Control Shipping Costs For Your Gift Baskets
emarketingandCommerce.com (eM+C) is an online magazine that provides information and data about effective online marketing strategies. I read an article in the October issue that offers some interesting facts and suggestions about how to control your shipping costs while hoping to attract shoppers who shop online. Full Story.
While your customers may actually pay the shipping charges for their orders, it is in your best interest to find the best shipping rates. According to the author, “higher than expected shipping charges is considered the top reason that consumers abandon their online shopping carts”.
First, you need to consider how you want to work with shipping companies. You can choose to work with one carrier and build a loyal relationship. Or, you can use a variety of carriers and ship each order based on the least expensive quote. Both of these options have pros and cons. By building a relationship with one carrier, you may be able to take advantage of volume discounts that the shipper offers. On the other hand, with shipping rates that are constantly changing, if you use a variety of carriers, you may be able to offer your customers lower shipping costs.
Your best strategy is to contact shippers in your area and meet with a representative who will explain all the details and services that their company offers. You can start your research online, but at Apex Gift Foods, we have found that direct conversations with company representatives can result in many accommodations that the shipper will offer to meet your specific needs. Following are links for a few of the major LTL (less than truckload) shipping companies where you can start your investigation: UPS, FedEX.
Add comment November 16th, 2008