Category: Shipping, Logistics & Fulfillment

Setting Up Shipping Yourself? Here’s the Full Picture

Shipping looks simple until your first RTO, lost package, or weight dispute. This guide covers every step we handle for our fulfillment clients – so you can decide if DIY makes sense for your brand.

Estimated time: 15-25 hours for full setup
Ongoing time: 2-5 hours/week for management
Technical skill: Low-Medium
Cost: ₹0 for aggregator signup + per-shipment charges

Phase 1: Strategy Decisions (Before Any Setup)

Questions to Answer First

1. Shipping cost model: Free shipping? Flat rate? Weight-based? Free above threshold?
2. Delivery promise: Can you promise 3-5 days? 5-7 days?
3. COD policy: Offer COD? With limits? Extra charge?
4. Pincode coverage: Pan-India or specific states?
5. Packaging: Standard boxes or custom branded?

Phase 2: Aggregator Selection (Week 1)

Don’t sign up with individual couriers. Use an aggregator for multi-courier access and better rates.

Major Aggregators in India

Aggregator	Strengths	Best For
Shiprocket	Best Shopify integration, WhatsApp tracking	Most D2C brands
Pickrr	Good rates, reliable	Cost-conscious brands
Eshipz	Advanced analytics	Data-focused brands
Delhivery Direct	Single carrier reliability	High volume brands

Setup Steps

6. Sign up for aggregator account
7. Complete KYC (PAN, GST, bank details)
8. Wait for approval (1-3 days)
9. Add pickup address(es)
10. Configure default weight/dimensions
11. Set up wallet/payment method for COD remittance

Phase 3: Shopify Integration (Week 1-2)

12. Install shipping app from Shopify App Store
13. Authenticate with aggregator account
14. Map order statuses (fulfilled = shipped, etc.)
15. Configure automatic order sync
16. Set up shipping rate display at checkout
17. Configure pincode serviceability check
18. Test order flow: place order → sync → create shipment → print label

Phase 4: Shipping Rules & Automation (Week 2)

19. Set up courier allocation rules (Delhivery for metros, Xpressbees for Tier 2/3, etc.)
20. Configure weight dispute auto-approval limits
21. Set up NDR (Non-Delivery Report) handling workflow
22. Configure RTO prediction rules (if available)
23. Set up automated tracking notifications (SMS/WhatsApp)
24. Configure COD remittance cycle preferences

Phase 5: Packaging & Operations (Ongoing)

25. Source packaging materials (boxes, mailers, tape)
26. Create packing SOP for team
27. Set up daily pickup schedule with couriers
28. Configure label printing setup
29. Create returns handling workflow
30. Set up inventory sync (if using multiple channels)

What Usually Goes Wrong (Why Brands Need Help)

• ❌ Weight disputes: Couriers charge more, you lose margins
• ❌ Courier allocation: Wrong courier for pincode = delays = RTO
• ❌ NDR mismanagement: Failed attempts not followed up, orders return
• ❌ Tracking gaps: Customers can’t track, flood support with queries
• ❌ COD reconciliation: Missing remittances, manual tracking nightmare
• ❌ RTO costs: 20-40% RTO eating all profit
• ❌ Rate negotiation: Paying retail rates instead of volume discounts

The Hidden Costs of Poor Shipping

• RTO cost: ₹100-200 per failed delivery (forward + return)
• Weight disputes: ₹20-50 extra per shipment if not managed
• Support burden: 30-40% of customer queries are about delivery
• Lost customers: Bad delivery experience = no repeat purchase

Honest Assessment

If you:

• Have time to manage daily shipping operations
• Can handle NDR follow-ups promptly
• Don’t mind manual reconciliation work
• Are comfortable negotiating with multiple couriers

…then DIY shipping is manageable!

If you want optimized courier allocation, proactive NDR management, and someone to handle the operational headaches – that’s what we do.

Our Fulfillment Integration Service

We set up optimized shipping operations:

• Aggregator setup with negotiated rates
• Smart courier allocation rules
• WhatsApp tracking integration
• NDR management workflows
• RTO reduction strategies
• Ongoing support and optimization

→ View our Fulfillment Service

📦 Get shipping sorted: Chat with us on WhatsApp

The RTO Crisis That’s Killing Indian D2C Brands

Reddit is full of frustrated D2C founders sharing the same story: “30% RTO rate on COD orders is eating all our profits.” If you’re running an Indian ecommerce brand, you’ve probably lived this nightmare.

The reality is brutal:

• RTO rates of 20-40% are common for COD orders
• 50%+ RTO for new brands without verification systems
• Double shipping costs (forward + return) on every failed delivery
• Lost inventory – products often damaged or unsellable after return

But smart brands are cracking this problem. Here’s how.

Why RTO Happens (Real Reasons from Reddit)

From hundreds of Reddit discussions, here are the actual reasons Indian D2C orders get returned to origin:

1. Fake or Incomplete Addresses

Especially in Tier 2/3 cities, customers provide vague addresses like “Near the big temple, blue house.” Delivery agents can’t find them.

2. Low Purchase Intent on COD

COD removes financial commitment. Customers order impulsively, then forget or change their mind by delivery time.

3. Delivery Delays

If delivery takes 7-10 days, customers lose interest. They may have bought elsewhere or no longer want the product.

4. Customer Unavailability

Failed delivery attempts because customer wasn’t home. After 2-3 attempts, order returns to origin.

5. Fraudulent Orders

Competitors placing fake orders, customers ordering multiple sizes intending to return most, or outright fake details.

7 Proven Strategies to Reduce RTO

1. COD to Prepaid Conversion via WhatsApp

The single most effective strategy. After a COD order is placed, send a WhatsApp message offering a small discount (₹50-100) for prepaid payment.

• Tools: Wato, Interakt, Shiprocket Engage
• Result: 20-30% of COD orders convert to prepaid

2. Phone/OTP Verification for COD

Automated IVR call or OTP verification before processing COD orders filters out fake/frivolous orders.

• Apps: Penguin COD, CODfirm, Kwik by Shiprocket
• Result: 15-25% reduction in RTO

3. Partial COD Payments

Collect a portion (₹50-200) upfront via UPI/cards, rest as COD. Increases commitment without removing COD option.

• Apps: Partialy, Razorpay Magic Checkout
• Result: 30-40% RTO reduction reported by brands

4. Address Verification

AI-powered address validation flags incomplete or suspicious addresses before shipping.

• Pincode serviceability check at checkout
• Google Maps integration for precise locations

5. Fast Shipping (Under 3 Days)

Quick delivery = less time for customers to change their mind. Partner with multiple couriers for optimal coverage.

• Tools: Shiprocket, Delhivery, Pickrr

6. Pre-Delivery Customer Engagement

WhatsApp messages throughout the journey:

• Order confirmation with product image
• Shipping notification with tracking
• Out for delivery reminder
• Delivery attempt notification

7. RTO Analytics & Flagging

Track RTO patterns by pincode, customer, or product. Flag high-risk orders for manual review or prepaid-only.

The Complete RTO Reduction Stack

At Growww Tech, we set up comprehensive RTO reduction systems:

• Shopify Store with smart checkout flows
• WhatsApp Automation for COD-to-prepaid conversion
• Shipping Integration with multi-courier support
• Performance Marketing targeting high-intent audiences

📉 Reduce your RTO: Get a free RTO audit on WhatsApp