Introduction

Hey there, fellow small business owner! We know you’re hustling hard to get those fantastic products out into the world and guess what? Shipping doesn’t have to be a mysterious, hair-pulling affair, mainly when calculating shipping costs. Lucky for you, that’s precisely what we will discuss today: how to calculate shipping for small businesses! In this quick and easy guide, we’ve got the lowdown on some great shipping tips to help you sail smoothly through how to calculate shipping for small businesses. So, buckle up, and let’s dive in!

1. The Weighing Game

Picture this: you’ve got a scale, your product, and a determined look in your eye. Welcome to the world of weighing and measuring. Knowing your products’ exact dimensions and weight is the key to accurate shipping costs. So, embrace your inner mathlete and get those figures right—it’s the first step in calculating shipping costs, which will also help you in all the coming steps.

2. Picking Your Partner in Shipping Crime

In this next important step, you are choosing a shipping carrier. So, it’s a bit like picking a dance partner. You want someone who can keep up, won’t step on your toes, and won’t break the bank. UPS, FedEx, USPS – they’re all vying for your attention. So, research, compare rates, and find the one that best fits your small business needs.

3. The Zone Tango

Ever heard of the shipping zone tango? No? Well, it’s time to learn the steps. Carriers often divide the world into zones based on distance. So, the farther your package has to travel, the more it’ll cost. Thus, understanding this dance will keep you from stumbling over unexpected costs. That way, you can keep your shipping moves on point.

4. Package Type Jive

Different packages have different dance styles – envelopes, shimmy, boxes, cha-cha. In other words, specific packages are best for fitting certain products. Therefore, choose the right moves for your products to minimize dimensional weight charges. Think of it as finding the perfect pair of shoes – they should fit just right, and you shouldn’t trip over them. 

5. The Speedy Salsa

Speedy delivery is like the salsa of the shipping world – fast, exciting. But it also comes at a cost. Therefore, you must decide how fast you want to tango with your packages and factor that into your budget. It’s all about finding the right tempo for your business rhythm. It might be extra if you want things to get to your customer quickly. However, that may be worth it to you and your business in the long run. 

6. The Calculating Waltz

Get ready for the calculating waltz – not as fancy as it sounds, but oh-so-important. Most carriers have nifty online calculators. This makes calculating shipping costs as easy as 1, 2, 3! So, input your package details and destination, and voila! You get a dance card with the estimated shipping costs. In short, it’s the quick step to avoiding financial missteps.

7. The Negotiation Twist

Feeling bold? Then, you can channel your inner negotiator and hit up your chosen carrier. Small businesses have the power to negotiate rates. So, it’s like convincing your dance partner to spin you twice instead of once. You might end up with a better deal than you expected.

8. The Flat Rate Foxtrot or the Free Shipping Waltz

Moving further, you can consider the flat rate foxtrot – a simple, straightforward dance where you charge a flat rate for shipping. Alternatively, you could sway to the free shipping waltz, where you absorb the shipping costs into your product prices. It’s all about finding the dance style that suits your business vibe. 

9. Packaging Mambo

Don’t forget the packaging mambo! Those boxes, bubble wrap, and tape might not have fancy moves, but they’re essential partners in your shipping dance. So, factor in their costs to ensure your grand shipping performance goes off without a hitch.

10. The Fee Fandango

Additional fees are like unexpected dance floor obstacles. Be aware of fuel surcharges, residential delivery fees, and handling fees. Remember, you want your business dance to be smooth, not tripping over hidden charges in the dark.

11. The Pricing Twist

Prices change, and so should your dance routine. Thus, regularly review and update your shipping prices to sync with carrier changes and business costs. It’s the pricing twist that keeps your business boogie fresh.

12. The Software Samba

Lastly, consider the software samba. Shipping software can automate the steps, calculate rates effortlessly, and make your shipping journey a joyful dance. Think of it as hiring a dance instructor for your business – it keeps you on beat and your customers applauding.

The Finale

All in all, shipping might seem like a complicated dance, but with the right moves, it can be a breeze. Learning how to calculate shipping for small businesses can take some time, but it should be a fun performance once you learn it! It all depends on the choices you make for your small business, including packaging, carriers, software, and more. So, put on your dancing shoes, and let the shipping ball begin! Happy shipping!

