How to Save Money on WooCommerce Shipping Tips for Small Businesses

TL;DR - biggest levers

• Right‑size packaging: reduce dimensional weight. Keep most parcels within 100×150 mm label format and small‑parcel size tiers.
• Use 2 - 3 carriers: route by weight, size, region, and SLA. Avoid one‑size‑fits‑all pricing.
• Batch & scan‑to‑print: less admin time per order → lower labour cost per parcel.
• Validate addresses up front: cut address‑correction and remote‑area surcharges.
• Review contracts quarterly: renegotiate breakpoints, fuel/peak surcharges, and Saturday options.

Quick wins (under 1 hour)

Packaging & dimensional weight

• Right‑size boxes: Downsize outer cartons to avoid DIM weight thresholds.
• Use mailer bags where safe: Switch from boxes to poly/padded mailers for apparel & soft goods.
• Standardise a small set: 3 - 4 approved sizes reduce picking errors and over‑boxing.
• Measure true DIM: Carriers bill on the greater of actual vs dimensional - don’t guess.

Carrier mix & service mapping

• Light parcels (≤1 kg): Often Royal Mail/Evri win for cost & coverage.
• 1 - 15 kg or time‑critical: DPD for predictability and customer comms.
• Bulky/oversize: Parcelforce or specialist networks.
• International: RM Intl Tracked for small packets; UPS/DHL for express.

Deep dive: Best UK shipping options (2025)

Process & labour savings

• Batch pick by zone: Shorter walks, fewer touches.
• Scan‑to‑print: Label prints when the order barcode is scanned.
• Block labels until verified: Require SKU scans to prevent mis‑picks and costly reships.
• Automate tracking & emails: Fewer WISMO tickets and manual updates.

International cost control

• Use correct HS codes & origin: Avoid customs holds and return‑to‑sender waste.
• IOSS/low‑value relief: For EU B2C, sending with IOSS can reduce payer confusion & fees.
• DDP vs DDU: For premium experience, offer DDP on higher‑value baskets; use DDU for budget tiers.
• Packet vs express: Route light, low‑value orders via tracked packet services.

Returns & refunds

• On‑demand labels: Generate return labels only when needed (QR options help).
• Consolidate returns: Use drop‑off networks to reduce collection fees.
• Analyse reasons: Fix repeat offenders (sizing, packaging damage) to reduce return volume.

Negotiating with carriers (template)

Ask your account manager for price breaks with this simple script:

Hi <Name>  -  we ship ~<X> orders/month with
<weight bands> and <destinations>. We’re evaluating
bringing <carrier> more volume if we can hit:

• New base rate: £<target> for <service> up to <weight>
• Surcharges: waive address correction / reduce remote area
• Peak: cap at <x>% for Nov - Dec
• Saturday: include at no extra cost on Next Day

Can we run a 4‑week pilot and review results together?

Savings estimator

This is directional; your mix of weights, destinations, and surcharges will vary. Use it to frame a business case.

Common surcharge pitfalls

• Address corrections and inaccessible/remote areas
• Dimensional weight rounding pushing you into the next band
• Saturday/AM surcharges added by mistake
• Batteries, aerosols, blades shipped via the wrong network

Reduce spend with ParcelOffice

Also see Eco‑friendly shipping for cost‑aligned sustainability wins.

FAQs

Is Evri cheaper than Royal Mail?

Sometimes - for standard parcels and the right bands. Royal Mail can win on light packets and nationwide coverage. Test both and route by rules rather than picking a single winner.

What label size saves money?

Label size doesn’t change courier cost directly, but standardising 100×150 mm (4×6″) reduces misprints and wasted labels - indirect savings.

How do I get better rates?

Bring volume data, promise a trial shift of a specific band, and ask for reductions on surcharges (address correction, remote area) and a cap on peak.

Won’t multi‑carrier make things complex?

Not if you automate. A rules engine chooses the carrier and prints the right label on scan. For staff, it’s simpler than manual decisions.