How to Save on Delivery Costs: Effective Strategies for Cheaper Shipping
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Shipping can be one of the most significant expenses when it comes to buying products online or running an e-commerce business. Fortunately, there are several ways you can save on delivery costs, whether you’re shopping for yourself or managing shipments for your business. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most effective strategies to reduce those often-overlooked shipping fees.
1. Use Free Shipping Offers
Retailers often offer promotions that include free shipping, especially during sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or holiday seasons. Here’s how you can leverage free shipping offers:
- Look for free shipping promotions: Many retailers offer free shipping with a minimum purchase. Keep an eye out for these deals, which might be advertised on the homepage or in the checkout process.
- Sign up for newsletters: Some companies offer first-time customer discounts, loyalty rewards, or exclusive promotions that include free shipping when you subscribe to their newsletter.
- Use free shipping apps: Platforms like ShopRunner offer members free shipping and free returns at various online stores. For example, with ShopRunner, you can get access to free shipping at participating stores for a yearly membership fee.
2. Opt for Slower Shipping Methods
While expedited shipping is faster, it often comes with a premium price tag. To save on shipping costs:
- Choose standard or economy shipping: If speed isn’t a major concern, opting for economy or standard shipping is a great way to save money. These services typically cost much less than expedited or two-day delivery options.
- Consolidate orders: If you need to buy multiple items from the same retailer, it can sometimes be cheaper to buy everything in one go and wait for the order to arrive together. Many retailers charge per delivery, so consolidating orders can reduce the overall shipping cost.
3. Use Third-Party Shipping Services
Instead of using the default delivery carrier provided by the retailer (like USPS, FedEx, or UPS), third-party shipping platforms can often get you better rates:
- Shippo: Shippo allows businesses and individuals to compare rates from various carriers and choose the most affordable option. They often offer discounted shipping rates for USPS and UPS, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce their shipping costs.
- Pirate Ship: Similar to Shippo, Pirate Ship focuses on providing discounted USPS rates, which can help you save on shipping for small and medium-sized packages.
These third-party services are free to use and only charge for the shipping labels you purchase.
4. Take Advantage of Membership Programs
Several retailers and platforms offer membership programs that include free shipping as a benefit. These programs can help you save significantly on delivery costs:
- Amazon Prime: For $139 per year, Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping on eligible items, as well as other perks like free same-day delivery and free returns.
- Walmart+: For $98 per year, Walmart+ members enjoy free shipping on most items, as well as free same-day delivery on groceries.
- Target Circle: Target’s loyalty program provides members with free shipping on most orders and other exclusive discounts.
If you shop frequently at one of these stores, investing in their membership program can pay off quickly, especially if you take advantage of free shipping offers.
5. Use Coupons and Promo Codes
You’d be surprised at how often promo codes and discounts are offered for free shipping. Here are some ways to find these deals:
- Coupon websites: Websites like Honey, Rakuten, and RetailMeNot often feature discount codes for free shipping or percentage-off deals that include delivery savings.
- Browser extensions: Apps like Honey automatically apply the best coupon codes at checkout, often securing free shipping or a discounted shipping fee without you having to search for them.
6. Choose Local or Regional Carriers
Sometimes, local or regional carriers offer better shipping rates than national or international carriers. If you're in a specific region or area, consider:
- Regional courier services: Some smaller couriers or delivery networks, such as LaserShip or OnTrac, may offer more affordable shipping options, especially for regional deliveries.
- Same-day delivery services: If you need a quick, local delivery, services like Postmates or UberEats can be cost-effective for smaller packages and local shipments.
7. Optimize Package Size and Weight
Shipping costs are often based on weight and size. To lower shipping fees, follow these tips:
- Use the smallest box possible: If you're shipping products, downsize the packaging to fit the item as snugly as possible. Dimensional weight pricing (also called volumetric pricing) is based on the size of the package, so smaller boxes mean lower costs.
- Weigh your package accurately: Shipping companies will often charge more if your package is heavier than expected. Make sure to weigh your package accurately before checking out.
8. Ship in Bulk
For businesses or frequent shippers, bulk shipping can be a game-changer. By shipping larger quantities of items at once, you can often take advantage of bulk shipping rates or discounts. Many carriers offer cheaper per-item rates when you ship multiple items at once, which can add up to significant savings over time.
- Subscription-based shipping: Some businesses may find it cheaper to invest in subscription-based shipping services, which offer discounted rates for businesses that regularly ship packages.
9. Ship to Local Pickup Points
Rather than having items delivered to your home or office, consider shipping them to a local pickup point (like a nearby store or locker). Some delivery services, like UPS Access Point, FedEx Hold for Pickup, or Amazon Locker, allow you to pick up your package at a nearby location, avoiding home delivery charges.
- This option can save money and help reduce the cost of last-mile delivery.
10. Take Advantage of Free Returns
Another way to save on delivery costs is to find retailers that offer free returns. This is particularly helpful if you order an item that doesn’t fit or isn’t what you expected. Many companies provide free return labels when you make a purchase from their website, which can help offset the cost of shipping.
Conclusion:
Reducing delivery costs doesn't have to be a challenge. Whether you're a casual shopper or running a business, there are numerous strategies available to help you save on shipping:
- Look for free shipping offers and membership programs.
- Use third-party platforms like Shippo or Pirate Ship to compare rates and find the cheapest option.
- Be mindful of shipping methods and consider slower options to reduce costs.
- Pay attention to promotions and discounts that offer free shipping codes.
By using these strategies, you'll not only save money on shipping but also enjoy a more efficient and cost-effective shopping or business experience.
