This post was last updated on April 19th, 2024
Shipping packages can seem complex, even for small and light items. Proper shipping takes time and is crucial for businesses that sell online or in stores.
Customer expectations have grown. They now value choices in how their items are shipped, how quickly they arrive, and the type of packaging used. Offering these options increases customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Save this guide as a reference! We’ll provide clear steps to prepare your packages for shipping, ensuring happy customers every time.
Things To Consider Before Shipping Packages
In order to ship packages effectively and for a good price, several key elements need to be considered. This guide will explore these factors to help you optimize your shipping process.
- Choosing a Shipping Method
- Compare carriers and services: Research different shipping companies and the options they offer. Then Select the service according to your needs. There are Websites available that compile the best shipping prices for you. In which all you gotta do is select your preferred carrier and their offered prices.
- Delivery speed vs. Cost: While faster options like expedited shipping are attractive to customers who need items quickly, they also come at a higher cost.
- Shipping restrictions: Certain items may have limitations on how they can be shipped. For instance, some products may require ground transportation only, while others cannot be shipped internationally.
- Package Size, Weight, and Options
- Package dimensions matter: The size and weight of your packages directly influence the most suitable packaging.
- Right-size your boxes: Don’t waste money by using unnecessarily large boxes. Choose packaging that perfectly fits your products.
Don’t know much about available container sizes? We got you covered! You can read this blog to know more!
- Dimensional weight (DIM): Be aware of DIM, a pricing method used by carriers that considers both size and weight to determine shipping costs. A large, lightweight packages can still be expensive to ship.
- Alternative packaging: Consider envelopes or poly mailers for lightweight items to reduce shipping costs.
- Unboxing experience: If you prioritize creating a special experience for your customers when they receive their packages, you may include additional items like marketing inserts, gift notes, or custom printed boxes.
- Calculating Shipping Costs
- Understand cost factors: The cost to ship your packages depends on size, weight, distance, destination, and other factors.
- Calculate shipping costs accurately: Familiarize yourself with how to calculate shipping costs so you can determine your overall expenses and profit margins.
- Shipping incentives: If you offer free or discounted shipping, ensure you can cover the cost while still making a profit. There are plenty of ways to reduce shipping costs, if followed will help you achieve a greater profit margin. All while keeping your customers happy.
- Charging Customers for Shipping
- Determine your shipping strategy: Decide how you will charge customers for shipping. Options include flat-rate shipping, real-time rates, free shipping for the entire site, or free shipping when certain criteria are met.
- Create a clear shipping policy: Once you have chosen your strategy, develop a shipping policy that is easy for customers to find and understand.
- Shipping Internationally
- Customs considerations: When shipping internationally, you need to factor in customs regulations and duties.
- Tariff codes and product information: Ensure you have tariff codes assigned to each product and include the value of each item, along with a description, for customs clearance purposes.
- Delivery duty paid (DDP): While you can have your customers pay import duties, this can negatively impact their experience. Consider offering DDP shipping to enhance the buying experience for international customers.
- Shipment Tracking and Insurance
- Real-time order tracking: Providing real-time tracking information to your customers allows them to see the location of their package and estimated delivery date. This transparency builds trust and improves customer satisfaction.
- Shipping insurance: For valuable items, consider purchasing additional shipping insurance. This protects you from financial loss if the package is lost, damaged, or stolen during transit.
By following these guidelines, you can establish an efficient and cost-effective shipping packages process for your business.
How To Ship Packages Properly?
Before you begin shipping your packages, here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Recipient Information: The complete name and address of the person or business you’re sending the packages to.
- Packaging Supplies: Sturdy boxes, padding materials, and sealing tape.
- Postage: You can use stamps (if shipping from home) or a printer for online postage options.
- Weigh Your Package: A kitchen scale or postal scale is helpful for accurate postage calculation. The Post Office can also weigh your package if required.
After you have gathered all this required information, comes the main part. The steps for shipping a package from home or office are –
- Step 1: Is Your Item Allowed for Shipping?
