Small Business Shipping Guide

Shipping products professionally and affordably is a crucial step for any small business looking to expand its reach and satisfy its customers. Whether you're new to shipping or looking to streamline your current process, this guide will walk you through the essentials of setting up a shipping system that works for your business.

Getting Started Checklist

Embarking on your shipping journey requires careful planning and organization. Here's a checklist to help you get started:

• Choose Carriers: Selecting the right carriers is a high-priority task because it directly affects your shipping costs, delivery times, and customer satisfaction. Research different carriers to find ones that align with your business needs in terms of service quality and pricing.
• Get Rate Discounts: Prioritize securing discounted rates to keep your shipping costs competitive. Many carriers offer discounts to small businesses, especially if you partner with a shipping solution like Atoship, which can negotiate better rates on your behalf.
• Select Packaging: Proper packaging not only protects your products but also impacts your shipping costs. Choose packaging materials that provide adequate protection while keeping weight and dimensions to a minimum to save on shipping fees.
• Set Up Workspace: Organizing your shipping area efficiently is of medium priority but can significantly streamline your workflow. Create a dedicated space with all necessary tools and supplies within reach to process orders quickly and accurately.
• Create Processes: Establish clear processes for picking, packing, and shipping orders. Documenting these procedures ensures consistency and helps train new staff as your business grows.

Carrier Account Setup

Setting up accounts with major carriers is a straightforward process that can unlock numerous benefits for your business:

• USPS: Signing up with USPS is free, and through services like Atoship, you can access commercial rate discounts. USPS is a reliable option for domestic and international shipping, especially for smaller, lightweight packages.
• UPS: UPS also offers free account setup and discounted rates via Atoship. Known for its reliable ground and air shipping services, UPS is ideal for businesses that require fast and guaranteed delivery times.
• FedEx: Similar to USPS and UPS, FedEx provides free account setup. By using Atoship, you can access discounted rates, making FedEx a viable option for express shipping needs.

Starter Costs

Launching a professional shipping operation involves some initial investment. Here's a breakdown of essential startup costs:

• Scale ($25-50): A reliable shipping scale is crucial for accurately weighing packages, ensuring you don't overpay for shipping.
• Label Printer ($150-300): Investing in a label printer can save you time and ensure that your packages have clear, professional labels. This is particularly important for maintaining efficiency during busy periods.
• Packaging Supplies ($100-200): Stock up on various packaging materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Having a range of sizes and materials helps you package products securely without unnecessary bulk.
• Shipping Software ($0 with Atoship): Using shipping software simplifies the process of managing orders and printing labels. Atoship offers a free solution that integrates with major carriers, providing a seamless shipping experience.

With these essentials, your total startup cost can range from $275 to $550, depending on the choices you make.

First 100 Orders

The first 100 orders are a crucial period for refining your shipping operations. Here's what to focus on at each stage:

• 1-25 Orders: Develop and document your shipping process. Pay attention to every detail, from order receipt to delivery, to ensure nothing is overlooked.
• 25-50 Orders: Look for ways to improve efficiency. Identify bottlenecks and time-consuming tasks, and find solutions to speed up the workflow.
• 50-75 Orders: Focus on cost optimization. Evaluate your shipping costs and explore options for savings, such as different carriers or packaging adjustments.
• 75-100 Orders: Begin automating repetitive tasks. Consider software solutions that can automate order processing, label printing, and tracking to free up time for other business activities.

Common Mistakes

Avoiding common shipping mistakes can save you time and money. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Paying Retail Rates: Always aim to use commercial rates instead of retail to reduce shipping costs. Partnering with a service like Atoship can help you access these discounted rates.
• Wrong Box Sizes: Using boxes that are too large can increase your shipping costs. Keep an inventory of right-sized packaging to ensure you're not paying for excess space.
• Manual Everything: Automating early in your shipping process can prevent errors and save time. Utilize shipping software to handle tasks like label printing and tracking updates.
• One Carrier Only: Relying on a single carrier limits your options and can result in higher costs. Compare different carriers to find the best combination of price and service for each shipment.

By addressing these common pitfalls, you can enhance your shipping operations and deliver a better experience to your customers.

Start shipping with Atoship →

Setting up an efficient and cost-effective shipping system is within reach for small business owners. By following these guidelines and continuously refining your processes, you can ensure your products reach customers quickly and reliably, supporting your business's growth and success.