Shipping
Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to increase 10 percent in March compared with the same month last year, and year-over-year gains should continue through midsummer, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Nordstrom will offer free shipping permanently on all purchases at its more than 100 namesake department stores starting this week, increasing competitive pressure on its rivals. The move comes about six months after the retailer became the first department store chain to add standard free shipping and returns on online orders.
At eBay's Town Hall Meeting last night, sellers called in with various concerns. But eBay staff who fielded sellers' questions seemed unprepared for the onslaught of questions about new shipping requirements.
Etsy is working on major changes to its shipping features and has some experienced online sellers concerned. Etsy called it a "big project with multiple phases" that it's undertaking in order to improve the shipping experience on the marketplace.
UPS and FedEx simultaneously increased their rates earlier this year. As a shipper it's absolutely vital to your organization to truly understand the rate increases and the influence they have on your bottom line.
In my role as second-in-command with American Catalog Mailers Association (ACMA), I’m often asked by members what they should do about their catalog marketing programs in light of the current state of calamity facing the nearly bankrupt U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
Q: “What are some best practices around shipping orders to Canada? What practices ensure optimal customer service, and what shipping services, methods or providers do you use or recommend? Thanks!”
— Nicholas Cole, vice president of e-commerce, Trinity Road
Sixteen retailers, including Amazon.com and Macy's, achieved savings averaging 32 percent in international shipping costs in a recent packaging study conducted by Bongo International, a global e-commerce solution provider.
eBay warned sellers on Thursday to prepare for next week's postage rate changes from the U.S. Postal Service. The new USPS rates take effect on Jan. 22. eBay said it would update its shipping calculator, labels and PayPal labels to reflect the new rates.
In a twist on its proven formula, Target announced a new partnership series that brings local boutique owners, rather than internationally recognized fashion brands, into the mix of its successful high-low designer collaborations. Five boutiques from across the country have designed limited-edition collections that will be sold in Target stores and on Target.com beginning in May.