SHIPPING TIPS FOR SELLERS
Ship efficiently and create a great unboxing experience.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHIPPING CARRIER
Finding the best carrier for your shipping needs can save your farm both time and money. Different carriers offer different advantages depending on your shipment’s size, weight, and destination.
USPS: Ideal for smaller packages, especially those under 1 pound. USPS offers flat-rate boxes, which are a great option for heavy items that can fit within the box dimensions.
FedEx & UPS: Often better for larger or heavier shipments, especially when delivery speed is important. These carriers also offer business discounts.
DHL: If shipping internationally, DHL is often the most cost-effective option with reliable tracking. Consider signing up for business accounts with all major carriers. This will give you access to better rates, shipping tools, and bulk discounts.
SHIPPING SOFTWARE AND TOOLS
Using third-party shipping platforms can help you access discounted rates, automate label printing, and streamline your shipping process.
Platforms to Try: Pirate Ship (free, with excellent USPS rates), ShipStation (offers multi-carrier options), and Shopify Shipping (integrated with online storefronts).
Automate Label Printing: Save time by printing shipping labels directly at home using a thermal label printer, which is cost-effective and quick.
Batch Processing: If you’re shipping many orders at once, use batch processing to print all your labels at the same time, minimizing errors and time spent per shipment.
Use Pirate Ship if you’re primarily using USPS, as it offers the same Commercial Pricing USPS provides to large shippers but for free.
PACKAGING AND DIMENSIONAL WEIGHT
Many shipping carriers charge based on the size of the box rather than the actual weight. Keeping packaging small and efficient will help you save.
Optimize Package Size: Use appropriately sized boxes to avoid paying extra for empty space. Carriers charge by “dimensional weight,” which means the larger the box, the more you pay.
Flat Rate Boxes: Take advantage of flat-rate boxes for heavy items. USPS’s flat-rate boxes are often cheaper for packages over 2 pounds, regardless of distance.
Always compare flat-rate shipping to standard shipping prices before making your decision, especially for heavier or bulkier items.
NEGOTIATING WITH CARRIERS
If you’re shipping frequently, negotiate better rates with carriers. Most major shipping companies have business account representatives who can help you save more as you scale.
Contact Carrier Representatives: Ask for volume-based pricing if you are shipping regularly or in larger quantities. You may be able to secure lower rates for high-volume months.
Business Shipping Accounts: Be sure to register for business shipping accounts with UPS, FedEx, and USPS to access discounted rates and easier tracking.
PACKAGING AND PROTECTING PRODUCTS
Choosing the Right Packaging Materials
Protecting your products while keeping costs low is essential. Choose packaging materials that fit your brand’s values and ensure safe delivery.
Eco-Friendly Materials: Use biodegradable peanuts, recycled paper, or plant-based plastics to appeal to eco-conscious customers.
Cushioning and Wrapping: Wrap products in tissue paper or biodegradable bubble wrap to protect them during transit. Consider using foam inserts for delicate products like glass jars.
Sealing for Liquids: Double-seal liquid products (like beauty products or value-added food items) to prevent leaks. This means using leak-proof caps and placing products in a secondary sealed bag.
Perishables: If you’re shipping perishables, use insulated packaging and ice packs to ensure freshness.
Purchase eco-friendly packaging materials in bulk from suppliers for lower costs and sustainable options.
PACKING FOR EFFICIENCY
Packing efficiently protects your products and helps lower shipping costs. Here’s how to make the most of your space.
Proper Box Size: Select boxes that fit your products snugly. Too much empty space requires more filler and increases dimensional weight charges.
Secure Your Items: Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled paper to ensure products don’t shift during transport. Seal the box using strong packing tape and reinforce it with the “H-taping” method (taping all open edges for added security).
Always ensure there is no movement inside the box. Shifted items are the number one cause of damaged goods during transit.
CUSTOM BRANDED PACKAGING
Adding branded elements to your packaging can elevate your customer’s experience and increase brand recognition.
Custom Tape, Stickers, or Boxes: Start small by adding custom branded stickers or tape to your boxes. This is an affordable way to make your packaging feel professional.
