Top-Rated Shipping Options For Fast And Affordable Delivery

When it comes to running an online store, shipping options are a crucial aspect that can make or break your business. In this article, we will explore the importance of shipping options in eCommerce, factors to consider when choosing the best shipping options for your business, and the top-rated shipping options for fast and affordable delivery. Also, we will introduce Strikingly for ecommerce shipping options.

Defining Shipping Options

Shipping options refer to the different methods available for delivering products purchased from an online store. These methods include ground shipping, express shipping, same-day delivery, free shipping, and international shipping.

Importance Of Shipping Options In Ecommerce

The availability of various shipping options is essential in eCommerce as it helps businesses meet customer expectations. Customers expect fast and reliable delivery at a reasonable cost. Offering multiple available shipping methods can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Factors To Consider In Choosing Shipping Options

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing shipping options for your business:

• Speed of delivery - If you're shipping perishable or time-sensitive goods, speed is essential. Choose an express shipping method like overnight shipping or same-day delivery. For less urgent shipments, ground shipping may work fine.
• Cost - Compare the rates for different shipping carriers and services. Ground shipping is typically the most affordable option, while overnight and same-day services will be more expensive. Find a balance of speed and affordability for your needs.
• Reliability - Choose a carrier with a good track record for on-time delivery and avoiding losses or damage. Get recommendations from other businesses or check online reviews of carriers to determine their reliability.
• Fragility of goods - If you're shipping fragile or high-value items, a carrier with more premium service may be better to properly handling and ensure delivery of your goods. Let the carrier know if you have any special packing or handling needs.
• Restrictions - Some carriers may have limitations on the types of goods they will ship. Make sure the carrier you choose allows the items you want to ship and will properly classify them. Perishable, hazardous, and dangerous goods typically have additional restrictions and requirements.
• Tracking & insurance - For valuable shipments or those going over long distances, tracking and insurance become more important. Make sure the carrier you choose offers package tracking and the option to purchase additional insurance in case of loss or damage.
• Software integration - Look for a shipping carrier that can integrate with your other business management systems, like your ecommerce platform, order fulfillment software, or accounting tools. Integrated shipping leads to greater efficiency and fewer manual errors.
• Service area - The carrier you choose needs to service the geographic areas where you ship goods. A major carrier with nationwide service may work well for domestic shipping needs. Check which carriers offer services for the countries and regions you need for international shipping.
• Additional services - Some carriers offer extra services that may benefit your business, like drop shipping, warehousing, packaging, temperature-controlled shipping, hazmat certification, signature on delivery, etc. Choose a carrier that offers services to meet your unique needs fully.
  

Evaluate all these factors carefully based on your business priorities and the nature of your goods. Finding a shipping solution that balances them well for your company can help you achieve prompt delivery, keep customers happy, and support your bottom line.

Image taken from Strikingly

Top-Rated Shipping Options For Fast And Affordable Delivery

When it comes to online store shopping, choosing the right shipping options is crucial. Here are some of the best shipping options available for fast and affordable delivery:

USPS Priority Mail

USPS Priority Mail is a top-rated shipping option that offers fast and reliable delivery at an affordable price. With flat-rate boxes available, you can easily ship items of any weight or size without worrying about additional costs. Plus, USPS offers a free package pickup service, making it convenient for small businesses to ship their products.

UPS Ground

UPS Ground is another popular shipping option that provides fast and cost-effective delivery services across the US. With advanced tracking capabilities and flexible pickup options, UPS Ground is a great choice for businesses of all sizes.

FedEx Express Saver

FedEx Express Saver is a reliable shipping option that guarantees delivery within three business days to most US destinations. With real-time tracking and exceptional customer service, FedEx Express Saver is ideal for time-sensitive shipments.

DHL ECommerce

DHL eCommerce offers affordable international shipping solutions with end-to-end tracking and excellent customer support service. With its extensive global network, DHL eCommerce can deliver your products to customers worldwide quickly and efficiently.

You can ensure that your customers receive their orders quickly and at an affordable price by offering these top-rated shipping options on your online store.

Additional Shipping Options To Consider

When it comes to online store shipping, there are various available shipping methods to choose from. In addition to the top-rated available shipping options mentioned earlier, here are some other different shipping methods that you may want to consider for your business:

USPS First-Class Mail

USPS First-Class Mail is an affordable option for sending lightweight packages and envelopes weighing up to 13 ounces. The shipping option typically takes 1-3 business days for delivery and includes tracking information. It's a great choice for small businesses that need a cost-effective way to ship their products.

