As a used cell phone wholesaler, you’re constantly shipping product to buyers. This part of your business may seem simple, but it can be optimized to reduce cost, increase efficiency, and eliminate risk. Read on for the top tips on how to get the most out of your shipping.
Work With Your Shipping Company
The major logistics companies provide incentives to frequent shippers through their business account programs. These are free to join and offer substantial benefits. For example, by creating a business account at UPS, you can get discounts of up to 50%, free shipping materials, the ability to schedule regular pickups, the option to pay later, and the ability to bill your shipping costs to third parties. FedEx offers similar benefits.
Shipping companies want to work with high-volume shippers, because it means more business for them on a consistent basis. To that end, they offer increased levels of discounts as shipping volume grows. If you’re currently spreading your shipments around multiple companies, you may be able to save money by consolidating to one shipping service and qualifying for a volume discount. For the best deal, call major shipping services and ask them what they are willing to offer a shipper at your volume level.
International Shipping Best Practices
Shipping practices vary by region of the world. Shipping companies that specialize in a particular region are often the best choice in terms of value. If you’re doing consistent business with a particular foreign region, shop around to find the shipper who offers the best price for that area and the best turnaround time on customs clearance.
There may be important regional differences you will need to adjust your shipping practices to. For instance, in Latin America and Africa, it’s common for wholesalers to use freight forwarders, while in Europe, this is rare. You may need some research and experience to optimize your shipping by region. Note that you may need to be flexible in terms of how you collect payments. Don’t be afraid to reach out to potential shipping services and ask for more detailed information than you can find on their websites.
Safeguard Your Items and Minimize Risk
As valuable commodities with many potential buyers, cell phones are susceptible to theft during shipment. Protect yourself by using nondescript packaging that gives no indication of the contents. Also, you can reduce your risk of loss by taking steps to better protect your devices against damage in transit. Use strong box tape and adequate internal padding material, and don’t overload boxes by putting too many units in a single package. Finally, consider offering insurance on shipments. Insurance provides peace of mind at a relatively low cost.
Get the Most Out of Your Shipping
To ensure you’re getting the most out of your shipping, look for deals from major logistics companies for high-volume shippers and create a business account with them to maximize your benefits. Learn the nuances of international shipping and which companies perform the best in particular regions. Be sure to package your items to avoid unnecessary losses, and offer shipping insurance. And lastly, if you’re looking for a reliable supply of high-quality used cell phones, choose an established business with the highest grading standards.
