How Shipping Logistics Can Help Grow Your E-Commerce Business

Image retrieved from Spoil

A big part of online entrepreneurs are rising from e-commerce. Take Etsy, for example. If you love customizable, handmade, and unique items, you have probably visited Etsy to purchase gifts and items for yourself. The Esty site impulses its users to grow their own businesses through their Craft Entrepreneurship Program. Many big time entrepreneurs push their businesses through Etsy and other e-commerce platform.

The practice of online marketing has pushed business to grow scandalously in the last decade. Many of these businesses started in a living room or behind a computer screen in a garage. We know the names of these online entrepreneurs and about their success. We also know that a key element to their success is, for sure, shipping logistics.

Logistics is the management of the flow of things when items move from the point of origin to the point of consumption. This means any item. Food, materials, and items go through a series of logistics since these products are delivered via mail to thousands of consumers and loyal customers. We refer to shipping logistics when talking about the process involving the flow of information, packaging, and transportation. Every successful online entrepreneur has mastered these three elements and implements them into their online business.

Key E-Marketing Logistics to Expand your Business

Information Logistics: Confirmation Emails

The first element used by e-marketers is confirmation emails. Confirmation emails let customers know their order has been placed, how much will it take to be shipped and delivered, and even serves as a receipt. For your own online business, confirmation emails will not only delivers great customer service, they will also connect you with your consumers in a personalized way.

Use your confirmation emails to:

• Thank your customers for their business. Everyone likes to feel appreciated. If you thank them, they are more likely to come back.
• Inform your customers. Utilize these emails to inform consumers about where their package will be delivered, tracking information, and what products they’ve just purchased. Giving this information after a purchase can help avoid shipping woes.
• Connect with your customers. This is a great place to add social media links, ask for reviews, and suggest additional items to buy. Most consumers will fill a survey or follow you in social media platforms if you invite them.

Packaging Logistics: Customized Boxes

With packages, it’s all about first impressions. Many e-marketers personalized their shipping boxes. Why? To have a presence on their customer’s mind from the moment their packages arrive at their doorstep. Some e-marketers go as far as to customize the way they package items in order to make a better and more durable impression on their customer’s mind.

For your own business, consider customized packaging to:

• Stand out from the crowd.
• Show professionalism and presence in the e-commerce community.
• Make a lasting impression in your consumers and obtain word-of-mouth references from them. They will be talking of how wonderful your packaging is and how great your products are. Fans will be more compelled to share beautiful pictures of your products on their own social media platforms. Don’t believe me? Well, take Spoil as an example. Spoil is a gift shop in California which uses its own personalized packaging. The picture above was taken by one of their fans and published online. What a beautiful way to obtain free exposure from your fans, don’t you think?

Customize your own box with Fencor Packaging

Transportation Logistics: Shipping Options

Offer your customers shipping options. Let them choose the kind of shipping their packages will be handled with. Offer, even, free shipping. The truth is that as consumers we like options. We are more willing to trust and promote a company when we believe they care about our needs. When a company gives us options, they are showing they care because they want to give us personalized services.

For your own business, show consumers you care about them and their packages by allowing them to choose their shipping services. Let them know that you understand that not all customers are the same and that their needs may require different options. Who better to know what your customer needs than your consumers?

Following the example of great e-marketers out there that have mastered their shipping logistics, you can grow your online business too. Shipping logistics are the key to market your brand and to make your business stand out from the crowd. Great customer service, giving options to your consumers, and unique packaging that represents your brand, will open many doors for you in the e-marketing world.