Lower Shipping Costs for Dropshipping: 10 Proven Ways to Reduce Shipping Costs Without Killing Delivery Speed

Shipping isn't just an expense—it's your silent profit killer. If you don't control shipping cost and shipping expectations, your "winning product" turns into a losing business fast. For dropshippers, this is doubly true. With margins already tighter than in traditional ecommerce, every dollar saved on shipping is a dollar that goes directly to your bottom line. If you're running a dropshipping store, learning how to reduce shipping costs for your dropshipping orders is critical to protecting your margins and scaling your business profitably.

But reducing costs can't come at the expense of delivery speed. In 2026, customer expectations are higher than ever. While 90% of consumers are willing to wait two or three days for deliveries, especially to avoid shipping costs, a slow or unreliable shipping experience can kill customer loyalty and lead to negative reviews [1]. The challenge, then, is to strike a delicate balance: cutting shipping expenses without alienating customers with slow or unpredictable delivery times.

Failing to optimize shipping can result in a 15–40% loss in margin, slower growth, and higher customer churn. This article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering this balance. By the end of this article, you will have 10 prioritized, implementable strategies to reduce costs by 15–40% without extending delivery times, a 90-minute audit checklist to identify your biggest cost leaks, and the first 3 changes to implement this week. We will cover everything from negotiating with carriers to optimizing your packaging and leveraging technology to automate cost savings.

Here are the 10 strategies we will cover:

1. Negotiate Carrier Rates (Even With Low Volume)
2. Choose Suppliers With Consolidated Fulfillment
3. Optimize Your Packaging (Size + Weight Matter More Than You Think)
4. Use Regional Fulfillment to Reduce Zone Distance
5. Implement Smart Free Shipping Thresholds
6. Switch to Flat-Rate Shipping When Applicable
7. Reduce Split Shipments With Multi-Product Suppliers
8. Invest in Quality Packaging to Cut Return Rates
9. Pass Strategic Shipping Costs to Customers (Without Killing Conversions)
10. Automate Carrier Selection Based on Cost + Speed

Why Shipping Costs Kill Dropshipping Margins (And How to Diagnose the Problem)

In dropshipping, the obvious costs—product and marketing—get all the attention. But shipping costs, the quiet margin killer, often do the most damage. The average dropshipping business operates on a 15-20% net profit margin, and uncontrolled shipping expenses are a primary reason why many fall below that threshold and fail [2]. Understanding the hidden drivers of these costs is the first step toward controlling them.

The 6 Hidden Drivers of Dropshipping Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are more than just the price on a carrier's rate sheet. They are a complex interplay of factors that can inflate your cost per order without you even realizing it. Here are the six core drivers you need to understand:

Driver	Typical Impact %	Example	Fix
Carrier Rate Increases	5-8% annually	USPS Ground Advantage increased rates by 7.8% in 2026 [3].	Negotiate rates, use multi-carrier software, or work with a 3PL with pre-negotiated discounts.
Dimensional (DIM) Weight	10-25%	A light but large item is billed as if it were heavier, increasing the cost.	Optimize packaging to reduce box size and eliminate empty space.
Zone Distance	20-50%	Shipping a 5lb package from California to New York (Zone 8) can cost nearly double what it costs to ship to Arizona (Zone 2) [4].	Use suppliers with multiple warehouse locations or a fulfillment network to ship from closer zones.
Split Shipments	30-60% per order	A customer orders three items from three different suppliers, resulting in three separate shipping charges for a single order.	Consolidate suppliers or use a dropshipping partner with a unified catalog, like Branvas.
Supplier Handling Fees	5-15%	Suppliers add a flat fee or percentage on top of the actual shipping cost to cover their labor and materials.	Negotiate these fees, consolidate orders to reduce per-order fees, or choose suppliers with transparent, all-in pricing.
Returns & Damages	5-10%	Poor packaging leads to damaged products and costly returns. The average ecommerce return rate is 16.9% [5].	Invest in quality packaging and work with suppliers who have low damage rates.

The Real Cost Formula: What You're Actually Paying Per Order

To truly understand your shipping costs, you need to look beyond the label price. Here are the formulas that reveal the true financial impact of your shipping operations:

• Margin per order after shipping: This formula tells you how much profit you make on each sale after accounting for shipping.
  ((Selling Price - Product Cost - Shipping Cost) / Selling Price)

• Split-shipment penalty: This calculates the extra cost you incur when a single order is fulfilled in multiple packages.
  (Total Shipping Cost for Split Order - Single Shipment Cost) / Order

• Breakeven AOV for free shipping: This formula helps you determine the minimum order value required to offer free shipping without losing money.
  (Average Shipping Cost / Target Margin %) + Product Cost

By diagnosing the drivers and using these formulas, you can move from guessing to knowing exactly where your shipping costs are coming from and how to start reducing them.

