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.