid these potential problems. How Do Major Shipping US Courier Models Calculate Shipping Costs Instantly? The three big shipping services have their own cost calculators. Many of the above elements are taken into account by each delivery provider in order to provide varied shipping price models and shipment methods. Here are the price models and calculators for three of the most popular shipping companies in the United States: USPS, FedEx, and UPS. United States Postal Service- Shipping Prices and Calculator Source The United States Postal Service is frequently the cheapest of the three carriers, particularly for ground shipment. USPS already delivers to your end client every day because they operate local routes every day and don't have to go out of their way to do so. USPS consolidated its two business pricing models (commercial plus and commercial base) into one commercial pricing model in January 2019. Shipping reductions of up to 15% off retail shipping and fees are available with commercial pricing. You must apply for this price model through the United States Postal Service. Check out USPS's mailing and shipping pricing to figure out how much shipping will cost you. How to efficiently utilize the USPS Shipping calculator: To use the USPS Shipping calculator, go to the USPS Postage Price Calculator website. You may use this website to estimate shipping costs for both domestic and international shipments. If your company mails are pre-sorted, you can use the USPS Business Price Calculator to calculate your shipping rates.Fill up the details with the specifics of your letter or parcel. Choose your letter or package's destination from the drop-down menu, then input ZIP codes, the sending date, and the contents of your package.Choose a shipping type. After you've input your shipment's data, you'll need to determine how you want to get it to its final destination. You can use the USPS Shipping Calculator to select a Flat Rate or a shape, such as a postcard, letter, big envelope, package, or large package. When you select a flat rate option, such as Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box, you'll see the estimated arrival date as well as retail and online postage charges. You'll be prompted to input the weight of your letter if you pick a form resembling a letter. Select the shape that most closely resembles your letter by pressing "Continue." Following that, you'll be provided the estimated delivery date as well as the retail and wholesale prices.Examine your shipping choices. You'll see the cost details for your chosen shipment type at this moment. By clicking "Display All Alternatives" at the top of the page, you may compare pricing for various shipping options.Additional Services, you may add extra services here, such as a Certificate of Mailing, Insurance, Registered Mail, and so on.To see your outcome, click "Continue." See how much it would cost to mail your letter or item to its final destination.Pay for your shipment's shipping and postage. Go to the USPS website. To pay for shipping and print the appropriate stamps, go to the Click-n-Ship page. You'll need to utilize an online postage provider like Stamps.com to print postage for First-Class Package Service, Media Mail, Parcel Select Ground, and Letters. Federal Express- Shipping Prices and Calculator Source If you want to ship some items by Federal Express but don't want to be surprised by the price, use the FedEx rate tool to eliminate the guessing. You can go over the many price alternatives at your leisure to discover which one best suits your delivery schedule. On their website, go to the Federal Express Rate Tools page. In the dropdown menu available in the Shipping box on the left-hand side of the web page, select one of the services offered for the destination you want to ship the package (the United States or International). If your shipping item is freight rather than a package, an option freight, is also available.By clicking on the relevant option, you may select the FedEx service speed you want to employ for this package (same day, overnight, 2nd day, ground). These options may be seen right next to the shipping destination selection.Choose between the standard rate type (where the item is delivered to your house or office) and the retail pricing type (where the box is picked up by you or your designee at a FedEx outlet in your region).Calculate your shipping prices by selecting the proper file type (pdf or excel) for your computer, then get your rates on the web page.Weigh your box to get an estimate of how much it will cost to send your item depending on your previous destination and service delivery time schedule choices. UPS - Shipping Prices and Calculator Source If you are thinking of sending your package through UPS then follow these simple steps to send your package through UPS: You must know the following two things before mailing any shipment: When do you expect your shipment to arrive? How much will your shipping cost? These are the two most crucial things to understand before beginning the shipping procedure. UPS has a calculator that may be used to estimate shipping costs and timeframes for various places around the world where UPS services are available. Follow the steps