In today’s fast-paced, high-tech world, keeping up with the latest advancements isn’t just a desire—it’s a necessity. Consumer expectations are the driving factor dictating fast access to the latest online merchandise. The other end to the rapid need to receive electronics is fast shipping. However, electronic shipping is no easy task. Achieving safe and reliable shipping, particularly for delicate electronics, requires meticulous attention to detail, robust logistical planning, and adherence to the appropriate regulatory frameworks.
Fortunately, eCommerce shipping has undergone a significant transformation over the years, facilitating rapid, efficient, and secure delivery of the latest devices and technical equipment to customers’ doorsteps by utilizing a series of best practices to ensure success.
Below, we’ve outlined our top 10 resources for achieving optimal electronic shipping in an era where customers need things fast and efficiently.
Best practices for electronic shipping for eCommerce businesses
Electronic shipping requires great care and attention, whether locally within a country’s borders or across the globe. From cell phones and computers to more valuable items like large LCD or LED televisions, here are our top 10 best practices for shipping electronics.
- Use secure packaging
Different electronics may have varying packaging requirements, whether they’re being shipped locally or globally. The best practice for electronic shipping is to use the device’s original packaging whenever possible. This ensures a snug fit in a designated spot specifically molded for the device, minimizing movement during transit. Not only does this reduce the risk of damage, but it also cuts down on packaging and shipping costs and eliminates the need for additional boxes.
In addition to the original packaging, utilize other packing materials to provide extra layers of protection for your technical devices. Many shipping companies or freight forwarders will utilize crating or palletizing – stacking similar items on top of each other on a pallet. This method is very common, as most electronics are shipped via ground transportation. Consider using sturdy corrugated boxes and protective electronics packaging materials to safeguard your items. Ideal packing materials include bubble wrap, foam inserts, and packing peanuts. Removing any extra air pockets or empty spaces ensures a smooth transit for fragile items without too much product movement.
- Double-check labeling and documentation
When it comes to electronics, it’s vital to never overlook the importance of labeling your package as fragile. This precaution communicates to transporters and freight forwarders that the contents are delicate and require careful handling throughout the entire shipping process. Whether shipping boxes large or small, be sure to provide a fragile label on top of the box as well as the sides so shippers and handlers can clearly see the labels. Further, providing detailed documentation, including packing slips and invoices, is essential to ensure a smooth customs clearance process for international shipments. Missing documents or mislabeled packages is a common error many companies make.
- Purchase insurance coverage
Consider purchasing insurance coverage for high-value electronics shipments to protect against loss or damage during transit. While insurance coverage will differ based on the shipping provider, shipping insurance is a vital necessity to secure the safety of high-value items like computers, cameras, phones, and more.
- Use tracking and delivery confirmation
Use shipping services that offer tracking and delivery confirmation. This will provide customers with real-time updates on their orders and ensure timely delivery. If John just ordered the latest iPhone, it’s likely he will be eagerly awaiting his package. Package tracking utilizes a single tracking number to provide real-time updates on the whereabouts of a package so customers know exactly where their item is on the map. This is particularly beneficial for high-value items or items traveling internationally. John can track his iPhone as it travels across various checkpoints throughout the country until its safe and timely arrival on his doorstep.
- Mandate signature requirements
Nothing is worse than shipping a high-value electronic item and having the package stolen or lost in transit. A signature upon delivery provides irrefutable evidence that the recipient has received the item. This best practice helps mitigate disputes regarding delivery and ensures accountability throughout the shipping process. It also gives the customer peace of mind that the company took security into consideration to ensure they received their item.
- Consider temperature control
Extreme temperatures and electronics are never a good mix. While electronics today can withstand fluctuating temperature changes or extreme heat or cold, there’s always a tipping point where it becomes dangerous. For example, if you are shipping from the brisk weather in New York to rising temperatures in Arizona, it’s crucial to ensure your package can withstand the varying temperatures.
Consider using insulated materials to keep your items at a steady temperature throughout the trip. Further, clearly label packages containing electronics as fragile and temperature-sensitive to alert handlers to exercise caution during handling and storage. This helps prevent rough handling and ensures appropriate measures are taken to protect the contents. Lastly, don’t forget shipping insurance; you can never be too careful.
