Shipping for small businesses: a comprehensive guide

Shipping is a cornerstone of running a successful small business. Whether you’re an e-commerce entrepreneur, a creative selling handmade goods, or a service provider shipping materials to clients, effective shipping practices can save you money, streamline operations, and improve customer satisfaction.

Sticker Mule is a small business, just like you. Many of our products and services were born out of a simple thought: "Someone should create something like this." Then we realized—that someone could be us.

If you've ever placed a custom order with us, you've likely noticed that it arrived in a Sticker Mule bubble mailer, poly mailer, or a box sealed with our branded packaging tape. And if your package came via UPS, it’s because someone at Sticker Mule used our very own Ship tool—a solution that provides a smoother (and more affordable) experience than even UPS itself.

We pride ourselves on creating the best products for internal use and sharing them with you. Over the years, we've shipped thousands of packages and gained valuable expertise in the process. Now, we’d love to pass some of that knowledge on to you.

This guide is your primer on small business shipping, offering everything from choosing carriers to optimizing packaging, with a few helpful suggestions for tools and services like Sticker Mule's shipping products that can simplify the process.

1. Understanding your shipping needs

Before diving into carriers or packaging, assess your specific shipping needs. This foundation will help you create an efficient and cost-effective process:

Product Size and Weight

Small and lightweight items like stickers or jewelry are generally less expensive to ship, but you’ll need to ensure they’re packaged securely to prevent bending or damage. Conversely, larger or heavier products, such as decor or tools, might require reinforced packaging and careful carrier selection.

Shipping Frequency

If you’re shipping daily or fulfilling high volumes, consider automating your processes with shipping software or discounts from carriers. For occasional or seasonal shippers, focus on flexible solutions that don’t require long-term commitments.

Shipping Locations

Domestic shipping tends to be simpler and less expensive, but if you plan to ship internationally, you’ll need to account for customs paperwork, duties, and potential delivery delays.

Once you understand these basics, you can start tailoring a strategy that works for your unique business.

2. Choosing the right shipping carriers

Shipping providers vary widely in their offerings, making it essential to pick the ones that best align with your needs. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

USPS (United States Postal Service)

Perfect for small, lightweight packages, USPS offers services like First-Class Mail for items under 1 lb and Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes for shipments that need faster delivery. Its flat-rate options are ideal if your products fit standard-sized boxes.

UPS (United Parcel Service)

Known for reliability and robust tracking, UPS works well for larger or heavier packages. Their UPS Ground service is a cost-effective solution for domestic shipping, especially for medium-sized businesses.

FedEx

Offering a wide range of services, FedEx excels in expedited shipping and time-sensitive deliveries. If your business promises next-day or two-day delivery, FedEx is a solid choice.

DHL

Specializing in international shipping, DHL provides comprehensive global coverage. If your customer base spans multiple countries, DHL’s expertise in handling customs can save you time and money.

If you're shipping within the United States, we encourage you to compare Sticker Mule Ship's UPS delivery rates with those of major carriers and other UPS resellers. You'll discover some of the lowest prices available—without hidden fees, long-term commitments, or pressure to purchase additional business shipping services.

3. Packaging basics: protection meets branding

Packaging protects your products during transit while also acting as a branding opportunity. Here’s how to balance functionality with aesthetics:

Materials:

Lightweight items like stickers are best shipped in rigid envelopes or padded poly mailers to protect against bending. Fragile or larger items may require corrugated boxes with additional cushioning like bubble wrap or packing paper. For non-fragile goods, consider Sticker Mule's custom poly mailers, which combine lightweight durability with eye-catching branding.

Branding:

Custom-branded packaging creates a memorable unboxing experience. Add your logo or designs to your mailers, or seal your boxes with branded tape. Sticker Mule offers custom shipping tape, which seals your box securely, adds a professional touch, and promotes your brand every step of the way.

Protection:

Use cardboard inserts, air pillows, or foam sheets to keep products from shifting during transit. For paper-based items like stickers, a rigid backing board inside the envelope is a simple way to prevent damage.