below to calculate your shipping cost for UPS carriers- Get straight to the UPS Calculator for getting freight and package rates. This webpage will assist you in locating arrival dates and shipping rates for all UPS shipments and freight services in over 150 countries. It also assists in locating UPS shipping charges for various countries where UPS services are available, allowing you to determine your precise range.Put the mouse cursor on the shipping tab from the site UPS official site ups.com.Select the Calculate Time and Cost from the drop-down menu.Fill in all of the needed shipping information in the form, such as the destination, shipment date, origin, city, and country.It will display the result for the information entered on the right side of the page.There are some extra fields on the right side as well. Fill in these data accurately and click the update button to get the shipping cost.You will now get the cost of the shipment based on the information you have provided. The following are some of the benefits of utilizing this UPS shipping calculator: You will be given a UPS shipping estimate in the currency of your country.You will also receive shipping information for several items.This webpage may also be used to determine the additional cost that must be applied to the shipment.Get a summary of the review rate in the form of a graph.You may sort your results by cost and time. You will also receive information about the delivery date, time, and cost of international shipping. Conclusion: How Can Businesses Reduce Shipping Costs With WareIQ? As a business, it is crucial to be aware of different ways to reduce shipping charges when you have to calculate shipping costs to stay competitive and keep prices low for your customers. One way to do this is by using WareIQ. WareIQ offers businesses discounted rates on shipping, distributed inventory, and 2-day shipping. This means that you can save money on your shipping charges while still offering your customers the convenience of fast shipping. Additionally, WareIQ offers free shipping on orders beyond a certain order volume, which can further help to reduce your overall shipping costs. WareIQ also offers a choice of more than 20 of the best shipping services in the country so you will always be assigned the fastest option, at the best price. By using WareIQ in 2024, you can take advantage of significant savings on your shipping charges, which will also be felt by your customers. This can help to improve your bottom line and keep your prices competitive. In addition, the convenience of 2-day shipping can help to increase customer satisfaction. If you are looking for ways to reduce your shipping costs, WareIQ is a great option. [signup] Calculate Shipping Costs FAQs How can you calculate shipping costs?There are many factors to consider when calculating shipping costs. The weight and distance of the shipment are the two main factors. Is there any app to calculate shipping rates?Yes, there are apps available to help businesses calculate their shipping costs. WareIQ is one option that offers businesses discounted rates on shipping, distributed inventory, and 2-day shipping. Can I ship at a flat rate?Yes, USPS in addition to many other companies offer a flat rate for shipping regardless of weight or distance. How do I get shipping discounts?There are a few ways businesses can get shipping discounts:1. One way is to use a platform like WareIQ, which offers businesses discounted rates on shipping. 2. Additionally, businesses can look for coupons or promo codes from shipping companies like USPS or FedEx. 3. Finally, businesses can sign up for loyalty programs with shipping companies that often offer shipping cost discounts.

May 31, 2022

Shipping Date & Delivery Date: Definitions, 4 Key Differences & 7 Important Factors Affecting These Dates in 2024

After order confirmation, an eCommerce platform's customers lookout for one critical piece of information: when will they receive their package? And that depends on when the order is shipped which is officially referred to as the shipping date. However, the date of shipping is not the same as the date of order placed or the estimated delivery date. Let's understand how. What is a Shipping Date? As the name suggests, the shipping date is when an eCommerce company hands over an order to the carrier for delivery to the customer, which is the day that the shipment leaves the warehouse. The transit time is calculated from the date of shipping. For instance, if the shipment takes two days to reach the customer and leaves the eCommerce company's warehouse on the present day, it then becomes the shipping date. The next important tracking date is the estimated delivery date. [contactus_uth] What is a Delivery Date? The estimated delivery date is the day that the order reaches the end customer. Providing this information is crucial because most customers confirm the order only when they agree with the estimated delivery date. If an online retailer takes more than the desired time to deliver a shipment, the customers often abandon the cart. And if they are okay with the estimated delivery date, they check for status updates frequently. 