One of the biggest challenges for new entrepreneurs is unexpected and often overlooked shipping costs.
This not only includes costs associated with shipping products to customers. But also, the costs of the supplies that shipped on you.
What many entrepreneurs do not realize is that a small investment in time will result in tremendous savings and even promote business for you.
Here are 3 ideas entrepreneurs can use to help get rid of their shipping costs right now.
1. Get Acquainted with Your Representative
Every major carrier has representatives across the world, including FedEx and UPS, even in remote and rural areas. These reps are charged with negotiating prices, answering questions, and making the shipping process as convenient as possible for entrepreneurs.
Reps are sales agents, of course, so they’re trying to get you to send as soon as possible. The more that you are delivering, the more they profit.
Having said that, our FedEx reps were crucial to our first company’s growth and development, all because we leaned on them for knowledge, support, and assistance.
2. Use Their Equipment
Most major carriers, such as FedEx and UPS, may and will supply the business with software and equipment. It included computers, printers, and scales. Depending on the amount and what you are negotiating, many will sell it at no charge or can use grant funding to help subsidize the costs.
3. Consolidate Your Account
Delivering as much merchandise as possible on your account benefits. That includes incoming shipments of raw materials and supplies.
Ask your vendors to ship products on your account where possible, which many would do. This also removes any discount that you might be paying on the product.
Be careful, however, as many shipping companies require payment within 15 days. Meanwhile, your vendors may provide longer and more flexible terms.
Writer: Irly Nurvitasari