Color Scheme: Stick to a cohesive color scheme that reflects your farm’s brand. Even simple brown boxes can feel upscale with a touch of your brand colors in the form of tissue paper or stickers.
THE UNBOXING EXPERIENCE: ESTHETICS & BRAND LOYALTY
Why Unboxing Matters
The unboxing experience is the first physical interaction your customers will have with your farm’s products. This is your chance to make a lasting impression and increase brand loyalty.
Build Customer Excitement: A well-thought-out unboxing experience can delight customers, making them more likely to return or share their experience on social media.
Stand Out: With so many online sellers, offering an elevated unboxing experience can set your farm apart. Small, personal touches such as handwritten notes or sample products can go a long way.
Include a personalized thank you card or a small freebie like a farm-branded sticker or a sample product. This surprise can lead to positive reviews and customer loyalty.
DESIGNING AN UNBOXING EXPERIENCE
Your packaging design doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive to make an impact.
Layered Packaging: Use layers to build anticipation. Consider wrapping products in sustainable tissue paper or adding branded inserts on top of the product inside the box.
Simple but Cohesive: Stick to a simple, functional design that still conveys your brand. A clean, minimalist approach with a touch of branding can go a long way.
Informational Inserts: Consider including inserts that explain the story behind your farm, provide care instructions, or give details about the product’s origin. This helps create a personal connection with your buyers.
Use Canva or similar platforms to design thank-you cards or informational inserts. Print in bulk using services like Vistaprint or Moo for affordable, professional-looking materials.
SMALL, THOUGHTFUL DETAILS
It’s the little things that turn a one-time buyer into a loyal customer.
Thank You Notes: A simple handwritten note can make customers feel valued. If you have a growing business, consider pre-printing notes with space for a personalized signature.
Sustainable Packaging: If you use eco-friendly packaging, let customers know! Include a note or symbol indicating your commitment to sustainability.
Customers appreciate knowing that they are supporting a farm that cares about the environment. Make sure this is visible in your unboxing experience by using eco-friendly materials and including a note about them.
SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION
Encourage customers to share their unboxing experience on social media to increase your farm’s visibility and reach.
Call-to-Action: Include a printed card in each order encouraging customers to share photos of their unboxing on social media using your farm’s handle and a specific hashtag.
Offer an Incentive: Consider offering a small discount code for their next purchase if they share their unboxing experience.
Create a branded hashtag specific to your farm, and promote it on social media channels. Encourage customers to use it for a chance to be featured.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR FARMERS
Shipping Fresh Produce or Perishables
Shipping perishables can be tricky, but with the right tools, you can ensure your products arrive fresh and undamaged.
Expedited Shipping: Opt for expedited shipping for perishable items to minimize the risk of spoilage during transit.
Seasonal Awareness: Be mindful of the seasons. In warmer months, include ice packs to keep items cool, and in colder months, consider insulated packaging for temperature-sensitive items.
Use carriers like FedEx or UPS for overnight or 2-day shipping options for perishable goods. Include clear labeling like “Perishable” or “Fragile.”
SHIPPING TO LOCAL OR REGIONAL MARKETS
For farmers shipping to local customers, use regional carriers to reduce costs and transit times.
Local Pickups and Regional Delivery: Consider offering local pickup options or working with regional delivery companies to reduce shipping times and costs.
Zonal Shipping Rates: Check to see if your preferred carrier offers zonal shipping discounts for shipments that stay within a certain distance.
Offer free or discounted shipping for local customers, encouraging repeat business.
BULK ORDERS
When shipping bulk orders to wholesale buyers or farmer’s markets, it’s essential to package items efficiently.
Pallet Shipping: For larger orders, consider shipping on pallets using freight carriers. This can save on costs for bulk orders and ensure safe delivery.
Optimizing for Bulk: Use bulk shipping boxes to minimize individual packaging and reduce your shipping costs.
Reach out to freight carriers for pallet shipping quotes, especially if your farm regularly ships larger quantities.
