Partnerships are essential when running an ecommerce business, including selecting the right Print on demand shipping carriers to partner with. Running an ecommerce brand is no easy task; everything from marketing and customer engagement to logistics and shipping must be considered. Choosing a print on demand shipping Carrier is one of your most important decisions. After all, it is your chosen carrier’s responsibility to ensure that your products reach your customers promptly and securely. So, how do you make this decision? Let us walk you through a guide that will make selecting the best print on demand shipping carrier a breeze!

WHAT IS A SHIPPING CARRIER?

A shipping carrier is a company in charge of transporting your packages from Point A (the shipper) to Point B. (your customers). USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other major shipping companies serve the US and international markets. The volume of freight transported by ships has increased in tandem with the growth of the global economy over the last few decades. Around 1.85 billion metric tons of cargo were shipped globally in 2020. Shipping carriers have become essential to keeping the economy running as more businesses continue to rely on the internet to sell their products, as more people rely on online shopping and delivery daily.

7 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST PRINT ON DEMAND SHIPPING CARRIER

1. Type of Product

The first thing to consider is the product type you’re selling. Certain carriers prohibit the transport of products that are fragile, liquid, or too large. Understanding the constraints that your product may have will assist you in determining the best carrier. When selecting a carrier, consider the carrier’s sizes, shapes, packaging, and services to see if it meets the needs of your print on demand products.

2. Location

Another factor to consider is the carrier’s delivery location. If you intend to expand your e-commerce business nationwide or internationally, there are better-fit options than an ecommerce fulfillment center on the east coast. Plan for business expansion and build a strong relationship with a carrier that can grow with you. Many carriers provide maps showing the areas where they deliver, so do your homework.

3. Reputation

A carrier may look good on paper, but do they deliver on their promises? When looking for the perfect carrier, it is essential to investigate its reputation by reading reviews. Honest reviews from other e-commerce sellers will provide complete transparency regarding a carrier’s reputation. The last thing you want to do is sign a shipping services agreement and then feel duped. Before entering into a binding agreement, read Google and Yelp reviews.

4. Shipping Speed

Understanding the shipping speed is as important as analyzing the carrier’s reputation. When a customer places an order, they expect to receive it as soon as possible, so finding a carrier that can provide the desired shipping speed is critical. Make sure to factor in shipping times to the various locations to which you offer shipping. If shipping to the east coast takes only two days, but shipping to the west coast takes more than a week, you should look into other carriers. Fast shipping times can also incentivize customers to buy from you.

5. Tracking Availability

When your item ships, you’ll want to be able to track it easily and quickly. The ability to track packages can help you combat fraudulent claims of lost packages. To avoid being scammed by customers, use a shipment tracking number to ensure that the package was delivered to the correct address. Examine the websites of potential print on demand fulfillment carriers to see if they provide tracking and if there is any additional charge for this service. You want to be fully prepared for any situation that may arise, so tracking availability is essential.

6. Insurance Coverage

Is the carrier you’re considering offering insurance in the event of a loss? If not, consider looking into other options. You don’t want to lose money or customers because the carrier doesn’t cover lost items. Lost items can quickly add up, especially if you own a small business, so look into carriers that provide insurance for your products. Even though insurance is an additional cost, it can be worth it, in the long run, to save on wasted materials and lost customers.

7. Pricing

Lastly, pricing is an important factor when selecting a carrier. It is critical to weigh your options to find not only the best price but also the best print on demand services available. You want to pay a reasonable shipping cost that is within your budget and allows you to make a healthy profit on your e-commerce business. Consider paying more depending on the services provided, such as insurance coverage and shipping speed.

SUMMARY

Before agreeing with a print on demand shipping carrier, certain factors must be prioritized depending on the nature of your e-commerce business, but all of these factors must be considered to make the most informed decision possible. Most of the information can be found on the carrier’s website, so don’t be afraid to research and contact the carriers if you have any questions!

Fulfillplex understands that clients have unique requirements to meet their customers’ expectations. As a top ecommerce fulfillment company, we handle all logistics, from shipping to fulfillment, so you can focus on marketing your business. Our dedicated Account Manager will guide and advise you if you have customs or importing concerns from other countries. 

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