If you’ve started your own online business in the UK—or are planning to—you’re probably asking yourself: How do I actually ship my products to customers?
It’s one of the most important parts of running an eCommerce business and getting it right can be the difference between delighted customers and costly returns or delays.
This in-depth guide will walk you through the entire shipping process, including what you’ll need, how to choose the right method, fulfilment options, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to scale.
1. Understand Your Product and Shipping Requirements
Before shipping anything, get clear on:
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
| Size and weight | Affects cost and which carriers you can use |
| Fragility | Impacts how you package and insure the item |
| Product value | Determines whether you need tracked or insured delivery |
| Destination | Domestic shipping is simpler than international shipping |
| Order volume | Helps decide if you should fulfil orders yourself or use a fulfilment service |
Knowing these details will guide your packaging, pricing, and courier choices.
2. Choose a Shipping Method
There are three main ways to ship your products:
Option 1: Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Shipping
This is best for startups with low order volumes.
Pros:
- Full control over packaging and handling
- Cheaper if you send just a few parcels per week
Cons:
- Time-consuming
- Requires manual label printing and post office trips
Recommended for: Handmade sellers (e.g. Etsy), hobbyists, or businesses just starting out.
Option 2: Use a Courier or Postal Service
Most small businesses rely on reliable UK couriers or Royal Mail. Some options include:
| Courier | Best For | Key Features |
| Royal Mail | Letters, small packages, nationwide reach | Budget-friendly, tracked or untracked |
| DPD | Fast delivery, parcels under 30kg | Predictable 1-hour delivery windows |
| Hermes/Evri | Budget options for low-priority parcels | ParcelShop drop-off points |
| UPS, DHL, FedEx | International or business-grade shipping | Fast customs clearance, reliable |
Option 3: Partner With a Fulfilment Company
Fulfilment services store your stock and handle packing, labelling, and delivery for you.
Pros:
- Frees up time
- Often includes automatic customs paperwork for international orders
- Scales with your business
Cons:
- Requires up-front stock investment
- Monthly storage and pick-and-pack fees
While you manage sales, they manage the post.
Many UK-based fulfilment providers work with new businesses and offer flexible contracts. Some UK-based courier services also specialise in international shipping and offer fulfilment support, making them a convenient option as your business grows.
3. Package Your Product Safely and Professionally
Customers expect their orders to arrive on time and in perfect condition. Your packaging plays a huge role in that.
Key Packaging Tips:
- Use the right size box to reduce void space and shipping costs
- Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap or recyclable filler
- Seal securely using strong packing tape
- Include a return label (optional, but useful for customer trust)
- Consider branded packaging to elevate your brand experience
You may also need to consider sustainability. Recyclable packaging or compostable mailers are becoming more popular among eco-conscious buyers.
4. Print and Attach Shipping Labels
Shipping labels must include:
- Recipient name and full address
- Return address (yours)
- Tracking barcode (if applicable)
You can generate and print labels through:
- Your eCommerce platform (e.g. Shopify, Etsy, eBay)
- Courier portals (e.g. Royal Mail Click & Drop)
- Your fulfilment partner’s software
Pro tip: If you’re scaling, consider investing in a thermal label printer for speed and cost-efficiency.
5. Book a Collection or Drop Off Your Parcel
You typically have two options once your parcel is packed and labelled:
Drop-Off
Take the parcel to a Royal Mail post office or courier access point (e.g. a DPD Pickup Shop or Evri ParcelShop).
Book a Collection
Most major couriers offer scheduled pickups from your home or workspace.
Fulfilment providers handle this entire stage automatically.
6. Keep Customers Updated
Shipping doesn’t end when the parcel leaves your hands. Customers expect transparency.
Best practice:
- Send an email confirmation with tracking info
- Set delivery expectations clearly on your website
- Offer updates if delays occur
Keeping communication open can help reduce support queries and boost trust.
7. Understand International Shipping and Customs
If you plan to sell globally, you need to be aware of customs processes.
You’ll need:
- CN22/CN23 forms or a commercial invoice
- Accurate descriptions and HS (tariff) codes
- A valid EORI number if you’re VAT-registered
Shipments with correct documentation move through customs much faster. Fulfilment companies and experienced courier partners can automatically handle this part for you.
8. Prepare for Returns
Returns are part of eCommerce—especially in industries like fashion or electronics.
What to Consider:
- Do you offer free returns?
- Will customers pay for postage?
- Will you use pre-paid return labels?
- How will you restock or dispose of returned items?
Being clear about your return policy can help reduce disputes and increase conversions.
9. Scale With Fulfilment and Automation
Once orders grow beyond what you can manage alone, it’s time to streamline.
Signs you’re ready for a fulfilment partner:
- You’re spending hours packing each week
- You’re frequently missing dispatch cutoffs
- You need to offer faster or international shipping
- Your stock is taking over your home or office
Fulfilment services let you outsource logistics while still offering fast, professional delivery options.
Shipping FAQs
| Question | Quick Answer |
| How do I ship my products to customers? | Use postal services, couriers, or a fulfilment partner |
| What’s the cheapest way to ship? | Royal Mail for small packages, Hermes/Evri for budget courier |
| What if I Etsy/Shopify? | You can print shipping labels directly via their platforms |
| Is shipping insurance necessary? | For valuable or fragile items, yes |
| Can I ship internationally? | Yes, but you’ll need customs forms and a compliant courier |
| What’s a fulfilment service? | A third party that stores, packs, and ships your orders for you |
Final Thoughts
Shipping your products is a vital part of your business—not just logistics, but customer experience. Start simple, stay organised, and focus on building trust with every delivery.
Whether you’re fulfilling orders from your living room or partnering with a logistics provider, the right approach will grow with you as your business scales.
