Here are 5 tips to save money on shipment. Shipping has become a part of online businesses that cannot be avoided and yet expensive more so to small businesses. Different shipping companies have different shipping requirements and cost structures which often hike with corresponding increase in fuel prices. These increments in shipping costs can make a business fall if proper cost management strategies are not put in place. Below are the five basic tips which when followed will always make your shipping affordable and enable your business to grow.
Always compare costs: There are many shipping companies which offer shipping services at different costs. Compare them in order to choose the most affordable and secure one. Carrier costs also fluctuate most of the time. You should be able to compare their costs and even use online Application Programming Interface tools to measure the weight of your goods. This will help you save money on shipment.
Consider printing postage yourself: Start printing postage and shipping yourself from your computer. Printing machines for instance Postage Meters will only use your home printer plus your computer to print quality postage. Mailing companies like Endicia will always provide easier and cheaper printing options like Express Mail for all its members. These companies also provide other great discounts. Printing these portages yourself will save you the expensive cost of having them printed for you and will help you save money. Also, check out our post on how to save money on painting supplies.
Do your own measurement: Always check your carrier requirements and measure your good to provide accurate measurements. Providing wrong measurement will lead to delays in shipping which can also come at increased costs. You good can also be damaged in the process. Do your own accurate measurement and save yourself all these uncertainties and extra expenses. You will always end up saving extra cash towards all your shipping activities.
Look for Discounts: Many mailing companies offer different discounts at different periods. Lookout for these discounts and utilize them well. To qualify for some of these discounts you should consider joining some of the mailing companies. By doing this, you will always grab best mailing costs and great discounts, all which will help you save money on shipping.
Consider recycling packing materials: Recycling materials also incur extra costs to your shipping. You can reduce these costs by recycling your packing materials. If you receive a shipped good, you can always use reuse its packing materials to do your own packing and avoid the cost of buying new packing materials. This will always help you spend less on your shipping thus help you save money on shipment.