How Shipping Rates from US to Canada Affect Sales

Shipping costs can make or break a sale—in fact, it is the second-highest reason why online shoppers abandon their shopping carts. This is why free shipping is a favorite among frequent shoppers. If you cannot offer free shipping just yet, there are still ways to offer lower shipping rates from US to Canada.

Using shipping rates to entice customers is a strategy unique to eCommerce businesses. Customers believe that they're getting more for their money's worth when they pay less for shipping. This is why eCommerce shops and shipping companies partner up to provide the most cost-effective options for their customers.

If this will be your first time venturing into the Canadian market and you're wondering how you could offer lower shipping rates from US to Canada, here’s the low-down.

Getting the Best Shipping Rates from US to Canada

Shipping companies are your best friends when engaging in an eCommerce business. They offer perks and benefits for clients that have a good record with them. Maximize this win-win situation and ask how you can get the best shipping rates from Canada to US.

Before going to your account manager to negotiate better shipping rates from US to Canada, prepare all your documents and figures to convince them that reducing your shipping rate to Canada from US is a worthwhile investment. 

After you have looked over your figures, discuss the following items with your account manager:

Base rates. It is not uncommon for eCommerce businesses to work with different couriers to ship to different locations. Compare and contrast between these companies and see if prices can be more competitive or, at the very least, matched. 

Surcharges. The shipping industry's common practice is to attach additional charges for extra services, like same-day shipping, rural deliveries, and insurance for high-valued items. Negotiate lower costs on these services.

Grace period. If you're leveraging your sales forecast to get lower rates, ask for breathing room so you can match your actual sales to your forecasts. However, note that when your grace period expires, the shipping rate to Canada from the US will go back up.

Negotiate with your shipping service provider about getting the best shipping rates from Canada to US and vice versa. If negotiating with your shipping provider is not in the cards for you at the moment, consider other readily available shipping options such as flat rate-based shipping. 

Flat Rate-based Shipping & How It Works

If you're looking for a shipping option that marries speed and cost-effectivity, flat rate shipping from US to Canada for your northern expansion is your best bet. It is recommended for small businesses that sell items of roughly the same size.

What is flat rate shipping?

Flat rate shipping is when you’re charged a set rate no matter the package's dimensions or size considering it only weighs less than 70 pounds. Normally, shipping companies offer different shipping rates for different package sizes, but with flat rate shipping, that wouldn't be a problem. This is great for stores specializing in selling one kind of item, things like custom clothes, specialty accessories, or figurines.

How does flat rate shipping from US to Canada work?

Because flat rate shipping depends on the size of the box and not the shape, size, or weight of the item, eCommerce businesses can take advantage of this and follow the following steps:

1. Get flat rate shipping boxes. You can purchase these boxes at your local courier office. There are small, medium, and large options as long as it doesn’t weigh more than 70 pounds.
2. Pack the items and fill out the address. Be sure to include all the crucial details so it wouldn't get lost along the way.
3. After all this, you can drop the package at the nearest office of your courier company, or you can request for pick-up at your storefront or warehouse.

Offering flat rate shipping from US and Canada will do wonders for your eCommerce business. Giving your shoppers cheaper shipping options will really encourage them to make return purchases.

Takeaway

Shipping can make all the difference in eCommerce, and your business must make the most of your shipping company. Communicate with them and explore options for affordable shipping rates from US to Canada. Your customers will thank you for looking for ways to make shipping and shopping easier and more affordable. And with Stallion Express guiding you through, you'll find the right shipping option that works best for you and your company!

Get started by reaching out to your local Stallion Express office to see what we can do to make shipping easier!