Andrew M asked:
I need to figure out how to manage, streamline and calculate costs for doing shipping. I will be running a small to medium scale cookie mix product business out of my house. Are there any successful home based business people who can help, or anyone who has had to deal with shipping solutions? Thank you!
Hamlin
I need to figure out how to manage, streamline and calculate costs for doing shipping. I will be running a small to medium scale cookie mix product business out of my house. Are there any successful home based business people who can help, or anyone who has had to deal with shipping solutions? Thank you!
Hamlin
depending on the volume to plan to ship the USPS is generally the cheapest. Depending on weight and size first class shipping will get the item to your customer in 2-5 days and is trackable. I just do a flat rate shipping so say it costs you $2.50 to shipping you charge $4.95 that covers you supply costs. There flat rate services are great too you pay one price regardless of weight and the boxes are free.
I use UPS as well set-up an account that way you get free daily pick-up and a discount. the cost is going to be higher again depends on volume and where you are shipping too and from.
Get a thermal lable printer you can get a used on ebay for like 100 bucks it is a great thing to have UPS will give you the labels for free don’t buy them people sell them on ebay and seriously they are free. But it makes it so easy print never have to buy ink and they are perfect peel and stick. I use them for my usps packages too.
Good luck
Here is a link for something that may interest you.
Also the post office has many options that you can link right into your web site and/or computer. The last time I talked to them there was no charge for the software.
GOOD LUCK.
You may want to look into outsourcing the warehousing. Leave the process in the hands of experts. Companies like Bongo International will warehouse your goods for free and only charge you for the shipping. They customize programs for companies in the US and they also ship goods internationally so that you don’t have to worry about customs paperwork or any of the other challenges associated with fulfillment.
I would suggest checking with the different shipping companies. UPS, USPS, FEDEX, DHL. We found that UPS is the cheapest shipping for us!!! I hope this helps! Good Luck with your business. Sounds Yummy!!! Do you have a website???