Is Faster Always Better? Unpacking Consumer Preferences for Shipping Options
Fast shipping has become a hallmark of online shopping, with many consumers expecting their orders to arrive in days if not hours. Retailers have jumped on this trend, recognizing that providing faster shipping options can increase customer satisfaction and boost conversion rates. A study by Coresight Research highlights a 10% increase in conversions when faster […]
Read More »Avoid Common Pitfalls in Sales Forecasting for Your Online Store
As e-commerce continues its impressive growth trajectory, with global B2C sales projected to grow at a 14.4% compound annual growth rate by 2027, it’s tempting for many online retailers to expect that same rate of expansion for their own businesses. However, while the overall industry is booming, not all e-commerce businesses will see the same […]
Read More »2024 HOLIDAY SHIPPING DEADLINES
The following are the 2024 date and time shipping deadlines to observe to get your orders where they need to go prior to Christmas by carrier and service: 12/8, 2pm – last order in by for USPS APO/FPO/DPO 12/17, 2pm – last order in by for Fedex Ground & Home Delivery 12/17, 2pm – last order in […]
Read More »2024 HOLIDAY SHIPPING SURCHARGES
The three main carriers (USPS, Fedex, UPS) have all announced shipping surcharges for the holiday season 2024. Here is what to expect : USPS – Effective dates are October 6 through January 19th. The surcharge is broken out by zone and weight, but effectively range from $0.30 to $1.25 per package. Fedex – Effective dates […]
Read More »A Guide for Global Sellers Facing Rising US Tariffs
As tariffs tighten their grip on global trade, international sellers need more than just great products; they need a strategy to navigate the US market’s hidden costs. Tariffs totaled $3.1 trillion in 2023 and are expected to continue to shape trade practices for years to come. These taxes, intended to protect domestic industries, often raise […]
Read More »Four Steps To Prep for Successful Shipping in the 2024 Holiday Season
The 4th quarter of 2024 is on our doorstep which means it’s time to prepare your business for success during the busy holiday shopping season. Businesses typically earn a significant portion of their revenue during the holiday season, up to 20% or more, according to the National Retail Federation. For e-commerce businesses, opportunities to earn […]
Read More »Navigating the Complexities of the US Market as an International Ecommerce Business
For international businesses, the allure of the US market is undeniable. The huge consumer base, 134 million consumers as of 2022, and high buying power offer an enticing opportunity to boost a company’s sales but these opportunities come with challenges. International businesses selling their products in the US can run into unexpected logistical hurdles and […]
Read More »Clean Up Your Supply Chain: Streamline Your Operations With These 4 Spring Cleaning Tips
Spring is the unofficial time of the year to clean up and organize after months stuck inside. But this mindset can include more than just your home. Your business should include a “clean sweep” through not just your spaces, but your processes and operations as well. Although each business is unique, we recommend looking at […]
Read More »Is it Time to Hire a Chief Logistics Officer? 3 Signs Your Business is Ready
During the life of your online retail business, you will ask yourself a lot of questions around timing: Is it time to hire my first employee? Is it time for a bigger space? Is it time for me to raise prices? We have worked with established brands and new businesses since 2009, and we have […]
Read More »Is it a Business or a Hobby? How to Plan for Success With Your Ecommerce Site
It is estimated that by 2025, the ecommerce industry will reach over $7 trillion in sales across the globe. That’s a huge number. Many economists term this rightfully – if not curelly – as “grow or die.” Although many ecommerce startups want to believe that they are in it for the long-run, the reality is […]
Read More »Using Digital Tools To Maximize Your Customer Experience & Increase Your Sales Leads
Digital marketing touches everything we touch. From the moment we unlock our smartphones, open our laptops or “check in” at our favorite restaurant, the vast internet universe is collecting data on us. Creepy? Maybe. Helpful? For business owners, yes. When you are an ecommerce store that survives on people’s online behavior, it’s important to maximize […]
Read More »Build a Spring Holiday Strategy: How Easter and Mother’s Day Could Affect Your Logistics Planning
With the Christmas holiday following closely behind Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the last six weeks of the year in the United States often need strategic planning to lead to serious profitability for e-commerce businesses. However, this could also be true towards the end of Q1 as Easter (March/April) and Mother’s Day (May) hit within […]