6 Important Terms Related to Shipping Date & Estimated Delivery Date Every discussion on shipping dates and estimated delivery dates contains a few unique terms. Below is a list of the most common ones: Order Date It is the date on which a customer confirms an order on an eCommerce website. It could be a pre-paid or COD order. This date triggers the retail logistics process for the shipment. It is when the product usually gets picked up by the seller. Most companies push for same-day pickup. But timelines can change if the customer places the order late at night or at some other odd hour. However, an order date could be different from the shipping date. Many companies don't ship on public holidays or have shipping cut-off times. People can view the shipping notifications in their track your order section. Invoice Creation Date It is the date on which an invoice is generated. Invoices are documents containing critical information about the purchase that enables the online retailer to receive their payment. Invoices generally include the following details: Ordered products and their costsTotal amount due, including taxesSeller and customer's informationPayment information, including the method of the transactionDelivery details Estimated shipping date This is the expected date that the order will leave the warehouse or fulfillment center and the shipping process gets initiated. It depends on: Time of order placement: If the customer confirms an order at 11 pm instead of 11 am, it can add a whole day for the pickup.Shipping cut-offs: Every company has their shipping cut-offs, which usually fall late in the evening and maybe over weekends and public holidays. An order cannot be pushed out of the seller's warehouse if placed after the shipping cut-off. Some companies display their shipping cut-off timings on the checkout page. Statements like "Orders placed after 6 pm IST will be shipped the next day." condition the customer on when they can expect to receive the order. Other factors: Many factors like public and bank holidays and strikes often cause a transport stall and affect the estimated date. You May Like: These Shipping companies in India offer the best in market services. Estimated Delivery Date Estimate delivery date refers to the expected timeline for delivery. The estimated delivery date is the date on which customer can expect to receive their order. The checkout counter displays this date and deeply affects the customers’ reaction to the delivery process. Longer estimated delivery dates often lead to cart abandonment. This date gets depicted as a window between two dates such as June 1-3rd. Like the date of shipping, the estimated delivery date depends on various factors. The time of order confirmation and elements such as public holidays or national strikes affect the delivery. Moreover, since the carrier takes charge of delivery, their performance affects the distribution timelines. Any lag in their transportation cycle can push the estimated delivery date even further. Shipping Speed It is not the velocity, but the time it takes for a carrier to deliver the order to the customer. It describes a couple of things: The time duration for delivery such as 3-5 business daysThe shipping method such as express or standard delivery The shipping speed is also affected by carrier performance and environmental influences, including political and economic scenarios. For international shipments, the regulations affect the shipping speed. For example, if the consignment gets stuck in customs for days, the shipping speed reduces, and delivery timelines expand. Plus, many customers agree to pay more to enhance the shipping speed. There are certain sellers and platforms providing free shipping options too. Return date When a customer is unhappy with the product, they place a request to return it to the seller within a set timeframe, which is also known as Return to Origin (RTO). The carrier collects the shipment from the customer and returns it to the eCommerce company's warehouse or directly to the seller. The return date is the day on which the specified items return to the origin. It is different from the return window, which is the timeframe given to customers to place the return request. For instance, products with a 30-days return policy are eligible for return to the seller within 30 days of delivery to the customer. You May Like: Reverse logistics Companies in India offering faster returns. 7 Important Factors Affecting Shipping Dates in 2024 Shipping Dates are timeframes that can be affected by a variety of external influences. Here's a list of major factors for 2024 that impact its calculation: Lead Time It is the time between order placement and the shipping date. It depends on the type of product ordered. Lead or production times for products that are ready to be delivered are shorter than those that need manufacturing or assembly before shipping. Backorders, inventory shortages, or issues in procuring raw materials for a large number of orders affect the readiness of the final product and hence the date of shipping. Shipping Cut-Offs Also called cut-off fulfillment timelines, shipping cut-offs also include inventory procurement or manufacturing timelines for every order placed before shipping. It can specify the time