You’ve spent countless hours perfecting your online store by curating the best products and creating a seamless checkout process. Now it is time to choose the best shipping method for your products. Do you choose the cheapest method, which is going to take the longest to deliver your customers’ purchases, or do you opt for the fastest option that’s going to cost you more? Finding the right balance between speed and cost can be difficult, but when you get it right, you’ll have satisfied customers who will come back to you again and again.
There are basically seven shipping methods to choose from. We’re going to walk you through each of them in this comprehensive guide.
7 shipping methods
1. Standard
Sometimes referred to as ground, economy, or regular, standard is the most widely used form of shipping. That’s probably because it’s the least expensive way of getting your goods to your customers, but it’s also the slowest. Depending on the distance the goods have to travel, delivery can take anything from three to ten days.
Pros:
- Ideal for non-urgent deliveries,
- Affordable alternative to free shipping.
Cons:
- The extra time it takes to deliver could lead to customer dissatisfaction.
Standard shipping is best for businesses that prioritize cost-effectiveness over speed.
2. Expedited
Faster than standard and more costly, this method is ideal for goods that have to be delivered in the shortest amount of time – like perishables or time-sensitive gifts. The additional costs this form of shipping incurs makes it unworkable for some businesses.
To make expedited shipping more manageable, it is essential to have a reliable and robust logistics system in place that ensures the packages are delivered on time, without compromising on quality or incurring unnecessary expenses.
Pros:
- Provides exceptional customer service,
- Useful for time-sensitive items.
Cons:
- Can be expensive,
- May not be feasible for all businesses.
Expedited shipping is offered by businesses the prioritize speed over cost-effectiveness
3. Flat rate
A fixed rate is charged for all packages, irrespective of size or weight. This method can simplify the shipping process for both the seller and the customer, but it can also be less cost effective for light or small items and may not be available for all destinations.
Pros:
- Simplifies the shipping process,
- Predictable and easy to calculate costs.
Cons:
- May not be available for all locations,
- May not work well for small or lighter items.
This option is popular with businesses whose products all have a similar weight and size. It’s also a good choice for companies that can consolidate orders.
4. Free
The favored option in recent years, the free in this shipping option applies to customers only – the retailer still has to pay delivery fees. The appeal for an ecommerce business is that it entices shoppers to buy from them and encourages those buyers to return for something else, but it can be a pricey endeavor.
Pros:
- Attracts more customers,
- Increases sales,
- Can improve customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Cons:
- Can be expensive for businesses, particularly those selling large or heavy items.
This is a good option for businesses that want to incentivize shoppers to buy something.
5. International
If you have customers in another country, this is the method you’re going to have to use. Offering international shipping on your site is also a way to increase your customer base and expand into new markets, but it can be a complicated bureaucratic business. Paperwork for customs has to be prepared, and each country has its own rules and regulations about what it will accept and how it has to be packaged. Fortunately, there are international freight companies that will take care of a lot of this paperwork for you. You can also employ customs agents, but that’s another cost.
Pros:
- Expands your customer base,
- Opens up new markets.
Cons:
- There’s a lot of paperwork to take care of, regulations for customs to adhere to, and fees to pay.
Offering international shipping is a must for companies looking to expand globally.
6. Same day
As the name implies, when this method is employed, packages are sent out from the warehouse or store the same day the order is placed. Since it speeds up the time it takes for purchased items to get to their buyer, It’s a great way to provide excellent customer service. Same day can also be useful for businesses that sell perishable or time-sensitive items. In fact, recent statistics show that over 75% of consumers like same-day shipping, making it a valuable tool for businesses to meet customer expectations and stay competitive.
Pros:
- Provides exceptional customer service,
- Useful for perishable or time-sensitive items.
Cons:
- Can be expensive,
- May not be feasible for all businesses.
It’s an ideal shipping method for companies that have to fulfill orders urgently.
7. Local delivery
Giving a more personalized touch, local means delivering orders to customers who are in the same city as the sales business is located.
Pros:
- Effectively attracts local customers,
- Shipping carriers may offer special discounts for local shipments.
Cons:
- Coordinating deliveries may present logistical challenges.
A great method for businesses that want to connect more with their nearby customers.
Positive outcomes from choosing the right shipping method
- Attract more customers: By providing fast, reliable, and affordable shipping, you can create a memorable customer experience and increase brand loyalty.
- Boost your sales: Offering a variety of shipping options, including free or discounted ones, can attract more customers and lead to increased sales.
- Save on costs: The right shipping method can help you reduce shipping costs, giving you higher profit margins and more room for growth.
- Streamline your operations: By selecting the right shipping method, you can streamline your shipping operations by reducing processing times and optimizing packaging and labeling.
- Outshine your competitors: Offering better shipping options than your competitors can help you stand out in a crowded market and give you a competitive edge.
- Expand globally: International shipping can take your business global, reaching new customers in untapped markets.
Conclusion
Shipping doesn’t just impact your bottom line, it also affects customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. When selecting which method or methods to offer, you have to consider their pros and cons, weighing the customer experience each offers against their cost to you.
A reliable inventory management system can streamline your shipping process, reducing errors and, as a consequence, costs. Cin7 Core offers integrated shipping solutions that you will find very helpful when selecting a carrier method.
To learn more about our inventory management system and find out how it can facilitate your shipping decisions, boost your brand, and take your ecommerce business to new heights, book a call with one of our experts today.