Introduction:

Have you thought about outsourcing your business operations but don’t know where to start? A big game changer in e-commerce for growing businesses is using 3rd party freight services. You’re in luck if you want to outsource your fulfillment or shipping or are curious about it. This blog post explores how third-party freight can be the key to unlocking success for online merchants. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll better understand 3rd party freight services overall.

So, let’s get right to it!

Understanding the E-commerce Ecosystem:

E-commerce merchants face a unique set of challenges. From managing inventory and order fulfillment to providing swift and reliable shipping, the demands are diverse and constantly changing. This is where third-party freight comes into play. Overall, it offers a lifeline to merchants looking to optimize logistics and focus on what they do best—serving their customers.

So, what does this specific service offer you and your customer?  

The Benefits of 3rd-Party Freight:

Some of the standout features when using the services that come with outsourcing your shipping include:

1. Efficient Shipping Solutions: As the saying goes, time is money, and money is time. This is especially true with online shopping and shipping. Third-party freight services specialize in efficient shipping. Therefore, they make sure your products reach customers on time. Plus. This fosters good relationships and increases satisfaction and the likelihood of repeat orders and customers.

2. Cost-Effective Operations: E-commerce merchants, especially small and medium-sized businesses, can struggle to balance costs. So, third-party freight providers step in and leverage economies of scale. By doing this, they offer cost-effective shipping solutions to help you stay competitive without breaking the bank.

3. Scalability and Flexibility: As your e-commerce business grows, so do your logistics needs. Third-party freight services are very scalable. Therefore, that means you can adapt to changing demands seamlessly. Whether experiencing a sudden increase in orders or entering new markets, these services can handle your requirements.

4. Focus on Core Competencies: E-commerce success depends on delivering exceptional products and customer experiences. Outsourcing your logistics to a third-party provider, such as third-party freight services, frees up valuable time and resources to concentrate on what makes your business unique. This includes product development, marketing, and customer service.

So, how do you know which freight services to choose? 

Choosing the Right 3rd Party Freight Partner:

Selecting the right third-party freight partner is very important for the success of your e-commerce venture. Consider the following factors:

1. Having a Good Track Record: Look for providers with a proven track record of reliability. Customer reviews and testimonials can be valuable indicators of a company’s performance. 

2. Technology Integration: In the digital age, technology integrations are paramount, especially in shipping and warehousing. Choose a provider with user-friendly platforms. You should also ensure the systems have easy collaboration and real-time tracking.

3. Tailor it to You: Your business is unique, and your logistics solutions should reflect that. Opt for a third-party freight partner offering customizable services tailored to your needs. If you struggle to find a good match, there are solutions to help. For example, eHub. 

eHub Can Help

Along with following these tips, eHub can also help by analyzing your business and matching you with the perfect 3PL partner for your business needs. If you are seriously looking into outsourcing your fulfillment or are curious about what a 3PL can do for your business, hop on a call with us today! We are happy to answer any questions you have.

Conclusion:

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, using a 3rd party freight service can be an intelligent move for merchants who want to optimize their operations. From efficient shipping to cost-effective solutions, these services empower e-commerce businesses to navigate the complexities of logistics. Plus, they can still focus on customer satisfaction and growth. As you travel on your own e-commerce journey, it’s worth considering a 3rd party freight service. It can be a valuable partner in achieving your business goals. Happy shipping!

Introduction

Today’s world is becoming increasingly technology-heavy, and shipping and logistics are no exception. So, in the bustling world of e-commerce, staying ahead means embracing tools that enhance efficiency and communication. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) labels are a big part of this ever-evolving transformation.

In this blog, we’ll look into EDI labels, going over what they are and their significance for e-commerce merchants and 3PLs alike. Hopefully, by the end of this blog, you’ll know why EDI labels are such an essential part of the shipping and logistics industry and why they are so helpful for businesses. Maybe, you’ll consider using them for your business if you haven’t already, or get an excellent refresher on how they work and what they do. 

Let’s jump in!

What are EDI Labels?

