How can I reduce the cost of shipping labels on my new store?

[CarlyPressman]

I have established a new store on Shopify and I am about to go live. One of the areas I am having a challenge around is shipping, specifically finding the rates of shipping labels as well as physical shipping costs. What I have learned so far is that the shipping labels costs are between $6 to $8 which is astronomical if you are selling products that range from $18 to $40 dollars. Would somebody be kind enough to provide some insight on how to address this if you have encountered this when setting up your store and Shopify Shipping. 

[Anindita]

Hi @CarlyPressman,

One approach is to negotiate directly with shipping carriers. Reach out to different carriers and discuss the possibility of obtaining better rates based on your projected shipping volume. Many carriers offer discounted rates to businesses, particularly if you can demonstrate consistent shipping volume. By negotiating better rates, you can potentially reduce the high costs associated with shipping labels.

Consider implementing shipping rate calculators on your store to provide accurate shipping costs to your customers. These calculators take into account factors such as package weight, dimensions, and destination to provide real-time shipping rates. Shopify offers integrations with the shipping rate calculator app, like the PH MultiCarrier Shipping Label app, which allows you to customize shipping costs based on specific criteria.

You may also want to explore the option of offering flat-rate shipping. Instead of calculating shipping costs based on weight and dimensions, you can provide customers with a flat rate for shipping. Determine an average shipping cost for your products and charge a consistent flat rate to customers. This approach simplifies the shipping process and eliminates the need for precise calculations for each order.

I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out for further queries!

[CarlyPressman]

Hi Anindita, 

Thank you for your detailed response it was very helpful! Do you know if you have to have a certain Shopify plan to be able to add the  PH MultiCarrier Shipping Label app?

[Anindita]

Hi @CarlyPressman,

Yes, this app is compatible with all Shopify plans, including Basic, Advanced, and Plus plans. You can use this app regardless of the Shopify plan you are currently on. Let us know if you have any other questions or concerns.