As a small business owner, you wear many hats—from managing finances to providing customer service and even handling the shipping of orders yourself. While DIY fulfillment may have worked in the early stages of your business, increasing order volumes, especially as the holiday season approaches, can quickly become overwhelming. As you navigate the holiday rush, use these four small business shipping tips to keep your operations running smoothly.
1. Understand How Shipping Costs are Calculated
More goes into determining shipping costs than just weight, though that’s often the main factor people think of. Other important factors include package dimensions and dimensional weight, shipping distance, and delivery time. Dimensional weight, in particular, is one factor that often flies under the radar. It’s a calculation that major carriers like the United States Postal Service (USPS) and FedEx use to assess shipping fees based on the size of the package rather than just its weight.
At GrowthSpoke, we understand how important it is to save on shipping costs. We can help your business by optimizing the packaging process to ensure you only pay for what you need.
2. Choose the Right Shipping Carrier
The USPS is a go-to shipping option for many small businesses, but it’s important to consider all shipping options as your business grows. Relying solely on one carrier may limit flexibility and cost-effectiveness, especially as sales increase and your inventory expands.
With GrowthSpoke, you don’t have to worry about comparing shipping options or navigating the complexities of multiple carriers yourself. We offer aggressive shipping rates by leveraging our partnerships with major carriers, ensuring you get the best pricing and services tailored to your needs.
3. Be Prepared for Holiday Shipping Volumes and Deadlines
As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to be prepared for the surge in shipping volumes and deadlines that come with major holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas. Many small businesses find themselves overwhelmed during this busy time, trying to keep up with demand while managing customer expectations.
At GrowthSpoke, we’re equipped to handle large order volumes, ensuring your shipping process runs smoothly, even when things get hectic. We’ll help you anticipate potential delays so your customers won’t be left waiting and can enjoy their holiday shopping experience.
4. Save Time with a Professional Fulfillment Partner
Managing fulfillment from home may seem manageable at first, but as your business expands, the complexities can add up. Outsourcing the fulfillment process to a 3PL can help save you time and alleviate stress. There’s no better way to free up time on your plate while staying assured that logistics are being efficiently handled.
GrowthSpoke has a team of fulfillment experts located in the Midwest, ready to support you for the holiday season and beyond. From shipping to packaging to inventory management, we have experience helping businesses in a wide range of industries streamline their fulfillment processes. Let us help you make this holiday season a success. Visit our website to learn more about our services, and contact us today to request a quote!
