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International shipping should be an option for every business, and our partner GlobalPost is working to simplify the process. GlobalPost partners with over 200 carriers globally to find the best route for your packages and better support the last mile of your package’s journey. GlobalPost Plus is an additional solution aimed at simplifying international shipping to eligible countries, and it is currently accessible to all Stamps.com merchants.

What is GlobalPost Plus?

GlobalPost Plus is available for shipping to Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, and the UK. GlobalPost directly coordinates with your destination country’s customs office to pre-clear your shipments. This expedites the process, which helps your shipments be quickly delivered to customers. GlobalPost Plus also enables you to pay the taxes and duties in place of your customers, preventing any surprises for customers and/or returned packages.

Canada DDP

When shipping to Canada, Stamps.com customers can use Canada Delivery Duty Paid or DDP. Canada DDP allows you to prepay the taxes and duties on a shipment for a flat fee. This way, your customers don’t have to pay these fees when their packages arrive. Canada DDP can be used for shipments weighing up to four pounds that are shipped using First-Class Mail International^®, Priority Mail International^®, and Priority Mail International Express^®. The flat rate fee for First-Class Mail International^®, Priority Mail International^®, and Priority Mail International Express^®is $9.95.

The benefits of international shipping

Considering international shipping for your business is valuable, as it exposes your products to a broader audience. In fact, our recent study with Retail Economics found that 53% of merchants use online marketplaces to reach a broader audience; imagine what could happen if you also offer shipping to international customers. Additionally, international holidays lead to more sales and promotional opportunities to build your audience.

Shipping internationally with Stamps.com

Not only can Stamps.com merchants use GlobalPost Plus, but selecting the service is easy. To select GlobalPost Plus as a carrier service, you’ll

Click the International Tab.
Add your customer’s name and address, as well as the weight of your shipment.
Select the Carrier drop-down menu and find GlobalPost.
Click on GlobalPost Plus on the Service drop-down menu.
Underneath the Service drop-down menu, select the Edit Form button.
Fill out your customs form.
Select Ok.
Print your label!*

*Note: The Ship-To address will show a domestic address because shipments are sent to the closest GlobalPost Domestic Shipping Center for distribution.

International shipping is only a matter of clicks away. Expanding to a larger market is an option for your business, and services like GlobalPost Plus prove that gaining more customers doesn’t have to mean your business gains more work. GlobalPost supports merchants by adding HS codes to your customs forms based on the information provided, and their support team is available to help with any questions you may have along the way. Start shipping around the globe with the help of GlobalPost and Stamps.com.

Start shipping internationally with the help of Stamps.com and GlobalPost today.

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A person pulls a red and green wrapped present out of a shipping box.

Say you need to ship gifts, like a stuffed animal, a new action figure, or a battery-operated toy car. Easy enough, right? Now, picture this. Your customers go to open their gifts, but the stuffed animal has a cracked eye, the action figure is broken, and the car arrived late because the batteries weren’t properly documented.

While these are worst-case scenarios, shipping faux pas are possible. Shipping toys may seem straightforward, but there are several packaging requirements and recommendations to be aware of. That’s why we’re giving you the gift of the best practices for shipping holiday toys. Who knows? Santa might even learn a thing or two.

Ship toys from anywhere at any time with the Stamps.com Mobile app.

How to ship stuffed animals

Stuffed animals are made to be hugged and squeezed. The downside is, that makes them more vulnerable to being squashed in transit. We recommend shipping stuffed animals in boxes as opposed to envelopes to avoid any tearing or other forms of destruction. This box should be big enough for the toy but shouldn’t be oversized. Any extra space should be filled with environmentally friendly cushioning materials.

We also recommend wrapping your plush in bubble wrap. Some have glass or plastic eyes that could be cracked or scratched throughout their journey. The risk for damage doesn’t stop in transit though. When your package arrives, it may be opened with a box cutter or scissors. Including extra padding will prevent your stuffed animal from suffering any damage at the hands of sharp objects. Lastly, if you plan to use a sealed bag or shrink wrap, clearly mark it with a suffocation warning label for safety purposes.

How to ship action figures and boxed collectibles

Action figures, Vinyls, and other collectibles come pre-packaged. However, we still recommend shipping them in boxes. Like with stuffed animals, the box should only be slightly larger than the item itself, and any spaces should be filled with cushioning material.

