4 common shipping mistakes that ecommerce businesses need to avoid

Despite how much the industry has evolved, international shipping is a complex process. And when it comes to e-commerce brands, it’s the very pillar upon which the business operates. With a multitude of couriers being shipped day in and day out, it’s often difficult to keep track of the small errors that frequently occur. And before you know it, all of it adds up to cause a huge dent in your cash-flow. To make things easy, here are 4 common shipping errors that e-commerce companies need to avoid.

1. Not offering multiple delivery options

Most e-commerce brands highlight their free shipping option and for good reason. According to the Walker Sands Future of Retail 2016 study, nine in ten Americans said that free shipping was their No. 1 incentive when it came to e-commerce shopping. However, that shouldn’t deter brands from accounting for the other customers who prefer or need express deliveries. As a brand that relies heavily on national/international shipping, offer your customers reasonable delivery options and let them decide.

1. Not accounting for price fluctuationsAs with every industry, it’s essential to make room for contingencies, especially those related to price changes. For example, you’ve received an order to courier a parcel from the USA to India. Now, the customer has chosen an express delivery service against the rates mentioned on your website. But what if a few days later, you realize that the rates have gone up? Or worse it already did and you simply forgot to update it on your website. The international shipping industry is constantly subject to change, whether it be in terms of increased fuel costs, wages or taxes; and it’s best if you’re not surprised when it happens.
2. Not researching taxes imposed There’s nothing more exciting than to see your local business get attention from customers across the borders. But, somewhere amidst the joy of sending an international courier from India to the USA, did you forget to account for the taxes once it crosses the border? While international shipping has become feasible, thanks to improved logistics services, it’s important to do your homework and tax-work before shipping that courier.
3. Not focussing on packaging When customers order a product, they expect it to not only be delivered but also delivered in sound condition. When it comes to international shipping, it’s important to factor in the type of product and arranges for the suitable package; even more so if it’s a fragile product. As such, it's essential that the logistics team check with their third-party vendors and find out the number of points at which the product might be handled and arrange for appropriate packaging.