Eco-friendly packaging tips

Consumers are being more aware of their shopping habits, and how industries are approaching sustainability.

With that, here are six environmentally friendly packaging tips for your business! 

1. Biodegradable tape and stickers
Tape and stickers are a great way to keep the packaging intact, but also add a touch of customization of you and your brand. Biodegradable tape and stickers can do just the same, but with a more positive impact on our planet.

2. Minimalist Design
Having simple designs can not only help you save costs on materials such as ink but also keeps the message of your business simple and easy to understand.

3. Mono-materials
Also known as single material packaging, using one material makes it easier to recycle the packaging for both the customer and the facility. 

4. Less packaging
While having business cards and other nice additions to your packaging helps personalize your business, there are other ways to customize your customers’ experiences with less material. Check out the next point for an idea!

5. QR codes

If you need more space for information that you’re not able to put on your packaging, QR codes are a great idea! There’s an unlimited amount of information that you could link to a QR code, all you need is a device that is able to scan it! 

6. Compostable packaging
Compostable packaging helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also reduces our dependency on fossil fuels. On top of that, composting is great for our environment. It benefits plants, animals, and soil fertility.

Bottom Line
There has been a drastic change within these few years. Demand for change has been prominent through social media, digital media, and other mediums.

Depending on your location, field, and other factors, packaging and shipping can vary.

Remember whatever option you choose, there will be customers willing to pay for environmental initiatives. 

Top 5 shipping mistakes to avoid 

Shipping is a crucial part of any business that deals with physical products. It can make or break your reputation with customers, affect your bottom line, and even lead to legal issues. Unfortunately, mistakes in shipping are all too common, and they can have serious consequences. Fortunately for you here a SnapShip you wont need to worry about these mistakes. In this blog post, we cover and look at the top five shipping mistakes to avoid.

1. Incorrect Address or Contact Information

1. One of the most common shipping mistakes is incorrect or incomplete address information. It's essential to verify the address and contact information with the customer before shipping. A small typo or omission in the address can cause significant delays or even prevent the package from being delivered. Always double-check the information provided and make sure it matches the shipping label.

2. Inaccurate or Incomplete Customs Documentation 

3. If you ship internationally, you'll need to fill out customs documentation correctly. Incorrect or incomplete customs documentation can lead to customs delays, fines, or even seizure of the goods. Ensure that you understand the customs regulations for the destination country and provide all the necessary information.

3. Insufficient Packaging

5. Proper packaging is crucial for protecting your product during shipping. Using insufficient or inappropriate packaging can result in product damage, which can lead to customer complaints and returns. Always use packaging that can withstand the rigors of shipping, and consider adding additional padding or protection if necessary.

4. Missed Delivery Deadlines

7. Customers expect their packages to arrive within the estimated delivery window. Missing delivery deadlines can lead to unhappy customers, negative reviews, and lost business. Be realistic about delivery times and communicate any potential delays with customers. Consider offering options such as expedited shipping or alternative carriers to ensure timely delivery.

5. Failure to Track Packages

Tracking packages is essential for both you and your customers. Failure to track packages can result in lost or delayed packages and can make it challenging to provide accurate delivery estimates. Use a shipping service that offers package tracking, and provide the tracking information to your customers. Encourage customers to track their packages themselves, and follow up with them if there are any issues.

In conclusion, shipping mistakes can be costly and damaging to your business. By avoiding these top five shipping mistakes, you can provide your customers with a positive experience, avoid legal issues, and protect your bottom line. Remember to verify address and contact information, fill out customs documentation correctly, use sufficient packaging, meet delivery deadlines, and track packages. With these precautions in place, you'll be well on your way to successful shipping.

5 ways to save on shipping for your business

 Saving money is always a good thing but it is crucial to do so as a business. The blog will show the best ways to save on shipping for your business. 

1. Use shipping software:

  Snapship offers discounted shipping rates for businesses. We allow businesses to compare rates from different carriers and choose the most cost-effective option. SnapShip offers additional features like label printing and order tracking.

