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How to Ship Products to Customers: A 7-Step Guide

A practical seven-step shipping process for ecommerce sellers, from packing and comparing carrier services to tracking, customs paperwork, and returns.
From TheFinanceBase Team4 min to read
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To ship products to customers, protect and pack the order, measure and weigh the sealed parcel, check both addresses, compare carrier services for that specific shipment, create and attach the label, hand it to the carrier, and send the customer tracking information. International orders also require destination-specific customs paperwork. This U.S.-oriented guide lays out a repeatable process; prices, service eligibility, delivery timing, and shipping rules depend on the parcel and route.

1. Prepare the order and choose packaging

Choose a box or mailer that fits the product and can protect it in transit. Add cushioning where the item could shift, break, or be damaged. UPS advises: “Carefully wrap items separately and use cushioning material to protect any fragile cargo.” UPS’s U.S. package-shipping guide also recommends secure sealing.

  • Use packaging suited to the item’s size, shape, fragility, and protection needs; no one box or mailer works for every product.
  • Use filler and packing tape as needed to protect the contents and close the parcel securely.
  • Remove or cover old shipping labels and markings so they cannot be mistaken for the current destination information.

For repeat orders, keep the packaging materials that work for your products on hand, while checking that each parcel is still appropriately sized and protected.

2. Measure and weigh the packed parcel

Measure the package after packing it, and record its length, width, height, and weight before buying postage. UPS asks shippers to have package measurements ready when creating a shipment. A dedicated parcel scale can make repeated weighing easier, but it is not obligatory; UPS’s guide describes using a household scale as a workaround.

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  • Bluetooth Wireless Connection: KNAON Bluetooth shipping label printer enables wireless printing. For Mobile users, download the 'FlashLabel Pro' app from APP Store or Google Play for printing. Also, supports Windows and macOS, and can directly connect to the printer by downloading the 'FlashLabel Pro' App. Windows 7 or later computers can also print via Bluetooth by installing the latest advanced driver. Note: All devices CANNOT be connected directly to Bluetooth, and must be used through the 'FlashLabel Pro' app.
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Use the measurements and weight of the complete parcel—not just the product—to check service eligibility and enter shipment details accurately.

3. Check the addresses and shipment details

Enter accurate origin and destination information, and check that the customer’s address is complete. A missing apartment number, unit, or other delivery detail can create avoidable problems. If an address is unusual or incomplete, consult the selected carrier’s address guidance before creating the label.

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  • Bluetooth Wireless Connection: KNAON Y41BT Bluetooth shipping label printer enables wireless printing. For iOS and Android users, need to download the 'FlashLabel Pro' App from Apple Store or Google Play. Windows 7 or later computers can also print via Bluetooth by installing the latest advanced driver. Mac users with M1/M2/M3/M4 processors can connect to the printer by downloading the 'FlashLabel Pro' App from Apple Store. Note: All devices CANNOT be connected directly to Bluetooth, and must be used through the 'FlashLabel Pro' app.
  • USB Cable Connectivity: This printer ensures seamless USB connectivity with macOS, Windows (7 and above), ChromeOS, and Linux. KNAON printer features a built-in USB drive preloaded with drivers and tutorial videos for a fast and hassle-free setup. For ChromeOS, need to install 'FlashLabel' extension to your Google Chrome.
  • Versatile DIY Labeling Options: KNAON Thermal Shipping Label Printer offers a vast selection of pre-designed templates, including 3,000+ templates, 5,000+ icons, and 100+ fonts available in the app. Designed for both professional and personal use, it supports various thermal paper sizes, ensuring effortless customization for all your labeling needs. Ideal for printing DIY shipping labels, barcode labels, thank-you labels, mailing labels, name tags, price tags, and various small thermal labels.
  • Seamless Multi-Platform Compatibility: This Bluetooth shipping label printer works effortlessly with all major platforms, including Amazon, eBay, Shopify, USPS, UPS, Etsy, PayPal, Poshmark, DHL, and more, ensuring smooth and efficient label printing. (Note: Save the logistics label as a PDF file on the shipping platforms, then import it into the 'FlashLabel Pro' app for printing).
  • Portable & Stylish Design: KNAON multi-function thermal label printer offers user-friendly operation in a compact design. Its perfect size (7.2 x 3.15 x 2.65 inches) makes it simple to store anywhere. With a fast printing speed of up to 180 mm/s and supports paper widths from 1.38 to 4.41 inches. The package also includes 20 test printing papers to get you started right away.

4. Compare services for this shipment

Compare services that accept your parcel and serve its destination. USPS recommends considering destination, budget, timing, contents, size, weight, tracking, and other service features when choosing how to ship. USPS shipping options and FedEx shipping services describe carrier workflows and options; check the current terms for the actual shipment.

