Avoid the most common mistakes in SME shipments

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), shipments (customers, suppliers, etc.) are a fundamental part of their daily operation. However, making mistakes in the shipping process can be costly and detrimental to any business.

At InPost, we want these kinds of mistakes not to happen, and based on our experience, we wanted to compile some of the most common mistakes in domestic shipments and what to do to avoid them and improve the efficiency of your shipments as an SME.

Improper packaging

One of the most common mistakes in shipments is improperly packaging products. If products are not properly protected, there will obviously be a high risk of damage during transport.

To avoid this mistake, make sure to use quality packaging materials, such as sturdy boxes, protective fillers, and suitable adhesive tape. You will also need to make sure that the products are well secured inside the package, avoiding leaving empty spaces that could allow sudden movements.

If you ship fragile products, consider using additional cushioning materials, such as foam or bubble wrap. Something we strongly recommend: do some packaging strength tests to make sure it can withstand everything it may be exposed to during the process. 

Incorrect shipping information

Another mistake we have often come across is providing incorrect shipping information. Errors in the delivery address, recipient names, or phone numbers can delay shipments or, in the worst case, cause them to be lost.

To avoid this problem, it is essential to carefully review the shipping information before sending the packages. Make sure to enter the delivery address correctly, including all necessary details, such as the interior entrance if it is a large residential complex, the building floor, etc. And, if in doubt: call the recipient directly to clarify it. One minute of calling can save many problems.

Lack of shipment tracking

A lack of shipment tracking can create uncertainty for both you and your customers. Without clear visibility into the status of shipments, it can be difficult to answer customer inquiries and keep them informed.

To avoid this mistake, always use tracking services provided by the shipping company. At InPost we offer 24/7 tracking for your packages, from pickup to delivery at the agreed point.

Make sure to get a tracking number for each shipment and provide that information to your customers. If you already use InPost for your shipments, or want to integrate it into your ecommerce, you can take a look at all the integrations we offer to make your life easier (and your customers' too): InPost ecommerce integrations.

Not taking shipment prices into account

If there is one thing that is clear, it is that every company must pay special attention to the prices it sets. In the case of ecommerce and companies that sell through shipments, one of the most common mistakes is usually not taking the shipping price into account when calculating margins. 

When you start selling online, depending on the product price, you need to consider how to integrate shipping costs. For example, for medium- to high-value products (more than €50), the shipping cost may not have such a big impact on the margin, but when it comes to shipping cheaper products, it is important. In this case, different strategies can be considered, such as offering free shipping above a certain amount, thereby also encouraging cross-selling.

Another way to control shipping costs is to provide customers with cheaper pickup options, such as pickup at a Punto Pack.

Avoiding common shipping mistakes is essential to ensure smooth operations and meet your customers' expectations. Remember that proper shipment management not only affects customer satisfaction, but also your reputation and the growth of your business as an SME.