- Adhere to battery compliance
Battery compliance is of the utmost importance when shipping electronics. A standard best practice to ensure compliance is to check that any batteries are securely placed inside the device. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations, lithium batteries are recognized as hazardous materials and, therefore, not permitted for air travel. For guidance on battery charging and transportation for each device model, read the manufacturer’s product information sheet for your model.
- Remember international shipping considerations
Familiarize yourself with customs regulations and import duties in your destination country to avoid delays or additional costs for international shipments. Different countries have varying regulations for electronics. The most important aspect of electronic shipping is ensuring you define your products correctly. Your product description should also correspond with a harmonized system tariff code (HS code). This criterion is mandatory across the board when shipping to many countries. However, some companies fail to provide an HS code when working with a shipping provider.
Take ePost Global, for example. If an eCommerce business does not provide an HS code, we can utilize our advanced system look-up to determine the product code. However, if a company does not define their products accurately, like simply stating “electronics “instead of “HP computer version xyz”, we will be unable to accurately determine the product, resulting in the item being put on hold. This is a very common shipping error. Be sure to accurately describe the electronics you are shipping and follow all applicable packaging regulations like fragile labeling, adequate cushioning, and double-check shipping labels. Shipping internationally is a long trip and one that would be difficult to navigate if mistakes occur.
- Provide customer communication
Customer communication is key in maintaining current customers and attracting new ones. After placing an online order, customers are eagerly awaiting their order, especially if the item is a high-value electronic purchase. An essential best practice is to keep customers informed about the status of their orders, including tracking information and estimated delivery dates, to manage expectations and provide peace of mind.
Customer satisfaction should always be at the center of your operations. One bad customer interaction can spiral into a host of other challenges. Consider setting up your system to send multiple emails throughout the shipping process to ensure timely communication. For example, a thank you email after purchase, one after the item has shipped, one on the progress of the shipment outlining if it will arrive on the 2nd or 3rd day after purchase, and lastly, a delivery confirmation and thank you email. This process may look different for each business, but ensuring satisfaction and communication is vital.
- Clearly communicate returns and warranty policies
Broken electronics are not a rare occurrence when it comes to electronic shipping. As a result, it’s vital to clearly communicate your returns and warranty policies for electronics products to customers, including instructions for returning defective items and initiating warranty claims. Consider implementing a robust return process for your business. For example, sending out a new electronic device as soon as a customer reports a broken one, along with tracking for that order, provides a quick response and immediate resolution of the problem. Customers eagerly anticipate the arrival of their new iPhone or TV, and receiving a damaged item can lead to significant disappointment and potential loss of repeat business. By prioritizing exceptional customer service and transparently communicating your policies, your business can establish a strong foundation for retaining a loyal customer base.
Electronics shipping with ePost Global
Take it from our shipping experts; we know electronics shipping is challenging, and that’s why we do the legwork for you. Take a look at our process:
- Our team creates a label for your shipments while considering package dimensions, weight, and correct addresses in the process. We’ll even ensure proper packaging procedures if something looks off before we send it off.
- We also sort through the best domestic or international routes for your packages to optimal cost and transit times.
- We then provide a single tracking number to help you maximize visibility on your shipments.
Expanding your eCommerce platform presents significant lucrative opportunities, but it demands careful consideration of shipping logistics and customs regulations, especially when dealing with electronics. When you partner with us, we streamline this complex process and enhance the overall customer experience, offering customized shipping rates that work for you.
Why work with ePost Global?
We know the ins and outs of eCommerce shipping and offer customized solutions tailored to our client’s needs. Unlike other traditional service providers like FedEx, DHL, or UPS, we take your needs and requirements into account. We work with foreign postal networks, regional final mile carriers, and USPS amongst many of our partners, ensuring every product is delivered on time and with the utmost care.
Mastering the art of electronic shipping is essential for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of valuable electronic devices to customers locally and worldwide. By following the best practices outlined in this blog, including proper packaging techniques, consideration of temperature fluctuations, and other essential tasks, businesses can mitigate the risk of damage and enhance customer satisfaction, guaranteeing success for the long haul. If you’re ready to ship electronics with ePost Global, contact us! We’ll provide a step-by-step analysis of our process and answer any common FAQs you may have. Start shipping with excellence today!
