Introduction

Shipping customer orders might seem like a straightforward task for an e-commerce business, but those who manage it firsthand know it can be anything but simple. A lot can go wrong, and several challenges must be addressed, including:

• Completing all the necessary steps before an order is ready to ship.
• Choosing from a range of methods and options for preparing and shipping orders.
• Understanding that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to shipping strategies.

The best shipping strategy for your business depends on your audience, budget, products, and various other factors. Regardless of your approach, your shipping strategy plays a crucial role in the success of your online store.

Even with the right technology and a skilled team dedicated to order fulfillment, common challenges can still cause overspending, customer delays, or even harm to your reputation. A strong shipping strategy should be regularly reviewed and optimized to avoid these pitfalls.

At ShipBob, we help thousands of e-commerce brands streamline their fulfillment processes. In this guide, we cover the most common shipping mistakes brands make, offer solutions to these issues, and share lessons from leading brands.

1. Packing orders inefficiently

While selecting packaging materials and boxes may seem straightforward, the packing process can lead to several downstream problems if not done correctly.

The Goldilocks Principle

Think of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Now, instead of porridge, imagine you’re looking for packaging that is “just right” — not too big and not too small. Here are two common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Choosing a box that’s too large

• Why is this a problem? You’ll end up paying more for the extra space it takes up. Consumers may also complain about packaging waste, especially if a small item is in a large box.
• Solution: Be mindful of dimensional weight and find the appropriately sized box (more details in Chapter 4).

Mistake #2: Choosing a box that’s too small

• Why is this a problem? The product might be damaged or compromised.
• Solution: Avoid cramming items into a box that’s too small. Use the right-sized box and supplement with packing materials like kraft paper or other dunnage to secure the items.

Poly Mailers vs. Boxes

While cardboard boxes are a shipping staple, they might not always be necessary. Poly mailers are a cost-effective alternative for small, non-fragile items like clothing. These lightweight bags and envelopes are cheaper to ship and often come with a self-sealing flap, eliminating the need for tape. Some even have bubble wrap padding for extra protection. Poly mailers can fit in a mailbox, reducing the risk of theft compared to packages left on a porch.

Too Fancy vs. Not Customized Enough

When you think of deliveries, an Amazon Prime box might come to mind. Many Amazon customers believe they’re purchasing from Amazon directly, not from the original brand. Most e-commerce orders are shipped in plain, brown boxes, but some companies choose custom-branded packaging.

If you opt for branded boxes, ensure they conform to standard box sizes used by major carriers; otherwise, you may incur extra fees. Remember, customization will come at a cost.

Don’t let common shipping mistakes drain your profits or frustrate your customers. Discover proven solutions and best practices in our comprehensive guide. Continue reading to uncover the top 11 shipping pitfalls and learn how to optimize your strategy. Download now to enhance your e-commerce operations!

Related guide: International Shipping Guide | Shipbob

• Introduction
• 1. Packing orders inefficiently
• 2. Overlooking environmental concerns
• 3. Shipping from suboptimal locations
• 4. Ignoring DIM weight
• 5. Underestimating costs
• 6. Not offering free shipping
• 7. Compromising the customer experience
• 8. Approaching international shipping the wrong way
• 9. Disregarding product-specific considerations
• 10. Neglecting supply chain planning
• 11. Spending your precious time fulfilling orders

Number of Pages:

• 35 pages

Pricing: 

• Free