Ecommerce Shipping

The landscape of eCommerce has grown tremendously over the years, redefining how businesses operate and customers shop. A crucial component of this dynamic field is eCommerce shipping, a term that entails everything from how products get from a warehouse to a customer’s doorstep, to the strategies and solutions that make this process efficient. This article delves deep into the basics and complexities of eCommerce shipping.

What is eCommerce Shipping?

eCommerce shipping is the process of transporting products from the seller's location to the buyer's address in an online transaction. It involves several steps such as order confirmation, handling and packaging, shipping, and delivery confirmation.

1. Order Confirmation: Once a customer places an order, it's confirmed by the seller.
2. Handling and Packaging: Items are picked from the inventory, checked for quality, and packed securely.
3. Shipping: The package is shipped via a logistics company.
4. Delivery Confirmation: The customer is notified when the package is delivered.

Which Shipping Company is Best for eCommerce?

Choosing the right shipping company can make or break your eCommerce business. Some companies are known for their speed, while others are lauded for their reliability or cost-effectiveness.

1. Ordoro: Hundreds of Shopify merchants use Ordoro for its all-in-one logistics solution. It offers shipping management, inventory control, and many additional features.
2. USPS (United States Postal Service): Popular for its affordability, especially for smaller packages.
3. UPS (United Parcel Service): Known for reliability and comprehensive tracking features.
4. FedEx: Offers fast delivery and has strong international shipping capabilities.
5. DHL: Best known for international shipping.

What are eCommerce Packages?

eCommerce packages refer to the shipping containers used to transport items sold online. They come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the products being shipped. Effective packaging ensures the product reaches the customer in perfect condition, which helps maintain good customer relations and reduces return rates.

1. Boxes: Common for shipping multiple or large items, providing good protection.
2. Poly Mailers: Lightweight and cost-effective, suitable for non-fragile items like clothing.
3. Bubble Mailers: Offer padded protection for small and semi-fragile items like electronics.

Is eCommerce Just Dropshipping?

No, eCommerce is not just dropshipping. While dropshipping is a popular business model within the eCommerce spectrum, where the seller does not keep goods in stock but instead transfers the customer's orders to a third-party supplier, eCommerce is a much broader term.

1. Standard eCommerce: Companies own the inventory and handle packaging and shipping.
2. Dropshipping: The third-party supplier manages inventory and shipping.
3. Print on Demand: Customized products are created and shipped by third-party suppliers.

eCommerce Shipping Tracking

Order tracking provides transparency and builds trust between the seller and the customer. Various tools can integrate with your website to offer real-time tracking.

1. Ordoro: Offers end-to-end tracking solutions along with shipping management.
2. AfterShip: Integrates with major courier services and provides real-time updates.
3. ShipStation: Provides order and tracking management
4. EasyPost: Allows for tracking integration with over a hundred carriers.

Ecommerce Shipping Rates

Shipping rates can vary greatly depending on several factors like package size, weight, destination, and shipping speed. Calculating accurate shipping costs is essential for both budgeting and customer satisfaction.

1. Ordoro: Offers discounted shipping rates and easy integration with multiple carriers.
2. Shippo: Compares rates from multiple shipping partners to offer the best deal.
3. Stamps.com: Provides discounts for USPS services.
4. EasyShip: Allows businesses to calculate costs based on available couriers.

Ecommerce Shipping Companies

Choosing a reliable shipping company is key to providing a smooth customer experience. Here are some of the most widely used shipping companies in the eCommerce sector:

1. Ordoro: Offers various shipping services along with inventory and order management.
2. USPS: Ideal for cost-effective shipping options within the US.
3. UPS: Known for its reliability and comprehensive tracking system.
4. FedEx: Excellent for quick deliveries and international shipments.
5. DHL: Best known for its international reach.

Best Shipping for eCommerce

Determining the best shipping solution often depends on your specific needs, the nature of the products, and customer expectations. The following options are typically favored in the industry:

1. Ordoro: A full suite of shipping and logistics services that scale with your business needs.
2. USPS Priority Mail: Affordable and reliable for most domestic shipping.
3. UPS Ground: Great for affordability and reliable ground shipping.
4. FedEx Express: Ideal for urgent deliveries.

Ecommerce Shipping Solutions

The right shipping solution can streamline your operations and improve customer satisfaction. Here are some key solutions:

1. Ordoro: Provides seamless integration for inventory, shipping, and order management.
2. ShipStation: Known for its multi-channel integrations.
3. ShipBob: Focuses on fulfillment and warehousing, ideal for scaling businesses.
4. EasyShip: Offers shipping automation and discounted rates.

Cheapest Shipping for eCommerce

Cost-effective shipping is crucial for maintaining margins and providing value to customers. Here are some of the most cost-effective options:

1. Ordoro: Provides discounted shipping rates.
2. USPS Media Mail: Extremely affordable for books and educational materials.
3. UPS SurePost: Economical for non-urgent deliveries.
4. FedEx SmartPost: Integrates with USPS for cost-effective last-mile delivery.

eCommerce Delivery Strategy

Your eCommerce delivery strategy should align with your business goals and customer expectations. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. Same-Day Delivery: Ideal for local deliveries and urgent orders.
2. Two-Day Delivery: Becoming the standard due to the Amazon Prime effect.
3. Standard Shipping: Cost-effective and suitable for non-urgent items.
4. Free Shipping: Often used as a marketing tool to increase sales.

ShipStation

ShipStation is a popular shipping software that simplifies order management and shipping tasks for eCommerce businesses.

1. Order Management: Streamlines the process from order placement to delivery.
2. Rate Comparison: Compares shipping rates across carriers to find the best deal.
3. Branding: Allows for customized packing slips and shipping labels.
4. Integration: Integrates with various eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay.

However, if you're looking for a more comprehensive solution, you might consider Ordoro, which offers everything ShipStation does and more, including inventory management and supplier integration. Learn more

Conclusion

eCommerce shipping is a critical aspect of running a successful online business, encompassing everything from choosing the right shipping partners to creating an effective delivery strategy. Platforms like Ordoro simplify this complex landscape, providing robust solutions for inventory management, shipping, and more. With hundreds of Shopify merchants using Ordoro, it's clear that this platform is built for scaling and improving eCommerce operations.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your existing eCommerce shipping process, understanding the various components and options will help you make informed decisions to enhance your business growth and customer satisfaction.