Investing in quality materials upfront can reduce replacement costs due to damage and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

4. Calculating shipping costs

Shipping costs can vary based on multiple factors. Accurately estimating these helps you avoid surprises and keeps your pricing competitive:

Weight and dimensions

Carriers base their rates on the weight and size of your package. Overestimate these measurements, and you’ll overpay; underestimate them, and your package might be delayed or returned. Invest in a shipping scale and measure each package to avoid errors. Chatbots like ChatGPT or Grok can be a quick way to help you with conversions between pounds, kilograms, and ounces.

Shipping zones

Carriers divide locations into zones based on their distance from your origin. The farther the package travels, the higher the shipping cost. Zone charts from carriers can help you plan accordingly.

Flat-rate options

If you frequently ship items of similar size and weight, flat-rate shipping boxes or envelopes can simplify your pricing. For instance, USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate works well for small businesses shipping items under 70 lbs. But be cautious: it’s easy to rely on flat-rate packages, only to find out later that you’ve been paying more than you would have if you’d used a calculated weight-based rate.

Sticker Mule Ship allows small businesses to print discounted UPS Ground labels, offering significant savings for domestic shipping starting at just $4.95.

5. Offering shipping options to customers

Your customers appreciate flexibility when it comes to shipping. Offering a mix of options can improve satisfaction and increase conversions:

Standard shipping

This is typically the most affordable and widely used option. USPS First-Class Mail is perfect for lightweight items like stickers, while UPS Ground works well for heavier packages.

Expedited shipping

For customers in a hurry, offering two-day or next-day delivery through FedEx or UPS can make your business more competitive.

Free shipping

Many customers expect free shipping, especially for orders over a certain amount. Build the cost of shipping into your product pricing or set thresholds (e.g., free shipping for orders over $50) to maintain profitability.

Transparency is key—be clear about delivery timelines and costs at checkout to build trust with your customers.

6. International shipping tips

Expanding your customer base globally can be a game-changer, but it requires careful planning:

Customs Documentation

Include accurate descriptions and values for your products on customs forms to avoid delays or additional charges.

Duties and Taxes

Be upfront with customers about potential import fees. Many businesses offer the option to prepay these to simplify the process for buyers.

Packaging Durability

International shipments take longer and are handled more frequently, so ensure your packaging is secure. Sticker Mule’s custom mailers are weather-resistant and durable, making them ideal for long-haul deliveries.

Choose carriers with strong international networks, like DHL or USPS International, to ensure smooth delivery.

7. Automating and tracking shipments

Simplify your shipping operations with tools that save time and improve accuracy:

Shipping Software

Platforms like Pirate Ship, ShipStation, and Sticker Mule Ship can help facilitate label printing, manage shipments, and track packages in one place.

Batch processing

For high-volume shippers, printing labels in bulk is a massive time-saver. Most shipping software includes this feature.

Real-time tracking

Always provide customers with tracking numbers so they can monitor their packages and avoid unnecessary inquiries.

Automation frees up your time to focus on growing your business.

8. Creating a great customer experience

Shipping is an extension of your brand. A seamless process can turn first-time buyers into loyal customers. Here’s how:

Accurate shipping estimates

Clearly communicate delivery times during checkout.

Proactive updates

Use tracking tools to keep customers informed about their orders.

Memorable unboxing

Use branded elements like custom tape or stickers to make the experience feel special. Sticker Mule’s custom packaging solutions, including mailers, shipping tape, and labels, can enhance your presentation without complicating your workflow.

Conclusion

Shipping is more than just moving products from point A to point B—it’s a vital part of your business that can impact customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and profitability. By choosing the right carriers, optimizing packaging, and leveraging tools like Sticker Mule Ship and custom packaging, you can streamline your process while standing out in a competitive market.

Take the time to evaluate your shipping practices today, and you’ll set your business up for smoother operations and happier customers tomorrow.