If you’re sending high value items you need a courier you can trust. You need to use a courier with competitive pricing. That said, bear in mind that the cheapest might not be the best. You need to be sure you will get a good service too. Ideally, you will choose a courier who is established and has worked with businesses similar to yours. That way, they can not only provide you with a good service but also know too what it is you need too.
Speed of delivery is key
Therefore, it can be a good idea to explore your opportunities with inventory management software. They can automate many different tasks and maximise the efficiency of your order fulfilment processes. This is where and how couriers – sameday couriers in particular can really add some value.
Do your research
Take the time to research what your competitors are doing. A good idea too is to send out a survey or social media poll. Do so to see what your customers expect from online deliveries. After all, the more research you do, then the more likely you are to get the shipping experience right for your customers. If next day delivery or same day delivery is essential for your industry and business, you may not necessarily need to pay more for a faster sameday courier service. You can factor these extra costs into the shipping fees your customers pay you.
The time it takes for your customers to receive their items can be crucial. It can also be key from your courier service can impact the reputation of your business. It can also increase (or decrease) your overall sales. This is because the happier your customers are, the more likely they are to buy again from you. A recent survey on delivery times found that most customers buying online in the United Kingdom expect a maximum delivery time of three to five days. If your competition is high, then you may need even shorter delivery times – especially when selling on marketplaces.
The need for proof of delivery
If your items don’t get to where they need to be on time, you’re going to have some unhappy customers on your hands! Be on the lookout for courier services that can provide you proof of delivery so that you can be certain your shipping company is delivering to your expectations. Depending on the needs of your customers and the types of products you sell, it may be worthwhile to use a shipping partner that provides parcel tracking or recorded delivery options to ensure peace of mind for both you and your customers. The better the delivery experience for your customers, the less hassle you are likely to receive. This is on your end for any problems encountered from your chosen courier service.
Cost versus value
As an online business owner, you’re likely to be aware that the delivery costs for outsourcing shipping operations can add up quickly, which is why you need to be able to work out your delivery costs against the value provided for your business. This can be challenging as it’s difficult to attach a measurable numerical value when you’re improving customer experience. While increasing your sales is almost always going to be your number one goal, you also need to measure and monitor your success. Do so also in other (less quantifiable) ways. You can measure the value delivered to your business by your chosen courier services through checking your reviews. You can also do so by sending out a quick survey. Do so to see how happy your customers are with the shipping experience provided to them.
Overall
When it comes to comparing delivery companies, this courier comparison checklist should go some way. It can help you find the right solution to support the growth of your business. If you can get the shipping experience right for your customers, you’ll start to build more trust in your online business, boost your online reputation and increase your overall sales. Finding the best courier service may seem like a challenging task. That said, it is certainly a worthwhile investment of your time.
