Complete Shipping Workflow Guide Part 1: Logistics Concepts, Packaging, Labeling & More

This is one of the most anxiety-inducing issues for newcomers! Without orders to practice with, there's a strong sense of unknown. I was the same way at first, searching everywhere for videos and solutions. I couldn't even understand all the global selling terminology - freight forwarders, overseas warehouses, virtual warehouses, cloud warehouses, dropshipping - it was all so confusing.

So from day one of sharing tutorials, I knew this pain point and tried to address it. I actually wrote one piece back then, but put the series on hold. Today, let me explain everything clearly.

This article is only for newcomers doing ordinary legal and compliant products. If you're dealing with "special" products, please look elsewhere.

Overall Workflow

For most individual sellers, the overall shipping process before and after orders looks like this:

1 Pre-Order

• 1.1 Check logistics: Query corresponding logistics products/prices/timelines/packaging requirements based on your product selection.
• 1.2 Purchase packaging materials (optional): Buy appropriate packaging like boxes/shipping bags/thank you cards based on your product and operational needs.

2 Post-Order

• 2.1 Purchase products: Source corresponding products from 1688.
• 2.2 Replace packaging: After 1688 delivery, inspect products and repack as needed.
• 2.3 Apply shipping labels: Submit order information on logistics platform, print and apply labels.
• 2.4 Courier pickup: After preparing goods, submit pickup request on logistics platform and wait for courier. (Some areas don't have pickup service - need to ship to logistics warehouse yourself)
• 2.5 Upload tracking number: Return to Shopify to fill in tracking number and mark as shipped.

Done!

Basic Global Logistics Concepts

Let me explain some basic logistics solution concepts:

Dropshipping

There are actually two types of dropshipping:

1. Direct use of professional dropshipping platforms
2. Training your own suppliers to become your dropshipping partners

I personally don't recommend the first type for new individual sellers.

The first type means you can skip all the shipping steps I mentioned above. The dropshipping provider (let's call it Platform A) ships for you directly. You don't even need to select products - Platform A has already listed all their products. You just copy and paste their products to your store and wait for orders. When orders come in, you place orders on Platform A, and they ship directly.

The second type is when you select products yourself, negotiate with suppliers (ones you find stable and reliable), and ask if they can dropship internationally for you. You provide packaging requirements - for example, you send them labels and they apply them. This way, goods don't need to be shipped to you first; you can have international logistics pick up directly from the supplier.

Cloud Warehouse / Overseas Warehouse

Newcomers don't need to consider these yet. Cloud warehouse means your products and packaging are first sent to a third-party service warehouse where professionals pack and send to logistics providers. Overseas warehouse means your goods are shipped by sea to a third-party warehouse abroad to meet certain platform requirements and logistics timelines.

Individual sellers in the early stages don't need these - mainly because costs are too high. Your order volume doesn't justify paying for others to help you, and you certainly don't need overseas warehouses. After all, storage and fulfillment services both cost money.

Sea Freight / Air Freight / Small Package / Freight Forwarder

Social media is flooded with freight forwarding companies and various terms that can completely confuse newcomers. It feels like they've created many terms just to appear to have more exclusive and cheaper logistics solutions.

Virtual Warehouse

Used to circumvent many platforms' local store shipping requirements. Some service providers can give you last-mile tracking numbers immediately, and some even claim to create realistic logistics tracking. But actually, most traditional logistics providers have products that can give you last-mile tracking numbers immediately. For example, with YunTu UK Standard, you get the last-mile tracking number as soon as you place your order. New individual sellers with independent stores don't need so-called virtual warehouse services at all.

Practical Guide: Pre-Order Logistics Check

During the product selection stage, we actually need to check logistics to determine final product selection. After all, in global selling, logistics is a major cost component. You can't just select products blindly and then find out they can't be shipped or shipping costs are too high. That would be a waste.

My ultimate suggestion: as mentioned before, add sales representatives from the logistics providers mentioned above, ask them for price quotes, and ask if your products can be shipped, what products to use, and approximate prices.

Purchasing Packaging Materials (Optional)

When products are roughly selected and logistics are figured out, we need to think about how to pack and ship products. The question is: do we need to replace packaging or add operational touches?

In other words, when you receive products from 1688, do you need to remove their packaging/shipping bags and replace with your own?

Why Replace Packaging?

1. Brand identity: Using your own packaging enhances brand image
2. Hide sourcing: Prevent customers from seeing 1688 or other platform information
3. Operational needs: Include thank you cards, coupons, and other marketing materials

Packaging Selection

• Boxes: Suitable for fragile items, valuable products
• Shipping bags: Suitable for clothing, accessories, and other non-fragile products
• Bubble mailers: Suitable for small, lightweight products

Labeling Considerations

1. Apply labels flat without wrinkles
2. Don't cover barcodes or important information
3. Ensure label information is clearly readable
4. Use quality tape to prevent falling off during transit

Choosing Logistics

Factors to consider when choosing logistics:

1. Timeline: Different logistics products have different delivery times
2. Price: Choose appropriate logistics based on product value
3. Destination: Different logistics have different regional coverage
4. Product type: Special products like batteries, liquids need special logistics