If the products are breakable or have fragile parts, mark the shipment accordingly. Use orientation arrows to show carriers how the package should be handled, and label the shipment as fragile on the outer packaging. Some of these items only have a limited release or aren’t readily available, so it’s crucial to keep them in the best possible condition.

Stock up on shipping supplies in the Stamps.com Store.

How to ship batteries

Some of the most important gifts you can give this holiday season are batteries. They keep remote-control cars racing, robots walking, and dolls talking. However, there are some carrier requirements for shipping batteries to keep in mind. These guidelines and restrictions will vary by carrier, and there are different criteria between domestic and international shipping. We recommend reaching out to your carrier of choice directly with any questions you may have.

International restrictions

International shipping restrictions and guidelines may differ from domestic shipping restrictions. For example, NERF blasters can’t be shipped to the UK, and non-wooden toys can’t be shipped to Italy. Understanding these restrictions before shipping your package prevents lengthy delays, returned shipments, and potential fees. International shipping restrictions may differ from carrier to carrier, so contact your carrier before shipping any products.

Shipping toys safely with Stamps.com

Shipping deadlines are getting closer by the day, meaning there’s less time to guarantee packages will arrive for the holidays. Without the option to send a replacement gift, how can you ensure packages arrive safe and sound? Stamps.com customers can enable Ship Notification Emails, so recipients know when shipments are arriving. You can even customize Branded Ship Notification Emails to showcase your logo and highlight any holiday deals. Stamps.com shippers can also resend tracking information via email whenever needed/available. These emails help customers make arrangements if they’ll be away when packages arrive or can’t bring them inside upon delivery.

While the holiday season does bring cheer and goodwill, it unfortunately also brings an increase in package theft. Tracking may help customers plan for delivery, but sometimes, there are circumstances outside of everyone’s control. That’s why it’s always better to plan ahead with shipping insurance. Some carrier services include coverage, but shipping through Stamps.com gives you the option to add more insurance with our partner, ParcelGuard™. ParcelGuard™ works with all of our offered carriers, and they’ll handle any claims, regardless of the carrier you used.

Tips for shipping toys

Enable notification emails and resend tracking information whenever needed.
Ship products in boxes that are slightly larger than the item but aren’t oversized.
Purchase additional insurance for high-cost or limited-edition items for more coverage.
Fill any gaps between your toy and the box with cushioning materials to prevent movement.
Reach out to your carrier about international shipping restrictions and battery guidelines before shipping.
Mark fragile items as such and use orientation arrows to show carriers how the box should be placed.

It may be the season of giving, but that doesn’t mean you should give yourself unnecessary shipping stressors. Action figures and stuffed animals may come with fragile or breakable parts. But, as long as you package them with additional cushioning and wrapping, they’re more likely to make it through transit unscathed. Batteries may require documentation, but carriers provide online resources and can answer any questions you may have. The same goes for international shipping. When it comes to shipping toys, action figures, and accessories like batteries, it may require a little extra effort. However, the joy these items bring is worth it, and your customers will appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Give yourself the gift of a risk-free trial to Stamps.com.

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Regardless of the products you sell, returns will always be part of your business. Sometimes, clothing doesn’t fit correctly, a customer accidentally bought the same gift as someone else, or the recipient would prefer a different product. While the reasons may vary, your return policy should be consistent because customers are taking note.

Our recent study with Retail Economics found that 24% of customers stated inconvenient returns were their biggest concern during the holiday season globally. With almost 1 in 4 customers letting your return policy influence their purchasing decisions, your business can’t afford to ignore customer expectations. We’ve created 5 tips to help businesses of all sizes craft a successful return policy to boost holiday sales and customer satisfaction.

1. Keep your return policy clear

Read through your return policy from a customer’s perspective. Are any steps unclear? Would you be able to successfully return a product to your business? If any part of your return policy needs a couple of rereads to understand, rewrite it. Customers should be able to follow your return policy without hesitation; if you can’t follow your return policy, it’s likely your customers can’t either. It also may be worth adding an FAQ section and/or bullet points within your text, so it’s easier for customers to scan.

On the other hand, too much text can prove to be confusing or difficult to read. Consider using graphics or illustrations to accompany your directions. For example, if you’re going to send customers a return label with their initial purchase, include a picture of a label so they know what to look for. You can even include illustrations or stock images of “customers” completing the return process to make your policy stand out from the competition.

