Whether you are just starting out selling items on Ebay, or you are an experienced website store owner, it always pays huge dividends to have a shipping system. Here is what I mean by system. Systems are a way of doing things that are organized and help you keep your sanity in check. When you receive an order, you will want to fulfill that order as quickly as possible.
How you build a system
The first thing you need is a little bit of workspace. Having a designated spot to work from lends organization to your system. Being organized is key for keeping the many tasks that you have all moving in the profit direction. You may think you can work of the desk where your computer is, but in the long run, you will find the disruptions to your marketing and sales campaigns unbearable. It is best to have a space that is designated for shipping. This allows you have make manuals for shipping, and keep a binder for how each package is boxed and shipped. I know what you are thinking, “I know how everything is organized, why keep a binder?” the more organized you are, the better set up you have for your exit strategy. All businesses should have the “end” in mind. It is a proven fact that businesses that are organized and have systems built in fetch higher prices.
Space
If you can beg borrow or steal some space, take it. Make a work station and find a place to store boxes that are not in your way. Hanging bubble wrap from the ceiling is an excellent way to reclaim space and keep things under control. Tape, glue and labels can also be stacked and made accessible with a little forethought. Take the time to convert a station into a workspace that is manageable. Having the space will force you to be organized in other areas as well.
Paperwork
Another crucial part of your shipping system is paperwork. I have always preached the value of creating forms that make you organized. You can easily create a simple form with a word processor that allows you to edit changes as often as you like. Think about the special needs that you have to keep track of and put them on that form. Order numbers, dates, item numbers, box numbers, addresses, email addresses and tracking numbers are all good things to have on the forms. Do you pay sales tax? Having that information readily available can make submitting your quarterly information much easier. I know a lot of people that use excel to make this job easier as well. Whatever works for you, do it. Making your own specialized form can be something you do in front of the TV at night when you are winding down from your workday. Any little bit of system planning will help you in the long run.
Summary
If you liked this information we have a lot more detailed information about all aspects of shipping in Ecommerce. You can find out much more detailed information at http://www.theshippinggame.com Here you will find all sorts of ecommerce solutions that will help you move your business to the next level. You can also find daily tidbits of information on our Shipping blog. Videos also enhance your learning environment and make getting ideas come faster. Always feel free to leave a comment or ask a question.
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