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How to Choose the Right Shipping Carrier for Your E-commerce Business

  • Written by: Emenac Packaging Canada
  • Category: Blog
  • Posted on: January 18, 2021

The rise of e-commerce has been greatly assisted by carrier services. Helping millions of businesses deliver millions of products to millions of customers, carrier services have proven their undeniable importance to the world of business. The surge in the outreach of businesses resulted in the rise of revenue in the international markets, subsequently, businesses started taking interest in going global with their trades. Every business needs to make certain decisions before setting out on their journey; choosing the right carrier for deliveries is one of those decisions. However, making this decision based on a single factor is offhand and unwise.

We have compiled a list of factors that need to be taken into consideration before choosing a carrier service:

1. Cost

All of us have been through the pain of liking a product but skipping it because of the unreasonable shipping costs, right? For businesses, on the other hand, cost management and effectiveness help you stay out of the bankruptcy circle; how would one expect to sell if the shipping costs half the product price? Choosing a carrier that has reasonable charges and services will enable your business to offer the right shipment at the right time. The best solution is to offer multiple shipment options that have the proper cost-to-delivery time ratio so the customers do not feel compelled while shopping with you.

2. Delivery Time

Your business determines the type of delivery service and its duration. For instance, if you have monthly or weekly subscription-based products, then you can choose slower services that cost lower. However, do take care of calculating the right time for delivering the products. for retail sellers and businesses, this choice of delivery options depends on the customers’ preferences and requirements. Make sure to add options for fast deliveries in such markets, since some customers prefer the urgency over the costs.

3. Weekend Delivery

Most customers prefer to get their orders when they are home rather than work; this brings the need for weekend delivery. If your business deals in such markets, then it would be best to keep in business with carriers that deliver over the weekend as well. Make sure you take in all the details about weekend deliveries i.e. extra charges and mention the details beforehand to the customers as to who pays this surcharge.

4. Destinations

It is a great deal of inconvenience if your carrier does not provide both national and international shipping but your business is spread in both sectors. Before choosing your carrier make sure you are well aware of the destinations they deliver and the duration of their services to reach these destinations. If your target market is local and it includes remote areas, make inquiries about any additional charges for such deliveries.

5. Product Type

Just as small and large-scale businesses have their limitations, so do carrier services. Some companies have size, shape, and amount limits for deliveries that cannot be exceeded or reduced.  On the other hand, carriers also have their preferences like the products, for instance, some refuse to ship food products, perfumes, delicate items, or electronics, etc. so you will need to make a checklist of your products that you intend to ship.

6. Tracking

One of the most important facilities for online customers is tracking their orders. Being able to know when and where their order will reach them and having it done with accuracy increases the customers’ trust in your business. If your server of choice does offer tracking services, then you can narrow down your options even further.

While looking for delivery servers, do not expect to find an all-in-one offer. Every delivery company offers its rates according to its shipping schedules. The extra facilities and perks are what make them different from each other.