How to Find Shipping Partners for eCommerce

When various eCommerce platforms paved the way for online shopping, they also empowered small businesses to find a place for their products and services. The process of putting up the store entails finding shipping partners for eCommerce that will help deliver and fulfill your customers' orders.

Finding a shipping and mailing service to help you fulfill orders has become quite challenging, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Some courier companies closed and halted their operations due to lockdowns imposed in the countries they provided. Some shipping companies re-opened and continued their services provided that they follow health protocols in their respective countries and work with partner shipping companies internationally.

Before choosing the courier among the different shipping services in Canada, here are some factors that you need to consider.

Factors to consider when trying to find shipping partners for eCommerce 

Part of the things you do when you start your eCommerce business is choosing a platform on which to display your products and services. Alongside that, you also choose the courier that will help you transport the customers' orders right to their front door. Picking the right courier means a lot for businesses since it allows them to establish loyalty and customer satisfaction through the orders fulfilled.

One thing to remember about choosing shipping partners for eCommerce is that you need to know if they will be the best choice for you and your business.

Kind of products to be shipped

Some issue that sellers sometimes face is that they sell various products that some shipping companies may not handle well. With large parcels, some also impose a weight limit on shipping. If the products you try to ship exceed their limit, it may incur an additional cost. However, when you sell smaller products, check if they are within the minimum weight limit or if there's a flat rate that you could avail of. If they are open to bulk shipping, make sure to note that as it can be convenient for your business.

Where are you located?

The pick-up point and drop-off locations matter, especially when deciding which shipping company you should use. Sellers need to check the couriers near them to see how fast or reliable their service can be. For an efficient and prompt delivery, make sure to check if there are couriers near you and inquire if they can work with your business.

How much will it cost?

Another important factor that sellers need to consider is setting the price right. Shipping companies provide various calculations and rates that will help sellers choose the right one. Study how much the business can convert before shipping and how much you can put in as markup to cover the shipping costs.

How to choose the best shipping partner for your business

Make sure you know your options

One of the crucial questions to ask yourself before contacting a courier is, what kind of products will we be shipping? 

Some shipping companies only focus on transporting smaller items such as postcards, journals, or even books. Sellers can opt to ship using the flat rate or the basic fixed rate that they're offering. If you sell bigger products, consider how much these weigh and how far they will go. 

In some instances, shipping companies limit the items. For example, you can only ship up to 68kg while others only up to 30kg. Remember that if the product you sell weighs more than the limit they imposed, that will cost you more.

Bear in mind that as you research the right courier for your business, make sure you spend some time checking the weight restrictions. Doing so avoids any delay or mishaps when the business is already up and running.

Check where they are located

Posting about the products you sell includes mentioning the customer's location and where the product will be coming from. Checking out shipping services in your area will help you transport the orders to your customers. Sometimes, they offer partnerships with eCommerce companies and give discounts and other perks when you make a contract with them.

However, when it comes to international shipping, make sure that you check the rates nationally and internationally. Some shipping companies fail to handle global logistics and end up losing the package altogether. Not only does this harm them, but this will also put you out of business for the negative reviews and losses from these undelivered orders.

Choosing shipping partners for eCommerce includes knowing a local shipping company that works specifically in that country. For example, here in Canada, there's Canada Post.

Conduct a background check on their performance

Before choosing a shipping partner for your eCommerce store, conduct research on every courier that you come across. Remember, when you choose a shipping partner, you rely on them for the safety and security of your goods and services. They will be the one bringing the customers their orders and as well a sense of happiness when they receive their parcels.

When you browse through the internet for different courier services, check their FAQs, see how they work, and how the process is mainly for eCommerce . Review the feedback and client testimonials to check how they were fulfilling previous or earlier orders.

If a friend of yours recommends one, make sure to research their performance as well and check the experience of your friend. Remember that even if it works for them doesn't mean it will automatically work for you.

Delivery time

Fulfilling orders is one of the most important things for a business. Some customers demand or request for a shorter waiting period for their parcels. However, since some countries are still on lockdown, this may be quite challenging to do.

One thing that sellers need to keep in mind is that around 46% of customers abandon their shopping carts because of vague delivery schedules or late deliveries. That results to losing around half of your total customers (old and new), and this affects your profit margin.

Therefore, before choosing a courier, make sure to find out how soon the delivery will be. If there will be delays, communicate with them and ask them to keep you updated.

Tracking

Another thing about couriers these days, they have apps that you and your customers can use to check and contact the shipping company about where the parcel could be. Monitoring the delivery is one vital thing that sellers need to look for in a shipping company.

Getting notifications about where your order is or if it has arrived surely gives more positive feedback to your business. Customers appreciate getting updates and news about their parcels. Check their tracking system if it benefits your business and your customers.

Conclusion

Choosing the shipping partners for eCommerce entails a lot of research in order to find the right company to work with. Make sure to evaluate your products and services. If the products fit within limits and do not violate any rules and regulations, then you may check if you can work with that shipping company. To know more about which shipping service is cheapest that you can work with, feel free to schedule an appointment with us!

Pramod Bhat