Okay, you want to send someone something cool, but you don’t know how. You can think of shipping parcels as giving things in a box to other people.

For online buyers, fast and/or free shipping is one of the most important things that makes them decide what to buy.

When it comes to direct-to-consumer shipping, e-commerce companies need to find the best mix between speed and price to give customers a great overall shipping experience. I’m here to tell you all about it!

Things You Should Think About Before Shipping A Parcel

There are a few essential things to consider when shipping a parcel in the best way, from the shipping method to keeping track of the package.

Plan The Shipping

The first step is to gather all the necessary information, including the cheapest shipping options and the most efficient way to send your package. This may seem like an easy task, but it takes a lot of time to learn how to ship efficiently.

It’s more than just getting contact information and information about the person who will receive it. Shipping different kinds of goods with different rules is hard because there are a lot of little things that can go wrong, especially without a clear shipping label. As an example: using a flat rate box.

There are a lot of different ways to pack and ship things:

If you want to ship things like CBD goods, you might need to check the national and local rules and laws.
Dangerous materials shipping includes perfumes, hand sanitizers, nail makeup, aerosols, and batteries. Some couriers may only let you ship these items through certain services (or not at all).
If you make and sell vitamins and pills in some countries, you might need licenses and other paperwork.
You should not handle fragile things the same way you would a t-shirt to make sure they get delivered safely.
When shipping heavy things or packages that are too big for the box, there are also issues with packaging and costs.
Depending on where you want the package delivered, there may be extra rules and restrictions. For example, cell phones and large items can’t be sent to APO addresses (and in the US, only USPS, a renowned postal service. can send to APO addresses for safety reasons using USPS with a priority mail box, considering USPS offers as the cheapest way to ship such packages.

Can I ship perishable items?

It’s not a good idea because they might go bad before they get to their goal. However, there are safe ways to do it if you really want to.

Gathering Supplies

First things first, you need to gather some stuff to help you send your parcel. You’ll need a box to put your things in, such as a flat rate box for cost efficiency. You could compare it to giving your toys a nice little house to stay in.

To pack a parcel, you’ll need a few things, including a shipping calculator to estimate the cost of shipping:

Box: Get a strong box that’s big enough to hold everything without being too empty or too crowded. People can get boxes at the post office, or you might already have one at home from a delivery.

What if I don’t have a box?

Most of the time, you can buy boxes at the post office or use an old box from something you’ve already gotten.

Packing Materials for Heavy Package: To protect the things inside the box, get things like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled newspaper, especially when considering the best and cheapest way to ship a package. The pillows that these things make will keep your things safe on their way.

Preparing Your Parcel

You need to put your things in the box once you have it.

Tape: Once you’re done packing, you’ll need tape to close the box. Use strong tape to close the box so it stays shut until it gets to its destination.

Labels: To make sure your package gets to the right place, you’ll need tags that clearly show the address of the receiver. You can write the address on the box itself, or for a cleaner look, you can use labels that stick on.

Marker and Shipping Calculator: It’s helpful to have a marker on hand so you can write the address on the box or put special instructions on it, like “Fragile” if the things inside are fragile.

Addressing Your Parcel

You’ll need to write the address of the person you’re sending it to very clearly so the delivery person knows where to take it.

Can I change the shipping address after it’s been sent?

It’s not possible to change the address once the package is on its way. However, you can always call the delivery service and ask them to help.

International Shipping

If your package is going to a faraway place, like another country, you need to do some extra things, like fill out particular forms and make sure you don’t send anything that you’re not supposed to.

Tip: Always check the address twice and carefully pack fragile items to make sure your package gets to its destination safely.

Customs Info For Shipping A Parcel Overseas

Customs and duties are another important thing to think about when you’re shipping things abroad.

First, you should make sure that each product has a tariff number, a value, and a description, especially when you mail packages through your local post office. The value will show up on the commercial invoice and is used to figure out the duties and taxes that need to be paid to clear customs, using a shipping calculator to accurately assess cost implications.

You can make your customers pay the import taxes, but that might not be a good idea because it could ruin their experience and cause problems when they come to pick up their order.

If you want to make the buying experience better for foreign customers, you might want to offer delivery duty paid or DDP shipping options instead of delivery duty unpaid.

Choosing a Shipping Method

You can send the package in a number of ways, such as by taking it to the post office, using UPS Ground, or having a delivery person come to your home and pick it up.

Calculating Shipping Costs

It does cost some money to send packages, but it’s not too much. How much it costs is based on how big your package is and how far it needs to go.

Scheduling a Pickup or Dropping Off

You can either wait for a nice delivery person to come pick up your package from your house or take it yourself to a special place called the post office to send a package.

