Your Second Most Important Relationship Is With Your Package Carrier
Real businesses don’t pay retail. If you don’t get business discounts on your shipping, the prices will be as much as twice that of your competitors. And since it’s the one thing customers can compare across retailers, they’re super sensitive to shipping rates.
They’re so used to getting ripped off on shipping from eBay merchants that they suspect that high shipping rates are really part of your profit strategy. And when it come to international shipping, if you don’t get this right shipping costs can add up to more than the price of your goods, effectively closing off much of your international market.
So get to know your Fedex sales rep, and become an expert in carriers. You’ll also need to select an ecommerce platform that works well with the FedEx, UPS and USPS website APIs. Give customers a range of shipping options, and make clear that if they use the ones that don’t come with tracking numbers, you’re not responsible if the package doesn’t show up.
For international shipping, give people an option to declare a value of less than the price of the goods; in many countries import duties, which are based on stated value, can be as much as the price of the goods themselves.
Rule #1: Make A Profit
Rule #2: It Takes Lots Of Cash To Stay In Stock
Rule #3: Buy Smart
Rule #4: Basic Business Rules Still Apply
Rule #5: You Get No Leeway For Being A Maker
Rule #6: Be As Open As You Can
Rule #7: Create A Community To Support And Enhance Your Products
Rule #8: Design For Manufacturability
Rule #9: Marketing Is Your Job
Rule #10: Your Second Most Important Relationship Is With Your Package Carrier
