{"id":20614,"date":"2021-12-09T23:36:14","date_gmt":"2021-12-09T18:06:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.instamojo.com\/blog\/?p=20614"},"modified":"2023-12-31T17:39:36","modified_gmt":"2023-12-31T12:09:36","slug":"shipping-for-small-business-in-india-the-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.instamojo.com\/blog\/shipping-for-small-business-in-india-the-complete-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"eCommerce shipping for small businesses: The complete guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shipping is the last element in a purchase cycle, but not the least. Last impressions matter as much as first ones, if not more. This means that you could have a fantastic product and good shopping experience, but if there is a fault in delivery, your customer will be unhappy. So, in this guide, we will walk you through on setting up a good eCommerce shipping strategy for small businesses in India. You will learn about finding good shipping partners, packaging, and how Instamojo can help simplify the process.<\/p>\n

You might know that once a small business brand proves themselves to be unreliable in terms of shipping, many customers are reluctant and even unwilling to give that same retailer a second chance.<\/p>\n

What is eCommerce shipping?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

eCommerce shipping is the integral process that facilitates the movement of goods purchased online from the seller to the buyer’s specified location.<\/p>\n

This intricate procedure involves various stages, including order placement, fulfilment, packaging, labelling, and the final transportation of products.<\/p>\n

Essentially, eCommerce shipping is the backbone of the online retail experience, shaping customer perceptions and influencing the success of eCommerce businesses.<\/p>\n

Presently, 40% of shipments<\/a> come from the top 500 to 700 postal codes, primarily representing India’s major cities. Tier 1 cities, numbering 25 to 30, contribute about 20% of the volume. The remaining 40% is distributed among Tier 2 cities and the rest of the country. There is a recent and likely accelerating shift towards Tier 2 and other areas.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Key factors influencing eCommerce shipping<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The success of eCommerce shipping relies on a delicate interplay of various factors that shape the customer experience. Let’s look at some more factors:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Customer expectations:<\/strong> Fast, reliable, and transparent shipping influenced by industry standards.<\/li>\n
  • Geographical considerations:<\/strong> Strategic planning for cost-effective and timely deliveries across diverse regions.<\/li>\n
  • Product characteristics:<\/strong> Packaging decisions based on size, weight, and fragility of the products.<\/li>\n
  • Regulatory compliance:<\/strong> Navigating local and international shipping regulations to prevent delays and legal issues.<\/li>\n
  • Technology and automation:<\/strong> Integration of advanced software and automation tools for efficient order processing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Types of eCommerce shipping<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    The diverse options in eCommerce shipping enable businesses to meet various customer needs while managing costs and logistics.<\/p>\n

    So, let’s have a qucik look over the types of eCommerce shipping.<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Standard shipping<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      a. Features and characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Traditional, cost-effective option.<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Balances cost and speed with a reasonable delivery timeframe.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        b. Pros and cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Pros: Economical for both businesses and customers.<\/span><\/li>\n
        2. Cons: Longer delivery times compared to expedited options.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \n
          • Expedited shipping<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            a. Features and characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Prioritizes faster delivery for customers seeking quick receipt.<\/span><\/li>\n
            2. Involves partnerships with express courier services.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              b. Pros and cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Pros: Meets demand for faster deliveries, enhancing satisfaction.<\/span><\/li>\n
              2. Cons: Higher shipping costs may not be viable for all products.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                  \n
                • Same-day\/Next-day shipping<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  a. Features and characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Guarantees delivery within 24 hours, catering to urgent orders.<\/span><\/li>\n
                  2. Often associated with local fulfilment centres.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    b. Pros and cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. Pros: Provides unparalleled speed, meeting time-sensitive needs.<\/span><\/li>\n
                    2. Cons: High operational costs and logistical challenges.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                        \n
                      • International shipping<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        a. Challenges and considerations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. Involves complexities like customs, duties, and varying regulations.<\/span><\/li>\n
                        2. Requires careful consideration of shipping carriers with international expertise.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          b. Strategies for successful international shipping:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          1. Utilize international fulfilment centres for localized shipping.<\/span><\/li>\n
                          2. Provide accurate and transparent information on customs duties and shipping times.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                            A point to note: According to Invespcro, in India, a whopping 80% of shoppers want same-day shipping, and 61% wish for even faster deliveries within 1-3 hours of ordering. It highlights the growing expectation for speedy order fulfillment across diverse consumer locations.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

                            Basics of eCommerce shipping<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            Before you start finding courier services, you need to lay out a strategy for eCommerce shipping. This will depend upon factors like your product, business model, etc.<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Product weight:\u00a0<\/strong>Shipping rates also depend upon the weight and size of the products. So, accurately measure and weigh the items you sell. This will help you in deciding shipping costs later.<\/li>\n
                            • Packaging material and sourcing: <\/strong>You will be overwhelmed by the number of different packaging types available! So, you need to decide on one based on the nature of your products and costs. You also need to decide on how and where to get the materials from.<\/span><\/li>\n
                            • Shipping rates:\u00a0<\/strong>Are you going to offer free shipping, or do you want to pass on the charges to customers? There are different pricing models when it comes to shipping charges. So, you need to choose based on your business model.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Subsequently, we will discuss more on these basic elements of shipping.<\/p>\n

                              \"packaging<\/p>\n

                              Do you know that many eCommerce businesses have failed because of poor shipping strategy? Customer satisfaction highly depends on delivery and packaging experience. So, you need to get it right at the start of your business. Here are some best practises for eCommerce shipping in India for small businesses:<\/p>\n

                              eCommerce shipping process<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                              Efficient shipping processes are pivotal for customer satisfaction and business success. Here’s a quick look to key aspects:<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Order processing:<\/strong> Automate order confirmation and payment verification for quick processing.<\/li>\n
                              • Shipping options:<\/strong> Offer varied shipping choices to meet customer preferences and budget constraints.<\/li>\n
                              • Shipping partners and carriers:<\/strong> Collaborate with reliable carriers to ensure timely and secure deliveries.<\/li>\n
                              • Real-time tracking:<\/strong> Provide customers with real-time tracking information for a transparent experience.<\/li>\n
                              • Packaging strategies:<\/strong> Optimize packaging for cost efficiency, waste reduction, and product protection.<\/li>\n
                              • Customs and duties:<\/strong> Stay informed on international trade regulations to manage customs processes effectively.<\/li>\n
                              • Returns and exchanges:<\/strong> Implement seamless return processes with clear communication to build trust.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Checkout how to use auto shipment tracking on Instamojo.<\/p>\n