Shipping Policy

eCommerce shipping process

Whether you’re starting your business from scratch, or running it successfully across multiple channels, your eCommerce shipping process must be straight. You’ll need to spend some time analyzing your shipping policy (or creating ii you still don’t have one), setting your shipping goals so that you realize the key areas where you have to work hard, and lastly choosing a shipping software for a smoother last mile order fulfillment process
Let’s have a look at each of these closely –

Shipping Policy

How do you plan to address your customer queries related to shipping, without something to stick to? Exactly! That’s what you need a shipping policy for!
Especially, when you own a website, publish your shipping policy page at an easy to reach section so that customers can refer to it before making a purchase.
Even market research has this backing up! 80% of the customers would prefer referring to your shipping policy for information on shipping costs, delivery timeframes, returns, etc.
So, as you begin to draft your policy, make sure you have the following points covered-

Shipping Rates

Mention whether you’re offering flat-rate shipping, free shipping, or threshold-based free shipping. It puts a clear picture of your business in front of the customer
Tip: If your shipping costs vary based on your customer’s purchase, it is wise to add a shipping rate calculator at the checkout.

Delivery SLAs

Do you offer same-day delivery for your products? Mention it in your shipping policy page. Providing the information on how long you take to deliver your customer’s packages, is definitely something that will help them in proceeding with purchase from your store. This way they’ll know when to expect the product at their doorstep.

Shipping Carriers

Customers want to know the couriers you use to ship products so that they know where to expect tracking messages in their inbox. Also, it gives them a sense of trust if they have heard of the courier partner before. Even though this is not completely necessary, you can choose to show it in your policy to boost confidence among customers

International Shipping Guidelines

Be sure to divulge this information, if you offer international shipping to entice any potential customers.

Delivery Exceptions

Delivery exceptions must be highlighted in your policy pages to establish transparency. For example, if you don’t ship to specific areas, mention it in the policy.

Further Reads: A Seller’s Guide to Creating An Ultimate E-commerce Shipping Policy

Shipping goals

I’m sure you have goals in life, it’s time you had a few for your shipping strategy too. Once you’re all set with your shipping policy, the next thing you need to focus on is establishing your shipping goals.
Shipping goals define what you want to accomplish with your eCommerce shipping strategy. Though goals may vary depending on the type of business you’re running, there are a few that reside in the core of your strategy if you’re shipping physical products.
• Heighten Conversions
• Increase Average Order value
• Decrease Costs
• Increase Operational Efficiency
• Expand your reach