Carriers have limitations on what can be shipped. There’s a maximum weight limit for packages. Some items are entirely prohibited (like hazardous materials), while others have restrictions (like lithium batteries). It’s important to check the carrier’s list of prohibited and restricted items if you’re unsure about your item.
- Step 2: Choosing a Shipping Service
Many shipping service providers offer domestic shipping services. Consider what you’re sending and choose the option that best suits your needs based on factors like:
- Price
- Delivery Speed
- Need for Insurance
- Tracking
- Additional Services
- Step 3: Selecting and Preparing Your Package
Choose strong, secure packaging (box, padded envelope, or tube) that’s the appropriate size for your item. Avoid bulging packages to ensure safe transport. Accurately measure your package’s dimensions and weight to avoid unexpected postage costs.
- Step 4: Addressing Your Package
Clearly write the recipient’s address and your return address on the same side of the package, oriented parallel to the longest edge. If you’ll be using a printed shipping label with postage included, you can skip a separate address label.
- Step 5: Calculating Postage and Optional Services
Postage covers the cost of shipping and any additional services you choose. A postage calculator provided by the shipping service provider can help you determine the exact amount needed. You can pay for postage online, at a physical store of the shipping carrier, or use stamps (though many may be required for heavier packages). Regardless of your payment method, affix the postage to the designated location on your package, typically the top right corner.
- Step 6: Shipping Your Package
The shipping method depends on the package weight, thickness, and whether you used stamps.
- For thin and lightweight packages:
Use the appropriate payment method (stamps or pre-paid label) and drop your package in a designated drop-off box provided by the shipping carrier.
- For packages that are thicker or heavier:
You may be able to drop them off at a designated location or bring them to a physical store of the shipping carrier.
- For packages with pre-printed postage:
You can typically use any method for drop-off, following the carrier’s instructions.
Following these steps will ensure a smooth and efficient shipping package experience for your shipments.
Why Does Proper Shipping Packages Matter?
You click “order confirmed,” picturing that amazing new gadget arriving at your doorstep in a flash. But then…days turn into weeks, and your excitement fizzles faster than an unclosed carbonated drink. Ugh! We’ve all been there.
Let’s face it, shipping can make or break the online shopping experience. In today’s world, lightning-fast delivery is no longer a luxury, it’s an expectation. Almost every shopper out there considers speedy shipping a MAJOR deciding factor when buying online. Yikes!
And slow delivery? It can leave a bad taste in your customers’ mouths, causing them to ditch you for a competitor with a zippier shipping strategy. But here’s the good news, You can be the hero of your customers’ shopping experience with a winning shipping strategy.
So, how to ship a package in canada? we’ll show you how to. So that you can create a shipping experience so smooth, it’ll have your customers raving about you (and coming back for more)!
Conclusion
Imagine a world where shipping is a breeze! Your package zooms to its destination with lightning speed, tucked safely in eco-friendly packaging. This is the power of an amazing shipping package. It transforms anxious waiting into delightful anticipation.
This shows your customers you care, not just about the product, but about the entire experience.
It can be the cherry on top of a fantastic customer experience. Speedy deliveries, clear tracking info, and maybe even a surprise thank-you note in the shipping package – these little touches can turn a good experience into a great one.
So ditch the shipping stress and make it a customer-winning superpower!
FAQ’s
How To Ship A Package In Canada?
Many shipping carriers offer convenient ways to skip the line! You can often schedule a free package pickup directly from your home or office at a time that works for you. This removes the need to wait in line physically at a post office.
Cheapest Way To Ship Within Canada?
There are numerous carriers available for shipping, including DHL, LOOMIS, GLS and regional options like Purolator or Canada Post. While this variety offers choice, comparing costs across all these providers can vary and be very time-consuming. It’s better to check their official website for up to date prices
Can I Put The Post Office As Delivery Address?
Please note that some smaller post offices may not have the capacity to hold packages for extended periods. Using a post office address for such a package could result in its return to the sender.