2. Ask customers for feedback

Customer feedback is crucial for a business, especially during the holiday season. Asking customers the reason for their return can provide valuable insight for your business. For example, if customers are responding that a shirt doesn’t fit correctly, it may be time to adjust the sizing, description, and photo on your website.

Additionally, if you begin to see feedback around late delivery, you may need to offer different carrier services to better suit your customers’ needs. Our study found that 40% of customers are most concerned about late delivery or packages arriving when no one is home globally, so it’s worth keeping in mind.

3. Consider offering exchanges

Say a customer loves the skirt they purchased from your store, but they need a different size or would like a different style. Instead of only offering returns, why not offer exchanges? Not only do exchanges help your business recoup some of the marketing and fulfillment costs spent on promoting and packaging products, but it shows your customers you’re willing to go the extra mile. This leads to increased customer satisfaction, which leads to the increased possibility of repeat business.

4. Reward quick returns

Between holiday travel and inclement weather, circumstances outside of your customers’ control can lead to late returns. We recommend extending your return window during the holidays for this very reason. However, you can still reward customers who return products within a shorter timeframe. The longer a customer waits to return their product, the higher the chance a product will have to be discounted and/or can’t be resold. Rewarding customers who can return orders faster will encourage them to do so in the future.

5. Provide customers with convenient drop-off options

Life is full of errands, and the holiday season only adds more. Customers may also be visiting friends and family, so they aren’t sure where the closest carrier drop-off locations are. Providing your customers with resources to find carrier drop-off locations helps them to drop off returns more efficiently. This means orders can be returned faster, as customers aren’t having to search for drop-off locations themselves. Most carriers include locator links on their websites that are easy to include on your website as well.

Ship and mail from anywhere this holiday season with the Stamps.com Mobile App.

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The holiday season is once again upon us, which means an increase in orders is right around the corner. The busier you become, the easier it is to make mistakes like taking incorrect measurements or leaving old labels on the packaging. These mistakes can lead to costly adjustments and/or returned packages. With shipping deadlines in place and increased shipping volumes for carriers, you don’t have time to waste reshipping orders. That’s why Stamps.com and UPS are here with some reminders to help you avoid additional fees.

Note: These surcharges can be applied year-round, not just during the holiday season.

Check your packaging before reusing

If your packaging seems unstable or flimsy, it’s okay to retire and recycle it. USPS and UPS each offer some free shipping supplies on their websites that can be ordered directly to your home or business. You can also order certain USPS shipping supplies directly from your Stamps.com account.

If your packaging is sturdy enough to be reused, look for any old labels and/or other special markings (hazardous material stickers, perishable content warnings, etc…). Remove anything that doesn’t apply to your new shipment to avoid getting any extra fees for incorrect packaging or additional handling your package didn’t actually need. Your orders will get to their destinations without additional delays, and your shipping budget won’t suffer.

Use the correct packaging for your orders

During the holiday season, orders range from breakables like coffee mugs to treats like chocolates. One is obviously more fragile than the other, but both items can handle their journey with some extra support. Wrap your items and surround any gaps between your items and the outer packaging with Kraft paper or other recyclable materials. We recommend using pressure-sensitive plastic or nylon-reinforced tape that’s at least 2 inches/5.08 centimeters wide. This way, your package is well-sealed, and there’s less of a chance that someone will open a broken gift on Christmas morning.

Keep your holiday shipping merry and bright with a risk-free trial to Stamps.com.

Confirm your shipment’s dimensions

We can’t stress this enough: double-check all of your shipment’s dimensions before entering them — Santa even checks his list twice. Measure the length, width, and height of your package multiple times, and round up the weight of your shipment to the nearest pound when needed, so you can better avoid charge corrections for your shipments. If/when your shipment isn’t a traditional shape, take a picture of its dimensions, just in case you need them later. We’ve included information about some of the commonly issued additional fees below.