  • Destination and eligibility: Confirm that the service serves the route and accepts the parcel’s contents, dimensions, and weight.
  • Total price: Compare the cost for the shipment as packed, rather than assuming one carrier is always cheapest.
  • Delivery speed: Match the service to the delivery timing your customer expects, and check current service terms before promising a date.
  • Tracking and special features: Check whether the service includes the tracking or other handling features the order needs.
  • Order and returns workflow: Consider whether the option fits how you manage dispatch, customer updates, and returns.

Rates, service names, delivery estimates, and restrictions can change. Verify current availability and terms with the carrier for the parcel and destination rather than relying on a general claim about the fastest or least expensive service.

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  • Go Wireless by Bluetooth: Download the "NELKO"app to print via Bluetooth on your Nelko Bluetooth thermal label printer for iOS and Android. Printing shipping labels has never been easier. Windows 7 or later computers can also print via Bluetooth. For Mac users with M1 or M2 CPUs, install the app and connect to the printer via Bluetooth. Note: All devices cannot be directly connected to Bluetooth and need to be used through the app
  • Print via USB: For Windows (7 and later), Mac OS,Chrome OS, you can connect the desktop label printer via USB cable. Note that Mac OS only works with USB connection, you can not print via Bluetooth
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  • Strong Platform Compatibility: This bluetooth shipping label printer can work with virtually all platforms, including Amazon, Ebay, Shopify, USPS, UPS, Esty, PayPal, Poshmark,etc.(Note: Please remember to save the logistics label as a PDF on the logistics platform, then upload it to the editor APP "NELKO" for printing
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5. Create and attach the shipping label

Use the selected carrier’s shipment process to enter the origin, destination, package details, and service; pay for postage; and produce the carrier’s label. UPS’s shipping guide and FedEx’s shipping instructions explain their respective ship workflows.

  1. Review the address, measurements, weight, and service before paying.
  2. Print the label or produce it using the carrier’s available process.
  3. Attach it securely where it is legible, and remove or cover any conflicting old labels.

Check the label before handoff: incorrect shipment information or a label that cannot be read may interfere with delivery.

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  • [HIGH TECH LABEL PRINTER] Equipped with a Japanese high tech thermal print head, 203 DPI high printing quality. No ink, No toner, Clean with no mess, economical. Works with both fanfold labels and roll labels. Label size: labels width ranges from 1.57" to 4.1"
  • [PRINT WIRELESSLY]The label printer support printing wirelessly. For windows 8 or later and Mac, you can print via Bluetooth. For Android& iOS, you can’t print via Bluetooth on phone, need to download the App "Jadens printer" and print on it.
  • [PRINT VIA USB] USB connection works with both Windows (7 and newer) and Mac OS (10.9 and newer) devices. Please long and press the feed button to identify and calibrate label size each time you change labels.
  • [WIDE USAGE] JADENS thermal label printer is widely used to print labels from various marketplaces and shipping platforms, such as Endicia, Dazzle, ShipStation, Shipping Easy, Shippo, ShipWorks, Ordoro, eBay, Amazon, Easy, and Shopify. Use JADENS thermal label maker machine to print shipping labels, warehouse labels, market labels, helping increase your productivity. Ideal for your online small business for shipping packages.
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6. Hand off the parcel and share tracking

Arrange a carrier pickup or take the parcel to a drop-off point that accepts the selected service. Keep the tracking details, then share them with the customer through your order or shipping workflow where available. Carrier tracking tools can show shipment progress; Shopify’s order-fulfillment guidance includes customer delivery tracking as part of the fulfillment process.

7. Handle international shipments and returns

International orders

International parcels must clear customs. Provide the required customs information and documents for the goods and destination; a commercial invoice is required where applicable. Requirements differ by route and contents, so check the selected carrier’s current instructions and destination rules for each shipment. FedEx’s international-shipping guidance and Shopify’s international-shipping guide explain that cross-border shipping involves destination-specific requirements. Duties, taxes, forms, restrictions, and service availability should not be assumed to be the same for every destination.

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Returns and exchanges

Set up a clear process for returns or exchanges and explain it to customers. Decide how customers request a return, what instructions they receive, and how returned parcels fit into your order workflow. Shopify’s fulfillment guidance covers fulfillment and related order-management tasks.

A repeatable shipping checklist

  • Pack the correct order with protection appropriate to the product; seal it and clear away old labels.
  • Record the packed parcel’s dimensions and weight.
  • Verify the origin and destination addresses.
  • Choose an eligible carrier service based on destination, price, timing, parcel details, and tracking or other needed features.
  • Check the shipment data, pay for postage, and attach a legible label.
  • Use an accepted pickup or drop-off option and send the customer tracking details where supported.
  • For international orders, complete the applicable customs requirements; make your return process clear to customers.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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