FedEx SmartPost

FedEx SmartPost is a hybrid service that combines FedEx's delivery network with USPS's last-mile delivery service. The shipping option is ideal for businesses that need an affordable way to ship low-weight packages under 70 pounds within the US. Delivery typically takes 2-7 business days and includes tracking information.

UPS SurePost

UPS SurePost is another hybrid service that combines UPS's delivery network with USPS's last-mile delivery service. The shipping option is ideal for businesses that need an affordable way to ship low-weight packages under 70 pounds within the US. Delivery typically takes 2-7 business days and includes tracking information.

Regional Carriers

Regional carriers are local companies that offer package pickup and delivery services within specific regions or states in the US. These carriers offer competitive pricing and faster transit times than national carriers like FedEx or UPS, especially if you send packages locally or regionally.

Regional carriers can also offer more personalized customer service and flexibility in their delivery options. Since they operate on a smaller scale, they can often accommodate special requests or provide more detailed tracking information for your packages. It can especially benefit small businesses or individuals prioritizing communication and reliability in their shipping needs.

Image taken from Strikingly

Customer-Centric Shipping Options

When it comes to shipping options, businesses must consider what will appeal most to their customers. Here are some customer-centric shipping options that can help improve customer satisfaction and increase sales.

Free Shipping

Offering free shipping is a great way to attract customers and increase sales. Many online shoppers are willing to pay more for a product if it comes with free shipping. To offer free shipping, businesses can either include the shipping cost in the product price or set a minimum order amount for free shipping.

Same-Day Delivery

Same-day delivery is convenient for customers who need their products immediately. The option is especially popular among urban dwellers who don't have time to visit physical stores or wait for standard delivery times. Businesses can partner with local couriers or use their delivery service to offer same-day delivery.

International Shipping

Expanding your business globally requires offering international shipping options. It can be challenging due to different customs regulations and higher shipping costs, but it opens up your business to a larger market and potential revenue streams.

White Label Shipping

White-label shipping allows businesses to ship products using another company's branding instead of their own. The option is ideal for small businesses offering competitive rates without investing in their logistics infrastructure.

Offering these customer-centric options can help businesses improve customer satisfaction and retention while increasing sales.

Shipping Tips For Small Businesses

As a small business owner, shipping can be daunting. However, with the right packaging, tracking, labeling, documentation, and returns and exchanges processes in place, you can ensure that your customers receive their orders quickly and efficiently.

Packaging Tips

Packaging is crucial in ensuring your products arrive at their destination undamaged. Here are some tips when packaging your products:

• Use sturdy boxes or envelopes appropriate for your products' size and weight.
• Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts to cushion fragile items.
• Seal all boxes securely with strong tape to prevent them from opening during transit.
• Label each package with the recipient's address and contact information.

Tracking And Communication

Keeping customers informed about their orders is essential for building trust and loyalty. Here are some tips on effectively tracking and communicating with your customers:

• Provide tracking information as soon as possible after shipping.
• Send automated emails or text messages throughout shipping to keep customers updated on their order status.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries about shipping status.

Labeling And Documentation

Proper labeling and documentation can help ensure that packages arrive at their intended destination without delay or confusion. Here are some tips on correctly labeling packages:

• Clearly label each package with the recipient's name, address, phone number, email address, and order number.
• Include any necessary customs documentation for international shipments.

Returns And Exchanges

Returns and exchanges are an inevitable part of online retailing. Here are some tips on how to handle returns and exchanges efficiently:

• Have a clear policy in place regarding returns/exchanges.
• Make it easy for customers to initiate a return/exchange by providing clear instructions on your website.
• Process returns/exchanges promptly once received.
  

Image taken from Strikingly

Shipping Insurance

Shipping insurance is a type of coverage businesses can purchase to protect their shipments from damage, loss, or theft during transit. It provides peace of mind for both the seller and the buyer and ensures that the value of the shipped goods is protected.

What Is Shipping Insurance?

Shipping insurance is a type of policy that covers the cost of lost or damaged items during transit. It can be purchased through third-party providers or directly from shipping carriers. The coverage amount varies depending on the value of the shipment and the insurance provider.

Benefits Of Shipping Insurance For Businesses

Shipping insurance offers several benefits to businesses, including

• Protection against loss or damage. With shipping insurance, businesses can rest assured that their shipments are protected against loss or damage during transit.
• Increased customer satisfaction. Businesses can provide added peace of mind to their customers by offering shipping insurance as an option.
• Reduced financial risk. Shipping insurance helps reduce financial risk for businesses by covering the cost of lost or damaged items.

