Shipping products efficiently is essential for maintaining a strong customer experience and protecting your bottom line. However, small mistakes can quickly escalate into costly errors, customer dissatisfaction, and lost revenue. Here are the top 10 shipping mistakes small businesses should avoid—and what to do instead.
- Choosing the Wrong Carrier for the Shipment
Not all carriers are equally suited for every shipment. Heavy, oversized, or fragile items may be better suited for FedEx or UPS, while lightweight or local deliveries might be cheaper with USPS or regional carriers like OnTrac. Always compare rates and service levels using tools like ShipStation or Shippo.
- Overpacking or Underpacking Items
Using boxes that are too large increases dimensional weight charges, while underpacking risks product damage. Optimize packaging size to lower shipping costs and protect products during transit. Platforms like Packlane offer custom box sizing for e-commerce brands.
- Neglecting Shipping Insurance on Valuable Orders
Shipping high-value products without insurance leaves your business exposed. Services like Shipsurance or carrier insurance through FedEx and UPS can protect your shipments and provide faster claims processing when necessary.
- Ignoring International Shipping Regulations
Shipping internationally without understanding customs requirements can cause serious delays and additional fees. Tools like Easyship automate customs forms and tax calculations, simplifying the process for small businesses expanding globally.
- Not Offering a Variety of Shipping Options
Limiting customers to only one shipping choice can lead to higher cart abandonment rates. Offering a mix of expedited, standard, and economy shipping options gives customers flexibility and improves conversion rates.
- Failing to Use Hybrid Shipping Services
Hybrid options like UPS SurePost and FedEx SmartPost offer cost-effective alternatives for last-mile delivery by leveraging USPS networks. They reduce costs without drastically increasing delivery times.
- Missing Out on Bulk Shipping Discounts
As your order volume grows, you should negotiate better rates with carriers or utilize third-party platforms that offer volume discounts. You can also buy discounted USPS gift cards or shop discounted FedEx gift cards using Fluz to save immediately on shipping costs without needing direct carrier contracts.
- Not Providing Tracking Information to Customers
Customers expect real-time tracking. Neglecting to offer it can increase support inquiries and damage trust. Services like EasyPost and AfterShip provide easy integration of tracking updates into customer communications.
- Underestimating Fulfillment and Handling Times
Failing to account for internal processing time can lead to missed delivery promises. Automating fulfillment processes using partners like ShipBob or Red Stag Fulfillment ensures you maintain accurate delivery timelines.
- Not Preparing for Peak Season Volumes
Holiday seasons and major sales events dramatically increase order volume. Without advanced preparation, delays, inventory shortages, and customer frustration are inevitable. Work with fulfillment partners, stock extra inventory, and confirm carrier cutoffs early to manage seasonal spikes smoothly.
Shipping mistakes are costly but avoidable with careful planning and the right tools. By comparing carriers, optimizing packaging, offering flexible options, insuring valuable items, and using discounted gift cards through Fluz, small businesses can strengthen their shipping strategy, reduce costs, and build lasting customer loyalty.
