The Best Tips to Research Small Business Shipping Options

Just like every other aspect of your small business, it's vital to research your options and find solutions that help take your company to the next level.

Some common examples include how you manage your finances and accounts. There are also the applications you use to market your small business. Plus the photo and video software that helps bring your products to life.

But one of the most crucial components is how you post a parcel to your customers. There are multiple courier services available. It's vital to research small business shipping options to find the right one that fits your needs and budget.

So, where do you start? Check out these expert tips to help you make the best decision for your small business.

Understand How Shipping Costs are Calculated

Multiple factors make up shipping rates. The most prominent are the dimensional and actual weight. Other conditions include where the package is getting delivered and how long the courier service will take to get it to the customer. You should also get familiar with any restrictions or requirements to post a parcel.

As a small business owner, you don't want to spend your day or waste your employee's time comparing rates for each individual courier service. Utilising a multicarrier solution allows you to compare prices in one convenient location. It can give you several hours back in the day to focus on the areas of your business that matter most to you.

Evaluate Services and Speed of Delivery

Many customers want their parcel as quickly as possible. When you research small business shipping options, you will want to consider the range of services available such as express delivery. You'll also want to work with partners that can get a package to your customer when they need it.

A multicarrier solution is also recommended when assessing services and delivery times. You can easily compare them side by side and select a courier company that provides the best result. With the Interparcel Shipping Manager, you can even integrate live shipping rates into your website so customers can decide what they're willing to pay for delivery.

Investigate Surcharges and Fees

Due to rising fuel costs, staff shortages, and other unforeseen events, courier companies have been forced to implement surcharges and fees to remain operational and continue to meet the demand of their customers. Not all of them charge the same surcharges, so it's vital to do a deep dive into the pricing to find out what you're paying for.

Some examples of surcharges you might see from some courier services include fuel, extra-ordinary, and manual handling. If you send parcels throughout the country, you should stay up to date with any disruptions due to weather or hazardous conditions. These can slow down the delivery and leave your customer wondering when it will arrive. A tracking notification solution can keep your shoppers updated at all times, so they won't need to contact you.

Consider What You Need for the Future

While you might want to research small business shipping options for your current requirements, you should also consider what you'll need when you scale. For example, you might want to post parcels overseas. So, you'll need a partner who can make international delivery as easy as possible.

If you sell small and lightweight products, you might think that international shipping isn't a viable option financially. But there is a feature within the Interparcel Shipping Manager that allows you to consolidate small parcels into one package, which is delivered to a DHL ecommerce fulfilment centre. From here, it is unpacked, and each individual item is shipped to its country via its local postal authorities. The solution helps you save on pick-up fees and allows you to scale to an entirely new audience.

How a Multicarrier Solution Can Help Your Small Business

When you research small business shipping options, you should avoid focusing on price only. While this is an important factor, you also need to consider a solution that will give you back hours in the day to focus on your company goals. It's even worth identifying what you might need for the future when you decide to scale.

At Interparcel, we know you want easy, uncomplicated shipping for your small business. We also know you want flexibility and support as it grows and changes. You can start shipping easier today with our platform, which integrates seamlessly with popular ecommerce platforms, is easy to use, and most importantly, is free for everyone. Head over to this page to learn more about the Interparcel Shipping Manager and how you can start using it today.