Shipping is always a challenge.
It can be expensive, time-consuming and downright annoying to deal with.
Tip 1 – Use a Ride Share Service For Local Deliveries
If you’ve got a delivery that’s just going across town, you’ll save significant time and money by using an Uber or Lyft.
While Uber & Lyft don’t “technically” offer a courier service, you’ll find that most drivers are more than willing to deliver packages if you communicate with them about it.
FedEx, UPS and even USPS will cost you a lot more and take longer to deliver.
If you take this route: be sure you leave clear instructions for pickup & drop off – and that you communicate with your customer so they’re available to take the order in.
And don’t forget to tip your driver!
Tip 2 – Negotiate Your Rates With FedEx & UPS
If you’re shipping lots of packages, you should absolutely negotiate with FedEx & UPS.
Call up their customer representatives & ask for a lower rate. Seriously!
Just let them know you’re shipping lots of packages every week and you’d like a discounted rate. There are volume discounts and guaranteed discounts available with both services.
If you’re not getting a discount, it’s time to walk away – the cost to switch to another shipping service is low!
FedEx customer service: 1 (800) Go-FedEx (463-3339).
UPS customer service: 1 (800) 742-5877.
Not getting anywhere?
Check out this helpful guide for negotiating your shipping rates: How To Negotiate Shipping Rates WIth FedEx or UPS.
Tip 3 – Use Alternative Delivery Services
These aren’t available everywhere, but you can get steeply discounted delivery services from OnTrac & GSO.
They’ll deliver next day for less than what UPS charges for 2-day shipping!
OnTrac delivers throughout the entire western United States. You’ll see their delivery area below:
GSO delivers to the western United States as well. Their delivery area includes New Mexico but omits Colorado:
If you’re not in the western US, don’t worry – there are still plenty of other options for alternative delivery services.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Pay For UPS Weekly Pickup!
You can save more than $520 a year if you don’t pay for the UPS weekly pickup service.
How do you pull that off?
When UPS brings you packages for your wholesale orders, hand your shipments that are going out to the driver.
Simple!
What’s Your Tip For Shipping?
Got a tip for saving time or money on shipping?
Let us know below.
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