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Running a small business in Singapore can be challenging, but mastering your shipping process opens doors to smoother operations, cost savings, and happier customers. Whether you’re delivering your handmade crafts, trendy fashion items, or daily essentials to customers near and far, optimizing your shipping process is crucial.
This guide will walk you through expert tips to make shipping smoother, cost-effective, and customer-friendly. Let’s dive in!
1. Choose the Right Courier Service
Selecting the best courier partner can make or break your customer’s experience. Here’s how to choose:
Compare Rates: Use platforms like EasyParcel to compare shipping rates from 60+ couriers. This ensures you get the best deal for both local and international deliveries.
Evaluate Delivery Speeds: Some couriers specialize in next-day delivery, while others are better for budget-friendly, slower shipping options.
Check Coverage Areas: Ensure your courier delivers to your target areas, including remote or rural locations.
Pro Tip: If you’re shipping within Singapore, TracX Logis (formerly Qxpress) is known for its efficient and affordable services.
Action Step: Create a list of potential couriers, then use EasyParcel to compare their rates, delivery speeds, and coverage areas. Choose the one that aligns with your business needs. Selecting the best courier partner can make or break your customer’s experience.
2. Understand Dimensional Weight
Shipping costs often depend on dimensional weight (also called volumetric weight), not just the actual weight. Here’s how to calculate it:
Formula: (Length x Width x Height) / 5000 or 6000 (depending on courier)
Units: Use centimeters for measurements.
Pack your items snugly to avoid unnecessary empty space in your parcels, which could increase dimensional weight and shipping costs.
Example: Shipping a lightweight scarf in a large box might cost more than packing it in a smaller, appropriate-sized package such as polymailers.
Action Step: Use a dimensional weight calculator and adjust your packaging to minimize empty spaces, ensuring you don’t pay for unnecessary bulk.
3. Offer Multiple Shipping Options
Customers love choices. Provide:
Standard Shipping: Affordable but slower.
Express Shipping: Faster but pricier.
Free Shipping: Incorporate the cost into your product price for higher conversion rates.
Quick Note: EasyParcel allows you to integrate multiple couriers, so you can offer flexibility without the hassle of managing different accounts.
Action Step: Survey your customers to find out which shipping options they prefer. Then, use EasyParcel to set up those options seamlessly. Customers love choices.
4. Track and Communicate
Transparency builds trust. Always:
Share tracking numbers with customers.
Use automated emails or SMS to update customers on their order status.
Many couriers, like TracX Logis (formerly Qxpress), provide real-time tracking that’s easy to integrate into your eCommerce platform.
Action Step: Integrate automated tracking tools into your eCommerce platform and schedule regular order updates via email or SMS. Transparency builds trust.
5. Prepare for Peak Seasons
Festive seasons like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, or Christmas often mean a surge in orders. Get ready by:
Stocking up on shipping supplies like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape.
Setting clear cut-off dates for customers to place orders.
Collaborating with your courier for bulk discounts or priority services.
Action Step: Create a checklist for peak season preparations, including stocking up on supplies, updating delivery cut-off dates, and discussing bulk discounts with couriers.
6. Simplify Returns
A hassle-free return policy can improve customer loyalty. Ensure:
Return shipping is straightforward and cost-effective.
You have clear guidelines for customers to follow.
You partner with couriers that offer return services, like EasyParcel’s flexible solutions.
Action Step: Develop a clear, step-by-step return policy and choose a courier with easy return services, like EasyParcel. A hassle-free return policy can improve customer loyalty.
7. Insure High-Value Items
Protect yourself and your customers by insuring items of high value. Most courier services offer optional insurance for an added fee. It’s worth it to safeguard against potential losses or damages.
Action Step: List all high-value items and ensure they are covered under your courier’s insurance policy. Compare rates to find the best insurance deals.
8. Go Green with Your Packaging
Eco-friendly practices are a hit with Singaporean consumers. Opt for:
Recyclable or biodegradable materials.
Minimalist packaging to reduce waste.
Offering customers an option to opt out of excessive packaging.
Action Step: Source recyclable or biodegradable materials from trusted vendors and educate your customers about your eco-friendly efforts.
Shipping doesn’t have to be stressful. With these tips, you’ll save time, cut costs, and keep your customers happy. Ready to take the next step? Start comparing rates and managing deliveries effortlessly with EasyParcel today! Ready to streamline your shipping?
Start comparing rates and managing deliveries with EasyParcel today!
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Campaign period: 1st February 2025 to 28th February 2025
FAQ
Use platforms like EasyParcel to compare rates across couriers. For small and lightweight items, TracX Logis (formerly Qxpress) or SingPost often provide affordable options.
Partner with couriers that specialize in express delivery, like Ninja Van, and ensure accurate addresses to avoid delays. On-demand delivery service like Lalamove, Grab and pandago send your parcels within 1 hour.
Use sturdy cardboard boxes, bubble wrap for fragile items, and biodegradable fillers to protect products while staying eco-friendly.
Choose couriers with reliable international shipping services, like FedEx or Aramex, and ensure you’ve calculated customs duties to avoid surprises.
