Making homemade crafts is one thing, but building a business by shipping them to customers is quite another. It takes an enormous level of logistical planning and organisation.
If you’re feeling a little stuck and don’t know how to approach shipping homemade craft options, this post is here to help. We explore some of the ways you can improve your processes. Here’s what to do:
Invest In Some Super Sticky Tape
Regular sticky tape is okay when you want to wrap up gifts but it won’t cut it when it comes to shipping products to customers commercially. It’s just not sticky enough.
That’s why you’ll want to invest in some super sticky tape for the items you sell. This tape keeps boxes firmly shut, stopping anything from falling out.
Also, spend some time educating yourself on the best way to tape products. Read tutorials and watch guides online.
Insure Your Shipments
You might also want a special insurance coverage to cover you if products are lost in transit. Having cover in place will reduce the risk of losing money and protect your time.
This insurance is particularly important if you are shipping high-value items. Losing a shipment could wipe out your business.
Use Double-Wall Boxes
You might also want to pick double-wall boxes if you are shipping fragile items. Extra support can prevent crush damage and keep products safe, even if shipping companies pile other products on top of them.
If double-boxing isn’t an option, add extra padding to box interiors. You can use things like packing peanuts or bubble wrap. Also, mark them with labels, such as “handle with care.” These signs consciously communicate to workers that they should be careful.
Label Your Packages Carefully
You’ll also want to label your packages carefully to ensure they get to the right place. Make sure you include the recipient’s name, address and postcode, if applicable.
Even if you are making craft items at home, we recommend against writing labels by hand. Instead, get a computer to do it for you automatically. It’ll save you time and it makes parcels more legible for delivery operatives and fulfilment scanning machines.
Track Your Packages
Whenever you send packages commercially, always track them. Ensure they wind up getting to their chosen destination.
Tracking is helpful for you and your customers. If possible, send them a link so they can track their parcels instead of ringing you up all the time, asking you for updates.
You can also use recorded delivery services. Again, these are helpful when you are delivering valuable items and want to ensure they’ve arrived safely.
Include A Returns Address
You’ll also want to include a return address on the packaging. This lets customers send parcels back to you if they want to return products.
Use A Fulfilment Company
Finally, you might want to use a fulfilment firm if you are shipping high volumes. Trying to manage everything yourself through conventional channels can be time-consuming and difficult. Fulfilment firms take over the process for you, shipping boxes to the correct addresses.
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