10 Proven Strategies to Reduce Shipping Costs for Dropshipping Orders

Now that you understand the hidden drivers of shipping costs, it's time to fight back. These 10 proven strategies will help you reduce your shipping costs without sacrificing delivery speed. We'll cover everything from negotiating with carriers to optimizing your packaging and leveraging technology.

Strategy 1: Negotiate Carrier Rates (Even With Low Volume)

It's a common misconception that only high-volume shippers can negotiate better rates with carriers like UPS and FedEx. In 2026, with parcel volumes dropping, carriers are more willing than ever to negotiate with smaller businesses to win their loyalty [6]. If you're spending even a few thousand dollars a month on shipping, you have leverage.

How to Implement:

• Benchmark Your Rates: Before you call your carrier representative, know what your competitors are paying. Use industry forums, Facebook groups, or even ask your suppliers what kind of discounts they're seeing. Frame your request with data: "I know businesses of my size are getting an 8-10% discount on ground shipping. Can you match that?"
• Use Multi-Carrier Leverage: Don't be afraid to let your UPS rep know that you're getting better rates from USPS for packages under 2 lbs. Carriers don't like losing business, and they may be willing to match or beat a competitor's price to keep your volume.
• Negotiate Surcharges, Not Just Base Rates: Often, the biggest savings come from negotiating accessorial fees like fuel surcharges, residential delivery fees, and dimensional weight adjustments. Ask for a cap on fuel surcharges or a waiver for residential fees.

Expected Savings: 5-15% on annual shipping costs.

Strategy 2: Choose Suppliers With Consolidated Fulfillment

For dropshippers, the supplier is the fulfillment center. If you work with multiple suppliers, you're running a distributed fulfillment network, which can be a major source of cost. A single customer order with items from three different suppliers means three separate shipments, three tracking numbers, and three times the base shipping cost. This is known as a split shipment, and it's a margin killer.

How to Implement:

• Audit Your Suppliers: Identify which suppliers you use most frequently and which ones are responsible for the most split shipments. Look for opportunities to consolidate your product catalog with fewer, more reliable suppliers.
• Prioritize Multi-Product Suppliers: When sourcing new products, give preference to suppliers who offer a wide range of items you can sell. This increases the likelihood that a customer's entire order can be fulfilled in a single shipment.
• Use a Consolidated Dropshipping Partner: Platforms like Branvas solve this problem by offering a curated catalog of products that are all fulfilled from their own network of warehouses. This means that even if a customer orders multiple items, they are all shipped together in one box, with one tracking number, and one shipping charge. This not only saves money but also provides a much better customer experience.

Expected Savings: 20-40% on multi-item orders.

Strategy 3: Optimize Your Packaging (Size + Weight Matter More Than You Think)

In 2026, all major carriers use dimensional (DIM) weight pricing. This means that the cost of shipping a package is based on its size, not just its weight. If you're shipping a light product in a large box, you're paying for the empty space. Carriers have also lowered the DIM divisor in recent years, making this even more impactful [7].

How to Implement:

• Work With Your Suppliers: Ask your suppliers about their packaging practices. Are they using the smallest possible box for each product? Can they use lighter fill materials? A simple switch from bubble wrap to air pillows can make a difference.
• Push for Right-Sized Packaging: Some suppliers offer a menu of box sizes and will use the most appropriate one for each order. If your supplier doesn't, it may be worth finding one that does. The goal is to reduce the amount of air being shipped.

Expected Savings: 10-25% in freight charges [8].

Strategy 4: Use Regional Fulfillment to Reduce Zone Distance

Shipping zones are the geographical areas that carriers use to set prices. The farther a package travels, the higher the zone and the higher the cost. Shipping a package to Zone 8 can cost almost double what it costs to ship to Zone 2 [4].

How to Implement:

• Choose Suppliers with Multiple Warehouses: If you have a national customer base, work with suppliers who have warehouses on both the East and West Coasts, or in a central location. This allows you to ship from the warehouse closest to the customer, reducing the zone and the cost.
• Use a Fulfillment Network: Services like ShipBob or Deliverr (or a dropshipping partner like Branvas with a built-in network) can store your products in multiple warehouses across the country and automatically route orders to the closest facility.

