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The holiday season gets your clock ticking twice as fast. It’s that time of the year when businessmen brace themselves for an overloaded freight checklist to tick away. #E-commerce retailers and business owners undergo a stressful time during these months. With an influx of customers shopping, the process of shipping management is expected to adhere to high standards (i.e., on time delivery) or the business owners risk losing customers to their competitors. Experienced businessmen are prepared to face any issues that might arise and are quite familiar with the hurdles and challenges the busy season is likely to pose. Unfortunately, the same isn’t true of fresh business owners and retailers, they have yet to learn and this is why we’ve created a list of mistakes that can be best avoided by them:
1. Not Being Perceptive and Insightful Enough to Forecast Sales
The main factors that contribute to an overwhelming procession of orders are shipment volumes, increased frequency of orders and delivery destination. Businesses that have been around for sometime, study inventory and sales of the previous year and use them to create projections.
However, those of you with minimum to no experience in freight shipping management, can get a sense of what you should expect by observing and examining the busiest periods you have experienced. Prepare yourself based on this experience, but expect to fulfill a much larger range of numbers. Also, expect to see a surge in sales if you offer items that are fairly suitable as gifts.
There are also online freight service providers that provide you with information regarding quotes and transportation options.
2. Not Being Clear and Precise with Cutoff and Delivery Dates
The doubtfulness of receiving #delivery on time makes customers cautious. This is, especially the concern most customers have during a peak holiday period. Therefore, ensuring customers their products will arrive on time is crucial in gaining their confidence and trust.
If you do not mention #shipping cutoff dates and expected delivery dates clearly, you fail to offer assurance to your customers. This increases the likelihood of them switching to other service providers. To avoid facing this problem, be as informative as possible regarding the cutoff and delivery dates. Dedicate an entire page or blog post to it. This indicates your level of seriousness and eagerness to satisfy your customers. You can use various mediums to convey this information, such as social media, newsletter etc.
3. Restricting Your Shipping Options
A wise thing to do when it comes to freight shipping is to explore all your options. Select whichever one is most suited to your needs. Getting a complete quote that includes all charges associated with freight will make selection easy. Often times, customers think all freight companies charge the same. Even though, this isn't always the case. You are likely to find providers that offer discounted rates.
Also, there are certain factors that you should take into consideration prior to choosing a shipment service provider. Calculate charges based on dimensions and weight. Inquire about any extra or hidden charges. Once these factors are analyzed, compare the final quotes from all companies.
Partnering with an online service provider can spare you the hassle of carrying out many freight related tasks. Once your items are ready and processed with proper shipping supplies, such as cardboard boxes, duct tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts, you can hand them over to your service provider that will coordinate carriers, and schedule pick-up and delivery dates for you. The ultimate management of your items ensures safe transportation and on time delivery. Here are some additional ways online freight service providers make your shipping tasks easier:
- Professional teams and experts use real-time tracking technology to facilitate staying in touch with your shipment 24/7. This means you're readily updated on your shipment's status.
- They provide opportunities to optimize the use of your time and money; Freight providers offer extra protection in identifying any mistake that can potentially cost you more money.
- Their shipping services enable companies to create more space and raise their productivity level, this can result in significantly reducing costs throughout the process.
- Negotiating ahead of time with companies that offer guaranteed and expedited shipments can increase the quality of shipping processes during peak seasons.
The holiday season is a perfect opportunity to gain a significant boost in revenue for businesses. By overcoming freight related issues, you can make the most out of this opportune time.
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Anita Campbell, Natalie Godwin, Rosemarie Lavecchia
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Anita Campbell, Aaron Stead
Photo taken with iPhone 4 with Photojojo 8x lens attached
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Alan Panezic
Photo taken with iPhone 4 with Photojojo 8x lens attached
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Ramon Ray, Alan Panezic
Photo taken with iPhone 4 with Photojojo 8x lens attached
Image from the 7th annual New York Expo for Small Business Show presented by Event Management. Details of show NYXpo Show. For additional photos from the event see: Flickr NYXpo photostream May 2012
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: Winner of Visual Marketing book Sandy Feder (@SandyFeder) of Proud Lion Consulting with co-authors David Langton (@langtoncherub) and Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends)
#nyxpo
Image from the 7th annual New York Expo for Small Business Show presented by Event Management. Details of show NYXpo Show. For additional photos from the event see: Flickr NYXpo photostream May 2012
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends), Joel Libava (@FranchiseKing)
#nyxpo
Photo taken with iPhone 4
Image from the 7th annual New York Expo for Small Business Show presented by Event Management. Details of show NYXpo Show. For additional photos from the event see: Flickr NYXpo photostream May 2012
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: David Langton (@langtoncherub), Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends)
#nyxpo
Photo taken with iPhone 4 w/ Photojojo 8x lens attached
Image from the 7th annual New York Expo for Small Business Show presented by Event Management. Details of show NYXpo Show. For additional photos from the event see: Flickr NYXpo photostream May 2012
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends)
#nyxpo
Photo taken with iPhone 4 w/ Photojojo 8x lens attached
All the top 100 SMB Influencer winners for 2011 get on stage to celebrate the award... What a crew! Full award details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers.
