An online store gives you a chance to run a business entirely from home. You don’t need an office, and you don’t need employees: all that’s required is a computer/laptop and some storage space.
In this post, you’ll learn the basics of managing shipping orders from your online store without needing to leave your house. It’s less complicated than it seems – you just need to remain organised and equip yourself with the right tools.
Use order management software
Firstly, make sure you can track and manage every order that comes through your site. Order management software exists to help with this, and Shopify is probably the best option. It lets you see every order, track payments and provide customers with tracking details so they can see when their order will arrive. Other platforms exist, but if you want one that’s simple and easy to use, this is your best bet.
Obtain the right packing tools
You must get your hands on some packing tools and materials to protect your orders as they come through. Be sure you have a selection of boxes or bags, depending on what you sell. You may also need protective material like bubble wrap or polystyrene to secure items that are likely to break in transit. The right packaging will lead to a better customer experience; people love it when things arrive in one piece and simple packaging. For instance, don’t go down the Amazon route and send small items in massive boxes!
Convert your garage into a mini-warehouse
You need somewhere to store your inventory, so convert your garage into a mini-warehouse. You can do the same in an attic or basement; the trick is to use industrial shelving to maximise your space. Shelving gives you vertical storage, which means you can store more items in the area. Arrange your products on the shelves in a system that makes sense to you. E.g. have products of the same type in one area, and so on. A good system means you can find and package orders a lot faster.
Partner with delivery companies
Naturally, you need to transport your products from A to B. This means you need to partner with a delivery company. There are many to choose from – your task is to compare the services and see what you get for the price. Most couriers will have business rates that allow for more frequent deliveries at a lower cost than the public pays. The biggest thing to look for (outside of the costs) is how reliable the delivery company will be. Do they only pick up orders on a specific day, or can you get them to ship products whenever you like? The more flexible they are, the faster you can send orders and the happier your customers will be.
Just like that, you’re equipped to take and send orders from the comfort of your home. It starts with order management software to track every order and ensure you never miss a beat. Then, your at-home storage solution provides a place to store stock and package the orders. The right packaging material will help you keep delivery costs low and customers happy. Then, it’s a case of working with the right delivery company for affordable and swift shipping!