Imagine EDI labels as the hi-tech siblings of traditional shipping labels. These digital labels are encoded with standardized information, eliminating the manual hassles of data entry. Instead, they automate the exchange of crucial details about products, shipments, and handling instructions between trading partners.

So, what’s the big deal?

EDI Labels: An Important Part of Shipping 

1. Streamlining Operations: E-commerce merchants and 3PLs are no strangers to handling numerous shipments every single day. EDI labels automate the generation, exchange, and processing of shipping information. Therefore, they free up valuable time and resources from mundane manual tasks.

2. Reducing Errors, Reducing Stress: Manual data entry often has its fair share of errors, which can lead to shipping delays and customer frustrations. EDI labels significantly reduce the risk of errors, helping accurate information flow seamlessly through the supply chain.

3. Tidying Up: If inventory management is going to be effective, then it needs accurate and real-time information on product identification and quantities. So, EDI labels provide a standardized channel and way for communicating this vital data. Therefore, this causes better control over stock levels and minimizes the risk of stockouts or excess inventory.

4. A Collabs and Partnerships Tool: E-commerce merchants often use 3PLs to fulfill orders. In this case, EDI labels create smooth communication between these partners, regardless of the software systems they use. This teamwork and connection ensures a harmonious flow of information, making collaboration more accessible and better throughout the supply chain.

So, now that you know what EDIs help out with and why they matter let’s move on to how they work. 

The Inner Workings of EDI Labels

There are three main components of an EDI label that make it work so well for helping streamline operations overall. These pieces are:

1. Sticking to Formats: EDI labels play by the rules, meaning they follow the standardized formats. These formats include ANSI X12 and EDIFACT. Overall, formats like these define the structure and content of the labels. Therefore, they can stay consistent and compatible across various trading partners.

2. Automation Magic: EDI labels help facilitate the seamless exchange of information on product details, barcodes, shipping instructions, and more. In other words, they are the wizards of automation. This automation not only saves time but also acts as a powerful shield against human error. It’s almost as if they have an anti-mistake spell on them.

3. Integration Harmony: E-commerce platforms and 3PL software pair with EDI systems quickly and stress-free. This integration ensures a nice data flow, allowing information to travel smoothly between different supply chain stages.

All three of these aspects of EDI labels help explain why they’re so beneficial in the shipping world. They make it very easy to do things that, in the past, have been more difficult, time-consuming, and prone to error. 

Final Thoughts

As e-commerce and logistics constantly evolve, EDI labels help businesses keep up with the times. They’re helpful and essential tools in this world that use technology more and more every day. By making it quick and easy to exchange crucial information, these labels help e-commerce merchants and 3PLs enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and create easy collaboration with trading partners.

In a world where time is of the essence, using EDI labels is not just a good choice but a strategic move toward a future of streamlined and error-free logistics operations. Hopefully, you now better understand how EDI labels work and how they can benefit you and your business. Maybe you, if you haven’t already, are planning on using these for your business. Either way, they will help you in this evolving shipping world. Happy shipping!

Introduction

Shipping isn’t always easy, and it’s hard to know what to do when you do run into a problem. Sometimes, you void a shipment, while other times, your shipment gets a void. So, in today’s guide, we talk about UPS specifically and what to do when you hit a little bump in the shipping road, your package gets the void treatment the dreaded words: “ups shipment voided” appear. So, let’s dive into why this happens and give a few tips on how to surf these shipping waves like a pro.

1. Unraveling the Mystery: UPS Shipment Voided?

To start, you may wonder, “Why was my shipment voided”? Well, there are many different reasons this happens. A couple of them include a mix-up of addresses or even a last-minute change of plans. The shipping universe is full of surprises. That’s why pinpointing why your shipment got the ax is step one in cracking this shipping code. So, what’s your next step?

2. Take the Reins: Hit Up UPS Customer Service

The next best step in determining why your shipping has the “void” label is to give UPS customer service a ring. Usually, they’ll ask for your tracking number, and then you can spill the details of your shipment saga. Remember, these folks are your go-to gurus, and they’ll give you everything you need to know why your package got the void treatment. Plus, they’ll help give you information on the following steps. 

