Subscription box services are a strong and fast-growing trend that's here to stay. From cosmetics to dog toys and everything in between, the possibilities of what you can sell in a crafted or curated monthly box are endless. According to Forbes, subscription service sales rose by 40% in the past year. With a growing number of competitors in the market, choosing the right shipping solution is one of the keys to survival.
Shipping the boxes to your eager customers can be a daunting task. If their item arrives late or damaged, they will be less likely to continue being loyal to your company. With so many subscription box options out there, it takes little effort for your customer to switch to another online retailer. So what should be considered in this shipping dance and who is there to help along the way?
- Cost
When searching for the right company, you will want to compare prices to ensure you are getting the most cost-effective option. Don't limit yourself to just one carrier. Although this may feel simpler and safer, companies like eShipper allow you to benefit from highly negotiated rates and options from multiple carriers to give you the absolute best price and service for your subscription box shipping.
- Availability
How quickly are you planning to ship your boxes? Although options range from overnight to ten days, most customers won't be expecting their goods the day after they get a shipping notice, so don't feel obligated to splurge on a couple of extra days. If you're storing merchandise yourself, find out if the carrier will come to you for a bulk pickup. If you choose to outsource your warehousing and fulfillment, you'll be able to direct your time and energy into growing your business instead of picking, packing, and shipping.
eShipper's 360 solutions is designed to take the entire shipping and fulfillment process off the seller's hands while helping you grow your sales.
- Packaging
Depending on what your subscription entails, your package could range in size from something small, such as an accessory subscription box, to something much larger, like a meal plan service. Choosing the right packaging is important because using a box that is too big or too small can damage the items that you are shipping. Boxes lose 50% of their strength after one use, according to UPS. Pro tip: keep a 2-inch barrier around your product inside of the box. Nothing will upset a customer eagerly awaiting the current month's box more than receiving damaged contents. Many customers look forward to the monthly unveiling. You don't want to let them down. The size of your packaging also affects the price of shipping, so try and find a good balance between preventing damage and overpaying for a box that's larger than necessary.
Want a hand? eShipper can handle all the shipping so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us today to manage your shipping & fulfillment and give you a tailored logistics strategy for your business.
