When choosing a shipping strategy for your small or mid-sized business, knowing where to start is the first big hurdle to overcome. When in doubt, getting acquainted with what other industry players are doing is a great way to ensure you’re headed in the right direction.
Our 2020 SMB Shipping Strategy Report uncovers what many SMB decision-makers are prioritizing this year and their answers may surprise you. Take a look at five revealing stats from the report that could change the way you do business in 2020.
1. 47% of SMBs plan to increase their shipping spend in 2020 compared to 2019.
For an SMB, the decision to increase shipping spend is not an easy one to make. One might tend to think that under-investing in shipping is a good way to keep costs down, but just like with any service, you get what you pay for. A failure to properly invest in the right shipping solution for your business today, could mean higher damage rates and return shipping costs later down the line.
2. 25% said the logistics strategies of Amazon and Walmart are influencing how they think about shipping.
No surprises here. While consumers are feeling increasingly confident purchasing large items online, their expectations for fast, free shipping – aka the ‘Amazon Effect’ – are inescapable.
Our 2019 Dream Decor Report found that 40% of online furniture customers said they’d turn to a major retailer if they couldn’t get free shipping – a big wake up call for SMBs looking to take on these retail giants.
3. 30% plan to make new technology a priority this year.
Big-box stores like Amazon and Walmart have created their own robust delivery platforms, leaving independent sellers scrambling for competitive shipping solutions that help level the playing field.
At uShip, we believe that powerful technology solutions shouldn’t be limited to the industry’s major players. See how our In-Home Delivery option empowers sellers of oversized goods with a comprehensive suite of tools that ultimately turn shipping into a revenue generator.
4. 17% prefer to invest in alternatives to traditional shipping options such as UPS, FedEx, and freight brokers.
Traditional shipping options can work well for SMBs who only require parcel delivery, but they’re not the most cost-effective for retailers who sell oversized goods. Investing in new solutions is a great way for these sellers to get competitive rates and access to the latest logistics tools.
5. 15% can’t find a reliable carrier to ship oversized and bulky items.
Until recently, retailers of larger-than-parcel items were stuck with choosing between expensive white glove delivery or lower-cost but higher-risk LTL options. Both of these choices can deter customers who would otherwise be eager to complete a purchase.
uShip’s In-Home Delivery solution brings you a built-in network of first-to-final mile carriers that take your items directly to their destination and into your customer’s room of choice, equalling in lower damage rates, quicker delivery times, and much happier customers.
Explore the full 2020 SMB Shipping Strategy Report and see how your shipping strategy might be changing in 2020.
Still not sure where to take your shipping strategy? We can help you get started.
