Running an eCommerce business on platforms like eBay, Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify means you’ll be dealing with shipping quite a bit. It’s not always a walk in the park, but having the right supplies can make it a lot smoother. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need for shipping your eCommerce orders.
First off, you’ll need sturdy boxes. These are the go-to for most sellers since they come in various sizes and offer good protection for your products. To save money, try to find boxes that are just a bit larger than your products. If your items are heavy, consider flat rate boxes. For smaller, durable products, small envelope mailers could be a good alternative. Just remember to check the weight rating on the boxes to ensure your items don’t exceed it.
Next up, cushioning materials. Sometimes, boxes alone aren’t enough to keep fragile items safe during shipping. That’s where bubble wrap comes in handy, especially for items that are slightly smaller than their boxes. Make sure to wrap the item completely, leaving no corners exposed. You could also use packing peanuts to fill larger spaces, but some experts warn that they don’t offer much protection.
Sealable bags can also be useful. They add an extra layer of protection and prevent your items from moving around inside the box. They’re particularly handy for items that could get tangled, like jewelry, or fabric items like scarves or clothing.
Once you’ve got your items packed, you’ll need packing tape to secure everything. Regular clear or masking tape won’t cut it – you’ll need actual packing tape, which you can find at shipping or office supply stores.
To address your packages, consider getting address labels. If you have a laser or inkjet printer, you can buy sheets of sticky address labels and print your shipping and return addresses on them. Just make sure the labels are compatible with your printer.
If you’re shipping a lot of items, a label printer could be a worthwhile investment. These can print dedicated labels with addresses and barcodes for each shipment.
To calculate your shipping costs or print your own labels, you might want to get a shipping scale. Make sure it’s specifically for shipping and that it has the right capacity for your items. Some scales can even connect to your shipping software or label printers via USB.
If you’re shipping internationally, you’ll need customs forms. You can get these from your local post office for free.
Don’t forget about branding! Your shipping materials can be a great opportunity to reinforce your brand. Consider getting branded labels, stickers, or even business cards with your logo on them.
Finally, to really wow your customers, include a thank you card with each order. A handwritten note can make a big impression and encourage repeat business.
Remember, the key to successful shipping is having the right supplies and using them effectively. Happy shipping!
