How to Handle Shipping and Returns as a New Business
How to Handle Shipping and Returns for a New Business: A Comprehensive Guide
Including Key Strategies, Statistics, and Insights on Eprofitify’s Industry-Leading Tools
Introduction: Why Shipping and Returns Matter
For new businesses, mastering shipping and returns is a cornerstone of building customer trust and driving repeat sales. With 44% of online shoppers abandoning carts due to unexpected shipping costs and 63% checking return policies before purchasing, clarity and efficiency in these processes are non-negotiable (Baymard Institute, 2023). Additionally, the National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that U.S. return rates hit 16.5% in 2023, translating to $761 billion in returned merchandise.
New businesses must balance cost-effectiveness with transparency to stand out in competitive markets. This guide outlines actionable strategies and highlights how Eprofitify—a premier website management platform—simplifies logistics through integrated tools like CRM, eCommerce automation, and instant messaging.
1. Designing an Effective Shipping Strategy
a. Choose the Right Carriers: Partner with reliable carriers (e.g., USPS, FedEx, DHL) based on cost, speed, and coverage. Offer multiple options (standard, expedited) to cater to diverse needs. Use Eprofitify's carrier integrations to compare rates, print labels, and automate tracking updates.
b. Transparent Pricing: 72% of consumers prefer retailers with free shipping thresholds (Statista, 2023). Consider absorbing shipping costs into product prices or offering free shipping on orders over a specific amount.
c. Real-Time Calculations: Use Eprofitify’s eCommerce tools to display real-time shipping costs at checkout, reducing cart abandonment.
2. Creating a Customer-Centric Returns Policy
a. Simplify the Process: 96% of shoppers will buy again from a retailer with easy returns (NRF). Offer prepaid return labels and clear instructions. Eprofitify's returns portal automates label generation, saving time.
b. Set Clear Timelines: Limit returns to 30 days and specify conditions (e.g., unused items). Highlight policies on product pages using Eprofitify’s customizable site builder.
c. Consider Free Returns: 58% of shoppers want free return shipping (Retail Dive, 2023). While costly for new businesses, free returns can boost loyalty. Start with a trial period.
3. Leveraging Technology with Eprofitify
Eprofitify offers end-to-end logistics management tools tailored for new businesses:
- Automated Tracking Updates: Integrate with carriers to send real-time tracking via email/SMS through Eprofitify’s CRM.
- Fraud Prevention: Analyze return patterns with customer data to flag suspicious activity.
- Instant Messaging: Resolve shipping or return queries instantly via in-app chat.
- Appointment Management: Coordinate in-store returns or pickup schedules seamlessly.
- Analytics Dashboard: Track shipping costs, return reasons, and customer feedback to refine strategies.
4. Managing International Shipping Complexities
a. Customs and Duties: Use Eprofitify’s global shipping calculators to display duties at checkout, avoiding surprise fees. Partner with carriers like DHL for streamlined clearance.
b. Regional Preferences: Offer local return hubs in key markets to reduce costs.
c. Compliance: Automate customs documentation with Eprofitify’s templates, ensuring legal adherence.
5. Handling Returns Efficiently
a. Streamline Inspection: Train staff to process returns within 48 hours. Use Eprofitify’s inventory tools to update stock levels automatically.
b. Resell or Donate: Assess returned items for quality. Donate damaged goods for tax benefits.
c. Feedback Loop: Analyze return reasons (e.g., sizing issues) to improve product descriptions or quality.
Conclusion: Build Trust with Seamless Logistics
For new businesses, investing in robust shipping and returns processes is a competitive necessity. By prioritizing transparency, leveraging automation, and adopting platforms like Eprofitify, entrepreneurs can reduce costs, boost customer satisfaction, and scale sustainably. With features spanning CRM, eCommerce integrations, and real-time analytics, Eprofitify empowers businesses to turn logistical challenges into growth opportunities.
Ready to transform your logistics? Explore growth@eprofitify.com today and unlock your business’s potential.