Read More »6 Questions to Ask Yourself For Long-Term Success with a Logistics Partner
When your e-commerce business is growing rapidly, it often feels like you are trying to build the plane while you are flying it. Although this is a familiar feeling for many small to medium sized businesses, it can often lead to snap decision making – because when you need help, you need it, well, yesterday. […]
Read More »4 Ways to Reach Your Business Goals Using Last Year’s Data
It probably shouldn’t surprise you that most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by February 1. In fact, according to research by OSU’s Fisher College of Business, 9% of people bail on their resolutions by the first week of January. But the good news is that in 2024 your business likely has a lot of […]
Read More »2024 Holiday Schedule
Please take note of the Holiday closures for Sweetwater Logistics in 2024: Monday, January 1 New Year’s Day Monday, January 15 Martin Luther King Jr. birthday Monday, February 19 Washington’s Birthday (observed) Monday, May 27 Memorial Day Thursday, July 4 & Friday, July 5 Independence Day Monday, September 2 Labor Day Monday, October 14 Columbus […]
Read More »Reduce Costs and Improve Efficiency Along Your Supply Chain for 2024
As your business grows, you expect that expenses and processes will grow and become more complex. However, it is possible to grow your ecommerce business without sacrificing efficiency or your bottom line. It just takes strategic adjustments along your supply chain. We break down four crucial areas and recommend where you can improve for 2024. […]
Read More »2023 HOLIDAY SHIPPING DEADLINES
The following are the 2023 date and time shipping deadlines to observe to get your orders where they need to go prior to Christmas by carrier and service: 12/8, 3pm – last order in by for USPS APO/FPO/DPO 12/8, 3pm – last order in by for UPS SurePost / Fedex Smart Post (Ground Economy) 12/13, 3pm – last […]
Read More »4 Tips for Post-Holiday Marketing for eCommerce Stores
By January, everyone feels the inevitable “holiday hangover” from a full month of family, food and gift-giving. And as an e-commerce business owner, you and your team are doubly exhausted from surviving a busy – and hopefully profitable – fourth quarter. Which is why it’s likely you may want to rest and take it easy […]
Read More »Four Questions Your Customers Might Ask This Holiday Season – And How To Respond
Although fall has only just settled across much of the U.S., you don’t have to look too far – commercials, store aisles or your social media feed – to know that the holidays are just around the corner. While this can be the most profitable time of year from many online businesses, it is likely […]
Read More »5 Tips for Shipping Success this Holiday Season
Whether we want to believe it or not, Q4 begins in a few short weeks. Which means if you haven’t been thinking about your shipping strategy for the holiday season, it’s probably a good time to start. With federal holiday closings, a looming winter season, and an unpredictable market, it may seem overwhelming to say […]
Read More »Surviving the Summer Slump: Four Ideas to Keep Your Business Moving Forward
Summer in the United States is historically slow for most industries. With kids out of school and families taking extended time off to get out of town, most online behavior begins to dwindle – especially online sales. So how can you make the most of the “slower season” between Memorial Day (end of May) and […]
Read More »Planning for the Unexpected: Three Parts of Your Delivery Process You Can Control
As negotiations loom closer to their July 31 deadline, Teamsters and UPS are struggling to come to an agreement for some 340,000 Union workers. Not to mention, FedEx will also experience delays as they try to handle the massive volume of both carriers on their own. Although a strike hasn’t happened since 1997, it’s still […]
Read More »Tips for Choosing the Perfect Product Packaging for Your Ecommerce
As an ecommerce business, you know that getting your product to your clients efficiently and safely is key. However, receiving a package in the mail (even if it’s expected) has become an experience for many customers. This has created the opportunity for some businesses to further connect with their clients and develop a long-lasting relationship […]
Read More »5 Tax Savings Tips for Those Selling Online
*Disclaimer: This blog applies to U.S. taxes and should be used for informational purposes only. Although selling online can be more cost-effective than needing to pay overhead for a brick and mortar store, it doesn’t come without its tax requirements. Especially when you begin selling products across multiple states in the U.S., it’s important to […]
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