3. Shake It Off and Reship: Crafting a New Shipping Game Plan

If you find out your package needs a second chance, it’s time to channel your inner shipping maestro. So, you need to print a fresh shipping label and ensure your location, spelling, and overall label contents are accurate. Overall, accuracy is your secret weapon to dodge any future shipping hiccups.

4. Dollar Bills, Y’all: Refunds and Adjustments

As another important tip, if your shipment was prepaid and you got the void boot before the pickup, you might be in for a sweet refund or adjustment. If this happens, you can look into the UPS refund policies, shoot your shot, and see if you get your dollars back.

5. Keep It Real: Tracking Updates and Stayin’ in the Loop

As another good reminder that’s true for any shipment, keep an eye on your package and delivery status. If you do that, it’s pretty easy to see whether your package has the “void” label. Call UPS for the lowdown if anything seems fishy or there’s a delay. Communication is critical to getting things done, and as we said before, they help you with everything you need for your package worries.

6. Document Like a Boss: Cover Your Back

In the world of shipping, documentation is your sidekick. Therefore, write down every chat with UPS, note tracking and reference numbers, and screenshot those confirmation emails. A solid paper trail gets you out of this pickle and sets you up for future shipping adventures.

Conclusion: Smooth Sailing 

So, your UPS shipment hit a detour. But it’s no biggie! You’ll be back on smooth seas by staying in the loop, getting help from UPS support, and rolling with the shipping punches. Remember, shipping surprises happen, but with these reminders and tips, you’re the captain of this shipping ship.

Ready to tackle this? Give UPS a shout for a roadmap out of this shipping maze. 

Introduction

If you’re knee-deep in sending packages and figuring out the FedEx puzzle, you’ve probably encountered the dilemma of choosing between FedEx Standard Rate vs One Rate. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! This friendly guide will break down the nitty-gritty of FedEx Standard Rate vs One Rate, exploring what makes them tick and helping you decide which one’s your shipping soulmate.

Let’s Start with the Good Ol’ FedEx Standard Rate

So, picture this: you’re shipping your goodies with FedEx Standard Rate. It’s the old-fashioned, traditional way of doing things. With this option, your shipping cost is like a personalized cocktail—shaken, not stirred. It considers your package’s weight, size, and the journey it’s about to embark on. They call it dimensional weight pricing—a fancy term that means they’re looking at the big picture of your package.

Now, why might you dig the Standard Rate vibe?

Mix and Match Pricing:

Fair and Square Costs:

Jack of All Trades:

Jet-Setting Packages:

But, like any superhero, FedEx Standard Rate has its kryptonite. Brace yourself for:

The Math Challenge:

Cost Rollercoaster:

Now, Enter the FedEx One Rate

Meet FedEx One Rate, the fresh face in the FedEx lineup. It’s all about simplicity, baby! With One Rate, you pay a flat rate for packages up to a certain weight, no matter where it’s headed. Forget the complicated calculations – it’s like ordering from a fixed-price menu.

Why might you swoon over One Rate?

Straightforward Pricing:

Predictable Expenses:

Time and Effort Saver:

Packaging Freedom:

But, of course, even the coolest cats have their quirks:

Weight Watchers Alert:

Not a One-Size-Fits-All:

So, How Do You Choose?

Know Your Shipping Style:

Packaging Preferences:

Cost Detective:

Think Global:

Time is Money:

In Conclusion

The FedEx showdown between Standard Rate and One Rate is real, but there’s no need for a dramatic drumroll. It all boils down to what works best for your unique shipping needs. Whether you’re vibing with the versatility of Standard Rate or dancing to the simplicity of One Rate, FedEx has your back in the ever-evolving world of shipping. So, go ahead – ship like a pro and make the FedEx choice that suits your style!

Introduction

In online shopping, where people want things quickly, businesses need a dialed fulfillment system. A critical tool for success is an intelligent system for handling stuff in the warehouse. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why this system (called an ecommerce warehouse management system or WMS) is crucial for online businesses. We’ll also look at what it does, how it helps, and how it can change how businesses handle their products and send them to customers.

Understanding Online Shopping Warehouse Systems

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a computer program that ensures everything in the warehouse is organized and easy to find. A good WMS is essential for online shops, where many people always buy things. Let’s check out the cool stuff WMS can do for online stores.

