Pre-Shipment Checklist


Business models have developed and expanded considerably. Today, customer can place orders for just about anything from across the globe, with a simple click.

Availability and accessibility of a product is what attracts customers. If you have a great product, that remains unreachable to the masses because of supply chain shortcomings, several aspects of your business model need to be revised.

To streamline your logistics, here is a complete list of things you need to keep in mind when shipping a product.

Storage Space

You can improve operational efficiencies by re-visiting your system. Start by utilizing storage space. Limit storage of unnecessary items. Stock your inventory with your business’s leading products.
A smart way to enhance efficiency is pre-pack some of your best-selling products to save delivery time. Apart from being organized, your storage space needs to be properly labeled. Effective categorizing and sorting of the store will reduce search time. Devise a labeling system that provides visibility and accuracy.

If your business model is dependent on a supplier, make sure there is a process in place to ensure timely delivery. You can also take help from supplier TMS software to keep your business supply up-to-date.   

Make use of the sales data to determine trends. Using these forecasts, you can maintain a limited, yet efficient inventory, that will save you time, space, and most importantly, money.

Choice Of Carriers

If your product is in demand in different parts of the world, your business will require a multi-carrier solution in order to gain cost efficiencies. A traditional approach requires you to ensure availability of all legal paperwork. Negotiate discount rates with carriers.  

You can automate this entire process with the help of a shipping software solution. Software will provide you with a list of competing freight rates, tracking numbers, and enterprise address validation. Apart from this, it can also cut down your paperwork and legal requirements.

Rate Calculation

You can get local carrier for discounted freight rate, but it’s best to have on-board an adequate balance of both, local and international deliveries. By reviewing multiple rates, you economize cost.
Get a system in place to run the calculations for you. Companies like ProcessWeaver provide ERP, Oracle, and TMS based software that does the freight calculation for you. After comparison, the software provides optimal rates and legal paper work for the destination of your choice.

Should Customers Be Charged?

The incidence of cost can be transferred to customers or the business. You can opt for one of these three strategies: flat rate, free shipping, or freight cost.

Test each strategy; see what works for your business. You can offer free shipping when a certain threshold of order is crossed. For the determination of flat rate, you need to know the average shipping cost and charge your customer accordingly.

Lastly, e-commerce shipping software will provide you with the shipping cost for the respective weight and location. Using this information, you can charge the customer what you are actually going to pay.

A mixture of these strategies can provide the best solution for your business.

Customer Communication

Assume that the customer is waiting at the door for the parcel. You should facilitate them by reducing the wait time and providing them sufficient information about their package.
Keep in mind, this time period is ideal for developing customer relationship.

Send them an order confirmation; if you have a shipping software in place, you can share the tracking number with them. This will ensure the customer about their shipment and make their wait bearable.

What Should Be In The Box?

Ecommerce lacks the touch and feel of a brick and mortar store. You need to deliver that experience in a box with the help of a written thank you note, a coupon, or a request for testimonial.

You can also include an instruction manual or a catalog of your product. This box can serve as an ultimate marketing tool. Use it wisely.

Return Policy

This policy can make or break a customer. An unsatisfied customer can be a total nightmare for your social media page. Handle them with care. Add a return label to the parcel; you can also use shipping software to email a return label to the customer.

Listen to the customer’s concern and provide viable solutions.

You can cut your shipping cost by 30% using ProcessWeaver’s shipping solutions. They provide cost-effective systems that minimize delivery time and optimize business operations.  You can choose from the wide range of cutting-edge technology, ERP, E-Commerce, Desktop, and Inbound shipping solutions to meet your logistic needs. Call +1 888.932.8373 and get a free demo. 

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