It doesn’t matter what type of ecommerce business you have, generating sales will be a big key to your success or failure. Despite that being true, sales is where the journey begins. Once you begin to see customers placing online orders, packaging and shipping will immediately become your next big step forward. One of the biggest challenges ecommerce stores face is creating an effective shipping system. One of the most common obstacles is deciding what standard shipping options you need to offer. No matter what you ultimately decide to do, packaging and shipping logistics should be both fast and budget friendly as possible. The end goal would be to exceed customer expectations.
Now, finding that perfect balance between shipping speed and cost-saving efforts is a big roadblock for many ecommerce merchants and retailers. If your shipping fees are high, this can definitely discourage users from buying your products. In fact, over a quarter of would-be shoppers cancel their online purchases due to unexpected costs, it can be a big factor.
Due to this, you should consider partnering with a shipping option that saves on cost, which will subsequently boost customer satisfaction. The guide that follows describes one of the options available, flat rate shipping. Additionally, integrating your shipping process with Thill Inc. can simplify your logistics and leave your customers satisfied with a great overall experience.
What is Flat Rate Shipping?
Flat rate shipping is when a single rate is charged for shipping a package, regardless of weight or size as long as the package weighs less than 70 lbs. Typically, shipping couriers charge different shipping fees for different products depending on their. size, shape, and weight.
Some couriers also consider dimensional weight, which is calculated by measuring the length, height, and width of the shipping box. This makes it difficult for eCommerce business owners to calculate the much they should pay for shipping.
Fortunately, you can eliminate the uncertainties of standard shipping by using the standard shipping option. As the name suggests, the flat rate shipping option charges a flat rate depending on the package’s size.
eCommerce businesses can send orders of any weight and pay the same shipping fees provided the packages are of the same size. This is a great option for subscription box businesses that have heavy boxes. The weight of the package is not a determinant when calculating the cost of shipping. That said, it can be cost-saving for those of you that have to ship heavy products, but expensive when shipping products that don’t weigh a lot.
How Does It Work?
Flat rate shipping prices are not affected by the shape, size, and weight of the package, price is dependent on the size of the boxe used in shipping. Ecommerce businesses utilizing this option should follow the following steps:
Get flat rate shipping boxes from a shipping carrier: Unlike standard shipping, where you can pack items in your boxes, you should purchase shipping boxes from local courier offices. You can choose between small, medium and large boxes. Large shipping boxes cost more than medium and small. However, the maximum shipping weight should not surpass 70 pounds.
Pack the items and address the box: Pack your items into the box you purchased and address the package accordingly. The address should include all the standard, necessary information for a seamless shipping process.
Send your package: The last step is sending your package with your preferred courier. You can drop the package in the nearest office or request for pickup.
Flat Rate Shipping Options
Nearly every major shipping carrier offers different solutions to help you keep shipping economical. While each one has flat rate shipping, the specific shipping options they provide differ from one carrier to the next.
Here’s a few flat rate options provided by each carrier.
(1) USPS Priority Flat Rate
USPS offers a flat rate shipping service for the priority mail express and priority mail shipping services. eCommerce businesses using the priority shipping option will have some restrictions on the size, with the maximum size being 70 pounds. USPS’ prices are entirely dependent on the size of the shipment — shipping zones and weight are not factored in the pricing.
(2) UPS Simple Rate
Unlike other couriers, UPS allows eCommerce businesses to use their own boxes or envelopes. However, the package shouldn’t exceed 50 pounds, and the size should be an equivalent of 12x12x12 cubic inches. UPS flat rate shipping prices do not change regardless of the shipping destination. The cost of shipping is purely based on the size of the package and the shipping service chosen.
(3) FedEx Flat Rate Shipping
Like standard shipping options, FedEx One Rate, which is their flat rate shipping option, has different rates depending on a package’s size and how far it’s travelling. The cost depends on the FedEx service chosen, the box or shipping envelope’s size — typically, the bigger the package, the higher the cost. Apart from the size, FedEx charges are also calculated based on distance. Expect to pay more if you are shipping to a higher shipping zone. Additional charges also apply if you need special services.