Imagine you’re running a store. It’s important to always know how much of each item you have. WMS helps by telling you in real-time how many things you have, where they are, and if they’re ready to be sold. This helps avoid situations where you run out of things people want or have too much of something that sits on shelves without moving.

When someone buys something online, it’s like a little mission to get it to them. WMS makes this mission easier by packing and preparing the order for shipping. This helps get orders to customers faster and with fewer mistakes.

WMS helps to plan and organize products so each item has its place. This helps save workers time when they need to find something because everything has its perfect spot.

WMS uses special codes and tags to track items. When all the products are tagged with a barcode, organizing, tracking, and finding products becomes much simpler. This also ensures that things are where they should be and helps avoid mistakes.

WMS mitigates risks by using predictive analytics to anticipate needs and trends. It looks at past sales and figures out what people might want to buy in the future. This helps stores be ready with enough of the right things so they never run out or have too much.

Benefits of Using Online Shopping Warehouse Systems

Now that we know what an ecommerce warehouse management system does, let’s discuss why it’s so fantastic for online shops. Here are some perfect things that happen when businesses use WMS.

WMS helps workers do their jobs faster and better. This means they can finish more things in less time, making the whole process smoother and more efficient.

WMS is like a superhero for making sure orders are correct. This means customers get what they ordered without any mistakes, and happy customers mean more people want to return to shop at that store.

WMS can help businesses save money in different ways. It can make workers more efficient, use space better, and avoid mistakes that cost money to fix.

Imagine your store is like a tree, and you want it to grow tall. WMS is like the roots of that tree. It helps the store grow without any problems. Even if the store gets bigger, WMS can handle it without any issues because the foundation for scaling has been laid.

When things run smoothly, and customers get what they want quickly, they’re happy. WMS helps create happy customers, and happy customers tell their friends. It’s like a chain reaction of good feelings.

Challenges and Things to Think About When Using Smart Warehouses

Using an intelligent warehouse system is fantastic, but it’s not always easy. Here are some things to think about and some challenges that might come up.

WMS needs to talk to other computer programs in the store, like the one that keeps track of money (ERP). Sometimes, this can be a bit tricky and time-consuming to ensure that communication is initiated and running smoothly. It takes a little while for the operation to run effortlessly, and for some, it takes strategic planning time-wise so the shift doesn’t adversely affect the business.

When a store gets a new WMS, everyone must learn how to use it. It’s like getting a new toy but also a bit like learning a new game. Making sure everyone knows how to use it is essential. Again, taking the time to slow down and transfer processes and procedures can be frustrating for some. Humans are creatures of habit, and changing those habits is difficult at first. 

Even though using WMS can save a lot of money in the long run, getting it set up costs money. It’s like buying a perfect tool for a job. Businesses must consider whether they can spend a bit now to save later.

If a store grows, the WMS needs to grow with it. It is important to choose a WMS that can handle a bigger store. Because it can be a costly change financially and with time, you want to mitigate the risks of doing the process more than once. 

Solutions with eHub:

If you feel your business is in the sweet spot of wanting to implement a system like this, you don’t know where to start. eHub can help! We have an extensive network of service providers and connections we use to help businesses like yours. Contact us today for a free consultation to see how our services can benefit your business. 

Conclusion

In online shopping, having a sound system for managing things in the warehouse is like having a secret weapon. An innovative ecommerce warehouse management system (WMS) makes everything run smoothly. It helps businesses know what they have, send orders faster, and make customers happy.

While using WMS can be tricky at first, the benefits are enormous. Businesses can save money, grow without worries, and keep customers smiling. Like big online shops such as Amazon and Zappos, businesses that use WMS are setting themselves up for success in the exciting world of online shopping. So, the next time you click “buy” on your favorite online store, remember there’s an intelligent system behind the scenes to ensure everything happens just right.

Introduction

Hey there! In our crazy busy lives, getting stuff delivered fast has become a big deal. That’s where Expedited Mail Innovations (EMI) swoops in, changing how we send and receive packages. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of EMI. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how it’s shaking up the delivery scene and why it’s making us rethink what we expect from our mail services.

