Sail Through Shipping

Follow these shipping tips to streamline your orders and increase efficiency, courtesy of Donna Barrett, public relations manager, United Parcel Service, Atlanta.

• Make smart transportation choices.

If you do not know the dimensions of your final package(s), the total shipping charges can show up on your bill after the customer has already received the order—leaving you responsible for additional charges. When it comes to shipping costs for high-end products, consider all available options to ensure customers receive constant quality service. And, to leverage your total transportation buying power, use a multi-modal transportation provider.

• Maintain visibility.

The ability to see where an order is in the supply chain and where it’s going is called visibility. Some providers’ visibility tools can offer proactive alerts when orders are delivered or delayed. Also consider offering online tracking to your customers. It keeps them informed, while allowing your staff to focus their attention on new product lines and other marketing efforts.

• Bundle when possible.

International shipping doesn’t have to be cost prohibitive. Reduce the cost of international shipping by bundling small package shipments.