The Different Types Of Shipping Options And How To Choose

Shipping is an integral part of your eCommerce business. The shipping options you choose will ultimately affect how much time and money it takes to get a package from point A to point B, as well as the customer experience. In this blog post, we're going to walk through the different types of shipping options and how they work so that you can pick the right one for your company.

Standard Shipping

Standard shipping is the most common type of shipping. It's usually the cheapest option, and it takes the longest amount of time to arrive at its destination. Standard shipping is a good option for items that are not urgently needed. When shipping luggage, for example, standard shipping is a good option because it's usually cheaper than other options, and the luggage can take a while to get to its destination. Make sure that you calculate the time for the package to arrive and factor that into your marketing campaigns. Also, keep in mind that shipping costs can be high if you're selling products internationally and the standard shipping price is more than your customers are willing to pay.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited shipping is a faster version of standard shipping. Items with this type of shipping are often delivered in one to two days, but they usually cost more than standard options. Expedited delivery can be helpful if you're selling products that customers need quickly or items like electronics where speed is essential for customer satisfaction. Make sure that you factor the increased shipping cost into your product pricing.

When choosing an expedited shipping option, it's important to remember that not all carriers offer the same service. For example, FedEx offers next-day air while UPS only offers two-day air. Make sure you do your research and pick a carrier that can meet your delivery standards. A few carriers offer one-day delivery, which is even faster than next-day air and two-day air. However, this service usually comes at a steep price, so make sure you factor it into your product pricing before offering it to customers.

Freight Shipping

Freight shipping is the most expensive type of shipping, and it takes the longest amount of time to arrive at its destination. It's usually reserved for bulky, heavy items like furniture or appliances that cannot be efficiently shipped through standard channels. Freight delivery can reduce your costs per shipment because you don't have to ship as many items to profit. However, it would be best to keep in mind that freight delivery is often the slowest option, and it's usually not available for international shipments since freight companies tend to avoid cross-border shipping due to its complexity.

Keep in mind that freight shipping isn't the right option for everything. It's usually not the best choice to ship items internationally because it costs more than other options and takes longer to arrive at its destination. For example, freight shipping can cost twice as much as regular international shipping with FedEx or UPS, which is why companies like Amazon mostly use standard shipping when they're sending products across the globe. In this case, it's better to use a carrier that offers lower rates for international shipping as well as cheaper standard options, so you can ship more items and make your money back quickly.

Parcel Shipping

Parcel shipping is a popular option for small businesses because it's often the cheapest way to ship packages. Parceling involves dividing your shipment into multiple items, then shipping through different carriers or regions, allowing you to lower costs per item and speed up delivery times. However, this comes at a risk that some of your things may get lost or damaged in transit. Parcel shipping is a good option for not urgently needed products and can be shipped through multiple carriers without too much damage.

When choosing a parcel shipping company, it's important to remember that not all offer the same service. Make sure you research different companies and compare their rates before selecting the best one for your business. Also, remember to factor in the insurance cost if any of your items get damaged during transit.

Standard shipping

Dropshipping is the most popular type of shipping because it's straightforward to set up and does not require you to invest in any product inventory. Instead, as a small business owner or an entrepreneur looking for more independence from your employer, all that's needed are basic website development skills, which can be learned easily through online courses like this one. When a customer orders from your site, you contact the supplier, then ship the product directly to your customer's doorstep. Dropshipping offers entrepreneurs a very low-cost way to start and operate their own business with virtually no risk.

When it comes to dropshipping, there are two main types of suppliers: wholesalers and manufacturers. A wholesaler will generally have a wide range of products to offer, while a manufacturer will specialize in one or two specific product categories. It's important to do your research and find the supplier that provides the best products for your business and the best prices.

For example, companies are often trying to find China wholesale manufacturers that offer the products they want to sell at competitive prices, so finding a manufacturer for dropshipping can be relatively easy. This ensures a steady supply of goods and their timely replacement.

International Shipping

When shipping internationally, there are a few things to consider. The first is the cost of shipping. This will depend on the weight and size of your item, as well as the destination country. You'll also need to factor in customs fees, which can be expensive depending on the value of your item.

Another thing to keep in mind is the time it will take for your item to arrive. International shipping can be slow, so you'll need to allow plenty of time for your package to make its way to its destination. Consider using a freight forwarder if you're looking for a cost-effective and reliable international shipping option. Freight forwarders are experts in shipping across borders and will be able to provide you with an accurate quote. They can also offer shipping advice if required.

Shipping is an integral part of any business, and it's essential to choose the correct shipping option for your products. By understanding the different types of shipping options available, you can make the best decision for your business.