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: As many of the 100 winners as could fit on the stage
#smbinfluencer
Image from the 7th annual New York Expo for Small Business Show presented by Event Management. Details of show NYXpo Show. For additional photos from the event see: Flickr NYXpo photostream May 2012
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: Grant Wickes (@gwickes), Anita Campbell (@SmallBizTrends), Nelly Yusupova (@DigitalWoman), Jane Applegate (@janewapplegate), David Langton (@langtoncherub)
#nyxpo
Image from the 7th annual New York Expo for Small Business Show presented by Event Management. Details of show NYXpo Show. For additional photos from the event see: Flickr NYXpo photostream May 2012
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: Anita Campbell (@SmallBizTrends), Nelly Yusupova (@DigitalWoman), Jane Applegate (@janewapplegate), David Langton (@langtoncherub)
#nyxpo
Image from the 7th annual New York Expo for Small Business Show presented by Event Management. Details of show NYXpo Show. For additional photos from the event see: Flickr NYXpo photostream May 2012
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: Anita Campbell (@SmallBizTrends), Kanya Goldman (@kanyarg), David Langton (@langtoncherub)
#nyxpo
Image from the 7th annual New York Expo for Small Business Show presented by Event Management. Details of show NYXpo Show. For additional photos from the event see: Flickr NYXpo photostream May 2012
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: Anita Campbell (@SmallBizTrends), Kanya Goldman (@kanyarg), David Langton (@langtoncherub)
#nyxpo
Image from the 7th annual New York Expo for Small Business Show presented by Event Management. Details of show NYXpo Show. For additional photos from the event see: Flickr NYXpo photostream May 2012
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: Authors of Visual Marketing (@visualmktbook) book Anita Campbell (@SmallBizTrends) and David Langton (@langtoncherub)
#nyxpo
Image from the 7th annual New York Expo for Small Business Show presented by Event Management. Details of show NYXpo Show. For additional photos from the event see: Flickr NYXpo photostream May 2012
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends)
#nyxpo
Photo taken with iPhone 4 w/ Photojojo 8x lens attached
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Constant Contact team arraives: Gail Goodman, David Gerhardt, Erika Dornaus, ?
Establishing an ecommerce business entails many different things. People sometimes neglect to think about #shipping during the process as well. People frequently hire outside organizations to accommodate all of their shipping requirements. Doing so can in many cases streamline things considerably. Shipping matters can be sophisticated. Business owners need to understand, though, that customer journeys go beyond sales. There are so many diverse shipping matters to take into consideration at all times. Examples are the in-depth packaging process, insurance and tracking. People should even take the possibility of refunds into consideration. Remember, all sorts of shipping matters can influence how customers feel about their purchases. That's the reason that business owners should take shipping concerns 100 percent seriously. They have to choose between numerous paths, too. Some ecommerce businesses ship orders all by themselves. Others depend on the assistance of outside groups. One thing is crystal clear, however. Businesses have to devote a lot of time and effort to the shipping process. Businesses that fail to do so frequently encounter many customer problems further on down the line.
Ecommerce businesses need to focus on a range of concerns. They need to focus on all guidelines that relate to distribution, first of all. They need to concentrate on suitable #labeling and #packaging. Other essential focal points for ecommerce businesses include appropriate pricing techniques and shipping suppliers alike.
Businesses need to be aware of any and all regulations that involve distribution. They need to know the ins and outs of valid cards, authorization transaction identification and deposit submissions. Sufficient knowledge can help #business owners and team members who don't want to have to worry about the hassles of possible chargeback requests.