of day or the actual dates. For instance, production for orders placed on December 25th will resume on January 2nd. Manpower Availability There are various steps involved before the order is ready for shipping. The absence or inadequacy of the workforce leads to delays in order processing which also affects it. Transit Time The time spent in transit affects the shipping date. It depends on the carrier, their performance, the shipping mode (express or standard), mode of transport, and the destination. Natural Disturbances Sudden weather changes can disrupt transportation causing the shipment to sit idle in the warehouse. For example, heavy rainfalls cause significant traffic jams, and heat or cold waves can cause health issues among delivery personnel. Ultimately, these disturbances can lead to delayed shipping dates. Regulations When inventory needs to be procured from another state or country, the domestic and international regulatory authorities influence the rolling out of the shipment from the seller's location. And if the load needs to go through layers of regulatory procedures before reaching the customer, the shipping date needs to be preponed to ensure timely delivery. For example, if a shipper needs to expedite a shipment that needs to leave India and reach the customer in the US ten days later, the seller will have to keep some buffer to successfully clear international customs which affects the shipping date. Political and Economic Scenarios This scenario at either the origin, destination, or both can affect the shipping date. Moreover, any local or public holidays, people protesting on roads, and union strikes affect the distribution and ecommerce shipping timeline. For instance, if the destination faces disruption due to political activity, order shipping from the warehouse will have to be stalled, thus delaying the date of shipping. Which Factors Should be Considered While Calculating the Estimated Delivery Date? The estimated delivery date depends on the following factors: Origin and Destination: The further away from the destination, the longer it takes to get the shipment to the customer's doorstep.Route Condition: For instance, if an order needs to reach a tier 4 town from Mumbai, the estimated delivery date depends on the number of tolls and road conditions.Product Details: Large quantities take more time to deliver. Plus, inventory procurement from afar leads to delayed timelines.Average Transit Time: The transit duration for previous similar orders fulfilled by logistics companies should be calculated to get a better idea of the estimated delivery date.Estimated Shipping Date: Delivery depends on when the order gets shipped from the warehouse. Any delay there snowballs into delayed delivery to the end customer. It also means the ESD has an impact on the delivery date.Shipping Mode: Express and standard modes offer different delivery timelines. The option selected by the customer decides how fast the delivery will occur. 4 Differences Between Estimated Shipment Date and Estimated Delivery Date [table id=19 /] Conclusion Estimates run businesses. And estimated shipping and delivery dates decide how well companies can serve their customers. So these two figures are a yardstick to measure a business's performance. They ascertain the success rate of an enterprise. So it is beneficial for a business to have an accurate idea of shipping dates and delivery timelines. This can be done with a 3PL company like WareIQ. Not only do we provide services across the entire range of fulfillment requirements, but we also help businesses provide better and more accurate shipping services to their customers by being a shipping aggregator and by having state-of-the-art software solutions that help businesses estimate shipping and delivery dates accurately. [signup] Shipping Date FAQs Do shipping dates need to be communicated to the customer?A company can choose to inform the customer when their order is shipped. It triggers a sense of excitement for the customer and gains brownie points for the company. It also alerts customers when they need to ready themselves for receiving the order. It must be followed by order tracking details. Can the date of shipping be changed?A company can change the shipping date due to the factors affecting its timelines such as lead time, cut-offs, the employees’ availability, weather and political and economic disturbances. Besides, shipping dates are rarely changed based on a customer's request. Is the Shipping Date the same as the date on the invoice?No. The date mentioned on the invoice is the day it is printed. The shipping date is mentioned on the invoice as the order shipping date. How can WareIQ help you accurately estimate shipping and delivery dates?WareIQ has partnered with multiple shipping companies to be able to provide the fastest, most cost-effective and most efficient distribution services that are available. We will always choose the shipping aggregator that is currently available and who can provide the fastest shipping services from the warehouse to the customer. We can analyse the prior data of the shipping company, along with similar orders to similar locations and get an accurate shipping date and estimated delivery date.

