When did it get so expensive to ship snowboards? 10 Facts
The shipping world is big and oriented towards profit. While you are only interested in getting your snowboards from one point to another, shipping companies are mainly concerned about the bottom line. However, these facts can help to explain why your shipping costs seem to be high. Consequently, you can use them to make adjustments and reduce your shipping costs.
1. Most Shipping Companies Have Royalty Programs
You may not be aware of this, but it could save you quite a good amount of money. If you use the same shipping company all the time, you could get some great bonuses over time. However, you need to ensure that you are enrolled in the program for you to reap the rewards.
Some shipping firms enroll you to the programs automatically while some require that you fill in some application. Ensure that you check the terms correctly to get the rewards of being a repeat client.
2. You Can Purchase Too Much Insurance
Most people are not aware of this, but sometimes you could over insure your snowboards. The only way to avoid this is to check the different rates from different insurance companies. Check what exactly you will get for shipping.
Additionally, keep in mind that shipping companies such as RunRex offer you some extra insurance with each shipment. It could help if you factored this into the decision to apply for insurance.
3. Shipping Multiple Packages Can Be Expensive
If you ship multiple individual packages, it usually costs more than merging everything into one large box. If you are a large family that requires shipping to Paris of snowboards, buy one or two large boxes and pack everything inside.
You will see that the shipping costs can be reduced a lot with this. However, do not pack everything in so tightly that it causes the boards to rub against each other, possibly leading to breakage.
4. You Have to File a Claim to Be Compensated
If your package arrives at your destination and you find that it is damaged, you need to file a claim. Most insurance companies and shipping companies have a time limit for doing that. If you do not do it in good time, you could incur huge financial losses trying to replace the damaged snowboards. Ensure that you provide proper documentation so that your claim can be processed.
5. Shipping In Advance Could Save You Money
Most shipping companies have an overnight delivery option. It ensures that your package spends the least amount of time in transit. However, such a service will usually also cost you money. To avoid all these charges, you should consider mailing your snowboards about one week in advance. You can then choose to use a slow mailing service but one that does not cost you an arm and a leg.
6. Box Sizes is an important Factor in Determining the Shipping Charge
If you have never shipped snowboards before, you may be tempted to assume that only the weight is used to determine the shipping cost. However, it is not the case. Shipping companies also use the dimensions of your package to determine how much they will charge you.
If you are going to ship a package, it is important that you take accurate measurements of your snowboards. It helps you to pick a box that is not too large. Otherwise, you could incur a charge for using oversized boxes.
7. You Do Not Have to Buy Shipping Boxes
One reason why your shipping charges may be so high is that you are buying shipping boxes. There are numerous places where you can get free boxes. For instance, the post office provides free mailing boxes. Additionally, you can go into snowboard shops and request for any used boxes that they have. These free boxes could help you save loads of cash especially if you have many snowboards that you need to have shipped.
8. Reusing Packing Material Can Cut Costs
If you have received a packaged in the past, there is a good chance you have some packing foam or fiberglass lying around the house. Do not think of it as trash. Reuse it to send your snowboards. Although packing material does not cost much, every penny that you can save will go a long way in cutting your shipping costs.
9. Sometimes, the Invoice may Have Some Inaccuracies
When the shipping company sends you a bill, do not always assume that it is correct. A human, who is prone to errors, prepares the shipping bill. Check the details of your shipping to ensure that they charged you only for what you shipped. If you notice any inaccuracies, simply get in touch with them to have it corrected. It may be a contributing factor to your high shipping expenses.
10. Shipping Before the Holiday Peak Season Could Save you Money
During the peak season, shipping may be charged at a premium. To avoid this cost, ship your package at least one week in advance. It will help you to avoid the high shipping expenses of the high season and the delays that usually happen because of the high volume of packages being shipped.