Ecommerce shipping: How to ship products in 2025

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Ecommerce shipping can often be a headache for businesses, with delays, high costs, and customer complaints piling up. Learning how to handle ecommerce shipping effectively can make the process smoother and keep customers happy.

Ecommerce shipping is the process of delivering products from your business to your customers, and understanding it is essential for any successful online store. 

From choosing the right shipping methods to ensuring packages arrive safely and on time, mastering ecommerce shipping can significantly impact customer satisfaction and business growth. 

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about ecommerce shipping, providing practical tips and strategies to streamline your process.

Let’s get into it!

Understanding the basics of ecommerce shipping

In this section, we’ll explain different ecommerce shipping methods and highlight the importance of proper packaging and labeling.

Shipping methods

The shipping methods you offer play a core part in shaping the customer experience. The right method ensures timely delivery and customer satisfaction, while the wrong choice can lead to delays and frustration.

The two main shipping methods are:

• Domestic shipping: This is used for orders within your country. It’s typically faster and more affordable, making it an excellent choice for small businesses looking to meet local demands.
• International shipping: Expands your reach to a global audience but often involves higher costs, customs procedures, and longer transit times. It’s ideal for businesses targeting customers worldwide.

You need to also keep in mind delivery speed to meet your customers’ expectations, as this can directly impact overall customer satisfaction. Here are the two most common delivery options:

• Standard delivery: This cost-effective option works well for most orders, especially when affordability is a priority
• Express delivery: This delivers faster, so is ideal for urgent or time-sensitive shipments

Shipping carriers

Choosing the right carrier is pivotal for shipping in any online business as it ensures reliable deliveries, cost-efficiency, and a positive customer experience. 

When managing ecommerce order shipping, always consider integrating multiple carriers to optimize costs and delivery times. Popular options like FedEx, USPS, and UPS provide various services tailored to different needs, from affordable standard shipping to fast express delivery.

Packaging and labeling

Your packaging isn’t just a protective layer but also a reflection of your brand and its values. To leave a lasting impression, ensure your packaging aligns with your brand’s colors, maintains a clean design, and is visually appealing.

Accurate shipping labels help you prevent order fulfillment errors, such as incorrect or missing items, which can lead to customer dissatisfaction. For a seamless labeling process, use tools like WooCommerce shipping labels. 

Plus, proper labeling, aided by shipment tracking practices, ensures accurate deliveries. Below is an example of a labeled package being prepared for delivery:

How to design and package your products for shipping

The design and packaging of your products are essential for guaranteeing their safety during delivery while also shaping the lasting impression you leave with your customers. 

A well-designed package does more than protect your items during transit, it also reflects your brand image. Shabby or poor packaging can be a major turn-off, leading customers to question the quality of your product or brand.

Remember, the packaging is often the first physical interaction a customer has with your brand. Creating a thoughtful design, from the materials used to the branding elements included, positively adds to the customer’s experience and encourages repeat business.

Consider these tips when deciding on the best packaging for your brand:

• Use bubble wrap, air pillows, or foam inserts to cushion fragile items and prevent damage during shipping
• Opt for sturdy corrugated boxes or mailer envelopes for non-fragile items
• Choose eco-friendly packaging, such as biodegradable fillers or recyclable materials
• Invest in branded shipping boxes with your logo and colors

The image below is an example of a branded eco-friendly shipping box:

Packaging plays the following role in enhancing customer experience and reducing damage:

• Safeguards products during transit to minimize the risk of breakage
• Creates a positive first impression with a clean, branded presentation
• Reflects your brand’s values, such as sustainability or attention to detail

Additionally, communicating updates through transactional emails and post-purchase messaging helps reassure customers and builds trust.

How to calculate shipping rates and choose shipping methods

Calculating shipping costs is an essential part of running an ecommerce business. The cost of shipping typically depends on these two factors: 

1. Weight and size: Shipping costs often rise with the weight and dimensions of the package. For example, shipping a 10-pound package cost more than shipping a 1-pound package.
2. Destination: Where the package is being shipped also influences the cost. Domestic shipping within the same country is usually cheaper than international shipping.

For example, if shipping a package from New York to California costs $10, shipping to Europe would be about $50 or more. Using a shipping rate calculator can help simplify this process by providing accurate estimates based on these variables:

Choosing the right shipping method involves balancing cost, speed, and customer expectations. By carefully evaluating shipping rates and selecting the appropriate method, you can optimize your operations and satisfy your customers. 

