Using UPS Online Tools to Streamline Your Shipping Process

If you haven't selected a shipping partner yet, you might want to consider using UPS (United Parcel Service). UPS OnLine Tools is integrated with the Yahoo! store. This means a more streamlined shipping process by processing your shipments directly from your store's Order Manager.

Integration benefits include these:

• Address validation No need to worry about customers entering incorrect city, state, and ZIP information. If customers make a mistake, the system alerts them with an error message. This avoids costly returns and delays in shipping.

• UPS tracking Customers can track their shipment up to the minute right from the order status page. You can also create a Track Package search box on your website (see Figure 20.5). This reduces excessive inquiries of "Where is my order?" because the UPS tracking number is automatically inserted into each order.

  Figure 20.5. Allow customers to track their own shipments by creating an order status page. This reduces excessive inquiries of "Where is my order?"

  

• UPS rates Customers can compare and select the shipping service that best fits their needs and budget.

• UPS time in transit During the checkout process, a display shows the number of days in transit for each of your UPS shipping services within the United States.

• Print labels You can print shipping labels right from the order screen with your own printer. No need to go down to the UPS Storeyou can just schedule a UPS pickup.

• UPS branding A "We ship via UPS" message is displayed during checkout and upon order confirmation. UPS's reliable service should make your customers feel secure about receiving their products.

• Added handling fees You can add a handling fee on top of the UPS actual shipping fee by combining shipping rules. One rule uses the UPS Real-Time rates; the other adds a fee that you determine to every order. This not only covers the cost of packaging, but it also creates a buffer to cover the expenses of resending costs, or selecting faster and more expensive shipment options when you can't charge the customer for additional or multiple shipping. The extra dollar or two can also be a small profit center.

For additional information, visit http://promotions.yahoo.com/ups/static/merchant_center.html.

Web Resource

For additional information and how to set up the UPS OnLine Tools, visit www.myecommercesuccess.com.