"My business may not be very large, but it's everything to me." Maia is a Boston-based textile artist. She needle-felts mice and other small animals out of colored wool, and then installs these charming creatures in shoe-box sized dioramas. She sells these fragile creations on her Etsy store. "I'm very fortunate to have enthusiastic customers," she said. "But to keep everyone happy, I need to be … [Read more...]
Shipping Packages to Your College Student
Classes have been in session for a little over a week, which means your college student will soon be discovering the necessary things they forgot to bring to school with them. This could include school books, clothing or bedding, sports gear, or electronics such as computers or gaming systems. You will need to ship these things to them. If you're new at shipping packages to your college … [Read more...]
How Do I Ship Stuff Across The Country?
"I thought my son was moving back home after going to school in California," Margaret laughed. "I guess it's not that much of a surprise that he's going to stay out there in the sunshine. But now he wants me to send his things to him. My question is 'how do I ship stuff across the country?' I'd like to not go broke or crazy in the process!" The first step in a case like this is always … [Read more...]
Selling Antiques & Collectibles? Here’s What You Need to Know About Safe Product Delivery
Whether you're selling a few pieces from your personal collection or you're actually in business selling antiques and collectibles, it's essential to keep your customers happy. Many buyers will want the antique furniture, collectibles, and other vintage items you're selling delivered to their home in ideal condition. How are you going to make that happen? Shipping Antique Furniture While … [Read more...]
For Busy Small Business Owner, Quick Pack and Ship a Game Changer
"So I'm building my company while also holding down a full time job and raising two kids," Monique said. "You could say I am a little busy, all of the time." The Boston entrepreneur's line of encouraging journals and artwork is starting to take off. "Every time I get an order, I say "Yes!"" she laughed. "And then I remember I have to ship that order, and I say "Oh no!" Time is of the Essence: … [Read more...]
Tips for Packing & Shipping Large Items
While most of us are comfortable packing small boxes to be shipped, the situation gets considerably more complicated when the items being shipped are large, heavy, or both. Here are some tips for making the process easier for yourself: Step #1: Measure and Weight Everything Shipping costs are determined by the shipment size and weight. You'll want to know how big the items you're shipping … [Read more...]
Relocating Startup? Tips on Shipping Computers, Servers, & Other Business Tech
Sometimes it takes a while for a start up or fledgling firm to find their permanent address. In the meantime, small tech companies have to relocate from one address to the next in order to meet budgetary or space needs. What's involved in making this happen? "When we started our business, I thought we'd be in Boston forever," Jennifer said. "But the incentives some other states are offering to … [Read more...]
A Small Business Owner Wants to Know: Why is FedEx Refusing to Deliver My Packages?
"I have a small online business," Darlene said. "I sell one of a kind cosmetic and beauty gift baskets. They're really lovely, with completely vegan and chemical free products that that make women look and feel great. I advertise on Instagram and TikTok and the orders are really starting to roll in. There's only one problem - I've had several orders now that FedEx has refused to deliver. What is … [Read more...]
Shipping Tips for Grandparents Who Have Grandkids Living Very Far Away
"I have four grandchildren," Donna said. "Three live here in Boston, but my youngest granddaughter lives in Southern California. It's important to me that I maintain a strong and meaningful bond with her, even though I don't get to see her in person that often. That means shipping lots of packages - and unfortunately, I've learned a lot of expensive lessons." Learn From Experience: Don't Use … [Read more...]
How To Ship Fragile Items: The Best Way to Send Packages Stress Free
"I have ADHD and anxiety, which makes shipping gifts to my family back home an absolute nightmare," Gwen said. "Buying gifts is easy. I love that part. Just this week, I picked up a beautiful glass suncatcher for my Mom. She loves that kind of stuff. But shipping fragile items requires so many steps - and supplies that I somehow never have on hand - that I wind up just putting things to the side … [Read more...]