Free Shipping Doesn’t Kill the Bottom Line

| Tim Parry

The words “free shipping” may make operations managers cringe, but it doesn’t mean it has to kill a merchant’s bottom line. Here’s what motivates customers of Vermont Teddy Bear and Spreadshirt to pull the trigger on free shipping deals, and why it’s okay to have free shipping as a regular, every day option.

United States Postal Service, U.S. Postal Service, USPS, postal rates, postal rate changes, new postal rates, ecommerce, ecommerce shipping, UPS, FedEx, dimensional weight pricing

USPS Announces Big Changes in Priority Mail

| Erin Lynch

The United States Postal Service has launched what it is calling “major changes” to its Priority Mail lineup, including free insurance, improved tracking, and day-specific delivery. The USPS said the changes would generate more than a half a billion dollars in revenue.

Lids Makes Omnichannel Deal With Macy’s

| Daniela Forte

Macy’s Inc. and LIDS Sports Group, a subsidiary of Genesco Inc., announced each have signed an agreement to open a licensed team merchandise department in Macy’s stores and online, according to a press release.

USPS Changes May Affect Catalog Delivery

| MCM Staff

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee wants the USPS to eliminate to-the-door mail delivery and replace it with curbside and cluster box delivery. That may have an effect on how merchants mail catalogs to prospects and customers alike.

Returns, returns policy, holiday returns, retail, online retail, ecommerce, ecommerce fulfillment, operations and fulfillment, shipping/delivery

8 Tips for Creating a Solid Returns Policy

| Erin Lynch

While most merchants would prefer to not think about their returns policy, it’s imperative for every ecommerce company to have one. Not only is it good business, but it will also help customers trust your brand and the products that you sell. Here are eight tips designed to get you to master the art of the refund policy.

Warehouse, distribution center, retail operations management, ecommerce

Why Omnichannel Fulfillment Matters

| Erin Lynch

Shopping habits, shopping devices, and shopping locations are interchangeable in the customer’s eyes, which is why it’s more important than ever for merchants to offer a wide variety of omnichannel fulfillment options, according to Bill Toney, senior vice president, Omnichannel Solutions at VendorNet.