When you’re spending considerable sums on marketing and attracting customers to your business, the last thing you need is to be let down at the final hurdle – with delivery problems. That’s why it’s worth paying close attention to the courier company you choose to get your products into the hands of your customers.
From huge international players to bespoke local companies, there’s intense competition among delivery businesses, and they’re all vying for your orders. But, before you choose who you’re going to work with, here are some of the factors you should consider to select the best possible partner.
How well do they match our brand?
Your delivery company will be associated with your brand in the mind of your customer, so they need to focus on representing you in a positive light. Maybe carry out some test collections and deliveries to gather feedback on their performance – you’ll get a more accurate picture than from online reviews.
Is big always better?
While the big companies definitely have all the systems in place for efficient pick-up, tracking and delivery, they’re not always going to be the ideal choice for your business.
An independent courier will able to respond at short notice in case of emergencies, and carry out same-day delivery without excessive charges. For example, a local company such as Florida Couriers will have specific expertise with local deliveries within Florida which can speed delivery and reduce cost. Although you need to ensure your courier will be able to handle all deliveries, regardless of location it may be that they are more flexible in responding to their unexpected need for pick-ups and deliver within hours”
Tracking capability
No matter the size of the company you choose, ask yourself how easy it is to track progress – your customers will expect you to be able to respond to them and to follow up in case of any delay.
Are they connected to a global network?
It’s not only about local deliveries, these days. As customers move to online purchasing, the geographic location of your customer base may have expanded. Can the company you choose handle global deliveries as required? How can they guarantee delivery schedules, updates, and quality of customer contact? As your business grows, will they be able to scale up and handle the increased workload efficiently?
Partnership and professionalism
In any business, things can go wrong sometimes. How seriously will your chosen company take a situation which could harm your reputation, rather than theirs? They should be working with you as a partner to repair any damage, rather than arguing about who’s liable. Their professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction have to match yours.
Is price the most important consideration?
If you’re squeezed financially, the cost of delivery will move to the top of your agenda, but we all know that you’ll get what you pay for. If you need to cut costs, there may have to be a reduction in tracking, customer service, or overall quality. An independent courier may be more prepared to partner with you to deliver an optimum service at an affordable cost to keep your business. The priority will be to maintain or even enhance your service level to increase your reputation and customer loyalty, which will be critical to your future growth and success