{"id":8615,"date":"2018-02-27T06:58:01","date_gmt":"2018-02-27T06:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zhenport.com\/?p=8615"},"modified":"2022-10-07T18:26:20","modified_gmt":"2022-10-07T10:26:20","slug":"2020-beginners-guide-to-ecommerce-shipping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zhenhub.com\/blog\/2020-beginners-guide-to-ecommerce-shipping\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2020 Beginner\u2019s Guide to eCommerce Shipping"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is <\/span>eCommerce Shipping<\/b>?<\/span><\/h1>\n

eCommerce shipping are delivery services employed by online merchants who sell products and goods over the internet to both local and\/or international customers. As online businesses continue to grow and advance at an incredible speed, eCommerce shipping has also evolved a lot to cater to the increasing demand for speed, cost-efficiency, and convenience. This article will tackle everything you need to know, as an online shop owner, in order to come up with an eCommerce shipping strategy that will best suit your needs. <\/span><\/p>\n

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eCommerce Shipping<\/b>: What to Consider<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are key factors that determine how you can structure your eCommerce shipping strategy. Taking these into account will help you do a more accurate cost-benefit analysis while also making sure your customer service stays top-notch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Target Customers<\/span><\/h3>\n

Every business decision you make should revolve around your target customers because they are the ones who can determine your success. Opting for a low-cost shipping service, but is known for delivery delays can actually end up doing you more harm than good- you save money from shipping, but lose customers along the way. That\u2019s not what you want, right? <\/span>
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\n<\/span>Decide if you are opening your shop to both domestic and international buyers, so you know exactly what to look for. Once you have, make sure to really get the details down in order to set expectations especially for rates and delivery time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Budget<\/span><\/h3>\n

Next thing you need to consider is how much you are willing to allot for eCommerce shipping. Remember that this will fall under operational costs and will directly affect both your pricing structure and your customers\u2019 shipping options as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Luckily, shipping and fulfillment companies now offer a wide range of services, so it will be easier for you to choose one that meets your requirements without breaking the bank.<\/span><\/p>\n

Products<\/span><\/h3>\n

The type of product you sell is also a very important component that will guide you in your search for the right eCommerce shipping method. Are the items lightweight? Fragile? Fresh produce? Note that it\u2019s not only dimensional weight that dictates how much shipping will cost you, but the urgency and particulars of the delivery you require.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Trackability<\/span><\/h3>\n

Nowadays, the ability to track shipped items is not only a helpful feature for customers, but for online merchants as well. As much as possible, choose shipping companies that will enable both you and your market to track movement real-time as this minimizes customer dissatisfaction and encourages transparency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Customs Duties<\/span><\/h3>\n

Customs or import duties<\/a> are government-mandated tax you need to consider especially if you offer international shipping. Being aware of this will allow you to better manage expenses while also clearly communicating other fees your customers have to prepare for upon arrival of shipped items to their home country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Margin<\/span><\/h3>\n

Once you have gone through all the details mentioned above, now is the time to measure your profit margin based on your available shipping options. Doing a cost-benefit analysis is the final stage that will direct you to the best eCommerce shipping provider. However, make sure to not only think about costs, but more importantly, the biggest consideration to prioritize is quality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common <\/span>eCommerce Shipping<\/b> Methods<\/span><\/h2>\n

When it comes to shipping methods, customers look mainly for three things: affordability, speed, and transparency. To give you an idea, we have listed down the most common shipping methods, starting out with the difference between postal and courier services<\/a>, and breaking it down to the types of courier shipping methods and how they\u2019re different from each other.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Postal Shipping<\/span><\/h3>\n

Before the world of eCommerce even came to know about courier services, there was Postal Shipping. This type of service operates under the national government and is the same agency that delivers parcels, letters, and documents. In terms of pricing, postal shipping is relatively cheaper, but not ideal if speed and transparency are what you\u2019re after. Besides longer delivery times, postal services are also known for inconsistent tracking in addition to lack of reliable customer service.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Courier Shipping<\/span><\/h3>\n

Courier companies are private businesses that offer shipping and sometimes, fulfillment services (like ZhenHub). When it comes to flexibility and customization, you have more wiggle room with courier services as they commonly have a variety of specialized shipping options for every specific business and customer need. Courier services are significantly pricier than postal shipping as you practically pay for a faster turnover, trackability, and package handling. Shipping via couriers are typically categorized based on speed:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n