Additional Handling – Non-standard packages require extra care when moving through UPS Operations and are subject to additional surcharges. Such examples include, but are not limited to:
- Any article that is not fully encased in a corrugated cardboard shipping container
- Any package with an outer shipping container covered in shrink wrap or stretch wrap
- Cylindrical tubes/packages
- Packages bound by metal/plastic/cloth
- Packages < 1 inch in a single dimension
- Packages with the longest side exceeding 48 inches or its second-longest side exceeding 30 inches
Large Package – Large packages require special care and are subject to additional surcharges when the package meets the specifications below. An Additional Handling Charge will not be assessed when a Large Package Surcharge is applied.
- Packages can be up to 90 pounds
- Packages can be up to 130 inches in length and girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined
- Packages can be up to 96 inches in length
Over Maximum Size – Over Max shipments are packages that are not compatible with the UPS system and should be shipped via another shipping method. Confirm your packages follow the guidelines below to avoid having a shipment returned as well as an additional surcharge applied:
- Packages can be up to 150 pounds
- Packages can be up to 165 inches in length and girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined
- Packages can be up to 108 inches in length

As a reminder, to support SMBs, UPS will not apply Demand Surcharges to merchants on Stamps.com†.

Dimensional Weight

Sometimes, the actual weight of your package may not be the weight your shipment is charged for. Dimensional weight reflects a package’s volume, which is the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. This means the weight is based on your package’s dimensions instead of the weight you see when you place your shipment on the scale. You can determine whether the dimensional weight or actual weight will be used to determine your shipping cost in a couple of steps:

Calculate your package’s volume by multiplying the length, width, and height together
(L x W x H)

If this number is smaller than 1728, your shipping costs will be determined by the shipment’s actual weight
If the number is larger than 1728, you’ll divide it by a carrier-specific number to determine the DIM weight
For USPS and UPS on Stamps.com shipments, divide this volume by 166
For FedEx shipments, divide this number by 139

How does adding UPS Shipping to your Stamps.com account help you save money?

Stamps.com customers should already have UPS available as a carrier when they open their account. However, to add UPS as a carrier:

Go to “Settings” > Select “Common” then “Carrier” > Add New Carrier > Click “UPS”

Adding UPS as a carrier gives you even more carrier options to choose from with our Rate Advisor, so you can find the most affordable rate for your mailing and shipping needs. Start taking advantage of all these benefits when you ship with UPS on Stamps.com, including up to 78% off on UPS^®Ground shipments, up to 73% for UPS 2nd Day Air^® service, and UPS Next Day Air^® service, and up to 82% off international services*.

The best gift to receive this holiday season is the gift of no avoidable extra shipping charges. Removing old labels, using durable packaging, and double-checking all shipment measurements are all notable ways to reduce your chances of receiving these charges. Also, adding UPS^®Shipping to your Stamps.com account will help you save on your shipping costs through the holiday season and beyond.

Trim your tree and shipping costs this holiday season by signing up for Stamps.com.

*Discounts off UPS® Daily Rates. Rates are limited to shipping from the U.S. only. Rates and any applicable discounts are subject to change at any time without notice.

†Demand Surcharges are not applied only to accounts opened on Stamps.com

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Learn how Stamps.com is now offering the lowest USPS rates in the industry.

Stamps.com today announces the next phase of its decades-long partnership with the United States Post Office (USPS). In a renewed, direct agreement between the USPS and Stamps.com’s parent company, Auctane, we can now offer our customers lower shipping rates than ever before.

What are the new USPS rates?

Our new agreement with USPS gives our valued customers the lowest USPS rates in the industry. Users can now expect savings of up to 87% off retail rates and up to 15% off Commercial Plus Pricing (CPP) on Priority Mail®. Stamps.com offers all the mail classes and delivery services of USPS right from the convenience of your computer.

When will rates go into effect?

The new USPS rates have gone into effect as of October 19, 2022. Stamps.com customers automatically have access to these new rates. They do not need to take any steps to access them.

Holiday Surcharges

In addition to automatically getting discounted rates, customers can (thankfully!) avoid high holiday surcharges this season. One thing to note, these holiday surcharges don’t apply to the weight and zone prices at CPP. But if it’s below CPP, you can avoid these surcharges!

What does this mean for Stamps.com customers?

As a Stamps.com customer, our renewed agreement with USPS gives you more savings on shipping costs than ever before. We want to ensure that our customers can manage their shipping operations efficiently, and our new agreement with USPS is another way we’ll continue to keep your shipping process running smoothly.

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Getting through all of your tasks can be hectic, but the Stamps.com Mobile app adds flexibility to your day by making it easy to ship packages or mail letters from anywhere at any time. Our mobile app now allows you to conveniently print discounted USPS® stamps and USPS® and UPS® labels, enabling you to send letters and packages of any weight and any size. Learn how to efficiently manage all your shipping and mailing needs directly from your phone with the new and existing features included with the Stamps.com Mobile app.