May 27, 2022

What Are Shipping Labels & How to Create them? A Guide for Fulfillment in 2024

The shipping labels that appear on packages don’t get as much attention as they should. They contain crucial information about the shipment such as details about the product, where it needs to be shipped and the price of the order. If a package happens to leave the ecommerce warehouse without a label, the order will not be legit and the customer may not accept it. While most people may not be aware of the crucial role of shipping labels, it does not diminish their significance. So what exactly are shipping labels? Let us take a deeper dive. What are Shipping Labels? Shipping Labels are a shipment’s identification card or stamp. They contain critical information about the product and enable it to be transported from the manufacturer to the distributor and eventually, the end customer. It is vital to understand how shipping labels work. They usually contain most of the following data but differ from shipper to shipper: Contents of the packageOrigin and destinationSender and receiver’s information, including contact detailsWeight and dimensionsID or a reference number unique to the shipmentCarrier informationAny specialised inspections conducted to test the fitness and safety level of the productTraceable barcodeShipping mode, e.g., express or standard deliveryPayment status: paid, unpaid, or partially paidMaxiCode, which is like a QR Code. It provides all the necessary data and can be read by a machine in any direction.Customer care numberContact details in case it needs to be returned A shipping label is a proof of supply chain automation. With a shipping label stuck to a package, customers can get all information with just a scan. These labels are non-reusable. No shipping label can be pasted on a new shipment after delivery of the previous one. [contactus_lilgoodness] There are many printers available in the market for printing shipping labels. Let us take a look.Suggested Read: What are Return Labels? Types of Shipping Label Printers Presently, 3PL shipping or logistics partners offer to print shipping labels. Moreover, the manufacturer or the distributor can use a downloadable label template, create their own labels and start printing. Although shipping labels can be printed on a regular printer, it takes more time as each label needs to be cut from the paper to be pasted on the package. One of the reasons why companies use specialised printers to print labels is to save time. The most prominent printers for making shipping labels are: Inkjet and Laser Printers These are a good option if a moderate number of labels need to be printed every month. However, they can be costly due to the ink price, which is often bought depending on usage. Moreover, labels printed through these machines need an extra layer of protection. For instance, the ink can get smudged when exposed to water. Furthermore, if they are placed inside a protective covering, the barcodes and MaxiCodes can become unreadable by machines. Therefore, shipping labels printed through these devices require alot more effort and consideration for external factors. Thermal Printers Although thermal printers demand more initial investment, they save the cost of ink or protective coverings. Only the label rolls need to be bought and replaced. Since they use heat to embed the print, there is no risk of smudging. They produce long-lasting labels. Thermal printers are an excellent investment if the company deals with many shipments per month. There are various brands available in the market. Some of the top brands and models are mentioned below: Rollo Label PrinterDYMO Label PrinterMUNBYN Thermal Label PrinterAOBIO X4 Shipping Label PrinterArkscan 2054A Label PrinterMFLABEL Thermal Label PrinterJiose Thermal Label PrinterK Corner Shipping Label PrinterBrother QL800 Label Printer 4 Best Shipping Labels Practices to Consider in 2024 Printing correct shipping labels is essential. Any missing information can delay, delegitimize or stop the distribution of the package. Here are some of the best practices that companies should follow for printing shipping labels: Placement Shipping labels must be pasted on the topmost surface for parcels that must be kept upright and have the ‘This Way Up’ instruction printed or pasted on the box. For all other packages, it needs to be stuck on an easily visible area like the top or side of the box. The label must be stuck flat on the surface without bends or creases. They must be placed after the package has been thoroughly wrapped. Moreover, they must be of an apt size that does not spill outside the box or where the print is too small for reading. Their size and quality affect their functioning. Protection In the monsoon season or in areas with high humidity, the label must be covered with plastic or tape. Some shippers use plastic wallets to slide the label in. It remains temporarily sealed and can be pulled out for reading. While this practice was initially used only for international shipping to include necessary documents for customs, many shipping aggregators have started using it in domestic logistics. In an everyday scenario, shipping labels must be stapled or pasted well to ensure that they do not fall off en route. Waybills One cannot predict what damage might occur to a shipping label. Hence, it is essential to have a backup. Moreover, the packing slips and waybills are copies of the shipping label or a document containing the same crucial shipment information. It goes inside the package or the plastic wallet stuck to the outside. Waybills contain the same information as the shipping label, including the sender’s and receiver’s information, package content, order ID, and customer service number. Special Instructions A shipping label is the window into the details of a package. It must include any special directives for handling the shipment safely and correctly to avoid damage. The shippers should print instructions such as: Correct instructions for placing the package, e.g. 