Cover Story: 50 Best Tips of 2009

31. Substitute ground for air.
Both FedEx and UPS offer guaranteed delivery for ground service as well as air/express. Save money by using ground instead of air when guaranteed on-time delivery still can be made by ground.
Jeff Kline, Kline Management Consulting
“7 Ways to Cut Parcel Shipping Expenses Right Now,” March, Catalog Success

32. Packing can always be more efficient.
Put packing supplies adjacent to the stations in your warehouse, and ensure you have the proper number of insert compartments, sufficient tabletop square footage and adjustable length stations.
Curt Barry, F. Curtis Barry & Co.
“15 Ways to Reduce Warehouse Expenses,” April 7, Catalog Success: Tactics & Tips

33. Lean engineering optimizes net recovery and sales cycle time when dealing with returns.
The practice of stashing returned items in a central warehouse is common, yet almost always creates an unnecessary drag on a company’s financial performance. Seek the expertise of an outsourced solution provider to develop a “lean engineering” process that makes it easier for customers, reduces the number of times products are handled/transported, reduces the cycle time and optimizes recovery.
Cayce Roy, Liquidity Services
“Debunking the Myths of Customer Returns,” July 7, The ROI Report

34. Test personalized URLs (PURLs) and mobile keywords on mailings, ads and inserts.
Engage with customers through all available channels for the sole purpose of broadening the means of communication. Further develop your digital relationship with consumers by using PURLs, or test mobile marketing using mobile keywords on all printed pieces. Consumer response is traceable; once consumers have responded, you’ve established a new ability to communicate digitally.
Neil O’Keefe, Direct Marketing Association
“5 Tips to Minimize the Impact of USPS Rate Increases,” March 24, Catalog Success: Tactics & Tips