Expected Savings: 15-30% on cross-country shipments.

Strategy 5: Implement Smart Free Shipping Thresholds

Free shipping is a powerful conversion driver, but it can also destroy your margins if not implemented thoughtfully. The key is to use a free shipping threshold that encourages customers to spend more, increasing your average order value (AOV) and covering the cost of shipping.

How to Implement:

• Calculate Your Breakeven Point: Use the formula (Average Shipping Cost / Target Margin %) + Product Cost to determine the minimum order value you need to offer free shipping without losing money.
• Set Your Threshold Above Your AOV: A common strategy is to set the free shipping threshold 20-30% above your current AOV. If your AOV is $60, a threshold of $75 or $80 will encourage customers to add another item to their cart to qualify for free shipping [9].
• Test and Iterate: Don't just set it and forget it. Test different thresholds to see what works best for your store. You may find that a lower threshold increases conversions enough to offset the cost, or that a higher threshold is needed to protect your margins.

Expected Savings: 15-20% increase in AOV, which can offset shipping costs [10].

Strategy 6: Switch to Flat-Rate Shipping When Applicable

USPS offers Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes that ship for a single price, regardless of weight or destination. This can be a huge money-saver for heavy items going to high zones.

How to Implement:

• Identify the Right Scenarios: Flat-rate is not always the cheapest option. It's most effective for dense, heavy items traveling long distances. For light items or short distances, standard weight-based pricing is usually cheaper.
• Use a Shipping Calculator: Before you default to flat-rate, use a shipping calculator to compare the cost to standard Priority Mail. Many shipping software platforms will do this automatically.

Expected Savings: Up to 50% on individual shipments, depending on weight and zone.

Strategy 7: Reduce Split Shipments With Multi-Product Suppliers

This is a more focused application of Strategy 2. Even if you've consolidated to a few core suppliers, you can still run into split shipments if customers order multiple items that are sourced from different ones. The cost of a split shipment can be 3-5x higher than a single shipment, quickly eroding any savings you've made elsewhere.

How to Implement:

• Prioritize Single-Supplier Orders: When possible, source products that are likely to be purchased together from the same supplier. For example, if you sell phone cases, source your screen protectors from the same supplier.
• Use a Platform with a Unified Catalog: This is where a platform like Branvas becomes a powerful tool. Because all products in the Branvas catalog are fulfilled from their network, you can sell a wide variety of items without ever worrying about split shipments. This is one of the single highest-ROI changes a dropshipper can make.

Expected Savings: 30-60% on multi-item orders.

Strategy 8: Invest in Quality Packaging to Cut Return Rates

It may seem counterintuitive to spend more on packaging to save money, but damaged products are a huge and often hidden cost. Not only do you have to cover the cost of the return shipping, but you also lose the sale and potentially the customer. The average ecommerce return rate is a staggering 16.9% [5], and damaged items are a major contributor.

How to Implement:

• Talk to Your Suppliers About a Better Unboxing Experience: Ask your suppliers what kind of packaging they use. Is it durable enough to protect the product? Does it present the product in a professional way? A quality unboxing experience can not only reduce damages but also increase the perceived value of your product.
• Consider Brand-Ready Packaging: Services like Branvas offer brand-ready packaging that is not only protective but also creates a premium unboxing experience. This can help to reduce returns and increase customer loyalty.

Expected Savings: 5-10% reduction in overall shipping costs due to fewer returns.

Strategy 9: Pass Strategic Shipping Costs to Customers (Without Killing Conversions)

While free shipping is the ideal, it's not always possible. The key is to be transparent and strategic about how you charge for shipping. Customers are more likely to accept shipping charges if they feel they are fair and transparent.

How to Implement:

• Offer Tiered Shipping: Instead of a single flat rate, offer a few tiers based on order value or weight. For example, $4.99 for orders under $50, $7.99 for orders between $50 and $99, and free for orders over $100.
• Use Live Rates: Many ecommerce platforms can integrate with carriers to show customers the actual shipping cost at checkout. This can be a good option if your shipping costs vary widely by location.

Expected Savings: Can recover 50-100% of shipping costs, depending on the strategy.

Strategy 10: Automate Carrier Selection Based on Cost + Speed

Manually choosing the best carrier and service for every order is time-consuming and prone to error. Shipping software can automate this process, ensuring that you always get the best rate for your desired delivery speed.

