A shipping policy is critical as it refers to the principles, rules and guidelines of a businesses shipping functions to customers. It is beneficial not just for the organization but also for the customers as it serves to guide the terms of transactions and define what the terms and conditions are for every transaction will entail, it therefore should be clear-cut, unambiguous and dynamic.
A shipping policy is critical for the following reasons:
It defines expectations: a shipping policy states the processes, guidelines and expectations involved in shipping orders to your customers i.e. what the customer can expect if they are to purchase from you. To avoid issues after purchase it should be clear and precise and include this like the mode of shipment, who you ship with, shipping costs, days of delivery, international shipping, maximum weight limits, where you ship to etc. This will give every customer a clear understanding of what to expect when they a purchase from your business.
It helps standardise the process: standardisation is so important for a growing business and having a well throughout shipping policy is key to not only helping you manage your shipping efficiently but also how you effectively manage problems that may arise. A clear shipping policy will act as a guide in your business to effectively manage your shipping.
It limit’s the occurrence of negative outcomes: If you make the terms of your shipping clear up front before the customer purchases and your business follows the processes as per your shipping policy, you will limit negative outcomes. This is important when the issue may not be your fault, your shipping policy can be used to settle the issue. When you make it clear up front to the customer you reduce the anxiety in the purchase, when you follow your processes you are far more likely to meet the customer’s expectation than you would if you didn’t have a policy in place.
For insurance purposes: a shipping policy is important for contract purposes as it defines the extent of insurance for goods in transit and the level of protection all parties can enjoy in case of mishaps, accidents or failure to deliver. In some cases, this policy is signed as a standing contract between online businesses and their clients.
It answers questions: Customers can be inquisitive, firstly before they buy from your store they want to know key things like how long will it take to ship and how much will shipping cost, what will happen if it is not delivered in time or if their expectations are not met and so on. An existing shipping policy will answer questions intending and existing customers may have in the course of their transactions and save you from having to answer questions endlessly.
So, you can see from the points above why a shipping policy is critical for your business, it is the road map that sets out how you will pick, pack and ship orders to your customers. If you don’t have a shipping policy in place, then make it a priority! It will save you from a lot of problems. It’s really important you display it clearly on your website.