You’ve designed an amazing product, manufactured it and found a market for it, but now you’re faced with a big decision: How will it reach the end customer? It’s time to find a reliable courier service. However, customers’ buying habits and expectations have changed a lot in the last decade. In addition to having to manage your business and your team on a daily basis, customers now also expect fast and efficient delivery times, quality customer service and an overall excellent shopping experience.
The right courier service can enhance your customers’ shipping experience and this will boost sales, reputation and allow your business to grow. There are many factors to consider when choosing a reliable courier service.
Aspects to consider when choosing the best one for your business
Technology
In today’s transport sector, the use of technology can make a big difference, and some courier services have developed their own technology solutions that provide customers with a superior delivery experience, optimising processes and ensuring service scalability.
Sustainability
Clean vehicles, scheduled deliveries, local distribution centres and the use of cutting-edge technology, for example to ensure the shortest transport time to complete deliveries, are all ways in which a courier service can make its business more sustainable. We should all be looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint to protect the planet, so the degree of sustainability of the courier service you choose should be an important factor in your final decision.
Reputation
Reading reviews and comments on the Internet can provide valuable information about the quality of service provided by different courier companies. Websites such as Trustpilot or Google can give you an idea of how the courier company works, as well as reviews on the company’s website and on social media.
Infrastructure
Courier companies with their own distribution centres and last mile delivery stations offer a number of advantages. An efficient in-house transport network, with professional drivers or its own fleet of vehicles, offers a guarantee of reliability.
Delivery speed
How long it takes for your customers to receive items from your courier service can impact your business reputation and increase (or decrease) your overall sales. The more satisfied your customers are, the more likely they are to buy from you again.
Size and weight limitations
The size and weight of your products may affect the delivery partner you choose, because some courier services do not have the means to transport large or heavy products, or may charge you extra for larger products. It is essential to discuss this with the courier service before making your choice.
Services
Some courier services specialise in certain types of delivery, such as Same-day or overnight delivery. Others specialise in international shipments or certain types of packages, such as fragile or perishable items. Choosing a courier service that offers all your transportation needs is essential.
Tracking and proof of delivery
A transport partner that offers parcel tracking or recorded delivery options will give you and your customers peace of mind. Most courier companies now send a text message or email to customers informing them of the exact time and date they should expect delivery. This will ensure an excellent delivery experience.
Care
A basic rule is that a courier service must take care of the goods it transports. After the effort of designing, producing and selling a product, the last thing a company needs is for it to arrive broken or damaged. Transporting a laptop is not the same as transporting a refrigerator, and cold goods cannot be treated in the same way as non-perishable goods. In some cases, it may be necessary to find a courier who specialises in a particular type of goods.
Customer service
Customers tend to associate the shipping experience with the company rather than the courier service, so choose the right courier service that offers good service and treats customers as you would treat yourself. When there is a problem, the way in which issues are handled and resolved is also paramount, so considering the process your customers may have to go through to find out where their lost items are is another important aspect to discuss with a potential courier partner.
Cost
While price is an important factor, it is best not to start your search for the best courier service for your business based on price alone. If you offer a poor quality delivery experience, it is likely to reduce your sales and your overall reputation. Cheap courier services may not offer the positive delivery experience that customers expect.
Insurance
Insurance cover for your parcels in case your package is lost, damaged or stolen during transit. Accidents can happen, and it’s better to be covered. Once you have considered all these factors and looked at all the options, you should be able to choose a reliable courier service that meets your needs and gives you peace of mind that your parcels are in safe hands.