How to Implement:

• Use a Multi-Carrier Shipping Platform: Tools like Shippo, ShipStation, or EasyShip allow you to connect all of your carrier accounts and compare rates in real-time. You can set up rules to automatically choose the cheapest option that meets your delivery requirements.
• Leverage a 3PL or Dropshipping Partner's Technology: Many 3PLs and dropshipping partners have their own proprietary software that does this for you. This can be a great option if you want to outsource your fulfillment and still get the benefits of rate shopping.

Expected Savings: 10-20% on shipping costs.

The Branvas Shipping Cost Framework: How to Prioritize These 10 Strategies

With 10 strategies to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. The Branvas Shipping Cost Framework is a simple 3-step model designed to help you prioritize the changes that will have the biggest impact on your business with the least amount of effort.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Cost Per Order

You can't improve what you don't measure. The first step is to get a clear picture of your current shipping costs. You'll need to calculate your average cost per order, your margin per order after shipping, and your split shipment rate.

• Cost Per Order: Total Shipping Costs / Total Orders
• Margin Per Order After Shipping: (Selling Price - Product Cost - Shipping Cost) / Selling Price
• Split Shipment Rate: Number of Split Shipments / Total Orders

Step 2: Identify Your Top 3 Cost Leaks

Once you have your baseline numbers, use the 90-Minute Shipping Cost Audit Checklist (in the next section) to identify your top 3 cost leaks. Are you paying too much for cross-country shipments? Are split shipments eating up your margins? Are you using oversized boxes? Pinpointing your biggest problems will help you focus your efforts.

Step 3: Implement High-Impact, Low-Effort Changes First

Not all changes are created equal. Some will have a big impact with little effort, while others will require a significant investment of time and resources for a smaller return. The Impact vs. Effort Matrix below will help you prioritize the 10 strategies based on your specific situation.

Impact vs. Effort Matrix for 10 Strategies

Strategy	Potential Savings %	Implementation Effort	Priority
7. Reduce Split Shipments	20-40%	Low (with the right supplier/partner)	High
3. Optimize Your Packaging	10-25%	Low-Medium	High
5. Implement Smart Free Shipping Thresholds	15-20% (AOV increase)	Low	High
1. Negotiate Carrier Rates	5-15%	Medium	Medium
10. Automate Carrier Selection	10-20%	Low-Medium	Medium
4. Use Regional Fulfillment	15-30%	High	Medium
6. Switch to Flat-Rate Shipping	Up to 50% (situational)	Low	Low
9. Pass Shipping Costs to Customers	50-100% (cost recovery)	Low	Low
8. Invest in Quality Packaging	5-10% (return reduction)	Medium	Low
2. Choose Suppliers With Consolidated Fulfillment	20-40%	High	High

Worked Example: Reducing Shipping Costs by 28% in 30 Days

Let's look at a real-world example of how these strategies can be applied. Meet "Aria Jewelry," a hypothetical dropshipping store that sells necklaces and earrings. Aria has a decent AOV of $50, but their margins are razor-thin due to high shipping costs.

Before:

• Product Cost: $15
• Selling Price: $50
• Shipping Cost: $8 (average)
• Margin per order: (($50 - $15 - $8) / $50) = 54%

This 54% margin looks good on paper, but it doesn't account for marketing costs, transaction fees, or other overhead. The owner of Aria Jewelry decides to implement three of the strategies from this article:

1. Consolidate Suppliers: Aria was using two different suppliers, one for necklaces and one for earrings. This resulted in frequent split shipments. By switching to a single supplier who offers both, they eliminate split shipments and get a small volume discount.
2. Optimize Packaging: The new supplier uses smaller, lighter boxes that are a better fit for the jewelry. This reduces the average DIM weight of their packages.
3. Adjust Free Shipping Threshold: Aria was offering free shipping on all orders. They decide to implement a $75 free shipping threshold to encourage larger orders.

After:

• Product Cost: $15
• Selling Price: $50
• New Shipping Cost: $5.75 (average)
• New Margin per order: (($50 - $15 - $5.75) / $50) = 58.5%

By implementing these three changes, Aria Jewelry reduced their average shipping cost by 28% and increased their margin per order by 4.5 percentage points. This may not seem like a huge jump, but over hundreds or thousands of orders, it adds up to a significant increase in profitability.

