4 Ways to Lower Shipping Costs: Tips for eCommerce Businesses

Shipping costs can be one of the most significant expenses for eCommerce businesses, but they don’t have to be. With the right strategies, you can optimise your shipping solutions and save money in the process. In this guide, we’ll share 4 practical and actionable tips to help you cut shipping costs and streamline your business operations.

Utilising shipping software

Integrating with a shipping software solution such as ReadyToShip will not only streamline your processes but also help save you money. After importing orders from your store, ReadyToShip will display rates for your connected carriers making it easy for you to select the cheapest option. From there you can print picklists, invoices and labels with just the click of a button. Lowering your shipping costs isn’t just about saving dollars, it is also about saving time. If you aren’t already using ReadyToShip, you can start a free 30-day trial today.

Using more than one carrier

Relying on a single carrier may seem like the most straightforward approach but it can lead to higher costs. Different carriers offer different rates and services, depending on the destination, package size and shipping speed. Using multiple carriers means that you can select the most cost effective option for each parcel. This approach not only saves you money but also allows you to offer your customer a number of different options which may increase customer satisfaction. ReadyToShip makes it easy to manage multiple carriers by integrating them all into one platform, allowing you to compare rates and choose the best option for each shipment.

Packaging cheaper

The majority of carriers will charge you based on actual or cubic weight, whichever is larger. By optimising your packaging options and packing orders in the smallest possible package type you can ensure you are paying the cheapest rate possible. If using ReadyToShip you can add dimensions to your products and have our system calculate the smallest package type based on the products in that order. You can learn more about that feature here.

Offering local pickup

If you have a physical store or warehouse, offering pick up can eliminate costs for customers in your local community and save you time shipping their items. Make sure you have clear instructions on your website on how your customers can do this to ensure a seamless shopping experience. If using ReadyToShip you can continue to process these orders in the same way as standard parcels by using our Label Printer carrier connection. You can learn more about that feature here.

In conclusion, reducing shipping costs for your eCommerce store requires a multifaceted approach. By utilising shipping software, multiple carriers, optimising your packaging options, and offering local pickup, you can significantly lower your shipping expenses. Remember, lowering shipping costs isn’t just about saving dollars—it’s also about saving time, which in turn saves money. Additionally, ensure that you don’t sacrifice reliability in an effort to cut costs. Implement these strategies to enhance your profitability and streamline your shipping processes.