Tracking Your Parcel

You can track your package as it makes its way to its destination after you’ve sent it. You’ll be given a unique number that you can type into your phone or computer to find out exactly where your package is, helping you manage the cost to ship by tracking the weight of your package.

Insurance For Your Parcel

For a well-rounded delivery management experience with USPS, you should also think about tracking your shipments with the local post office and getting protection. Understanding the cost of shipping with USPS first class could enhance this experience.

Also, if you’re sending something of high value, you might want to get extra shipping protection to protect yourself from big losses in case something goes wrong.

Receiving Your Parcel

It will get to the person you sent it to, and they will let you know, particularly if you use USPS Priority Mail for faster delivery. You can picture them smiling when they open it and see what’s inside, especially if you’ve included a personal note with the shipping label.

How long does shipping usually take?

It depends on how far your package needs to go, but for domestic shipping, it usually takes a few days to a week. For international shipping, it takes longer.

Dealing with Lost Parcels

Packages can get lost on the way, so it’s important to use a reliable shipping service, especially when you need to ship large or small packages. The people who brought it to you can help you find it, and if they can’t, they might even give you money back.

What should I do if my parcel is damaged upon arrival?

Contacting the mail service immediately is crucial; ensure you have the return address handy for reference.

Tell the delivery person who brought the package to you, and they’ll help you figure it out; ensure you have a return address, just in case. You might even be able to get your money back or a new one.

Why Shipping Matters for Your E-commerce Success: Stats, Strategies, and Benefits

Don’t underestimate the fast shipping power to attract, retain, and convert customers, considering it might also be the cheapest way to ship!

Get ahead of the competition and keep people coming back. Take the shipping experience seriously. Here’s why it’s crucial for your online business:

73% of shoppers crave fast delivery, a 16% jump since 2020, highlighting the importance of priority mail express. This makes swift delivery a key buying decision factor.
Slow shipping deters people: 64% avoid new retailers and 54% switch due to slow deliveries.

Get ahead of the competition: utilize priority mail for faster delivery.

81% switched retailers for better shipping costs. Think Amazon and Walmart: their fast, affordable options set the bar high.
Offer 2-day or free shipping strategically using minimum spend thresholds to incentivize purchase while keeping costs manageable.
Be transparent with clear shipping policies and build trust with your shipping service. Emphasize your commitment to finding the cheapest way to ship large or heavy packages.

Loyal customers are happy customers, especially when offered the cheapest shipping rates.

Shipping that goes smoothly leads to return business. Deliver on time and work with companies you can trust.
3PLs can be your secret tool; use their resources to get things delivered faster with priority mail express and give customers more shipping choices.

Get more sales and get rid of abandoned carts:

Fast, affordable shipping is essential, not a bonus.
Conversions are lost because of high prices and slow speeds. Give them discounts on shipping to get them to agree, possibly by offering a flat rate option.

Remember that putting shipping first can change your business, especially by using the cheapest shipping methods available. Take charge, give people a great experience, and see your business grow by finding the best shipping rate and ways to ship.

Top Shipping Couriers Comparison

Different couriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx) offer different prices and speeds. Using a shipping calculator can help find the cheapest way to ship packages with these couriers. You want the fastest, cheapest option to keep customers happy and save money. Exploring UPS and FedEx alongside USPS can present various pricing options.

Before making a decision, compare. This helps you find the fastest delivery option for your package. Think about:

How fast? (USPS might take 2-8 days with standard mail service, while UPS could take 1-3 days, but utilizing USPS Priority Mail can significantly reduce this time.)
What options? Express, priority, etc.
Reliable? Will it arrive safe and sound?

See the comparison below for an example. But check the websites of each courier often for the most up-to-date information.

Speed	Package Size	UPS	FedEx	USPS
1-2 Days	Small	$130.10	$121.70	$126.80
3-5 Days	Medium	$57.05	$63.46	$16.10
5-7 Days	Large	$24	$52.52	$21.50

Note: As of April 2022, the average price for shipping a package from Arizona to Arkansas in the United States is based on standard box sizes on each courier’s website. The package weighed about 2 pounds.

Remember: The best one depends on your needs and budget, whether you mail packages from home or use USPS Priority mail for speedier delivery; use a shipping calculator to determine the cost to ship. Compare with confidence, and watch your business fly with happy customers and smooth deliveries by leveraging the cheapest way to ship packages.

Final Words

It might seem complicated to ship packages at first, but with options like using USPS to ship a package, it’s as easy as sending a friend a letter once you know the steps!

Just remember to get everything you need, carefully pack your package, clearly address it with a return address, pick a shipping way like using USPS, and keep an eye on it as it goes.

Always look for the cheapest way to ship to save on the cost of shipping. It won’t be long before your package gets to the person you sent it to, making them happy and smiling along the way.