Factors To Consider In Choosing A Shipping Insurance Provider

When choosing a shipping insurance provider, there are several factors to consider:

• Coverage options. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive coverage options for your specific needs.
• Cost. Compare pricing between different providers to ensure you are getting competitive rates.
• Reputation. Choose a reputable provider with good customer testimonials and ratings.
• Claims process. Ensure you understand how to file a claim and what documentation is required.

How To File A Shipping Insurance Claim

If you need to file a shipping insurance claim, follow these steps:

• Gather all necessary documentation, including proof of shipment and proof of value.
• Contact your shipping carrier or third-party provider to initiate the claims process.
• Fill out any required forms and provide all necessary documentation.
• Wait for your claim to be reviewed and processed by the insurance provider.
• If your claim is approved, you will receive compensation for the value of the lost or damaged items.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are essential to online store shipping. They provide valuable feedback on the shipping experience and help businesses improve their shipping options. Here are some tips on using customer reviews to optimize your shipping process.

Importance Of Customer Reviews In Shipping

Customer reviews is crucial in determining the effectiveness of available shipping methods. They provide insights into what customers like and dislike about different shipping methods, which can help businesses make informed decisions about their online store shipping options.

Shipping options are not one-size-fits-all, and businesses must understand their customers' shipping preferences. Customer feedback can help businesses tailor their shipping options to meet customer needs, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and repeat business. Businesses can gain valuable insights into what works best for their customers and adjust accordingly by analyzing customer reviews.

Best Platforms To Collect Customer Reviews

Some of the best platforms to collect customer reviews include Trustpilot, Google Reviews, Yelp, and Facebook Reviews. These platforms allow customers to leave feedback on their experience with a particular business or product.

How To Respond To Positive And Negative Reviews

Responding promptly and professionally to positive and negative customer reviews is essential. For positive reviews, thank the customer for their feedback and encourage them to shop again. For negative reviews, apologize for any inconvenience caused and offer a solution or compensation if necessary.

Utilizing Customer Feedback To Improve Shipping Options

Customer feedback can be used to improve available shipping methods by identifying areas that need improvement or new features that could be added. For example, if customers frequently complain about slow delivery times, businesses may consider offering faster delivery options or using a different carrier.

Customer feedback is essential for businesses to improve their overall customer experience. Listening to what customers say can help businesses identify pain points and areas that need improvement. The information can be used to improve shipping methods and other aspects of the business, such as product offerings and customer service.

Image taken from Strikingly

How To Set Up Shipping For Online Store On Strikingly

Adding shipping options to your Strikingly ecommerce store is easy. Here are the main steps:

1. Enable shipping for your store. Go to Settings > Store > Shipping.

2. Edit or Add Shipping Options. Select the default to edit the shipping option. Once done, you can Save and move forward or, Save and add another shipping option.

3. Set up your zones. Go to the Shipping Zones section. Add shipping zones to represent the areas you'll be shipping to. Name each zone and select the countries, states/provinces, and zip/postal codes in that zone.

4. Add rates. Add a rate table for each shipping zone. Select a carrier, choose the delivery option (like overnight or ground), and enter the prices you charge for each of your product categories. You can offer free shipping or flat-rate shipping too.

5. Review and publish. Review all your shipping settings to ensure they are configured properly. Then save and publish your store to make the new shipping options live for your customers.

6. Test the shipping estimate. Visit your live storefront and go through the checkout process, entering a sample order and your own location. Ensure you see the expected shipping options and rates appearing correctly before receiving real customer orders.

7. Offer promotions. You can create promotional discounts or free shipping coupons if desired. Set a coupon code, minimum order, expiration date, and product exemptions for your promotions.

Using these steps, you have full control to build sophisticated or simple shipping setups for your Strikingly store. Choose carriers and services you want, set customized rates, and display options to suit your business and customers best.

Conclusion

Shipping options are a crucial aspect of any online store shipping strategy. It is important to consider different shipping methods and how to set up shipping for online stores. It is also important to offer customer-centric shipping options such as free, same-day, international, and white-label shipping.

When choosing the right shipping options for your business, consider factors such as packaging tips, tracking and communication, labeling and documentation, returns, and exchanges. Shipping insurance is also important to protect your business from potential losses or damages during transit. Customer reviews can help improve your shipping options by addressing issues or concerns.

Strikingly can help optimize your online store's shipping options by providing customizable templates that allow you to easily set up different shipping options and rates based on weight or destination. Sign up today with Strikingly to set up your ecommerce store!