Now that you know what to think about when shipping a package, it’s time to get down to business. Clearly outlining your own shipping procedure can help you plan your activities because you’ll know exactly what to do.
Let’s take a look at the various stages in delivering a package.
The Process
Step 1: Choose the right shipping plan for the right products
The first step, which appears to be simple, is in fact one of the most time-consuming elements of the whole procedure.
The goal of the gift is to show them how much you care. Beyond simply gathering information about the receiver and their contact details, it goes far deeper. There are many intricacies in delivering various sorts of items with varying restrictions, which is where the major problem lies. For example:
- Cookies are a lot heavier than clothes. You’ll need to think about different weight limits and shipping restrictions based on the item’s dimensions.
- To ship CBD products, you’ll need to verify federal and local laws and restrictions.
- Perfumes, sanitizers, nail polish, sprays, and batteries are all considered hazardous goods in shipping. Some carriers may require them to be carried by specific services (or not at all), thereby making this sort of shipment more difficult.
- If you want to manufacture and sell vitamins and supplements in certain countries, you’ll need licenses and certifications.
- To ensure that fragile items are delivered safely, you should avoid handling them in the same manner as a t-shirt would be.
- When it comes to shipping large items or oversized packages, there are additional factors to consider.
- There may be further limitations and regulations in place depending on where you are sending your purchase, such as mobile phones and very large items cannot be sent to APO addresses (and only USPS can deliver to APO addresses due to security concerns in the US).
Step 2: Use the appropriate supplies and packaging
You’ll need to figure out the appropriate packaging solutions for various order combinations depending on the information you’ve gathered and the items you’re shipping. This step involves two important issues (besides knowing your product’s dimensions) : how to keep your products safe and how to ensure a positive unboxing experience.
To prevent shipping damages, you’ll want to pack the item as firmly as possible while maintaining materials and space. This would necessitate dunnage for objects that must be kept in boxes, or even the use of poly mailers to bundle items that are unlikely to break (e.g., a t-shirt).
If you’re customizing orders in any manner, make sure you have all of the materials required for your ideal unboxing experience, as well as a solid method in place to keep it from taking much of your time.
Step 3: Determine which shipping service you want to use
Next, you must select the carriers and delivery services you want to utilize. You may compare prices, take your volume into account (the more orders you ship, the more power you have), and determine whether you’ll have to transport packages yourself to the local post office or have a carrier pick them up each day.
Make the most of premium shipping choices that can ensure quick turnarounds, such as express delivery, foreign shipping methods, and other techniques to satisfy your clients’ demands.
Step 4: Generate or print your shipping label
Once you’ve identified the finest service for a ship package, you may print a shipping label. You’ll almost certainly need a label printer, ink, and paper if you’re handing out items yourself from home.
If you have the time, you may accomplish this task yourself. Otherwise, a carrier or 3PL can perform it for you.
Step 5: Get the shipment in the mail
When your order is finished, you’ll need to hand it over to the shipping service for delivery to your client.
You’ll either have to go to the local post office every day (or several times per day), hire a courier to come pick up your packages from your place, or outsource the entire fulfillment process so you don’t have to spend all of your time packing and shipping.