Shipping prices have a huge influence on whether a customer will shop online or not. Statistics reveal that 80% of shoppers decide to shop at an eCommerce website based on shipping prices. Also, 49% of customers abandoned their cart because shipping was too expensive. These numbers highlight how pricing impacts customer choices, making it essential for you to offer affordable shipping options.
Offering free or low-cost shipping can make your business more attractive. Many customers are drawn to free shipping, and it can even help maintain loyalty, especially when discounts are not an option. You can incorporate shipping costs into your product prices, but keeping those prices competitive is essential.
Due to their large pricing structures, negotiating better rates can be challenging for businesses using major courier companies. This is where eCommerce shipping solutions like Shiprocket come in. This blog will give you an insight into how Shiprocket helps you find the cheapest way to send a parcel by offering cost-effective shipping.
Challenges in Finding Affordable Shipping Options
Shipping costs are a major concern, especially when aiming to keep products reasonable for customers. Finding the right balance between cost and efficiency can be tough, with challenges such as:
Inconsistent Fees
Shipping companies regularly adjust prices due to fuel rates, demand, and operational costs. Distance, size, weight, and delivery speed also affect the price. This can make it challenging to maintain consistency in pricing and profitability. As a result, many struggle to find the cheapest way to send a parcel without sacrificing margins.
Lack of Options
Not all shipping carriers offer competitive rates. Some only work with large businesses, leaving small sellers with limited choices. This can lead to higher shipping costs or the need to partner with less reliable carriers.
Extra Charges
Base shipping rates often conceal additional costs, such as fuel surcharges, residential delivery fees, and peak-season price hikes. These unexpected expenses make it difficult to estimate final shipping costs. To manage this, you must carefully check carrier pricing details, which adds to the workload.
Limited Discounts
Bulk shipping discounts are usually available to businesses with high order volumes. Smaller sellers find it difficult to access these benefits, leaving them with higher per-package costs. Bargaining for better rates with carriers is an option, but the chances of success are low without a strong shipping volume.
Slow Delivery
Affordable shipping often means slower transit times, which can lead to unhappy customers. You must choose between keeping costs low and ensuring quick deliveries. While budget-friendly options exist, they often lack tracking or reliable service, increasing the risk of lost or delayed packages.
Complex International Shipping
Sellers shipping globally face higher rates, customs fees, and additional paperwork. Each country has different import rules, making it harder to predict costs. Delays at customs can further increase expenses, leading to dissatisfied buyers and additional service issues.
How Shiprocket Helps You Save on Shipping Costs
Shiprocket simplifies shipping and provides various features to save time and money. Here’s how:
Lower Shipping Rates
Shiprocket offers discounted rates with various courier partners. Whether you are doing a small parcel delivery or a large one, you can always access prices lower than standard market rates, helping you save on every shipment. These reduced costs allow your business to offer competitive prices without affecting profit margins. With bulk shipping, the per-order shipping expense decreases further, maximising savings.
COD and Prepaid Benefits
You can choose between Cash on Delivery (COD) and prepaid orders, which offer cost benefits. COD remittance is fast, ensuring quick cash flow for your businesses. Prepaid orders have lower shipping charges than COD, helping you save more. By balancing both options, you can reduce overall shipping expenses.
Smart Courier Selection
Shiprocket helps you choose the most affordable shipping options by offering aggregated rates. This feature allows you to compare prices from different couriers and select the fastest and cheapest way to send a parcel, ensuring you avoid overpaying for shipments. This automated selection process ensures cost savings without manual effort. You can also switch between partners to find the best deals.
Return Cost Reduction
Handling returns can be expensive, but Shiprocket helps minimise these costs. The platform offers lower return shipping rates, reducing the burden on you. It also provides fraud detection tools to prevent fake return requests, cutting unnecessary expenses and helping you keep losses under control.
Discounts and Cost-Saving Benefits with Shiprocket
Shiprocket offers multiple discounts and cost-saving benefits that make shipping more affordable, such as:
Free and Discounted Services
Shiprocket offers free shipping insurance, protecting your business from risks caused by damaged or lost parcels. Discounts on services such as packaging and tracking orders also save you additional costs. These advantages help you keep costs down while ensuring quality service.
Bulk Shipping Discounts
Shiprocket offers lower rates for businesses that handle bulk shipments. The platform provides affordable bulk shipping, reducing the cost per unit. This helps businesses maintain better margins while ensuring timely deliveries.
Customisable Shipping
You can tailor your shipping solutions based on specific requirements. Whether you need to ship products internationally or offer cash on delivery (COD), Shiprocket provides options that can be adjusted to fit your business model and customer preferences, thereby lowering the shipping cost.
Additional Benefits Beyond Cost Savings
Cost savings are important when considering shipping solutions, but Shiprocket offers even more advantages that can enhance the experience. Here are some key benefits beyond lower shipping rates.
Faster Deliveries
Fast delivery enhances customer satisfaction and minimises order cancellations. Shiprocket connects you with several courier partners who make timely deliveries depending on the location and type of order. Its automated shipping process also reduces delays, enhancing operational efficiency.
Wider Reach
Reaching more customers increases sales potential. Shiprocket provides access to over 29,000 pin codes across India, helping you expand beyond the local markets. It also supports international shipping, making it easier for you to grow your business beyond borders.
Automated Process
Manual order processing can slow down shipping and lead to errors. Features like bulk order processing, automatic tracking updates, and label printing save time and reduce workload. Shiprocket’s label generator automatically creates labels for your shipments, reducing errors and saving time. You can focus on business growth instead of spending hours managing shipments.
Real-Time Tracking
Shiprocket offers real-time tracking capabilities that keep you and your customers informed. This transparency builds trust and reduces inquiries about shipment status. A reliable shipping experience encourages repeat purchases and improves brand reputation. You can easily monitor the packages and address any issues promptly.
Integrated Solutions
Shiprocket integrates seamlessly with various eCommerce platforms and marketplaces. This connectivity simplifies the management of orders and inventory across different channels. You benefit from a centralised system, reducing the need for multiple tools and allowing for better resource management. Also, Shiprocket Cargo offers tech-enabled solutions to facilitate the entire process for bulk shipments.
Performance Analytics
Shiprocket offers meaningful insights with performance analytics. You can view shipping times, delivery rates, and customer ratings. Analytics reveal trends and improvement areas, enabling you to refine your shipping strategies.
Customer Support
Shiprocket’s personalised customer care ensures you get help whenever you need it. You will receive an immediate response for queries related to shipping processes etc. This reliable support creates a positive experience and resolves issues instantly.
Conclusion
Running an eCommerce business becomes difficult when shipping costs eat into profits. By partnering with India’s leading courier services, Shiprocket Cargo ensures you get the best possible rates for your shipments. No matter how many orders you process, you will enjoy the same discounts, helping you save up to 50% on your monthly shipping bills. This affordable solution allows you to focus on growing your business without the burden of high shipping costs.
