Running a Canadian online store is exciting. But with great products comes the challenge of getting them to your customers efficiently and affordably. This guide will help you explore the best shipping for small business in Canada.
It will help you find the perfect fit for your online empire. Plus, we can discuss factors like cost, speed, and services offered. By the end, you’ll understand the importance of choosing the shipping solutions that keep your customers happy and your business thriving.
You will need the best shipping solutions to ensure you get those products into your customer’s hands in pristine condition. Here are the 5 major carriers in Canada to consider:
Being a Canada-based shipping company, Stallion understands the struggles of Canadian online sellers. That being said, here’s a closer look at what they offer:
Purolator is a Canadian courier company that provides various shipping and logistics solutions.
UPS Canada caters specifically to the Canadian market. It offers many shipping and logistics solutions tailored to Canadian businesses and individuals.
Canada Post, the national postal service of Canada, offers various mailing and shipping services for individuals and businesses alike.
FedEx has shipping solutions designed to meet the needs of Canadian businesses and individuals.
Here are some tips to help you get the best shipping rates for your small business in Canada:
Don’t just stick with one carrier! There are many shipping options in Canada. So, the best shipping strategy is to explore as much as possible. Take advantage of online shipping tools or platforms like Stallion that allow you to compare rates. This quick comparison can reduce shipping costs and help you offer free shipping to customers occasionally.
As your business grows, your shipping volume also increases. This might sound daunting, but negotiating discounted shipping rates with carriers is an excellent time. If this time comes, don’t hesitate to approach the shipping company and discuss your business needs. Remember to highlight your projected shipping volume to make you an attractive customer for them.
Explore flat-rate shipping options if you have items with consistent weight and dimensions. These options significantly reduce shipping expenses, especially for lighter items. Note that the flat rate is lower than the calculated rate based on weight and distance.
Every gram counts! Use packaging materials that are right-sized for your products. This minimizes the dimensional weight. Some carriers charge a sneaky fee based on the package size rather than just actual weight alone.
Imagine sending one single shirt and putting it in a large box. Of course, it’ll take up so much space that there’ll be none left for other packages. To make up for the loss, carriers will calculate the area that the parcel used.
Thus, to avoid this, use the correct packaging for each item. It should not be too tight because it’ll damage the items inside when transported. If it’s too loose, you’ll pay more. Additionally, consider lightweight packing materials like air pillows or bubble wrap instead of heavy-packing peanuts.
As mentioned earlier, you can easily offer free shipping to customers with the right shipping partner. Note that free shipping is a powerful incentive for customers. However, it can eat into your profits without the correct shipping strategy.
Consider offering free shipping only for orders above a certain minimum purchase value. This encourages customers to spend more to qualify for free shipping, offsetting the cost you incur.
Explore local delivery or pickup options depending on your location and customer base. This can be a cost-effective solution for customers nearby and a convenient perk for them.
Bulk label printing doesn’t directly affect rates. However, the software used for bulk printing often allows you to compare rates across carriers. This quick comparison enables small businesses to pre-negotiate discounts with carriers for higher shipping volumes. This can lead to significant cost savings, potentially lowering per-shipment costs.
International shipping is costly. However, offering it can unlock better rates for small businesses in 2 ways:
Free shipping supplies (boxes, envelopes) from carriers can indirectly improve rates. Here’s the catch:
While free, your products might be in better sizes. Using oversized boxes leads to “dimensional weight” charges based on size, not just weight. This can inflate your shipping costs. The best approach? Invest in a few key, well-sized boxes to minimize dimensional weight and maximize savings, even if it means a small upfront cost.
Shipping rates fluctuate! It’s like finding secret discounts – just by being in the know. Staying informed is critical to finding the best deals for your small business. Here’s how:
In eCommerce’s exciting but fast-paced world, finding the best shipping for your small business is crucial. By considering the tips explored here, you can become a shipping master! Compare rates, negotiate with carriers, and embrace strategic packaging.
Remember, free shipping supplies might come at a hidden cost, and staying informed on rate fluctuations is critical. With some planning and the right partner, you can ensure your products reach customers efficiently and affordably, keeping your business thriving and your customers clicking “add to cart” confidently.
If you still need to choose your partner, why not select Stallion for the lowest rates yet fastest shipping?
Jen oversees the operations at Stallion Express. She has spent her entire career working in the eCommerce and logistics industry and loves sharing her experience with eCommerce brand owners to help them scale to the next level. Outside of work, she loves to travel, read, and cheer on her favourite Toronto sports teams.
Read all posts written by Jen Seran
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