What’s new in the Stamps.com Mobile app?

With the Stamps.com Mobile app, you can now print USPS postage on NetStamps®, print stamps directly onto any envelope, or effortlessly generate shipping labels straight from your phone. This way you don’t have to put off your mailing and shipping tasks until you’re at home or the Post Office™.

Stamps customers are always on the go. Over half of the traffic to Stamps comes from a mobile device, and now these visitors can mail and ship on their preferred device.

The benefits of the Stamps.com Mobile App

The Stamps.com Mobile app offers a wide range of advantages, making it an essential tool for all your mailing and shipping needs. Here’s why you’ll love using it:

Time-Saving Convenience: Say goodbye to the inconvenience of repeated trips to the Post Office™. With the Stamps.com Mobile app, you can handle all your mailing and shipping tasks from the comfort of your home, office, or on the go. No more wasted time or energy on unnecessary errands.

Significant Shipping Discounts: Take advantage of discounts on postage and savings up to 87% on labels. You’ll be able to compare carrier rates, ensuring you always get the best deal on your shipments.

Easy Printing: Printing stamps and labels for any type of mail or package has never been simpler. The app streamlines the process, eliminating the need for manual calculations and handwritten labels.

Flexible Account Management: Managing your account is a breeze. You can easily add funds, keeping your account topped off for uninterrupted service. This is especially useful for business owners and individuals who rely on consistent mailing and shipping.

Mobile Accessibility: The app’s mobile accessibility lets you track and manage your mail and shipments on the go, at any time. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the move, you’re always in control of your mailing and shipping activities.

Enhanced Multitasking: We understand that multitasking can be a challenge. You can now focus on your tasks without the constant back-and-forth between your computer and supply area.

In a nutshell, the Stamps.com Mobile app provides time-saving, cost-effective, and user-friendly solutions to streamline your mailing and shipping processes. Say hello to simple and wave goodbye to the hassles of traditional mailing methods.

How the Stamps.com Mobile App works

With the latest enhancements to the Stamps.com Mobile app, the busiest mailers and shippers can take their first printing step while they’re on the move.

How does the Stamps.com Mobile app work?

Go to Stamps.com to create your account.
Download the Stamps.com Mobile app for iPhone or Android.
Log into your account on the app.
Click [CREATE] to create NetStamps®, a shipping label, or an envelope.
Add sender and recipient information.
Enter the weight, size, and other basic information for your letter or package.
Check out rates and choose your preferred carrier and service.
Ready to print? Connect your phone to any wireless printer.
Not ready to print? Download a PDF to print later.
No printer? Generate a QR code and bring your item to the Post Office™ where a staff member will quickly scan it.

Stamps.com is the simplest way to mail letters and ship packages from home, work, and now your phone. Download the app today and start sending.

More Articles by Baillee Perkins

Everyone at Stamps.com wishes you a happy holiday season! As you’re preparing for the holiday shipping season, we want to share our holiday support hours as well as information about USPS and UPS holiday closures and changes in services.

Thursday, November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving Day)

Stamps.com Support: Open for normal business hours (6 AM – 6 PM PST) with limited support for basic troubleshooting and support needs.

USPS: Regular hours and operations

UPS: UPS Express Critical^®is available.

Friday, November 24, 2023

Stamps.com Support: Normal business hours (6 AM – 6 PM PST)

USPS: Regular hours and operations

UPS: Regular hours and operations

Sunday, December 24, 2023 (Christmas Eve)

Stamps.com Support: Closed

USPS:

Local Post Offices will be open. They may have extended, normal, or limited hours: Check your local Post Office location for specific hours.
Blue Collection Boxes: Mail may be picked up earlier than usual. Drop off your mail before noon (even if the final collection time posted on the box is later). If you need a later mail pickup, go to your local Post Office.
Regular mail will be delivered.

UPS:

UPS^® Domestic Ground, Air, and International are closed.
The UPS Store^®has limited locations open. Check with your store for hours of operation.
UPS Express Critical^® is available.

Monday, December 25, 2023 (Christmas Day)

Stamps.com Support: Open for normal business hours (6 AM – 6 PM PST) with limited support for basic troubleshooting and support needs

USPS:

Local Post Office locations will be closed.
Blue Collection Boxes: Mail will not be picked up.
Regular mail will not be delivered.
Priority Mail Express® mail will be delivered.*

*Note: This applies to limited locations. For more information, visit USPS’s website.

UPS:

UPS^® Domestic Ground, Air, and International are closed.
The UPS Store^®locations are closed.
UPS Express Critical^® is available.

Sunday, December 31, 2023 (New Year’s Eve)

Stamps.com Support: Closed

USPS:

Local Post Offices will be open. They may have extended, normal, or limited hours: Check your local Post Office location for specific hours.
Blue Collection Boxes: Mail may be picked up earlier than usual. Drop off your mail before noon (even if the final collection time posted on the box is later). If you need a later mail pickup, go to your local Post Office.
Regular mail will be delivered.

UPS:

UPS^® Domestic Ground, Air, and International are closed.
The UPS Store^®has limited locations open. Check with your store for hours of operation.
UPS Express Critical^® is available.

Monday, January 1, 2024 (New Year’s Day)

Stamps.com Support: Open for normal business hours (6 AM – 6 PM PST) with limited support for basic troubleshooting and support needs

USPS:

Local Post Office locations will be closed.
Blue Collection Boxes: Mail will not be picked up.
Regular mail will not be delivered.
Priority Mail Express® mail will be delivered.

UPS:

UPS^® Domestic Ground, Air, and International are closed.
The UPS Store^®locations are closed.
UPS Express Critical^® is available.

Ship and mail from anywhere at any time with the help of the Stamps.com mobile app.

More Articles by Baillee Perkins

The average cart abandonment rate is 69.89%. Of the number of people that make it all the way to checkout, 25% will leave without completing their purchase.

Whichever way look at it, that’s a sizeable number of lost customers and revenue. What’s more, the situation is even worse on mobile. Overall ecommerce conversion rates usually lag around two percentage points behind desktop.

So how can you go about recouping some of those sales?

Top companies have cut down their checkout abandonment rate to around 13%. And the simple truth is there’s nothing particularly complex about the tactics they’ve used.

By avoiding a handful of common mistakes, and making a few minor tweaks, you should be able to bring your own rate to a similar level.

1. Slash the Number of Steps to Complete a Transaction

If you look at Crutchfield’s checkout process, you’ll see that customers only need to move through three stages to make an order. It’s worth attempting to achieve the same number of steps (or even less) with your own checkout process.

Crutchfield’s checkout process is made up of only three steps.

There is one caveat, however. On mobile devices, it’s better to fit all information into one screen-sized page. If that means more than three pages, then it’s a trade-off that’s usually worth making. Making customers scroll up and down can add unnecessary friction to the buyer journey.

2. Minimize Unnecessary Page Elements

During the checkout process, you have one aim – to close the deal. Checkout pages are not the place to promote your upsells and cross-sells. What’s more, unnecessary page elements, that might cause a customer to click through to another area of your site, should be minimized.

This is especially the case on mobile, where space is at a premium and it’s easy to accidentally tap the wrong button.

Simply Hike removes all unnecessary elements including the menu and footer. It just leaves the logo, performance indicator and phone support.

Some online retailers, like Zappos, have gotten rid of everything! If you want to go down that route, however, testing is a must!

If you need to include extra information, do so in the form of toplayers (top-of-the-page pop-ups) that will open a new window when clicked.

3. Make the Most Important CTAs Easy to Click

Or, even better, place them strategically while making them easy to click.

Scott Hurff created a “Thumb Zone” map that shows the spots to avoid when deciding where to place your crucial elements. Ensure you avoid the hard-to-click areas.

Use Scott Hurff’s “thumb map” when designing your pages.

What’s more, remember that visitors use their left hand to operate their mobile devices 30% of the time. Also, keep in mind that left-handers constitute around 10% of the population.

So don’t put everything on the right-hand side of the screen!

Which hand do you use for your smartphone when you drink a coffee or eat a donut?

So how do you put these points into practice? We recommend you follow three tips:

Avoid placing elements you want users to tap in the upper part of the screen. Follow the “thumb map” above”
Make all tappable elements, like buttons or form fields, screen-wide.
Make sure your CTA buttons are colorful and stand out.
Don’t force users to tap precisely on checkboxes when subscribing to a newsletter or agreeing to the terms and conditions — make the whole line tappable (if they tap on the instruction, for example).