Furthermore, let’s break down the pros and cons to consider when choosing an ecommerce shipping method for your business:

• Standard shipping: Works best for regular orders where customers aren’t in a rush
  • Pros: Cost-effective and ideal for non-urgent orders
  • Cons: Slower delivery times, which may not meet the needs of time-sensitive customers
• Express shipping: Ideal when customers need items quickly, but it comes at a higher cost
  • Pros: Faster delivery, great for urgent orders
  • Cons: More expensive than standard shipping
• Free shipping: Can encourage customers to spend more as they feel like they’re getting a better deal.
  • Pros: Attractive to customers and can boost sales
  • Cons: The cost of shipping is absorbed by the seller, which can affect profit margins

Best practices for printing shipping labels

To minimize delivery errors, establish a clear process for creating, printing, and attaching shipping labels. Here are the best practices to follow:

1. Use a reliable shipping label generator or your platform’s built-in tool to create the label
2. Always double-check the recipient’s full name, address, and contact information to prevent delivery mistakes
3. Ensure the label is printed clearly and legibly as they improve couriers’ and warehouse staff efficiency, reducing handling confusion
4. Trim the label neatly and ensure it’s the appropriate size for the package
5. Attach the label to a flat surface of the package, making sure it sticks firmly and that no part of it is folded. Place the label on the largest package surface, facing outward for visibility and easy scanning, as shown here:

Choosing the right courier or shipping provider

The right shipping provider makes all the difference — it ensures fast deliveries, reduces costs, and ultimately keeps your customers satisfied. When evaluating shipping providers, here are the key factors to consider:

Cost

Compare shipping rates across providers based on package weight, size, and destination. This helps you balance affordability with quality service, keeping your pricing competitive for your customers.

Speed

Determine if your customers prioritize faster delivery or prefer more affordable, slower options. Align your ecommerce shipping strategy with their expectations to enhance customer satisfaction.

Reliability

Choose providers with a proven track record of timely and safe deliveries. Confirm that they offer accurate tracking and responsive customer support to build trust with your audience.

Coverage

Verify that the provider serves your required regions, whether domestic or international. Comprehensive coverage is important for meeting your shipping needs and expanding your market reach.

The image below shows the logos of popular shipping providers you can opt for:

Choosing the right courier is essential for smooth and reliable deliveries. Here’s a list of top couriers ideal for beginners:

Courier	Features	Ideal for
USPS	Affordable, flat-rate domestic shipping	Domestic orders
UPS	Reliable, fast domestic and international shipping	Speed and reliability
FedEx	Wide range of services, including express and international options	Global coverage
DHL	Excellent international shipping with a focus on global reach	International shipping

Additionally, use the following tips to negotiate better shipping rates for your business:

• Combine shipments to get bulk discounts and lower overall costs
• Compare courier rates to find the cheapest option for each shipment
• Negotiate lower rates with your courier by increasing shipment volume or committing to a long-term contract
• Choose slower delivery for non-urgent shipments to reduce expenses

By evaluating these factors and taking steps to reduce costs, you can choose a shipping provider that suits your business needs.

Shipping strategies to improve customer satisfaction

Let’s explore some effective shipping strategies you need to consider for improving customer satisfaction:

Offer free shipping

One of the most effective ways to attract and retain customers is by offering free shipping. In fact, a Statista survey shows that 70% of online shoppers consider free shipping the most when choosing a delivery option:

Customers love the idea of no additional charges. While you may need to factor the shipping costs into your product pricing, the benefits often outweigh the expenses.

Same-day or fast delivery 

These days, customers expect fast deliveries and want to get their orders immediately after payment. Providing same-day delivery or express shipping options can significantly improve customer experience.

Provide tracking options

A transparent shipping process builds customer trust by offering tracking options that keep them updated on their order status. Real-time updates reduce uncertainty and demonstrate efficient handling, which ultimately strengthens satisfaction with your brand.

The image below shows what package tracking looks like:

Communicate shipping policies 

Ensure your website displays shipping policies, including delivery times, costs, and potential delays. Transparent information helps set customer expectations and reduces complaints.

