Do you run an e-commerce business and think that the cost of postage is out of your control?
You may not set postage prices, but it is up to you to work out a package with your provider that makes sense for your business.
Are you ready to take control? Here’s how to manage your shipping costs with the resources you already have available.
1. Use a Postage Meter
Are you overpaying for your shipping services? Do you know?
Stop guessing the cost of your postage and use a postage meter to weigh each package and determine the correct amount needed.
A postage meter will cut down on stamps and Priority Mail costs. It could save you as much as 20 percent on your annual postage spend.
2. Try Flat Rate for Small, Heavy Items
Does your inventory largely consist of items that are small but mighty? Send them using USPS Flat Rate Shipping.
Flat rate shipping allows you to choose the perfect size box for each item and pay one set, flat fee. Whether you ship a book or a dozen bars of soap, it all costs the same.
Plus, flat rate boxes and envelopes are free from USPS, which means you’ll save even more on the cost of your shipping materials.
Check out this info about rates to see how much you can save with flat rate.
3. Use Bulk Mail
Are you sending out a marketing campaign? Use the bulk mail option to save money on postage.
To qualify for bulk mail, you need 200 pieces or 50 pounds in your mailing. You don’t need to send them all to the same zip code. They can go to five different places if you want.
Your postage rate depends on the size or weight of the pieces and how many go to each area. You could save as much as $0.20 per piece and up to $0.40 off the traditional stamp.
4. Skip Custom Packaging for Free Post Office Boxes
Do you order your boxes or use custom packaging? Save money by cutting out the cost of packaging.
USPS has offers that provide free boxes when you send items via Priority Mail, including Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Priority Mail Flat Rate.
You can get items like gift card envelopes, legal envelopes, and boxes in a wide range of sizes.
Just order your free boxes and envelopes via the USPS online store or stop into your local USPS branch. USPS will even add on free delivery.
5. Get in Touch with Small Business Shipping Specialists
Are you dropping packages in the mail with wild abandon? You might be missing out on your carrier’s best deals.
FedEx, USPS, and UPS all have small business shipping specialists on staff, usually as part of a small business center or through the business account services.
Get in touch with your carrier, and they will help you learn about shipping services that could save you money and time.
They can help with services like:
Freight
Packaging
International shipping
E-commerce
By the end of your call, you’ll be sending packages faster and further than ever before.
6. Skip Letters with E-Billing and Email
How do you send letters and bills? While many big businesses have made the switch to e-billing, SMEs still send traditional paper invoices.
As a small business, you remain stuck between a rock in a hard place. A significant number of consumers believe they still want paper bills and don’t think they should have to pay to receive them.
Plus, as an SME, you may serve customers who live in areas without broadband access, which makes e-billing and email more problematic.
If you spend money on paper billing and letters, ask your market how they feel about switching to digital communications
