How to Ship Subscription Boxes: 4 Steps | Sherpack

How to Ship Subscription Boxes

4 min read
employee packing subscription boxes

Subscription boxes have become increasingly popular thanks to their ability to provide customers with an exciting way to try out new products and discover new brands. However, in order to deliver this fun experience to customers, you have to overcome the challenges of shipping and fulfillment. Keep reading to learn how to ship subscription boxes and why partnering with a fulfillment center may be your best bet.

4 Steps to Subscription Box Shipping

Last year, the global subscription box market reached $28.1 billion and is expected to continue growing over the next couple of years. Whether you’re a market veteran or just starting a new subscription box business, you may benefit from reviewing these steps of the subscription box shipping process.

1. Choose a Shipping Carrier

It’s important to work with a carrier that has a good reputation for on-time delivery, handles packages with care, and offers competitive pricing. Some popular shipping options include USPS, FedEx, and UPS, but you’ll want to do thorough research to determine which is best for you. Factors you may want to consider include delivery speed, shipping costs, package tracking, and size and weight restrictions. It’s also a smart idea to read customer reviews to learn about quality of services.

2. Plan and Create Your Subscription Box

You can’t have a box without a plan! You’ll need to decide what products you want to include, design packaging, and create any marketing materials you’d like to insert. When selecting products, consider your target audience and what they would find valuable. If you want to take your box to the next level, consider custom packaging to add a special touch and make it more memorable for customers. It’s also important to choose the right packaging material to ensure your products stay safe and arrive in good condition.

3. Pack and Label

Labeling your subscription boxes is crucial for ensuring they arrive at the correct destination. Ensure that each box is clearly marked with the customer’s name, address, and any relevant tracking information. You may also want to include branding or other marketing materials on the outside of the box.

4. Ship and Monitor Delivery

Once your boxes are packed and shipping labels are placed, you’ll need to schedule pick-up or drop-off with your chosen shipping carrier. Make sure you have a reliable schedule in place so that your boxes are shipped according to schedule.

It’s also important to monitor delivery to ensure your boxes arrive on time and in good condition. You may want to consider using a tracking system to keep tabs on each shipment or reaching out to customers for feedback so you can easily address any issues that arise.

Should You Outsource Subscription Box Shipping and Fulfillment?

When you’re first getting started, small-scale subscription services are relatively easy to manage in-house. However, as your business continues to grow, outsourcing to a fulfillment center for inventory and shipping is a cost-effective way to streamline the process and make your daily operations more manageable. A fulfillment center can provide various services for your subscription box company, including:

  • Inventory management
  • Box assembly
  • Custom packaging
  • Packaging testing
  • Shipping
  • Tracking, returns, and more

Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Sherpack has the subscription box and kitting services needed to help your business thrive. We’ll put thought and care into every box to ensure product safety while also creating a memorable customer experience. Ready to optimize your fulfillment and shipping strategies? Contact us today for a consultation!