Are you a Canadian shipper looking for a better solution for your shipping needs? Find out how FlagShip can transform your Canadian shipping experience with competitive rates, comprehensive coverage and seamless service.
Startup dreams, shipping concerns? Conquer both with this guide!
You’ve launched your amazing Canadian business. Your product is ready, your website is live, and the orders are rolling in… Now comes the not-so-glamorous reality: shipping. Fear not, startup warriors! This guide covers everything you need to know to conquer the world of shipping for your Canadian startup business. Navigate the maze of finding the best rates, choosing the right shipping carrier, and streamlining your operations, all while keeping your precious budget in mind. Turn your shipping “concerns” into a smooth, affordable journey and soar your business.
Choosing the Right Shipping Service for Your Startup Business
Choosing the right courier company is key to ensuring that deliveries for your startup business go smoothly and that packages arrive safely and on time. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a delivery service:
| element | detail |
|---|---|
| price | FlagShip’s online shipping system allows you to instantly compare rates from multiple carriers to get the best price for shipping for your startup business. As a shipping reseller, we negotiate volume discounts and pass them on to you. |
| speed | Depending on your needs, evaluate different shipping options like ground and express shipping. FlagShip offers both ground and express shipping options and allows you to customize your shipping choices to suit your specific requirements. |
| Services offered | FlagShip offers value-added services such as on-the-go tracking via our mobile app, in-house shipping insurance at the lowest rates, international shipping capabilities, and excellent customer support. |
Hidden costs of shipping
Now that you’re venturing into the world of shipping, there are some hidden costs that lurk in your new business. But don’t worry, this table will break down the hidden costs and provide solutions to keep your shipping smooth and affordable.
| assignment | solution |
|---|---|
| High shipping costs | Reduce costs by using FlagShip’s free features, including price comparison tools, flat-rate options, courier pickup, online tracking, and commercial invoice generation. |
| Packaging Materials | Use appropriately sized boxes and minimize gaps to optimize your packaging. FlagShip offers a comprehensive guide to reducing shipping costs, as well as free shipping supplies to help you reduce costs even further. |
| Return Processing | Implement a clear return policy at checkout and provide pre-paid return labels or partner with a returns service provider. |
| Insurance knowledge | For items valued at over $100 CAD, consider additional insurance. FlagShip offers in-house insurance at competitive rates. |
| International Regulations | Know your import/export regulations and customs requirements. FlagShip offers competitive rates and strong partnerships with international courier companies like DHL. |
| Address correction fee | Implement a know-your-customer step at checkout and offer pre-populated address options based on zip code. |
| Fuel Surcharge | If you expect high volumes, negotiate fixed or discounted rate contracts that include fuel. |
| Delivery area surcharge | To avoid surprises, clearly communicate to your customers that additional charges may apply at checkout. |
| Residential Delivery Fees | Offer pickup options or partner with local warehouses to reduce costs associated with residential delivery. |
Automating the shipping process for a startup business
Implementing shipping software and integrations can help streamline your startup business’ shipping operations and save you valuable time. Look for a solution with features like:
- E-commerce integration: Connect your e-store to FlagShip’s e-Store Shipping Manager to consolidate all your shipping activities within your FlagShip account.
- Automatic label generation: Print shipping labels easily and reduce manual effort and errors.
- Real-time rate comparison: Instantly see rates from multiple carriers to find the best option for each order, saving you time and money.
10 Shipping Terms You Should Know
Understand common terms used in shipping for your startup business.
- Career: The company that transports the package (e.g. Canada Post, FedEx, Purolator, UPS).
- Volume Weight: It reflects the density of the package and is calculated using (length x width x height) ÷ 139.
- First Mile/Last Mile Delivery: The “first mile” refers to the first leg of a shipment’s journey, while the “last mile” refers to the final leg to the customer’s address.
- tracking number: A unique identifier for tracking the location and status of a shipment.
- bill of lading: A document issued by a carrier that lists shipping details such as number of pieces, weight, and freight charges.
- Customs: Government agencies that regulate and control the flow of goods across borders (e.g., CBSA).
- Deadweight: The actual weight of the shipment excluding packaging materials.
- Declaration value: The value assigned to a package for insurance purposes.
- Delivery confirmation: A service that verifies that a package has been delivered to the recipient’s address.
- Shipping Note: A document that lists all packages being shipped in one shipment.
If you need any help with our shipping services or would like to know more about how you can save money on shipping, our team is here to help – just email us. support Or call us toll free at 1-866-320-8383.
Experience hassle-free, affordable shipping solutions customized to the needs of your startup business. When you leave your shipping logistics to FlagShip, you can focus on what really matters: growing your business.
Contact us for expert shipping tips, updates and support.
