In the world of eCommerce, shipping plays a pivotal role in customer satisfaction and profitability. As an online store owner, you might have heard about the importance of tracking services for shipped products. However, there are situations where you don’t necessarily need to invest in tracking services, especially if you’re shipping directly to your customers and the value of the merchandise is relatively low. Let’s delve into the reasons why you might not always need tracking services when shipping products from your store.
Direct-to-Customer Shipping
When you’re shipping products directly to your customers without intermediaries like Amazon, eBay, ETSY, or Walmart, you have a unique advantage: direct communication. (Third party platforms require tracking) Unlike large marketplaces, you have the freedom to interact with your customers directly, allowing you to provide personalized updates on their orders. This direct connection can foster a stronger sense of trust and transparency, negating the need for real-time tracking.
Lower-Value Merchandise
Not all products have a high price tag, and sometimes the value of the merchandise does not warrant the postage cost premium of tracking. If you ship goods under $30, customers often prefer a “free-shipping” option over a tracked shipping option with a price tag of $5 – $7. Given the option, customers typically opt for “free-shipping” with an understanding of longer delivery times or less frequent updates. By setting appropriate expectations and clearly communicating estimated delivery times, you can manage customer satisfaction effectively.
Saving Money and Growing Your Business
Shipping expenses can add up, and if you’re running a small business, every dollar saved can contribute to your profit margin. By evaluating the necessity of tracking services on a case-by-case basis, you can allocate your resources more efficiently. The money saved from not investing in tracking for every shipment can be reinvested in areas like marketing, product development, or improving customer service – all of which contribute to your business’s overall success.
Alternative Ways to Provide Information
While tracking services offer real-time updates, there are alternative ways to keep your customers informed about their purchase’s journey. Automated Email notifications, including order confirmation, shipping confirmation, and estimated delivery timeframes, can go a long way in keeping customers in the loop. Additionally, offering a customer support channel where clients can inquire about their orders can enhance their experience and alleviate concerns.
While foregoing tracking services can have its advantages, it’s essential to implement best practices to ensure a seamless shipping experience for your customers. In part two of this blog post (to be published in November 2023), we’ll dive deeper into the strategies you can employ when shipping merchandise without tracking. From setting clear delivery expectations to leveraging alternative communication channels, we’ll equip you with the knowledge you need to confidently ship products while focusing on the growth of your business. Stay tuned for valuable insights and actionable tips that will transform your untracked shipping approach into a customer-centric advantage.
USPS Automated Flats vs. Packages
Shipping costs are a significant factor in your business’s profitability. One way to save money without compromising the customer experience is by using USPS Automated Flats or USPS Marketing Mail Flats for shipping packages under ¾” thick, instead of traditional packages. USPS Flats offer a cost-effective option for sending lightweight items, and while they may not provide delivery confirmation, they can be a reliable choice for products where tracking isn’t a necessity. This can be especially beneficial for businesses looking to reduce operational costs while maintaining quality service.
Tracking services undoubtedly have their place in the world of eCommerce, providing customers with real-time updates on their orders. However, for businesses shipping directly to customers and dealing with lower-value merchandise, investing in tracking services might not always be necessary. With effective communication, alternative ways of providing information, and cost-saving shipping options, you can deliver a satisfactory experience to your customers while optimizing your operational costs. By making informed decisions about when to use tracking services, you can strike a balance between customer satisfaction and business growth.
