You might think that shipping costs are just another line item on your expense sheet, but what if you could turn costs into your competitive advantage?

We’re not talking about cutting corners or compromising on service quality. Instead, it's about making smart saving decisions that boost your business’ profitability.

And more profits = more opportunities.

In today’s Deep Dive we explore how you can cut costs to collect “$100 bricks” you can use to build a solid foundation for business growth.

Let’s dive in!

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How to Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Product or Service Quality

Imagine every dollar saved from cutting shipping costs is a brick.

These bricks can form a protective wall around your business, shielding it from market fluctuations and competitors. But it's not just defense.

This wall is a foundation for growth, each brick a resource for future expansion and success.

With a bit of strategic thinking and some savvy negotiation, you can set up a production line of “$100 bricks” working in the background that builds a growth foundation for your Shopify store.

The best place to start to build your production line is at the beginning of your supply chain.

Talk shop with your carriers

The easiest way to cut costs is to just ask your carriers for better rates.

Give them a call, explain your business and your shipping volume, and see if they are up for it. If you’re regularly buying from them, why wouldn’t they?

Business is all about communication and relationships. And it’s no different here.

If they’re not open, look around

In your shipping apps in Shopify you can compare rates between carriers.

It’s best to compare rates at the regional level. For example, you might find that using FedEx is cheaper than using USPS for some regions.

Buy more, save more: the bulk-buying mantra

If you're shipping a lot of packages that are the same weight, you might save some money buying shipping labels in bulk.

It's like buying in bulk from a wholesaler - the more you buy, the cheaper it gets.

Keep it simple with flat rate shipping

If your products are roughly the same weight, flat rate shipping can be a great option.

It's a fixed price, regardless of weight, which can make your shipping costs more predictable.

It’s fair game to charge actual shipping costs

Shopify has a feature where you can charge customers exactly what the carrier charges you for shipping. It's a fair way to ensure you're not losing money on shipping.

Or do a free shipping shuffle

But then again, customers do love free shipping. You can offer this by slightly increasing your product prices to cover the cost.

It's a balance of providing value to the customer while covering your costs.

Use small insurers that are just as good

If you're shipping high-value items, consider getting insurance from a third-party provider. It's often cheaper than carrier-provided insurance and can provide the same level of protection.

Mix it up with hybrid shipping

Services like FedEx SmartPost and UPS SurePost use both the carrier's network and USPS for final delivery. These services can often be cheaper, especially for residential and rural deliveries.

Cut the fat from your packaging costs

Packaging can be a significant cost. Look for ways to reduce this, such as using lighter materials like a poly mailer for t-shirts as opposed to boxes. And you can even buy your packaging materials in bulk to save more.

Go Sherlock on your shipping expenses

Make sure you're not overpaying for shipping. Review your invoices regularly and look for any unexpected fees or charges.

You’ll be surprised at how a high volume of small, hidden expenses can eat into your costs like a silent puncture draining a tire.

It could be the thing that’s limiting your business’ growth.

You don’t need to accept shipping costs as they are. With a little bit of time spent by you or your employee you can make a dramatic impact on your bottom line.

What did you think about today’s Deep Dive? Let us know in the comment box when you give your rating below 👇

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