Common Mistakes That Increase Shipping Costs (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with the best strategies, a few common mistakes can undo all your hard work. Here are some of the most frequent errors we see dropshippers make and how to avoid them:

• Ignoring DIM Weight: Many dropshippers focus only on the actual weight of their products and forget that carriers bill for size. A light but bulky item can be surprisingly expensive to ship. Avoid this by regularly auditing your packaging and working with suppliers who use right-sized boxes.
• Offering Unconditional Free Shipping: Free shipping is a great incentive, but offering it on every order without a minimum threshold can destroy your margins, especially on low-value items. Avoid this by implementing a smart free shipping threshold that is at least 20-30% above your average order value.
• Using a Single Carrier: Carrier loyalty doesn't pay. Sticking with a single carrier means you're likely overpaying for at least some of your shipments. Avoid this by using a multi-carrier shipping software to rate shop every order and find the best price.
• Not Accounting for Surcharges: Fuel, residential, and delivery area surcharges can add unexpected costs to your shipping bill. Avoid this by negotiating surcharge caps with your carriers and factoring them into your pricing.
• Failing to Consolidate Suppliers: The more suppliers you have, the higher your risk of split shipments. Avoid this by consolidating your product catalog with as few suppliers as possible, or by using a platform with a unified catalog like Branvas.

Your 90-Minute Shipping Cost Audit Checklist

Set a timer for 90 minutes and answer these 10 questions. This audit will reveal your biggest cost leaks and give you a clear starting point for optimization.

• [ ] What is my average shipping cost per order? (Total shipping cost / Total orders)
• [ ] What percentage of my orders are split shipments? (Number of split shipments / Total orders)
• [ ] What is my average shipping cost by zone? (Export your order data and group by shipping zone.)
• [ ] What are my top 3 most common box sizes? (Ask your supplier for this data.) Are they appropriate for the products being shipped?
• [ ] Have I negotiated rates with my carriers in the last 12 months?
• [ ] What is my free shipping threshold, and how does it compare to my average order value?
• [ ] What percentage of my shipments could have used a cheaper service without sacrificing much speed? (e.g., USPS Ground Advantage instead of Priority Mail)
• [ ] How many returns have I had in the last 90 days due to damaged products?
• [ ] Am I using a multi-carrier shipping software to rate shop my orders?
• [ ] What are the handling fees my suppliers are charging on top of the shipping cost?

First 3 Changes to Make This Week (Action Plan)

Feeling overwhelmed? Don't be. Here are the first three changes you can make this week to start seeing results.

1. Calculate Your Key Metrics: You can't make smart decisions without data. Take 30 minutes to calculate your average cost per order, margin per order after shipping, and split shipment rate. This will give you a baseline to measure your progress against.
2. Implement a Smart Free Shipping Threshold: This is one of the easiest and most effective changes you can make. If you're currently offering free shipping on all orders, set a threshold that is 20-30% above your AOV. If you already have a threshold, see if you can raise it slightly.
3. Audit Your Top 5 Products' Packaging: Email your supplier and ask for the dimensions and weight of the boxes they use for your top 5 best-selling products. Then, use a DIM weight calculator to see if you're overpaying. If you are, start a conversation with your supplier about using smaller boxes.

Tools & Apps to Automate Shipping Cost Optimization

Manually optimizing your shipping is a great start, but to truly scale your savings, you need to leverage technology. Here are some of the best tools and apps for automating shipping cost optimization:

• Shippo: A multi-carrier shipping software that allows you to compare rates from dozens of carriers in real-time and print labels with a few clicks. It also offers discounted rates with USPS and DHL.
• ShipStation: Similar to Shippo, ShipStation is a popular choice for ecommerce businesses of all sizes. It integrates with all major ecommerce platforms and carriers and offers powerful automation features.
• EasyShip: Another great multi-carrier shipping platform that offers a global fulfillment network. This can be a good option if you have a large international customer base.
• Branvas: For dropshippers who want to completely eliminate the headache of shipping, Branvas is an all-in-one solution. With a consolidated catalog, brand-ready packaging, and a global fulfillment network, Branvas handles all the shipping complexity for you, so you can focus on growing your brand.
• AfterShip: While not a shipping software in the traditional sense, AfterShip is an essential tool for managing the post-purchase experience. It provides a branded tracking page for your customers and sends proactive delivery updates, which can help to reduce customer service inquiries.
• Route: Route is a package protection and tracking solution that can help to reduce the cost of lost, stolen, or damaged packages. It offers affordable insurance for your customers and a seamless claims process.

