The Easiest Way to Pick the Right Shipping Software for Your Craft and DIY Supplies Business

Craft and DIY supplies businesses have unique needs when it comes to shipping. As a business owner, shipping is one of the most critical aspects of your e-commerce setup. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as packaging, shipping rates, and delivery times, among others. To make the process easier and more efficient, investing in shipping software is necessary. In this article, we’ll explore why shipping software is essential for your craft and DIY supplies business and how to pick the right software for your needs.

Why Shipping Software is Important for Your Craft and DIY Supplies Business

Shipping is a complex process as it involves many moving parts, including inventory management, packaging, carrier selection, tracking, and delivery. The manual process is time-consuming and requires a lot of attention to detail. In contrast, shipping software can automate many of the processes involved. With the right shipping software, you can easily manage everything from printing shipping labels to tracking shipments and even scheduling pickups.

Moreover, shipping software provides real-time data, which helps you stay on top of your supply chain. You can track your inventory, monitor order statuses, and access reports that give you insights into your business’s overall performance. All of these features make shipping software a must-have for any craft and DIY supplies business.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Shipping Software

Picking the right shipping software for your business can be overwhelming, given the numerous options available. However, several factors determine which software is the best fit for your business needs. The following are the key considerations:

1. Integration – The software should be easy to integrate with your existing e-commerce platform and other programs you use, such as accounting software or inventory management software.
2. Cost – The software should be cost-effective yet provide all the necessary features you need.
3. Customer Support – The software should offer reliable customer support that is easily reachable whenever you have any challenges.
4. Scalability – The software should grow with your business and handle an increasing volume of orders and shipments.
5. User-Friendliness – The software should have a straightforward interface that’s easy to use and understand.

How to Evaluate the Shipping Needs of Your Craft and DIY Supplies Business

To select the right software, you need to first understand your shipping needs. Start by evaluating your shipping volume and the number of orders you process daily. This will help you determine the software’s cost, as some platforms charge based on shipping volume.

Also, assess which carriers and shipping methods you already use as shipping software is compatible with certain carriers and methods, while others may not be supported. Furthermore, consider your shipping costs, as some software may require you to use particular carriers or shipping methods, whereas others offer more flexibility.

The Advantages of Using Shipping Software for Your Craft and DIY Supplies Business

The benefits of using shipping software are numerous. Here are some of the advantages:

• Automation – The software automates shipping processes, reducing the time and effort spent on manual tasks.
• Accuracy – Shipping software minimizes errors in printing shipping labels, reducing the risk of shipping-related issues.
• Cost-Effective – Shipping software simplifies the shipping process, reducing labor and increasing efficiency.
• Scalability – Shipping software can grow with your business and manage more shipments as you expand.
• Real-Time Data – The software provides real-time data on order status, inventory, and performance, giving you a clear picture of your business at all times.

Common Features of Shipping Software for Craft and DIY Supplies Businesses

Here are some of the standard features included in shipping software:

• Label Printing – The software generates and prints shipping labels for you.
• Shipping Rates – The software provides access to carrier rate information to help you find the best rates for your shipments.
• Tracking – The software tracks your shipments, ensuring you always know where they are and when they will be delivered.
• Batch Processing – The software lets you process multiple orders at once, saving time and increasing efficiency.
• Reporting – The software provides essential reports that help you identify trends in your business and make data-driven decisions.

Top Shipping Software Options for Craft and DIY Supplies Businesses

There are many shipping software platforms available in the market, making it hard to select the right one. Here are some of the top options:

• Shipstation – This software is a popular choice among small and mid-sized businesses. It offers integration with over 100 carrier services and supports multi-carrier shipping.
• Shippo – Shippo is simple to use and offers a pay-per-shipment model. It supports over 50 carrier services and allows batch shipment processing.
• ShipBob – This software is a good fit for businesses that want to outsource their fulfillment and shipping. It offers inventory management features, and its shipping rates are competitive.
• Easyship – This software provides a global shipping solution with over 250 carrier partners. It offers both automated and manual shipping options and provides access to exclusive carrier discounts.

Pros and Cons of Different Types of Shipping Software

There are three types of shipping software: on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid. Here are the pros and cons of each type:

On-Premise

On-premise software is installed locally on your computer and requires high upfront costs. It provides more control over data and security, but it is less flexible than other options. This software is best suited for large businesses with complex shipping needs that require high customization.

