How Does Parcel Delivery Work?

How Does Parcel Delivery Work?

Parcel delivery is more than just putting a product into a box, attaching some shipping labels, and sending it on its way.

You need to know how to choose the right packaging. You’ll want to understand the best way to measure your parcel, so you don’t get charged extra by courier companies. It’s also a good idea to maximise the benefits of software integrations so you can spend less time on shipping and more on the parts of the business that matter to you.

But where do you start in understanding how parcel delivery works? The good news is you’re in the right place. Check out this easy and uncomplicated shipping explanation.

Choosing the Right Packaging

You don’t need to overcomplicate your packaging. A simple cardboard box is fine. The flat surface makes it easy to attach shipping labels, and they’re compatible with courier sorting machines.

A double-wall corrugated cardboard box is highly recommended. It provides excellent protection and is perfect for any products with sharp components. You can also add filling materials if you need extra cushioning. Fortunately, plenty of eco-friendly solutions are available if you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint.

Getting Accurate Measurements

There are two methods that are used to calculate how much you’ll pay for parcel delivery. One is the package's actual weight rounded up to the next kilogram. The other is the dimensional weight, which is the length multiplied by the width multiplied by the height and divided by the dimensional weight divisor. For this method, you’ll need to measure the largest dimension on each axis because this is what the courier company will use to work out how much you need to pay.

An easier approach is to use Interparcel’s Smart Boxing technology. Simply upload your product information and package dimensions into our multicarrier shipping solution and activate this feature. Now you won’t have to guess what parcel to use to pack your items. Smart Boxing does all the hard work for you, so you never spend more for delivery than you need to.

Offering Delivery Options at Checkout

If you have an ecommerce store, you can save time and money on parcel delivery by integrating your platforms with Interparcel. You also gain multiple features that can improve your customer experience and improve metrics like cart abandonment. One of the ways to achieve this is by providing customers with a choice at checkout.

By displaying multiple shipping options during checkout, customers can decide whether they’re willing to pay more for express delivery or spend less and wait longer for their product to arrive. You can even activate Live Shipping Rates to avoid these costs affecting your profit margins.

Importing Orders to Manage in One Place

Another benefit to integrating your ecommerce platforms with Interparcel is that you can manage all your orders in one place. You don’t need to have multiple tabs open with Shopify and WooCommerce or your other providers. You also don’t have to copy and paste each order into a courier website.

Once your platforms are integrated, you just have to click one button to import all your orders. Next, choose the courier service you want to use, add them to your cart, and pay for your shipping. You’ll have fulfilled them all in minutes instead of hours.

Keeping Your Customers Up to Date on Their Parcel Delivery

To provide an exceptional customer experience and reduce the number of enquiries about parcel delivery, you’ll want to give buyers status updates on their packages. The Branded Tracking Portal lets your shoppers know where their product is at all times and when they can expect to receive it.

When they click the link you provide to the portal, they’ll see your colours and branding. You can even customise it to include banners that offer exclusive codes for their next purchase. It’s all automated, so you won’t need to dedicate time throughout the day updating customers on the whereabouts of their parcels.

Make Parcel Delivery Easy

You didn’t choose to start a business to spend all day shipping packages. Parcel delivery doesn’t have to be complicated. When you integrate your ecommerce platforms with Interparcel, you gain access to multiple features that simplify fulfilment. It also saves you time and money that can be better spent elsewhere.

The best part is that Interparcel’s multicarrier shipping solution is free to use for everyone. You only pay for the shipping costs. You don’t have to worry about lock-in contracts, subscription fees, or single pricing pillars. Create your free account today so you can stop stressing about parcel delivery once and for all.