April 9, 2023

Shipping 101: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Shipping Costs

Running an ecommerce business requires effective management of shipping costs while ensuring fast and affordable deliveries. Being transparent about your shipping costs to the customers increases brand loyalty. Providing free shipping for larger orders is also a great way to attract and retain customers. However, businesses need to balance these options without sacrificing profitability. Therefore, accurate calculation of shipping costs is crucial for staying competitive in the industry. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help eCommerce store owners calculate shipping costs and reduce their expenses.

‍

What are the Factors Affecting Shipping Costs?
‍There are several factors that affect shipping costs, and it's crucial to consider them to get accurate shipping cost estimates. These factors include:

  1. Weight and Size of the Package: Heavier and larger packages will cost more to ship.
  2. Destination or Origin: Shipping to a location far away from the business will increase shipping costs. Also, if shipping  from a place that has less resources it will cost more.
  3. Shipping Method: The shipping method chosen, such as ground or air shipping, affects shipping costs.
  4. Shipping Distance: The distance between the business location and the destination location will impact shipping costs.
  5. Package Value and Insurance: The value of the package and whether it is insured will also affect shipping costs.
  6. Package Material: The material used for shipping also determines and affects the shipping costs.
  7. Weather: The cost of delivery location or origin might also fluctuate depending on weather conditions of the place.
  8. For international shipments, duties and customs also affect the shipping costs.
    ‍

Calculating Shipping Costs
‍To calculate shipping costs accurately, businesses need to consider the factors mentioned above. The following steps can help:

  1. Determine the Weight and Size of the Package: Measure the package's dimensions and weigh it to get an accurate estimate of its weight.
  2. Determine the Shipping Distance: Use a map to determine the distance between the business location and the destination.
  3. Determine the Shipping Method: Choose the most appropriate shipping method based on the package's weight, size, and destination.
  4. Determine Packaging Material: Use appropriate materials to pack and ship the products so they reach customers in proper condition and that reduces the number of returns.
  5. Determine Shipping Carrier: Different shipping carriers have different prices, it's best to get quotes from different shipping companies and finalize the one that offers the best value for money
    ‍

Tips for Reducing Shipping Costs
‍Shipping costs can quickly add up, affecting the business's bottom line. Here are some tips that can help reduce shipping costs:

  1. Negotiate Rates with Shipping Carriers: One of the most effective strategies to improve cost structure is to negotiate with shipping carriers for better rates. This can be particularly useful when dealing with a high volume of shipments. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are other factors to consider when choosing a shipping carrier besides just cost, such as delivery reliability and a good track record for customer service. These factors should be considered when negotiating for better pricing & evaluating alternatives.
  2. Use Lightweight and Smaller Packaging: Smaller and lighter packages are typically less expensive to ship, as they require less materials and take up less space. However, it is also important to ensure that the packaging is durable enough to protect the product during transit. Balancing the cost of shipping with the need for adequate protection is a key consideration for ecommerce businesses looking to optimize their shipping processes and costs
  3. Optimize Shipping Routes to Reduce Shipping Distance: One strategy to reduce shipping costs is to plan shipping routes in a way that minimizes the total distance traveled. By doing this, ecommerce businesses can save money on transportation costs and pass on those savings to customers. Another way to save on shipping costs is to optimize the outflow from the inventory. By carefully managing inventory levels and shipping schedules, companies can reduce the frequency of shipments and consolidate orders, resulting in lower shipping expenses overall.
  4. Offer Free Shipping on Orders Above a Certain Amount: To encourage customers to place larger orders, consider offering free shipping for purchases that exceed a certain threshold. This can be an effective way to increase sales volume and incentivize customers to buy more items, while also reducing your overall shipping costs. 
  5. Use Shipping Software to Streamline Shipping Processes: By automating shipping processes, software can help reduce the risk of errors and save time and money. Additionally, shipping software can provide companies with valuable data and insights into their shipping operations, which can inform future business decisions and help identify areas for improvement. For example, software can help identify shipping routes that may be less efficient or highlight areas where costs can be reduced without sacrificing service quality. Overall, the use of shipping software can be a valuable investment for companies looking to improve their shipping processes and boost their bottom line.
  6. Offer Local Delivery or Pickup: Businesses that deliver items door-to-door can reduce shipping costs by offering a "delivery pick-up" option. This way, customers can collect their items at a specific location in their neighborhood, rather than waiting at home for a delivery. By promoting this option, ecommerce businesses can save money while still providing a convenient service.
  7. Encourage customers to purchase early that reduces the last minute costs in shipping and handling.

By implementing these tips, ecommerce businesses can save money on shipping costs and increase their profits.
An accurate calculation of shipping costs is essential for ecommerce businesses that deal with physical products. By considering the factors that affect shipping costs and following the steps we've provided, businesses can calculate shipping costs accurately and price their products effectively. Implementing the tips we've shared can also help reduce shipping costs and increase profitability.

 

About Us: Bucephalus is a supply chain ops platform that empowers the millions of fast-growing e-commerce brands to move products faster, cheaper, and more sustainably using AI. We supercharge our customers’ operations by giving them a birds-eye view of their supply chain, acting as the connective tissue between the backend of their operations and single-use apps. Our product is continuously processing customer data using our AI systems inspired by our team’s experience working in data science at Amazon. Learn more about how Bucephalus can help to boost your company’s bottom line and schedule a demo today!

Latest Posts

October 16, 2023
Enterprise Inventory Solutions: Managing Complexity in Inventory & Supply Chain Planning for Large Retailers

From fashion to electronics and food & beverage, the challenges of managing a large-scale retail inventory are diverse but not insurmountable. This article delves into the power of AI-driven demand forecasting, real-time tracking, and Digital Twins in overcoming issues like seasonality, rapid product lifecycles, and perishability. Get ahead in the competitive retail landscape by making data-driven decisions that convert inventory into profits.

September 29, 2023
What is Inventory Planning and How to Do It With Software

Inventory planning is the art and science of determining what, how much, and when to order inventory to meet customer demands while optimizing costs. In the fast-paced world of retail and e-commerce, inventory planning serves as the backbone of operations from Shopify merchants to household enterprise retailers.

September 27, 2023
Demand Forecasting vs. Demand Planning: Optimizing Your Enterprise Supply Chain Strategy

Explore key concepts of enterprise scale demand forecasting and demand planning for in modern supply chain management across industries. This guide dives into their differences and evolving roles in today's market. Discover how AI and ML technology, especially through Bucephalus' AI-driven platform, enhance prediction and resource allocation. Gain insights to optimize your supply chain, whether in retail or brand management.