As the eCommerce industry grows, the importance of shipping companies becomes more apparent. Shipping companies are trusted to get products to customers quickly and safely. As these companies successfully ship items, their positive reputations grow, and the companies can end up generating a lot of money.
Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about starting a shipping company.
Build a Sturdy Business Plan
A business plan will help you to set your goals for your business and will serve as a resource to look back on if done correctly. Researching the shipping business market will help you to see how other companies operate and give you ideas for your own business. Your business plan should include a mission statement for your company, projected costs, and any other details for your business.
If you aren’t sure where to get started, there are online resources you can use to write a business plan. The most important thing about creating a business plan is to be as thorough as possible when describing what you plan to accomplish and how your business will operate.
Learn What to Ship
Once you know what products your company will ship, you can determine what packing and shipping materials you’ll need. For example, if you choose to ship food items, you will likely need a commercial vacuum sealer. You will also need things like vacuum bags, additional plastic bags with airtight seals, and a place to store food.
When deciding what items your shipping company will transport, do some research on shipping regulations regarding different products so you can determine the best fit for your business. Hazardous materials like chemicals and flammable objects will need special equipment for storage and handling, which can end up costing more. Consider the benefits and challenges with all of the different cargo options you consider.
Figure Out Your Start-Up Cost
Cost is a crucial thing to keep in mind when establishing your shipping business, mainly because it will take quite a bit of saving or possibly a business loan to get everything you’ll need. Some of the essential items you’ll need to start your business are packing and shipping supplies, warehouse space, and any licenses or permits.
You’ll also need to determine what means of transport to purchase depending on whether you’ll transport products by plane, ship, or automobile. A balance sheet will help you keep track of expenses and determine overall costs.
Focus on Your Team
Once you get your business up and running, you’ll probably want to hire staff to help with the daily operations. Some examples of employees you may need are receptionist, warehouse workers, and technicians.
You may also want to consider hiring an attorney for assistance with legal contracts, and a bookkeeper to take care of any eCommerce bookkeeping and payroll needs. Any staff you plan to hire should be something you consider when thinking of your start-up costs as well.
Market Yourself Wisely
Advertising your business is an integral part of running a company. You want to attract new clients as well as keep customers returning, so creative and engaging marketing is vital. Posting on local bulletin boards, advertising in newspapers, and handing out brochures and business cards can all lead to new customers.
Social media is also a popular way of engaging with and advertising to any future customers, and there are online resources you can use to market your business, too. Another way you can get new customers is to encourage previous clients to leave positive reviews.
Creating a shipping business involves careful planning. To create a successful shipping business, you should consider writing a business plan, researching the business market, determining what employees you’ll need, and the cost of everything previously stated. A shipping business takes time to establish, but it can be successful with hard work.
