01 Dec Small Business Tips for Navigating Amazon Shipping
If you’re a small business selling through Amazon, you know how complicated shipping can be. Large suppliers like Amazon are used to working with large customers, who have bigger bottom lines and steeper discounts. As a smaller business, it’s easy to get left behind. We’ve collected some strategies to help you stay on top of shipping without having to become a multi-million dollar company.
Pay Attention to Packaging Standards
Amazon has stringent requirements for shipping and packaging. If you sell on their platform, you need to adhere to their standards, or you’ll risk having your packages returned—adding cost and time to your deliveries. Fortunately, Kable Product Services can package your products to Amazon’s exact specifications, decreasing your rate of returns and making the packaging aspect of your Amazon business a stress-free experience.
Research Shipping Rates
As a small business, it’s critical to stay on top of rates and delivery times. Make sure you’re getting pricing for the volume of products you have, as services may charge less for large companies with a massive order volume. Many fulfillment companies are designed to work with large orders, so you’ll want to find a smaller company that can tailor their services and rates to you—not to businesses five times your size. This can help you get lower shipping rates and more flexible delivery terms.
Think Through Storage
Amazon offers convenient storage at their warehouses. However, it’s important to keep in mind that storage doesn’t come free—during the holiday season, storage costs increase, and if your product sits too long, you might be charged a higher fee. Trying to understand the ins and outs of Amazon’s storage and pricing can be complex and confusing. As a smaller business without a department exclusively dedicated to shipping needs, it’s often helpful to find a fulfillment partner that understands Amazon’s pricing and requirements and can help you navigate the maze.
Choose a Partner that Fits Your Needs
The bottom line as a small business is that you need a partner with services tailored to your needs. Kable Product Services offers flexibility and peace of mind for smaller businesses working in the Amazon shipping world. We’re a small business ourselves, so we understand the challenges you face and are ready to work with you to figure out the best solution. Unlike Amazon, we’re not going to pass over your needs in favor of a billion-dollar corporation, and we’re here to help you understand the confusing world of prep and ship.