'This Way Up' labelsWarnings for fragile contentWarnings for temperature or time-sensitive contentWarnings for flammable productsLabels for confidential contentInstructions such as untouchable by hand such as for products containing dry ice Creating Shipping Labels Things like label and font size, order information, location of the label and quality of paper used for printing make a huge difference. A company can get shipping labels created from two sources: Ask their logistics partner to generate the label for a few ordersHire an aggregator for label printing Most 3PL shipping partners take the onus of printing the company’s shipping labels. However, if a business does not have such an association, they can manually print the labels for their shipments. Here are a few tools: Carrier Websites: Websites like DHL, UPS, Amazon FBA, FedEx, and eBay shipping allow users to create shipping labels on their websites. This comes in handy if the shipment volume per month is low. Besides importing all the shipment data into the website each time, the shipping company must manually update the customer on order tracking details. Shipping Label Software Solutions: Solutions like Linnworks, Loftware NiceLabel, Loftware Spectrum, MarkMagic, Maestro Label Designer can help print shipping labels for a larger monthly shipment volume. Shipping Tools: They help online retailers automate the entire shipping process, including generating shipping labels. Once integrated with the eCommerce website, they automatically retrieve order details and help create the label. Companies use such tools when handling a large number of shipments per month. Manual Writing: Shipping labels can also be handwritten on paper and stuck to the package or written directly on a small box, mostly for private and domestic shipments. As a result, most companies do not use this method to avoid any risk of damage to the label. Conclusion: How are Shipping Labels Important for eCommerce Orders? A shipment without a label is like a person travelling without a ticket or a passport. But there are three specific reasons why shipping labels are needed for eCommerce industry operations in 2024. Smooth Information Flow A shipping label contains all information that the transporters and customers need to know for a smooth package delivery to its final destination. Any discrepancy or absence of such information will halt the package in the middle of the supply chain. Enhances Efficacy Supply chain productivity depends on the accurate and timely flow of information. Shipping labels are the messengers that carry data from the warehouse to the end customer via distributors. Their presence ensures that the supply chain functions properly. A package without a shipping label can get lost in transit or delayed, thus leading to unmet customer expectations. Maintains Brand Image Shiny and clearly printed shipping labels create an excellent impression for the onlooker. Of course, labels can get dirty and damaged in transit. But the top-notch quality of shipping labels polishes the brand image for the end customer. If you need a shipping label provider for your business, in addition to a host of other fulfillment requirements, consider partnering with WareIQ. WareIQ is one of India’s leading and fastest-growing full-stack eCommerce fulfillment companies that offer a variety of services from same-day and next-day delivery, shipping badges and RTO Shield, to state of the art technological solutions such as our custom WMS and our intuitive, well-designed app store. We can take care of your brand’s entire fulfillment requirements and ensure that you and your customers get the best order fulfillment in the country and have a hassle-free experience and raise satisfaction levels to new heights. You May Like: Branded Shipping in eCommerce [signup] Shipping Labels FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Can retailers generate shipping labels for free?Shipping labels can be created for free, but the company needs to pay for its postage. Can anyone print shipping labels at home?Yes, anyone with a recommended label printer and the right quality paper can print suitable shipping labels. Can shipping labels be handwritten?Yes, it can be handwritten. However, the bar code or the MaxiCode still needs to be printed and pasted on the shipment. It is also worth noting that it might impact the impression customers have of your business as most people are accustomed to printed shipping labels. What are prepaid shipping labels?Companies include prepaid shipping labels in packages to facilitate the return of products. Moreover, some non-profit organisations provide prepaid shipping labels to help people send over items for donation via courier. Is hiring a 3PL for shipping labels a good idea?Definitely yes! You have to pay them for shipping and then a 3PL company ensures your orders are labeled and shipped properly. Outsourcing can infact help you reduce your shipping costs also. Can WareIQ provide solutions for shipping labels?Not only can WareIQ provide shipping label solutions for your business, we also provide a choice of more than 20 of the top shipping companies in the nation to partner with, to ensure that your customers receive the highest quality delivery experience.

May 25, 2022

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