Shipping might not be the most exciting part of running an online store, but it's one of the most important. A bad shipping experience can undo all your hard work. Here's how to get it right.
1. Choose Your Shipping Carriers
| Carrier | Best For | Starting Price (Small Package) |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | Small packages, PO boxes, competitive rates | $4.50 |
| UPS | Ground shipping, business accounts | $8.00 |
| FedEx | Express shipping, heavy packages | $9.00 |
| DHL | International shipping | $15.00 |
Most beginners start with USPS for domestic and gradually add more carriers as they grow.
2. Shipping Strategies
Free Shipping
80% of customers expect free shipping on orders over $50. Build the shipping cost into your product price or offer free shipping above a minimum order value.
Flat Rate
Charge a single rate (e.g., $5.99) for all orders. Easy to communicate but you might lose money on heavy items.
Real-Time Rates
Use carrier-calculated rates at checkout. Most accurate but can cause sticker shock (leading to cart abandonment).
3. Packaging Tips
- Right-size your boxes — Oversized boxes cost more and look unprofessional
- Use branded packaging — Custom poly mailers or stickers make a lasting impression
- Include a thank-you note — Personal touches drive repeat purchases
- Protect fragile items — Bubble wrap, air pillows, or kraft paper
4. Fulfillment Options
DIY Fulfillment (You Pack & Ship)
Best for small stores (under 50 orders/month). Full control, lowest cost per order, but time-consuming.
3PL (Third-Party Logistics)
Services like ShipBob, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), or Deliverr store your inventory and ship orders for you. Best once you hit 200+ orders/month.
5. International Shipping
Going global opens up massive opportunities. Key considerations:
- Use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) — pay customs fees upfront for a seamless customer experience
- Research each country's import regulations
- Offer tracking on every international order
- Be transparent about delivery times (10-21 days is typical)
6. Managing Returns
Returns are a reality of ecommerce (15-30% return rate is normal for apparel). Make your return policy clear and hassle-free:
- Offer 30-day returns — industry standard
- Provide a prepaid return label (or deduct from refund)
- Process refunds within 48 hours of receiving the return
- Use returned items to identify product quality issues