As we all know, shipping is no easy task. There are plenty of things that can go wrong along the way. However, some errors are more costly than others. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common shipping blunders and their consequences. Whether you’re shipping products domestically or internationally, these mistakes can be quite costly.

1. Incorrect Addresses 📫

One of the most common mistakes that can cost you money in shipping is incorrect or incomplete addresses. With the rise of online shopping, consumers often input their shipping addresses rather than verifying it. This phenomenon can lead to items getting lost, delayed, or delivered to the wrong location.

👉🏼Tip: Always double-check the shipping address when buying products online. Additionally, ensure that the shipping software is capable of verifying and correcting addresses.

A package with a label that says "Wrong Address"

2. Improper Packaging 📦

Improper packaging is a recipe for disaster when it comes to shipping. If you don’t pack your products properly, they may break, get damaged, or become lost in transit. Such situations can lead to irate customers, lost revenue, and damage to your brand’s reputation.

👉🏼Tip: Pack items securely with enough padding to ensure they don’t get destroyed when in transit. Always use sturdy cardboard boxes and bubble wrap, tape properly, and fill space in larger boxes to prevent any movement.

A shattered mug in pieces with bubble wrap in the background

3. Late Delivery 🕰️

Late delivery of an item can cost a small fortune in refunds, not to mention the damage it can cause to your business reputation. Whether you’re a consumer or a retailer, if your package arrives late, it can leave a lasting negative impact.

👉🏼Tip: Always ensure you choose a reputable shipping service that provides real-time tracking information. Try to be clear on delivery dates and communicate them to customers consistently.

A lost and unmoved package sitting in a corner

4. Restricted and Prohibited Items 🚫

Shipping certain items can be challenging and requires some level of expertise to get the job done right. Items that are restricted and prohibited can lead to hefty fines, legal issues and in extreme cases, imprisonment.

👉🏼Tip: Always check with the shipping company or carrier to confirm which items are prohibited or restricted before attempting to ship them. Failure to do so could result in serious consequences.

A package with a warning symbol and the word "Restricted" in big letters

5. Customs and Duty Charges 🛃

Customs fees, taxes, and duty charges can be a significant additional expense when shipping products internationally. These costs can cause discontent and complaints from customers, leading to low sales.

👉🏼Tip: Ensure to understand your products’ country-specific import/export laws and regulations to keep your business in line. Research thoroughly about customs, taxes and duty charges in each region before partnering with any international shipping provider.

A person holding an International Shipping box looking at a customs delivery paper

Conclusion

Shipping mistakes can be a real headache and can create a nightmare scenario for both the sender and receiver. Whether it’s incorrect address details, late deliveries, restricted items, improper packaging, or duty charges, each error can be costly. The good news is that most of these mistakes can be avoided with due diligence, knowledge and experience.

A smiling mailman waving to a package that has been delivered safely