Now’s the time to order boxes, cushioning, and other packaging. Since students and their parents ship everything from bedding to TVs, offer a variety of options. Choose high-quality supplies—and make them easily accessible to customers who may be in a rush.

“When you have durable materials, students are happier and more comfortable,” Matthew said. “And the more prepared they are, the faster things flow. We pre-roll 10-foot rolls of bubble wrap for people to purchase. They can prepare their items before bringing them to us.”

While some customers pack their own boxes, others will want a hand, especially with things like guitars and artwork.

“I have my staff prepared to assist with packing,” Matthew said. “They know exactly what needs to get done, and they can do it quickly.”

So, review packing how-tos with your staff before the back-to-school season. They’ll be all set to share their packing expertise with shippers. This will help you gain your customers’ confidence—and their repeat business.

If you see a line of back-to-school shippers at your counter, do what you can while they’re waiting.

“I might have one staff member walking through the line to measure and weigh boxes,” Matthew said. “Once it’s that customer’s turn, we have all their information. We just hit print, put the label on, and they’re on their way.”

The team also keeps everything running smoothly by:

• Having separate areas for shipping and printing to manage store traffic. In-store signage can help you define each space.
• Using a floor scale for heavy boxes, not a counter scale. “If someone comes in with an 80-pound box, not every staff member can pick that up,” he said.
   

Whether it’s a TV or a monitor, students are often shipping electronics. Without careful packing, these fragile shipments won’t stand up to the tests of transit. “A lot of people just put an iPad in a box with a bunch of other items,” Matthew said.

If electronics aren’t packed well, you can offer to help. Customers will appreciate you going the extra mile to prevent damage.

Need to study up on packing electronics for a safer journey? See our how-to packing guides for step-by-step instructions.

Sure, some packages are urgent and need to get there ASAP. But students and their loved ones can save on shipping when they aren’t in a rush.

“A customer will come in and say, ‘I want this there in two days,’” Matthew said. “But FedEx Ground® will probably get it there in two to three days—and is less expensive than two-day.”

You’ll also show customers you care about what’s best for them. Get to know these popular college shipping services so you can provide people with the smartest advice.

The school year is approaching fast. Follow these tips to set your store up for success, and have fun as you learn more about your back-to-school shippers!

“As an FASC owner, you’re meeting different people from all walks of life,” Matthew said. “What I like most is interacting with people from diverse backgrounds every day.”