Cloud-Based

Cloud-based software is hosted on the vendor’s server. It is easily accessible from anywhere with an internet connection and has lower upfront costs. It is also easy to scale and update, making it an excellent fit for small and mid-sized businesses. The downside is that you rely on internet access to use the software, and you have less control over data and security.

Hybrid

Hybrid software is a combination of on-premise and cloud-based. It provides the best of both worlds, allowing for customization and control while remaining accessible from anywhere and providing scalability. It requires a moderate upfront cost and can scale according to business needs.

How to Compare and Choose the Best Shipping Software for Your Craft and DIY Supplies Business

After evaluating your shipping needs and assessing the available options, it’s now time to compare and choose the best shipping software for your business. Here are the steps to follow:

• Compare the features of each software. Look for the software that offers the most value for your money.
• Read user reviews. Feedback from other business owners who have used the software can give you insights into its pros and cons.
• Try out the software before committing. Most vendors offer free trials of their software.
• Consider the software’s scalability. Will it grow with your business, or will you need to switch to a different provider when you expand?
• Assess the vendor’s customer support. Ensure that they offer reliable customer support and that it’s easy to reach them when you encounter any issues.

Tips for Implementing a New Shipping Software System in Your Craft and DIY Supplies Business

Implementing a new shipping software system can be challenging. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth transition:

• Train your team – Make sure all members of your team understand how to use the new software.
• Start with a small batch of orders – Begin with a few orders to test the software before processing all orders through it.
• Test and retest – Test the software thoroughly before going live, and test it again frequently to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
• Monitor the software’s performance – Track the software’s performance and usage to identify potential issues and address them quickly.

Best Practices for Maximizing the Benefits of Your New Shipping Software

Here are some best practices to help you get the most out of your new shipping software:

• Regularly update your software – Keep your software up-to-date to ensure that you have access to the latest features and security upgrades.
• Monitor your data – Keep a close eye on your data and use it to identify areas for improvement in your business processes.
• Regularly review carrier rates – Compare carrier rates regularly to ensure that you are getting the best rates for your shipments.
• Train your team – Ensure that all members of your team are well-trained on using the software.

Integrating Your Shipping Software with Other Systems in Your Craft and DIY Supplies Business

Most shipping software can integrate with other systems, such as inventory management or accounting software. Here are some benefits of integration:

• Eliminate manual data entry – Integration reduces the likelihood of errors, such as double-entry, and saves time by eliminating the need for manual data entry.
• Improve efficiency – Integration allows for smoother communication between different systems, reducing the time it takes to accomplish tasks.
• Enhance data accuracy – Integration enhances the accuracy of data across different systems as it ensures that data is consistent and up-to-date.
• Provide real-time insights – Integration provides real-time data, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions in real-time.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Shipping Software in a Craft and DIY Supplies Business

Here are some of the most common issues businesses face with shipping software, and how to solve them:

• Label Printing Issues – Check that your printer is set up correctly, and the labels are aligned correctly.
• Address Validation Issues – Double-check that the address is correct and complete, and the software has access to the most up-to-date carrier address database.
• Delayed or Lost Shipments – Assess your carrier service and check that you have packaged the item correctly.
• Software Bugs – Reach out to the vendor’s customer support team and report any bugs or issues.

Staying Up-to-Date with the Latest Trends in Shipping Software for Craft and DIY Supplies Businesses

As the shipping industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in shipping software to remain competitive. Some of the current trends in shipping software include:

• Integration with different carrier services – As businesses expand, so do their shipping needs. Shipping software that offers integration with different carrier services gives businesses more flexibility and better rates.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – AI and Machine Learning are being used in shipping software to automate decision-making and enhance efficiency in the shipping process.
• Real-Time Tracking – Real-time tracking allows businesses to monitor shipments in real-time and react quickly to any issues that arise.

Conclusion

Picking the right shipping software can have a significant impact on your business’s overall performance. The right software can automate many processes, reduce errors, lower shipping costs, and provide valuable insights into your business’s performance. Evaluating your shipping needs, comparing options, and following best practices are essential to ensure you select the best software for your craft and DIY supplies business.