Getting to Know Expedited Mail Innovations

So, what’s the buzz with Expedited Mail Innovations? It’s like the rockstar version of regular mail. Instead of sticking to fixed schedules and predictable delivery times, EMI shakes things up with fancy tech and super-efficient processes. The main goal? Slash delivery times, crank up efficiency, and give us a speedy and reliable mail service.

Features of Expedited Mail Innovations

Tracking Systems:

Smart Routing Tricks:

Packaging with a Brain:

Tech Partnerships:

How Expedited Mail Innovations are Shaking Up Businesses

Businesses are feeling the EMI vibes, and it’s changing the way they roll:

Happy Customers Galore:

Supply Chain Magic:

Market Domination:

Saving that Cash:

Challenges? Bring it On!

Sure, Expedited Mail Innovations aren’t without their challenges, but the movers and shakers in the industry are tackling them head-on:

Security Dance:

Regulations, Schmegulations:

Green Worries:

What’s Next for Expedited Mail Innovations?

The future’s looking pretty darn exciting for EMI. Check out these trends that are shaping things up:

Drone Dreams:

Brainy AI Moves:

Global Takeover:

Conclusion

Expedited Mail Innovations isn’t just shaking things up—they’re turning the delivery game on its head. With intelligent tracking, slick routing, and eco-friendly moves, they’re ensuring that waiting for packages is a thing of the past.

Businesses love the EMI vibe, with happy customers, leaner operations, and new market horizons. Challenges like security and rules aren’t stopping the EMI train – they’re just bumps on the road to a faster, more efficient mail world.

As we peek into the future, drones and AI are joining the EMI party, promising even speedier and smarter deliveries. The journey has just begun, and Expedited Mail Innovations are the rockstars of mail delivery, ensuring our packages get to us in the blink of an eye. Fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a wild ride!

Hey there, fellow e-commerce enthusiasts! If you’ve been diving into dropshipping, you know it’s like riding a rollercoaster—exciting but sometimes a bit overwhelming. One secret sauce to make this ride smoother? Landing yourself in a dropshipping warehouse. Stick around as we unravel the ins and outs of these warehouses, why they matter, what to look for, and some incredible success stories.

Chapter 1: Dropshipping 101

Okay, let’s start with the basics. Dropshipping is like magic—you sell stuff without having to hoard inventory. When someone buys from you, the product gets shipped straight from the supplier to your customer. No boxes piling up in your garage, no stress. Everything that has to do with shipping after the customer purchases is out of your hands in a good way!

Chapter 2: Warehouse Wizards

Enter dropshipping warehouses, our unsung heroes. These places are like your e-commerce fairy godmothers, taking care of inventory, order processing, and making sure everything runs like clockwork. Their roles include juggling products, sorting out orders, quality checks, and handling returns. Think of them as the backstage crew making the magic happen.

Chapter 3: What to Look for in a Warehouse

Now, not all warehouses are created equal. Choosing the right one is like picking your friends—you want the best. Check for:

Chapter 4: Choosing Your Warehouse Adventure

Ready to find your warehouse soulmate? Here’s your treasure map:

Chapter 5: Success Stories

Let’s spice things up with some success stories. Imagine retailers who leveled up their game with the perfect warehouse:

Chapter 6: Warehouse Wars – Challenges and Jedi Moves

Time to face the dark side—challenges in dropshipping warehouses and how to beat them:

Chapter 7: The Future of Warehouse Adventures

Hold on to your hats because dropshipping warehouses’ future looks pretty darn exciting. We’re talking blockchain magic, AI and ML making inventory management a breeze, robots doing the heavy lifting, and a green revolution with sustainable practices.

Conclusion: Your Warehouse BFF

As you venture into the dropshipping galaxy, remember that your warehouse is like the trusty sidekick in your e-commerce superhero story. Find the right one, and you’ll be soaring through the skies of success in no time. So, buckle up, fellow e-commerce explorer, and let the dropshipping warehouse adventure begin!

