Let’s imagine for a moment that you have just made a sale to a new client. Is this really the end of the overall engagement process? All online retail experts will agree that this is only the beginning. You need to ensure that repeat purchases are made and one of the ways to ensure such a positive outcome is to employ clear and efficient shipping methods. Still, this can be somewhat tricky within the world of e-commerce. It seems as if every marketing professional follows his or her preferred set of rules. Are there any universal suggestions to keep in mind? Let us examine some rather all-encompassing guidelines that will keep your clients coming back for more.
Consider Shipping Rates and Affordability
Think about massive online retail websites such as Amazon and eBay. What goes into making a decision about a product? While its main characteristics and price are obviously important, the chances are high that you will also look at how much it costs to ship to a specific destination. This is even more relevant in regards to items that need to be sent overseas. Excessive shipping and handling fees can easily torpedo what would otherwise have proven to be a lucrative sale.
Examine different providers in order to determine the fees that they will charge as well as how much extra needs to be paid for express services such as priority shipping. It could also be a good idea to utilise regionally relevant methods (such as an “ePacket”) when dealing with far-off locations. More info can always be obtained in regards to this and other possibilities.
Choose the Correct Type of Shipping Container
Not only will the type of packaging impact the overall price, but it could also determine whether the product arrives safely to the recipient. If it happens to become damaged along the way, the chances are high that you have lost any opportunity for a repeat sale. Carefully consider the type of material employed as well as what protection if offers. For example, polyurethane bags are durable and flexible; ideal for softer items such as clothing. If you happen to be sending other products that might become inadvertently damaged, it is much better to use bubble wrap encased within a double-walled corrugated cardboard box. On a final note, it is wise to take a look at the crush ratings associated with different types of boxes. Higher ratings will afford a greater level of protection; particularly crucial when shipping delicate items such as jewellery or flatware.
It is just as wise to include a thank-you note within the container in order to add a more personalised touch to the overall customer experience. Not only is this tactic useful in terms of establishing a general rapport, but it also shows that you care about the average customer. The bottom line is that shipping a product to the end user is another portion of the overall engagement process, so be sure to incorporate the strategies highlighted above in order to further strengthen your brand identity.
