With businesses moving the majority of their operations online, the delivery of products to customers is a vital part of their service. Take, for example, owners of eCommerce websites, eBay sellers, clothing stores, merchandise sellers, bakeries, etc. While some of the more established businesses have their own vehicles for delivery, many of them still prefer to outsource the delivery of their goods to third parties so that they don’t have to deal with the hassle of licenses, fuel costs, tax, and other regulations.
Every small detail can influence your business reputation and unprofessional or unreliable delivery service will do more damage than good to your business. If you want your business to appear reliable and professional, your delivery process should be smooth and hassle-free. The delivery company you choose can either make or break your business. But how do you choose the best delivery service for your business amidst the many companies available? Here are some things to consider before making your decision:
1. Speed of Delivery
This is one of the most important factors you have to pay attention to. Speed of delivery is vital for almost all businesses and even if timing is not much of a factor, it’s always good to have fast delivery as an option for your business.
As the eCommerce industry continues to grow, a large number of customers now prefer same-day deliveries compared to normal services. Some delivery companies only offer standard delivery speeds, while others offer a range of delivery options to suit your needs, so look into this factor of each delivery company.
2. Delivery Areas
As a business, you get orders from all over the country and from different locations. Some delivery companies do not cover all areas and if you are looking to expand your business internationally, make sure you look for a company that can provide local and international deliveries for all locations. This would enable you to reach a wide range of customers in different parts of the world.
3. Safety and Security
The safety and security of the goods you’re delivering are important if you’re shipping fragile or delicate items or something that needs to arrive in good condition and the way a delivery company handles your package matters.
Similarly, a package can also get lost or stolen in transit if the courier is not reliable. So it’s very important that you choose a company that will keep your orders safe while in transit from the point of shipping to the final destination.
4. Tracking Services
As a business, it’s important to you that you know the delivery status of your items at all times. Make sure you choose an online delivery company that offers detailed and comprehensive tracking capabilities and a company that allows you to monitor the movements of a package while in transit; tracking and checking the status of your parcel or shipment.
5. Pricing
As with any case, pricing will always be an important factor to consider. Most delivery companies in Sri Lanka charge based on the weight and size of an item as well as the distance or location of the delivery.
Don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest option as they may have hidden surcharges or compromise on the quality of service. Choose one where you can save money and get the best service at the same time.
6. Customer Care
Make sure you choose a delivery partner that you can easily contact and are easy to deal with. A delivery company should always be available to answer your queries and concerns and offer assistance in case of emergencies. It’s also important to know if the drivers will offer to load and unload goods.
7. Experience
Experience matters for a courier company so choose a delivery partner that is established in the business. Companies with more experience are usually more reliable and reputable when it comes to deliveries and they can also help you further in your own process for delivery.
8. Added Services
Look for a delivery company that is not only limited to delivering parcels from one point to another. A good delivery company should be able to offer you additional services like packaging, labelling, logistics and warehouse management. Even if you do any of these things on your own, outsourcing these tasks to professionals is a good idea and can help organize your processes.
Ultimately, the choice of delivery service narrows down to your operational needs, budget, and your brand value. Remember to look for a reliable delivery partner that fulfills your needs and saves you time and money as well.