HANDLING RETURNS: MAKING THE PROCESS SEAMLESS
Return Policies
A clear and simple return policy helps build trust with your customers. Make sure to outline the specifics of your return process on your marketplace listing and website.
Be Transparent: Clearly state whether you accept returns, what items are returnable (if any), and within what time frame.
Return Shipping: Consider offering free return shipping for defective or damaged products, and clearly state who covers return shipping for other reasons, such as buyer's preference.
RETURNS FOR PERISHABLES
Handling returns for perishable goods can be complicated, so it’s important to have a specific policy in place.
No Returns for Perishables: For most perishable items, it’s best to offer no returns due to the nature of the product. Instead, provide clear guidelines on how to store and care for the product upon delivery.
Damage During Shipping: If a perishable item arrives damaged, consider offering an option for replacement or store credit.
When shipping perishables, make sure your customers are aware of the shipping time frame, storage requirements, and any expiration dates upfront to prevent issues.
CUSTOMER SERVICE DURING RETURNS
Handling returns with excellent customer service can ensure a positive experience.
Responsive Support: Make sure to respond to return requests quickly. Even if you cannot offer a return, providing a fast, polite response goes a long way in customer retention.
Offer Solutions: When returns aren’t possible, offer an alternative solution, such as a discount on a future purchase, free shipping on the next order, or store credit.
Create a streamlined process for handling returns and ensure all return requests are handled within 24 hours to maintain customer satisfaction.
TRACKING SHIPMENTS: KEEPING CUSTOMERS INFORMED
Provide Tracking Information
Customers want to know where their packages are and when they will arrive. Providing tracking details gives peace of mind and helps reduce customer service inquiries.
Automated Tracking Emails: Set up automated emails that send tracking details as soon as a package ships. Many shipping platforms offer automated tracking updates that keep your customers informed.
Real-Time Updates: Encourage customers to sign up for real-time updates from the carrier, allowing them to track the shipment’s progress themselves.
Add tracking links directly to order confirmation emails and your website’s order history section to provide easy access for customers.
CLEAR COMMUNICATION
If there are any shipping delays, such as weather-related issues, proactively reach out to customers. A clear communication policy can help keep customers happy.
Explain Delays: If shipping delays occur, notify your customers with an an updated estimated arrival time.
Set Expectations: Let your customers know how long standard shipping will take when they place the order. This is especially important during peak seasons like holidays.
Keep customers informed with estimated delivery dates, especially for perishable items, to ensure they know when to expect their order.
SHIPPING COSTS: HOW TO PRICE SHIPPING FOR YOUR FARMS' PRODUCTS
Incorporating Shipping Costs into Your Pricing
It’s essential to decide how to charge customers for shipping. Some farms pass the entire cost of shipping to the buyer, while others offer free or discounted shipping as a way to encourage sales.
Free Shipping Thresholds: Set a free shipping threshold (e.g., free shipping on orders over $50) to incentivize customers to purchase more.
Flat-Rate Shipping: Offer flat-rate shipping to simplify the process. Customers know exactly what they’ll pay, which helps reduce cart abandonment.
Calculated Shipping: Alternatively, you can calculate shipping costs based on the customer’s location and order weight. This ensures you’re covering shipping costs but can be less predictable for customers.
Test different shipping options, such as free shipping or flat-rate shipping, to see what resonates best with your customer base and increases sales.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
If you sell internationally, you’ll need to consider the costs and complexities of customs, duties, and shipping.
Customs Forms: Make sure to fill out any necessary customs documentation and clearly label the contents of your packages.
Duties and Taxes: Be aware that international buyers may need to pay customs fees. It’s helpful to inform them of these fees upfront to avoid surprises.
For international orders, clearly state that buyers are responsible for any additional duties or taxes that may be charged by customs.
By selecting the right carriers, packing your products efficiently, and creating a memorable unboxing experience, you can ensure your farm’s products arrive safely and delight your customers.
Whether you’re shipping fresh produce, handmade beauty products, or value-added items, following these best practices will help you reduce costs, ship quickly, and make a lasting impression on your buyers.