Hi there I'm just in the process of starting an e-commerce business in USA and my only stumbling block seems to be getting the shipping companies to sit down and open an account with me - they won't take my calls, let alone call me back! I have tried UPS and FedEx. In the UK, there are services that give you access to corporate rate pricing without having initial huge volume. I'd appreciate any suggestions?!
If you are in the UK you may want to look into fulfillment. The last time I had to deal with this for a client not in the US I went with these folks. http://fulfillrite.com/ Clients got a sweet discount on shipping via fed ex as a result. hope that helps, Nigel
Keep trying until you find a sales rep who is keen to earn a commission. Don't settle for less than 50% discount off schedule rates. Schedule rates are only for casual or private shippers. Commercial shippers who pay those rates are newbies, or have made the mistake of giving their account number to an overseas supplier to send them something freight collect. Make sure you get any shipping quotes in writing! That advice has saved many of my importing students huge amounts. Walter Hay