Introduction

Commerce is constantly moving, and so is demand for different products. That’s why businesses often face the challenge of balancing supply and demand. When a popular product flies off the shelves faster than expected, companies are in the sticky situation of deciding whether to halt sales temporarily. Luckily, they have another option to help solve this issue of stopping revenue, which is backordering. This process allows your business to deal with products that are out of stock and the customers that want them and keep revenue flowing. 

So, in today’s blog, we go over what backordering is, its benefits, how to navigate the challenges, and how to make the most of the backordering process. That way, you can know more about it if it happens to you and your business. 

Let’s get into it!

What is Backordering?

Backordering, as we mentioned, is a strategy for when products go out of stock. So, it involves accepting orders for products currently out of stock, with the promise of fulfilling those orders when products become available again. Simply put, it’s a promise to the customer that they will get the product right when it returns to warehouse shelves. This practice allows businesses to continue sales even when their inventory is temporarily gone. Therefore, it helps maintain customer interest and loyalty. Even if the product doesn’t immediately go out to the customer, it still helps them know they will get it eventually, rather than simply turning them away with nothing else to offer. 

So, what are the other benefits that backordering has to offer? Let’s check it out.

Backordering Bonuses

Some of the benefits of putting back ordering into practice include:

1. Keeping Customers Happy

When a product is in high demand, the last thing a business wants is to turn away potential customers, especially when they’re very willing to buy that popular product. So, backordering allows companies to accept orders on the product even if it’s not in stock yet. Therefore, despite temporary shortages, the business demonstrates a commitment to customers and their needs. The customer knows the product they want will get to them eventually.

2. Not Losing Money

Rather than stopping sales for certain products, backordering allows businesses to keep revenue flowing. So, customers are willing to wait for a popular item and be promised that item in return for a benefit to the company with their payment for that product.

3. Managing Your Inventory

Backordering is also a helpful tool for managing inventory effectively. It gives an inside look into demand trends, as you know which product is doing the best when it runs out the quickest. Therefore, businesses can ensure they produce or order more stock to meet future demand and avoid the need for future backorders.

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of backorders, we’ll give you tips on handling problems if and when they arise.

Figuring Out the Challenges

If you ever run into issues with backordering, such as unpredictable delays, or problems with suppliers or customers, here are some tips to help:

1. Keep Communication Clear

Communicating well and clearly with customers is crucial for any business. So, especially if things go out of stock, you should communicate with your customers if you’re doing backorders. It’s beneficial to ensure customers know about the expected delivery timeframe and update them on any changes or delays. This way, they can know their order and your commitment to them. Plus, you’re building further trust between you and the customer when communicating this way.

2. Keep Expectations at Bay

Setting realistic expectations is critical to managing customer satisfaction. Therefore, you should give accurate estimates of delivery times. This will prevent disappointment and ensure the customer has a better overall experience.

3. Realize Supply Chain Risks

While backordering can be beneficial, it’s not without risks. External factors such as supplier delays or production issues can hurt fulfillment timelines. Therefore, businesses need contingency plans to address such challenges. These plans (to name a few) can include diversifying suppliers (or having two or three different options), having communication protocols put in place for customers and warehouse automation.

So, now that you know how to handle better challenges that might arise with backorders, let’s go over how to make the most of backordering. 

Implementing Backordering Successfully

To use this practice to benefit you and your business to the highest ability, here are some things you can do:

1. Tech Up!

Using different technology can help make backordering easy and stress-free. The remarkable technology you can use includes inventory management systems and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. Automation gadgets like these can help businesses track orders, update customers, and manage inventory more efficiently. To take it a step further, you could use a 3PL with all these technologies in place! Either way, the tech will help smooth out backordering and make both you and your customer happier. 

As mentioned before, customers want them when things go out of stock. So, regularly looking at sales data and customer behavior like this helps accurately identify patterns and forecast demand. This proactive approach allows businesses to adjust their backordering strategy in real-time.

3. Seek Customer Feedback

As a final tip, encouraging customer feedback on the backordering experience can give you great insights into how well it’s working out on the customer side of your business. Then, you can use this information to clean up the process, figure out any issues, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.

