The shipping process is perhaps the most daunting, yet exhilarating part of selling your products online. Whether you’re shipping directly to a customer or fulfilling orders for FBA, the process can be incredibly confusing. There are a lot of moving parts and it can seem downright impossible.
Every small business owner has to start somewhere. But if you’re intent on scaling your business in the future, it’s in your best interest to make shipping a priority early on. Most people start out shipping from their dining room, garage, or basement—and that’s fine. All you need is a few basic items to get started. In this article, we will outline the seven essential tools you need to ship your products from home.
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Digital Shipping Scale
There is nothing more frustrating than spending hours, days, or even weeks customizing a product for your customers only to find out that you sent them something completely different. A digital shipping scale will allow you to weigh and tare packages accurately so you always know how much the package weighs.
Besides the obvious benefits of using this tool, explained in the article found behind this URL, this tool also helps you keep track of your inventory. They allow you to easily tare the weight of products that are stored inside packaging like polybags, envelopes, or boxes. Plus, it’s crucial information when filing your order with suppliers, so make sure you get a scale that can interface with your computer or phone via USB or Bluetooth.
Thermal Labels
Thermal labels are essential for printing out labels designed specifically for thermal printers. These labels are ideal for printing out low-cost shipping labels on smaller rolls that fit inside of most desktop or mobile models.
This technology allows you to print directly on these labels without using an ink cartridge or ribbon cassette, saving money in the long run! Although they may be a bit more expensive than traditional label sheets, they last much longer and are practically impossible to mess up. Just feed them into your printer and enjoy digital precision at its finest. It will save you so much time in the long run, and guarantee that every label prints properly.
Heat Sealer
If you plan on doing any sort of reselling or do private labeling, then you need a heat sealer. A quality heat sealer ensures that your customers will receive their product in the mail without any damage or leakage. If you don’t have a professional-looking tamper-proof package, then you’re going to lose credibility and customers in the long run. Your company image is important, so make sure it’s always protected with a heat sealer. These presses can be found for as little as $100 and will last you for many years if properly cared for. And if your business keeps growing, it should be one of the first machines you buy.
Bubble Mailers
You’d be surprised by how many entrepreneurs don’t consider proper packaging an important part of their business. When selling online, what you send to your customers matters just as much as what you sell them. It shows care about the customer experience and that you care about your product. Bubble mailers are a staple in any eCommerce business. They are the best, most cost-effective way to get your products from point A to point B. Although they may not be the prettiest, there is no better way to ship a product that won’t break during transit. They’re cheap, easy to customize, remove and add an extra layer of protection for the item inside.
Poly Bags
Polybags may seem like a simple solution for brand protection and product display, but they’re invaluable when it comes to shipping as well, allowing for greater presentation and more stability in transit. Polybags are not to be confused with poly mailers, which are made out of lighter-duty plastic and used strictly for mailing purposes. When you need your product encased in something more durable than a bubble mailer, polybags are the way to go. Just make sure you don’t forget to use a heat sealer to make them completely waterproof.
Shipping Tape Dispenser
Using your hands for something as mundane as taping up packages can become both tedious and time-consuming over time. This is why a shipping tape dispenser is highly recommended. It has a handle that makes it easy to keep a firm grip on the roll of tape, allowing for a more secure package that won’t tear or fall apart during transit. They also come with their cutter, so there’s no need to worry about finding one that’s compatible with the width of your packing tape. Many people prefer using this type of dispenser because they feel it has greater hand control and better leverage. Whatever the case, having one of these tape dispensers around is good for business.
If you plan on beginning an eCommerce site, then these products should be among your first investments. They are must-haves for anyone serious about shipping their products. Save yourself the time and money that would otherwise be wasted by making the safe choice to pick up one or more of these before your business takes off and enjoy your newfound shipping efficiency.
