When setting up an online store there are so many things to do…it’s more than setting up the website. That’s the easy part! So far in our blog posts have named and chosen the types of products to sell.
Next, how to ship products to our customers?
In our eCommerce class, we discussed various shipping methods and services within Canada. Calgary, Thunder Bay and Toronto were chosen as examples to get pricing estimates.
The findings were disappointing. We discovered the costs were varied widely, ranging from $9.40 to $50.83 for the same parcel at various levels of service. Crazy right! In the end, we discovered our best rate was found within Fanshawe College’s shipping department at $5.00. Why? As it turns out, Fanshawe College ships and receives many parcels everyday. It was a good teaching moment of ‘economy of scale’. Shipping can make or break an opportunity to sell online.
Customers are looking for fast and free delivery, how this happens is all part of the merchandising and marketing of products and services online.
Advice…check out your options early because it will affect your pricing strategy.
Live Chic 