How Long Does Flat Rate Shipping Take?
Flat rate shipping times are going to differ depending on the exact shipping carrier you’re going to use. For example, if you choose to go with FedEx, they have one rate shipping available for FedEx express saver, second day shipping, and overnight deliveries; this is not FedEx ground services.
For USPS, the packages are delivered in less than 3 days, the exact shipping zone you’re shipping from doesn’t matter.
With UPS flat rate, it can be used with UPS Ground, 2nd-day air, and 3-day select shipping services.
How much do Flat Rate Boxes Cost to Ship?
As we touched on earlier, flat rate shipping prices are based on the package’s size and distance for FedEx one rate. The major shipping carriers have small, medium, and large flat rate shipping boxes which vary on pricing depending on the specific box you use.
- FedEx: Small Evenlope: $8.50 FedEx: Large Box: $34.90
- UPS: Small Package: $8.25 UPS: Large Package: $21.75
- USPS: Small Package: $7.15 USPS: Large Package: $8.30
Flat Rate Shipping and International Rates
It’s important to note that if you’re shipping domestic or international, you do have flat rate shipping options.
Make sure you check with each shipping carrier to get an exact price.
Pros And Cons of Flat Rate Shipping
There’s a wide range of benefits you get using this type of shipping;
- Packages up to 70 pounds accepted
- Insurance options are available
- Can use carrier drop offs to mail
- Carriers do offer tracking options
Just like with anything, there’s some downside to using flat rate shipping as well;
- Eommerce businesses lose branding opportunities using carrier shipping boxes
- Can get expensive for lightweight packages
- Can be expensive to ship domestic orders
- Not many shipping options to save on costs
Finding the right shipping solution can be a challenge. Knowing all the shipping options you have available is important.
In Closing
Flat rate shipping is one of the most common shipping methods used by ecommerce businesse owners because it can reduce their shipping costs. If your product has the same size and weight, using this shipping method can be beneficial. However, if you’re sending packages heavier than 70 pounds, you’ll have to use a different method.
Flat rate shipping can also save you time and money because don’t have to stress about the cost of packaging, package weight, and other common issues that come with shipping. However, before choosing this option, you should compare the flat rate shipping rates with standard shipping costs.
That said, if this is the right choice for your business, Easyship makes it easy by partnering with major global couriers, giving online merchants access to 250+ shipping solutions with discounted rates of up to 70%.
Flat Rate Shipping FAQ
Does Flat Rate Shipping Include Tracking?
Absolutely, tracking shipments has become very important to users. Tracking has become a shipping essential. Due to this, all of the major shipping carriers include tracking in their shipping services.
What Cannot Be Shipped?
While most items can be shipped, there is items that can’t be shipped in packages. Most shipping carriers restrict firearms, gasoline, airbags, explosives, drugs, and alcohol.
Where Can I Purchase Flat Rate Boxes?
As USPS and FedEx require ecommerce businesses to use the provided boxes the carriers offer, you can purchase the boxes at the carrier storefront locations. The shipping carrier UPS will allow you to use your own shipping boxes or you can use their packaging boxes for flat rate shipping. Still, you will have to abide by their specific measurements.
Is Insurance Included?
Shipping carriers do provide limited insurance coverage for flat rate shipping. You can save on costs instead of purchasing insurance separately. USPS, for example, they provide shipping insurance up to $50.
Is there a Weight Limit?
Shipping carriers do have weight limits. For USPS, the limit is 70 pounds. Both FedEx and UPS have limits set at 50 pounds.
Can I Use my Own Box?
Only if you are shipping with UPS. If you’re going with USPS or FedEx, you must purchase boxes from the company.
Need Help With Shipping? Thill Inc. Can Help!
If you’re shipping volume is increasing and you need help to fulfill orders, Thill Inc. can help.
We have fulfillment centers located all across the United States and we do ship internationally.
You can reach us at 1-920-967-9201 or you can use this online form.
We can also give you a pricing quote as well, just reach out and speak with our team today.
