Selecting a shipping provider for your business can be a make-or-break deal. If you choose a shopping provider that is not a good fit and proves unreliable, your customers will not be satisfied, and you will eventually lose business.
And if you work with a shipping provider that is too expensive, you will not be able to make a profit. So, how do you select the correct shipping provider for your Shopify store?
Why is it important to choose a suitable shipping provider for your Shopify store?
- Shopify is a popular platform amongst large-scale e-commerce websites and supports over 600,000 online stores. Choosing the right shipping provider can impact customer experience with your online store
- Choosing the right shipping provider can help to reduce shipping costs. It streamline the shipping process, making it easier to manage and track orders
- A good shipping provider will offer reliable delivery, competitive rates, and good customer service and should allow you to set up an automated shipping process such as a batch shipping process
- A batch shipping process can help to reduce the time and cost of packing and shipping orders
- Without a suitable shipping provider, you might need to manually pack and ship orderr. This process can be time-consuming, and may lead to delays in getting orders to customers
- Customers may become frustrated with the long wait times, leading them to seek out other, more reliable sources of goods. This could lead to a decrease in your customer base and overall profitability
How to assess whether a shipping provider will suit your Shopify store
Review the flexibility of delivery times
Different carriers offer different service levels, including overnight delivery, same-day delivery, or a more cost-effective option that takes a few days. Knowing your delivery time needs can help you choose the most cost-effective and reliable carrier.
For example, if you need to ship a package from New York to Los Angeles, you may want to select a carrier that offers overnight delivery. In contrast, same-day delivery may be more appropriate if you are shipping a package within the same city.
Compare costs with other providers
It is important to compare prices from different shipping providers to get the best value for your money. Additionally, you should consider each provider’s services and evaluate their reliability regarding their ability to deliver on time, customer service, and the quality of their tracking and insurance services.
Doing your research before choosing a shipping provider can save you a lot of money and give you peace of mind knowing that you have chosen the best option for your needs. Furthermore, it can help you avoid any unnecessary surprises or delays.
Consider tracking options
Tracking options can be important for both same-day and overnight deliveries. Knowing when a package has been delivered can be critical for time-sensitive packages and can help the sender and recipient better plan. Tracking options allow people to stay informed on the package’s whereabouts and estimated delivery time, ensuring that the package will arrive on time and reducing the chances of it being stolen or lost. Additionally, tracking options can provide evidence of delivery as proof of purchase if necessary.
Assess your own business needs and strategy
It is important to consider how fast you need your goods delivered and how much you are willing to pay for delivery. You should also look at the shipping provider’s services, such as tracking, insurance, and returns. These factors will help you determine if a particular shipping provider fits your business well.
For example, a small business selling jewelry may require a shipping provider that offers tracking and insurance services to ensure that the items are safe and secure while in transit.
Check for customer support services
Opting for a shipping provider offering customer service software is key to efficient customer support. Many shipping companies offer tracking services like a tracking number, estimated delivery date, and updates on the package’s progress. This can help customers stay informed of their package’s whereabouts. Additionally, some companies offer customer service to help with any issues.
For example, some companies provide a customer service phone number, email address, or live chat where customers can contact a customer service representative to ask for updates or assistance.
Other factors to consider when choosing a Shopify shipping provider
Customer Region
Some carriers specialize in city/urban areas and lack coverage in rural areas. Carriers specializing in city/urban areas may not have the resources to provide adequate coverage in rural areas. Providing coverage in rural areas is more expensive because of the need to maintain additional infrastructure and extend coverage to sparsely populated areas.
Product shipping requirements
Product shipping requirements such as weight limits are important to consider because they can affect the cost of shipping. Heavier packages are more expensive, so if you are shipping heavier items, you may want to choose a provider with higher weight limits.
Business-specific requirements
Not all carriers support alcohol, perishable shipping, or insurance. This is because alcohol, perishable products, and insurance can be costly to ship, and carriers may not have the necessary infrastructure to handle these items. Additionally, if a provider has business-specific requirements, they are experienced in shipping those items, which is another sign of quality. Providers with business-specific requirements often have better tools and technology, such as advanced tracking systems and more experienced staff to handle the shipment.
Popular shipping providers for Shopify stores
- USPS is a popular shipping provider for Shopify stores because they offer affordable rates, fast delivery times, and flexible shipping options. They also offer to track and package insurance, giving shoppers peace of mind when ordering online.
- FedEx is known for its reliable and efficient delivery services, which can be especially important for businesses that need to get orders to customers quickly. They also provide FedEx tracking and insurance for packages and offer various shipping options to meet different budgets.
- UPS is known for its extensive network of drop-off and pick-up locations, which makes it convenient for businesses and individuals to send packages. They also provide tracking and insurance and offer a range of shipping options, including same-day delivery.
- DHL is known for its international delivery capabilities, with an expansive network of global offices. They offer various services, including express shipping, same-day delivery, and airfreight. They also provide DHL tracking, insurance services, and customs assistance for shipments across borders.
Conclusion
While choosing a carrier can be an important decision, it doesn’t have to be permanent. Businesses often switch carriers if they’re unhappy with the services they’re receiving. In other words, don’t get stuck if you don’t get the results you expected from your first choice.