Labeling and packing considerations are also critical for #ecommerce businesses. Many diverse factors influence businesses and their available packing choices. Some of these factors are offered products, size options, weight and overall strength. Product damage is a big risk for ecommerce businesses of all kinds. The transportation process can often lead to all sorts of significant and noticeable product damages. Businesses have to go above and beyond to prioritize shipment containers that are tough and resilient. Packaging influences shipping expenses as well. Larger packages cost more to send. The same goes for packages that simply weigh more.
Carrier selection is yet another key aspect of shipping. Hosted marketplaces can be helpful for an array of reasons. They can give businesses access to in-depth shipping assistance. They can in some cases even give them access to possible shipping bargains. Carriers frequently work things out on behalf of businesses in order to score them significant shipping deals.
It's essential to come up with a shipping pricing technique that's efficient and #smart. Shipping isn't ever free. Ecommerce businesses have to set aside considerable sums of money to cover all of their shipping requirements on a daily basis. Complimentary shipping is a big perk that's associated with many Internet retailers these days. Savvy businesses often give customers options that can help them attain free shipping. Customers who purchase from retailers numerous times sometimes get the rewards of free shipping. There are businesses that have purchase minimums that open customers up to the possibility of shipping that's totally free as well. Ecommerce businesses need to concentrate on all of these paths. They need to consider shipping supplies, rates and more.
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Jennifer Shaheen, Robert Weiss
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: JJ Ramberg (MSNBC host of small business) , Rieva Lesonsky (@rieva)
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture:
Image from the 7th annual New York Expo for Small Business Show presented by Event Management. Details of show NYXpo Show. For additional photos from the event see: Flickr NYXpo photostream May 2012
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends), Laura Leites (@lauraleites), Devin Cleary (@DevCleary)
#nyxpo
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Jason Gardner, Laura Leites, Ramon Ray, Sana Ahmed
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: gary Swank, Rieva Lesonsky
Photo of some of the top 100 SMB Influencers and key sponsors recognized at the SMB Influencer Awards Gala. This picture was taken at the end of the event so lots of folks had left already. For additional photos from the event see: SMB Influencer - New York Expo Show Flickr photoset.
Photo (cc). If using photo, please credit: Photo courtesy Grant Wickes.
In picture: Shashi Bellamkonda (@shashib), Bryan Lee (Senior Dir US Sales - RIM), ?. Laurie McCabe (@lauriemccabe), Gwen Moran (@GwenMoran - hiding behind Laurie), Dina Dwyer-Owens (@DinaDwyerOwens), Grant Wickes (@gwickes), Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends), Mike Blumenthal (@mblumenthal), Ingrid Vanderveldt (@ontheroadwithiv of Dell), Carol Roth (@caroljroth), ?, Alibaba exec, Michael Simmons, Hilary Cable (Deluxe), Ramon Ray (@ramonray), Karen-Michelle Mirko (@KMMirko), ?, Melinda French (@smallbizlady), Eitan Saban (@eitansaban), Scott Gerber
Photo taken with Canon S100
Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
#smbinfluencer #nyxpo
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Jeanne Brutman (@JeanneBrutman), Jennifer Shaheen (@techtherapist)
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Gary Swart (oDesk), IvanaTaylor (@DIYMarketers)
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Lauren Simonds, Elaine Bennett
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Beth Silver, Laura Leites
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Anita Campbell, Erika Kerekes
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Donna Fenn (Inc), JJ Ramberg (NMNBC), Courtney Colwell
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: ?, John Lawson (@ColderICE), Marcy Dobozy, Brent Leary (@BrentLeary)
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Pam O'Hara, Janine Popick, Nelly Yusupova
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture:
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Simrita Singh, Liz Petrova
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: The good lads of BlackBerry RIM: Luis Gonzales,
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Ramon Ray, Andrea Moe
Photo taken with iPhone 4 with Photojojo 8x lens attached
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture:
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Mark Sackett, Dawn Stackhouse (@MSNBCYourBiz)
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Nelly Yusupova, Michelle Lodge
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends)
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture:
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: Cynthia Sutton, Shri Bhupen
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: John Lawson, Laura Leites, Brent Leary
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture:
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: , Brenda Gary, Donald Berkman
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: , Kendel Drysdale,
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture:
Meeting details at 2011 Top 100 SMB Influencers. Picture by Grant Wickes principal of Wickpoint Management Services and currently VP Businss Development Wasp Barcode Technologies.
In picture: