Shipping has become increasingly common today. With the rise in online activity, there has been exponential growth in the use of delivery services. It is a great way for businesses to meet sales goals while also working on wow-ing customers. But if not done properly, shipping mistakes can wreak havoc on the business and its finances. This is where the saying “the devil is in the details” needs to be taken seriously.

Playing guessing games
Numerous factors need to be considered when calculating the cost of shipping to different locations. Playing a guessing game can cause the cost to skyrocket. A smart approach to figuring this out is using shipping calculators. These tools are created to take away guesswork and give users accurate data to make informed choices. It can give sellers and buyers a hint at whether or not the transaction is affordable.

Not verifying the address
Another common shipping mistake is delivering to the wrong address. Not paying close attention to the street name, building, or state code might cost the business a substantial amount. It forces sellers to pay the courier service extra to handle undeliverable items and locations. So, business executives should crosscheck the address before readying a parcel for shipment. Customers should also enter the right address before paying for the product.

Ignoring automation
Business owners tend to stick with manual work in order to save costs. However, adding an end-to-end automation solution uncomplicates the process. It lets sellers know the shipment’s status and notifies buyers about the same. Some programs also provide buyers with a link that can be used to track the package. Sure, signing up for an automation tool can increase the business’s expenses, but it can provide multiple advantages over a period of time. 

Not offering flexible deliveries
Sticking to stringent policies and not offering customers flexibility might impact the business. Some customers prefer faster shipping and do not mind paying more for it. Others want guaranteed delivery and security of the package. Business owners must identify what customers prefer and list alternatives accordingly instead of sticking with just one option.

Not having a transparent return policy
Businesses need to accept that customers can return the package. If reports are to be believed, some companies’ return rates are as much as 30% of the product sales. To avoid any confusion, sellers and business owners must work on providing shoppers with a transparent return policy by listing all the circumstances under which a return is possible. Most customers read the return policy of businesses before checking their products, so lacking transparency could make customers move on without engaging with the business. In other words, the business would miss the chance to expand its customer base.