FAQ: Reducing Dropshipping Shipping Costs

1. How much should I budget for shipping costs in dropshipping?

While there's no magic number, a good starting point is to aim for shipping costs to be no more than 15-20% of your product's selling price. However, this can vary widely depending on your niche, average order value, and where your customers are located. The best approach is to calculate your current shipping cost as a percentage of revenue and then use the strategies in this article to lower it.

2. What is the best way to offer free shipping without losing money?

The best way to offer free shipping without losing money is to use a smart threshold. Calculate your average order value (AOV) and then set your free shipping threshold 20-30% higher. This will encourage customers to add more items to their cart to qualify for free shipping, which will increase your AOV and help to cover the cost of shipping.

3. How do I reduce split shipment costs in dropshipping?

Split shipments are a major drain on dropshipping profits. The most effective way to reduce them is to consolidate your suppliers. Try to source as many of your products as possible from a single supplier. If that's not possible, consider using a dropshipping partner like Branvas that has a unified catalog and fulfills all orders from its own network.

4. Should I use flat-rate or calculated shipping for dropshipping?

It depends. Flat-rate shipping can be a good option if you sell products that are similar in size and weight. It's easy for customers to understand and can help to increase conversions. However, if you sell a wide variety of products with different sizes and weights, calculated shipping is usually a better option. It's more accurate and ensures that you're not over or undercharging for shipping.

5. How can I negotiate better shipping rates with carriers?

Even small businesses can negotiate better rates with carriers. The key is to be prepared. Before you call your carrier representative, benchmark your rates to see what your competitors are paying. Use a multi-carrier shipping software to show them that you have other options. And don't just focus on the base rate; negotiate surcharges and accessorial fees as well.

Conclusion

Reducing shipping costs is not a one-time fix; it's an ongoing process of optimization. By understanding the hidden drivers of shipping costs, implementing the 10 proven strategies in this article, and continuously monitoring your results, you can protect your margins, improve your customer experience, and build a more profitable and sustainable dropshipping business.

If you're looking for a dropshipping solution that addresses multiple cost drivers—consolidated fulfillment, blind shipping, brand packaging, and predictable shipping costs—Branvas offers a brand-ready platform designed for growth-focused founders. Learn more about Branvas fulfillment.

Ready to reduce your shipping costs this week? Start with the 90-minute audit, implement your first 3 changes, and explore how Branvas can help you build a profitable, brand-ready dropshipping business.

References

[1] McKinsey & Company, "What do US consumers want from e-commerce deliveries?", February 13, 2025, https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/logistics/our-insights/what-do-us-consumers-want-from-e-commerce-deliveries

[2] Branvas, "Is Dropshipping Still Profitable in 2026?", February 4, 2026, https://branvas.com/blogs/news/is-dropshipping-profitable

[3] Shippo, "USPS, FedEx & UPS 2026 rate increases", January 27, 2026, https://goshippo.com/blog/usps-fedex-and-ups-2026-rate-changes

[4] Atoship, "Zone-Based Pricing Explained with Real Rate Tables", May 17, 2025, https://atoship.com/blog/zone-based-pricing-explained-real-rate-tables

[5] Rocket Returns, "Ecommerce Return Rates 2025: Complete Industry Analysis + Benchmarks by Category", July 13, 2025, https://rocketreturns.io/blog/ecommerce-return-rates-2025-complete-industry-analysis-benchmarks-by-category

[6] Cahoot, "Shipping Rate Negotiation: Small Businesses Winning Better Rates in 2025", August 26, 2025, https://www.cahoot.ai/shipping-rate-negotiation-small-businesses/

[7] AFS Logistics, "The New Math of Parcel: How 2025's Pricing Tweaks Quietly Raised America's Shipping Bill", October 29, 2025, https://amblogistic.us/the-new-math-of-parcel-how-2025s-pricing-tweaks-quietly-raised-americas-shipping-bill/

[8] Tompkins Ventures, "Packaging Optimization: Reduce Excess Shipping and Labor Costs", https://tompkinsventures.com/packaging-optimization/

[9] ReferralCandy, "Free Shipping vs Percentage Discount: Which Drives More Sales in 2026", February 1, 2026, https://www.referralcandy.com/blog/free-shipping-vs-percentage-discount-which-drives-more-sales-in-2026

[10] Capital One Shopping, "Free Shipping Statistics (2026)", January 27, 2026, https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/free-shipping-statistics/