Running an online store can be trying sometimes, but when you know how to do it right, you will enjoy the results for a long time to come. Read on to see how you can showcase shipping options for your online store to obtain more customers and, consequently, get more revenue.
Keep Delivery Time Reasonable
It’s easy to want to please potential customers and inspire them to make a purchase from you in all ways possible, but while people love an item that gets delivered fast, keep this time reasonable. Don’t promise delivery times that you’ll have a hard time upholding in the best of circumstances, but rather, keep things reasonable. Be open about how long it will take for your items to ship and get delivered. The customers who take a chance and buy from you will appreciate the honesty, as they will be able to plan around your delivery schedules when they’re accurate.
Consider International Shipping
While coming up with shipping schedules and costs, don’t forget to think about international shipping and offer accurate and reasonable information and rates for it. In this case, packing may be more important, as it will need to be correct for different designations and area regulations. For example, you may need a better understanding of how shipping works. Rack Manufacturers Institute defines a standard height to depth ratio limit when it comes to racking pallets. The ratio of height to depth should never be more than 6:1, meaning that the height of your racking system shouldn’t exceed six times its depth.
Showcase Shipping Benefits Throughout Your Site
If you offer free or subsidized shipping rates, make sure that customers browsing your shop know this. It can make the difference between a successful sale and an abandoned cart. People love making a saving when they buy items online, so give them the satisfaction of scoring an amazing deal by giving them the most affordable shipping options you can get. This will depend on the specific items you’re shipping, and it should be a safe option that will have the items reach their destination safely. For instance, pharmaceuticals generally need to be transported between 55 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t compromise on the integrity of your shipping solution just so you can give a good deal to your buyers, as they want to receive their goods in a proper state more than they want to pay a low price to have them shipped.
Specify Your Carriers
Whenever there’s the option to do so, specify your shipping carriers so your customers know who will be handling their products. They may have a different preference or reservations, or they may simply want to know the carrier; they may be less trusting of certain carriers and will therefore practice different buying patterns. Make sure that they’re aware of the means by which you will ship the items to them, and allow them to request for a different carrier to be used if this is an option for you.
Present Your Shipping Costs Openly
Finally, don’t make your customers fill out endless forms and complete countless captchas before you reveal your shipping costs. When they know the shipping cost, they will be likely to shop from you more confidently and come back in the future.
The trading volume across the seas decreased by 9.5% in the first half of 2020, while global trade went down by 16% when compared to the same period in the previous year. While this statistic may be a bit unsettling, it’s not a sign that online shopping is slowing down any time soon. Don’t resort to traps and wormholes to get your customers to the signup page, as open practices will get you a lot further.
Showcase your shipping options with these tips and give your online business a chance to thrive.
Devin is a writer and an avid reader. When she isn’t lost in a book or writing, she’s busy in the kitchen trying to perfect her slow cooker recipes. You can find her poetry published in The Adirondack Review and Cartridge Lit.