      2.    Utilize flat rate shipping:

 Flat-rate shipping is a cost-effective option for shipping packages globally. heavy or bulky items. Many carriers offer do not offer flat-rate shipping options that allow businesses to ship items for a fixed rate regardless of the weight or destination. That being said, at At Snapship we offer flat rate worldwide shipping. 

    3. Offer free shipping for certain orders:

Offering free shipping for orders over a certain dollar amount can incentivize customers to spend more money with your business. While this may initially cost your business more money in shipping fees, the increased sales can offset the cost.

   4. Minimize packaging: 

Shipping costs are often based on the weight and size of the package, so minimizing packaging can help reduce shipping costs. Use smaller boxes or envelopes when possible, and consider using packaging materials that are lightweight but still offer adequate protection for the contents.Shipping costs can be a significant expense for businesses, but several strategies can help reduce these costs. By negotiating with carriers, using shipping software, utilizing flat rate shipping, offering free shipping for certain orders, and minimizing packaging, businesses can save money on shipping and improve their bottom line. By implementing these cost-saving strategies, businesses can provide affordable shipping options to their customers while maintaining a healthy profit margin.

6 factors that affect shipping prices

1. Distance: The farther the package has to travel, the more expensive the shipping costs may be.

2. Weight and size: Larger and heavier packages generally cost more to ship than smaller and lighter ones. This is because they require more space and resources to transport.

3. Delivery speed: Faster delivery options such as expedited or express shipping can be more expensive than standard shipping.

4. Carrier and service type: Different carriers and service types can have varying shipping rates.

5. Delivery location: Shipping to remote or hard-to-reach locations can be more expensive due to additional transportation costs and limited access.

6. Insurance and tracking: Adding insurance or tracking services to a shipment can increase the overall shipping cost.

It's important to consider these factors when choosing a shipping option and carrier. Comparing rates from different carriers and service types can help you find the best shipping option for your needs at the most affordable price.

Peak shipping season is the time of the year when shipping volume increases significantly due to various factors such as holidays, special events, or seasonal demand for products. For most businesses, peak shipping season typically occurs during the months of November and December in preparation for the holiday season.

To prepare your business for peak shipping season, here are some tips:

1. Review your inventory: Ensure that you have enough stock to meet the anticipated demand during peak season. Review your sales data from previous years to estimate the expected demand for this year.

2. Plan your logistics: Consider the capacity and capabilities of your shipping partners. Determine whether you will need to use more than one shipping carrier or upgrade to a faster or more efficient service.

3. Communicate with your customers: Let your customers know the estimated delivery times and provide them with tracking information. Keep them informed about any delays or issues with their shipments.

4. Optimize your packaging: Make sure that your products are packaged securely and efficiently to minimize damage and reduce shipping costs. Consider using smaller packaging options, which can help to reduce shipping costs.

5. Hire additional staff: Consider hiring seasonal staff to help with the increased volume of orders during peak season. This will help to ensure that your orders are processed and shipped quickly.

6. Prepare for returns: Expect an increase in returns during peak season. Have a clear policy in place and a process for handling returns efficiently.

By following these tips, you can prepare your business for peak shipping season and ensure that your customers receive their orders on time and in good condition.

Shipping internationally for cheap can be a challenge, but there are a few strategies you can use to reduce your shipping costs:

1. Choose the right carrier: Different shipping carriers have different rates for international shipping, so it's worth shopping around to find the best deal. 

2. Use a shipping aggregator: Shipping aggregators like ShipStation or Shippo can help you compare rates from different carriers and choose the most affordable option.

3. Consider slower shipping options: If you're not in a hurry to get your package to its destination, choosing a slower shipping option like economy or standard shipping can often be much cheaper than expedited shipping.

4. Package your items efficiently: The weight and size of your package can affect the cost of international shipping, so it's important to package your items as efficiently as possible to minimize the size and weight of the package.

5. Be aware of customs and duties: When shipping internationally, you may be responsible for paying customs and duties fees. Make sure you understand the requirements for the country you're shipping to and factor these fees into your shipping costs.

By using these strategies, you may be able to ship internationally for a lower cost. However, keep in mind that international shipping can still be expensive, so it's important to plan ahead and budget accordingly.