Everyone loves a thoughtful thank you after a purchase. Include a thank you email that expresses gratitude and invites feedback to improve the customer experience.

By implementing these strategies and prioritizing a transparent shipping process, you can satisfy your customer better and build their trust in your brand. This approach leads to higher customer retention, positive reviews, and increased sales.

Tips for managing shipping costs

Keeping shipping costs low without compromising delivery quality is very important for profitability. These tips can help you manage shipping costs effectively:

• Negotiate bulk discounts with carriers or use platforms offering small business discounts
• Reduce charges by using smaller, snug-fitting boxes or padded mailers
• Use third-party logistics providers for lower rates and to save time on warehousing 
• Choose regional carriers for lower rates in specific areas
• Regularly compare shipping rates using a rate calculator for the best deals
• Combine orders into one shipment to reduce shipping frequency and costs
• Evaluate carriers’ performance to get the best value
• Use lightweight, recyclable materials to lower costs and appeal to eco-conscious customers
• Automate label creation, rate comparison, and package tracking with shipping software
• Promote free shipping through targeted emails by including the cost in product prices or setting a minimum order requirement, as this will reduce cart abandonment and drive repeat sales 

Always remember that balancing shipping costs with delivery quality is important in maintaining customer satisfaction and profitability. To meet different customer needs, provide flexible shipping options, such as affordable standard delivery and faster premium choices.

Additionally, partnering with reliable carriers ensures timely, damage-free deliveries while optimizing costs. By adopting these practices, you can create a cost-efficient ecommerce shipping strategy that supports business growth.

Common shipping challenges and how to solve them

Ecommerce shipping can come with several challenges, especially for new businesses. Proactively addressing these challenges and applying the appropriate solutions can help improve your shipping process, reduce mistakes, and boost customer satisfaction.

The table below shows 10 common issues and beginner-friendly solutions to help you address them:

Challenge	Solution
Delayed deliveries	Provide tracking information to customers and set realistic delivery expectations
Lost packages	Use reliable couriers, offer shipping insurance, and double-check addresses before shipping
High shipping costs	Take advantage of bulk shipping discounts, optimize package sizes, and consider third-party logistics
Address errors	Verify addresses before shipment, use address validation tools, and ensure customers enter accurate information during checkout
International shipping	Partner with reliable international couriers and communicate international shipping costs and customs regulations
Damage during transit	Use appropriate packaging materials, including bubble wrap or packing peanuts, and consider adding insurance for high-value items
Returns and exchanges	Communicate your return policy, provide easy return options, and use a reliable courier for return shipments
Handling rush orders	Offer expedited shipping options and ensure your shipping process can handle last-minute orders
Seasonal fluctuations	Plan for higher order volumes during peak seasons and adjust your shipping methods accordingly
Tracking inaccuracies	Use reliable tracking systems and work closely with your courier to resolve discrepancies quickly

How Omnisend can help streamline your shipping strategy

Omnisend offers powerful tools to help businesses streamline their shipping strategy and improve customer experience. 

One of the key features is email automation, which can be used to communicate shipping delays or shipping updates to customers, keeping them informed at every stage of the delivery process.

Here’s a screenshot of Omnisend’s dashboard showing an automated email workflow: 

Additionally, you can use Omnisend for post-purchase email automation, enabling businesses to recover abandoned carts by sending timely reminders and incentives to customers who leave without completing their purchase. 

Omnisend also offers SMS marketing to keep customers engaged with automated text messages throughout the shipping process. Your customers will stay informed about their orders, building trust and enhancing their overall experience. 

By leveraging these features, Omnisend helps businesses communicate effectively with their customers, reduce friction during the shipping process, and boost overall customer satisfaction, all while improving operational efficiency.

Conclusion

As you can see, mastering ecommerce shipping goes beyond a logistical task. Getting your ecommerce shipping process right means happier customers and a smoother shipping operation. 

You can reduce headaches and avoid costly mistakes by implementing best practices like carefully choosing your shipping provider, ensuring safe packaging, and optimizing delivery times. 

Shipping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking small, actionable steps now helps improve your shipping and positions your business for long-term growth and customer loyalty. 

After all, fast, reliable shipping often separates great ecommerce businesses from the rest.

With Omnisend, you can streamline your shipping process by sending automated email updates, keeping customers informed, and encouraging repeat purchases.

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