Top 5 Shipping Mistakes Resellers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Are you a new reseller on eBay, Poshmark, Etsy, or other online platforms? Shipping can be a complex process, but it's crucial for customer satisfaction and business success. Here, we'll explore the top 5 shipping mistakes beginners make and provide tips to avoid them:

1. Packing Mishaps: Finding the Balance

• Overpacking: Excessive packing materials like bubble wrap or boxes can inflate shipping costs and waste time. Imagine a scenario where you're shipping a lightweight t-shirt. Stuffing it in a giant box with excessive packing peanuts adds unnecessary weight and bulk, pushing you into a higher shipping cost bracket.
• Underpacking: Skimping on protection can damage your items during transit, leading to unhappy customers and returns. A delicate necklace sent in a flimsy envelope is a recipe for disaster.

Solution: Finding the right balance is key. Choose the right size box and packing materials based on your item's weight, size, and fragility. Research cost-effective options like poly mailers for appropriate items. Consider using void fill materials like packing peanuts or crinkle wrap to secure items within the box without adding excessive weight.

2. Mastering the Shipping Maze

New sellers often feel overwhelmed by the various shipping options. Explore the different services offered by carriers like Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, or cross-border shipping services. Utilize online shipping calculators to compare rates and choose the most economical and efficient option for your needs. Look beyond the most familiar options – researching lesser-known services can uncover hidden gems.

Canada Post Tip: Explore hidden gems like the oversized lettermail system for flat items under a specific thickness, offering cost-effective nationwide shipping. This can be a great option for things like framed photographs, documents, or textiles.

3. Time is Money: Prioritize Prompt Shipping

• Delayed Shipping: Customers expect fast turnaround. Delays beyond your advertised handling time can lead to negative feedback and damage your reputation, especially when starting. A customer might be hesitant to order from you again if their first experience involved a long wait for their item to arrive.

Solution: Set realistic handling times based on your workload. Be honest with yourself about how long it typically takes you to process and pack an order. If you're new, start small and gradually scale up as you become more efficient with order fulfillment. Communicate clearly with your customers about what to expect in terms of shipping timelines.

4. Organize for Efficiency: Create a Dedicated Shipping Station

• Scattered Supplies: Wasting time searching for packing materials like scissors, tape, or boxes slows down your workflow. Imagine scrambling for packing tape just as you're about to seal a box – it disrupts the flow and adds unnecessary time to your fulfillment process.

Solution: Dedicate a space, even a drawer, to store all your shipping supplies. As your business grows, consider a designated workspace with shelves, cabinets, and designated areas for different packing materials and tools. This will streamline your workflow and make packing a much smoother experience.

5. Inventory Management: Save Time by Knowing Where Everything Is

• Lost in the Inventory: Time spent hunting for sold items can lead to frustrated customers and order cancellations. The last thing you want is to have a customer waiting on their order while you scramble to find it in a cluttered storage space.

Solution: Implement a clear inventory organization system. Use labeled bins, shelves, or containers to categorize your items. Consider using a custom SKU system (Stock Keeping Unit) to easily locate items based on their listing information. Even with a small inventory, organization makes a big difference. A well-organized system helps you find what you need quickly, ensuring faster fulfillment and happier customers.

Bonus Tip: Source Packing Materials Wisely

Don't overpay for packaging! Explore bulk options or alternative sources like dollar stores or wholesale suppliers for significant cost savings on materials like bubble mailers. By being resourceful, you can free up extra cash to invest in other areas of your business.

By following these tips, you can streamline your shipping process, save money, and ensure your customers receive their purchases quickly and safely, fostering a positive reputation for your reselling business.