4. Offer Guest Checkout First

Enable guest checkout and place the CTA strategically. Unless 90% of your users are returning shoppers, the guest checkout button should be one of the first options during the checkout.

At Asos.com you can choose whether to register or simply continue to checkout.

Here’s a pro tip. Copy Spring and ask for an email address before letting a user proceed. This way, you can reach potential customers if they do abandon their cart during checkout.

Conclusion

If there’s one thing you should take away from this post, it’s the simple maxim that “less is more” when it comes to customer checkout.

You want users to undertake one (and only one) action – and that’s to complete the purchase! Anything that prevents them from doing this should be dropped!

And, as always, don’t forget to test the results of all the tweaks you make. While these tips will set you in the right direction, consistent testing will enable you to find your own winning mix!

Are you looking for more ideas to grow your ecommerce conversion rate? I bet you do! If I bet right, you should get our Ultimate 115-point Ecommerce Optimization Checklist which we use with our clients to dramatically increase their conversion rates and sales.

About the author:

Pawel Ogonowski

The Ecommerce Optimization Guy who helps 7 & 8-figure online retailers get guaranteed revenue uplifts in a dev-free way. To get more of Pawel’s content subscribe to Growcode’s Ecommerce Optimization Blog and Bite-size Ecommerce Optimization on YouTube. Connect with Pawel on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

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It’s commonplace to think about a destination in miles. You usually have an idea of how far you’re traveling, even if it’s only by the number of cities and states you’ll pass through. Shipping a package follows the same principle. You are aware of the distance between you and your customer, but you might not be familiar with how shipping carriers, such as USPS, calculate this distance to determine your shipping expenses.

What are shipping zones?

USPS divides the US into shipping regions called zones, and this mileage is used to determine the cost of certain packages. Depending on the carrier service used, the distance your package will travel is then used to help determine your shipping costs. TL;DR: the further your package is traveling, the higher the shipping cost. The USPS services that use zones to determine cost include:

However, flat-rate package costs are not determined by USPS zones. Instead, flat-rate packages can be used for shipments up to 70 pounds and will be charged the same price per box size, regardless of the destination.

What are the USPS shipping zones?

USPS has broken down the US into nine zones called Zone 1-9. These zones range from within 50 miles to 1801+ miles. Each zone and the mileage it covers can be found below.

Zone 1: Non-local destinations within 50 miles
Zone 2: Destinations within 51-150 mile radius
Zone 3: Destinations within 151-300 mile radius
Zone 4: Destinations within 301-600 mile radius
Zone 5: Destinations within 601-1000 mile radius
Zone 6: Destinations within 1001-1400 mile radius
Zone 7: Destinations within 1401-1800 mile radius
Zone 8: Destinations within 1801 mile radius or farther
Zone 9: Destinations within Freely Associated States/Zip codes assigned for exceptional network circumstances*

*This doesn’t apply when shipping to between the three-digit zip codes of 962-969.

Tips to avoid shipping adjustments

Shipping adjustments are additional fees added to your shipping costs. These fees can range from entering incorrect shipping dimensions to using the incorrect packaging for a shipping service. When it comes to zones, adjustments and penalties can be given if a package isn’t shipped through your local post office. There’s also the risk of a package being incorrectly routed if an incorrect address is entered or the address is ineligible, and ultimately, the package can even be returned. Here are a few tips to avoid adjustments:

Weight and measure packages multiple times before inputting them
Enter package dimensions for shipments to avoid being charged for the wrong zone
Utilize the free USPS Domestic Zone Chart to confirm the mileage shown is accurate
Confirm addresses for all customers and recipients whenever possible and keep addresses legible

How does Stamps.com help me with USPS zones?

Fortunately, Stamps.com merchants don’t need to memorize and manually enter zones because zones are automatically accounted for when a label is created. However, it’s crucial to find the best shipping rate for your package, especially when packages are traveling long distances. Whenever you create a label on Stamps.com, simply select the Compare Rates and Services option from the Carrier drop-down menu.

Once selected, you can browse rates through our rate advisor with three different categories: Cheapest, Recommended, and Fastest. The cheapest category filter lists the available rates and services from cheapest to most expensive. The recommended category shows the Stamps.com recommended shipping methods. And finally, the fastest category filters rates by the fastest available carrier rates. You can compare rates in real-time and find the best deal for your business, especially when it comes to long-distance shipping.

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