3 Effective ways to reduce shipping costs

Why is important?

As a small business owner myself, it sometimes feels impossible to keep competing with big brands and websites. 

In the e-commerce world, FREE shipping is becoming more and more popular. 

Whether you are just starting your own business, looking to offer the best rates to your customers, or want to offer free shipping this guide will help you reduce shipping costs and save up your margins with some simple and effective tips we have for you. So let's get started with our 3 effective ways to reduce shipping costs.

1. Reduce the weight of the package 🏋️

One of the goals I set for my small business was to offer free shipping. Even though I love to ship my packages in boxes to make them feel like a present, boxes tend to add an extra amount of weight to your total. 

If you sell non-fragile items like apparel, shoes, scrunchies, etc. you should consider shipping your items in poly mailers. 

Most poly mailers tend to weigh .5 oz. but if you were to ship in a box it would add a minimum of 3 oz. to your package. 

Now putting this in money perspective: imagine you are shipping out two t-shirts. The package's total weight is 14 oz. If you were to package it in a 3 oz. box it would surpass a pound. Now depending on what state you are shipping to USPS rate would be a Priority mail that's $8-$10. Versus If you use a poly mailer, you'd stay within the 15 oz. for First Class and pay $5 on average. That's 3-5 dollars you can save up by just switching up your packaging.

2. Change your packaging type 📦

Another way you can save up on shipping costs is by switching up from boxes to poly mailers. Boxes usually tend to cost anywhere around ¢.90 - $2.00. When you buy non-padded mailers they cost ¢.29 per customer! Not only that but they are self-adhesive so no need to buy tape. 

3. Use shipping software

Every business deserves the best shipping rates, even the small ones. Here are 4 shipping software that we recommend to every business owner, have in mind there are in no particular order. If you need deeper information, click the link provided under the software review to access the official website fast and easily.

Easyship 

Stamps.com

Stamps.com make order fulfillment easier, it can also help business owners save on shipping with its reduced postage rates. USPS postal rates are discounted for certain types of mail and packages, and users can save up to 62% in some cases on shipping via UPS. Lastly, they have a free trial that let you try their services before you make any final payment.

Official website URL here: Stamps.com

Shipping Easy

Another really good shipping software is Shipping Easy, you probably have heard of them because they are well known and a really solid option. Not only because the platform is easy to use but also because they guarantee to their customers the lowest shipping rates regardless of size. Also, you can get USPS Commercial Rates, exclusive rate discounts, insurance savings, and save up to 46%. That's without taking into fact all the other helps the software can provide you, like Manage orders, automating shipping with rules, organizing packing with pick lists and packing slips, tracking shipments, and notifying recipients.

Official website URL here: Shipping Easy

Pirate Ship

If you are an e-commerce owner you probably have a Shopify store, and even though they offer a great discount, Pirate Ship offers even deeper discounts. Seriously you could save up to 89%. Plus you'd be supporting another small business. How cool is that! Here's the link so you can start saving today.

Make shipping cost-effective for your business 💰

Use these cost-effective tips to reduce shipping costs today. Make sure you use poly mailers to get the best rates available and start saving whether you’re shipping domestic or international. These 3 tips will help you increase revenue for your small business.