Wrapping Things Up

In the ever-evolving landscape of commerce, backordering is a helpful solution to supply and demand challenges. Not only does it allow you to gain control if you’re out of stock on products, but it also helps keep customers and revenue up. If you practice using backorders in your business, you can use the tips in this blog to help. That way, you can use backordering to navigate temporary shortages and maintain customer trust, ensuring a steady revenue flow and optimizing inventory management. So, hopefully, with the help of this blog, your business can crush it (especially this holiday season).

Introduction

Hey there! Welcome to the world of shipping labels—those little stickers that ensure your packages get where they need to go. In this guide, we will discuss printed shipping labels, why they’re awesome, how to make them, and why they’re a big deal for businesses.

The Magic of Printed Shipping Labels

Think of a printed shipping label as a travel passport for your package. It has all the essential info—where it’s coming from, where it’s going, how heavy it is, and a unique code to track it. These labels make shipping easier by reducing mistakes and helping your package travel smoothly.

Advantages Of Using Printed Shipping Labels

Let’s see why these labels are a game-changer:

Saves Time

No one likes wasting time. Instead of writing out all the shipping details by hand, printed labels let you do it with a few clicks. That means more time for you to do other essential things.

Looks Professional

Making a good impression is essential. A nicely designed label shows your customers that you’re serious about ensuring their order arrives in top shape.

Keeps Track of Things

Ever worry about where your package is? Printed labels come with a unique tracking code that lets you and your customers track the package’s journey. It’s like a map for your package.

Making the Perfect Printed Shipping Label

Now, let’s talk about how to make the best labels for your packages.

Get the Info Ready

Before you start, gather all the details you need – where it’s coming from, where it’s going, how heavy it is, and any special instructions. Having everything ready makes things easy. Often, if you use a platform for your eCommerce business, like Etsy or Shopify, they autogenerate shipping labels for you. This makes your job a lot easier. 

Choose the Right Label

Not all labels are the same. Pick the size and type that fits your printer and package. Standard labels work for most things, but if your package is extensive, use a solid adhesive label to ensure it sticks.

Use a Good Printer

No one likes smudged or faded labels. Get an excellent printer to ensure your labels are clear and easy to read. Inkjet or laser printers are good options – pick one that fits your printing needs and budget.

Make It Look Nice

While the primary job of a shipping label is to work well, a good design can make it look even better. Adding your logo or brand colors will make your packages stand out. Just make sure everything is easy to read.

Tips and Tricks for Great Labels

Now that you know how to make labels, let’s discuss some tips to improve them.

Get a Label Printer

If you send many packages, a label printer can be a game-changer. These printers are made just for labels and can save you even more time. You will never regret this purchase.

Use Labeling Software

Don’t make making labels more complicated than necessary. Use software that works with your online store. It makes making labels easy and reduces mistakes.

Put Everything Important

Make sure your label has all the critical info. That means where it’s from, where it’s going, how heavy it is, and any special instructions. More info means less chance of things going wrong.

Double-Check Everything

Mistakes happen, but you want to catch them before sticking the label. Double-check all the info to make sure it’s right. Check the addresses and barcode, and make sure there are no typos.

Labels and the Environment

Let’s talk about the impact labels can have on the environment.

Pick Eco-Friendly Labels

Choose labels made from recycled materials or with eco-friendly adhesives. It’s good for the planet and shows your customers you care.

Encourage Recycling

Ask your customers to recycle the labels along with the packaging. It’s small, but it helps reduce waste and shows that you care about the environment.

Fixing Label Problems

Even with the best labels, problems can happen. Let’s talk about how to fix them.

If Labels Fade

Check your printer settings. Make sure you’re using the correct settings for label printing. It might be time for a new printer if your labels still fade.

If Labels Smudge

Use suitable label material and handle labels with clean hands. If smudging continues, check your printer for any issues.

If Barcodes Don’t Scan

Make sure your printer resolution is good enough. Also, make sure the labels are clean and free from damage. A clean label means a scannable barcode.

Conclusion

That’s it! Now you know everything about printed shipping labels. They’re like your packages’ captains, ensuring they reach their destination smoothly. From saving time to looking professional and being kind to the environment, printed shipping labels are a big deal. Armed with this guide, you’re ready to ship your packages with confidence and ease. So, stick those labels on and watch your packages sail smoothly to their new homes.