10 tips for choosing a parcel delivery service
Are you using a courier service to send a package? Do you know which courier service to use? Wondering what the differences are and why they are important?
All package delivery services work in the same way: you book your delivery, the courier picks up your package, and then delivers it to your recipient. Simple!
But how do you decide which messaging service to use? How do you get the best rates? Do you know what the differences are between the different parcel services?
Our 10 tips should help you choose the right service for your package delivery:
- Do you want to be able to compare prices and services between various courier companies? If you do, an intermediary service can offer you competitive rates and allow you to select the best service for your package. One that allows online quotes and reservations is usually the most convenient.
- Do you need a shipping solution that will take package delivery information from your e-commerce system and book carriers seamlessly? Some eCommerce shopping carts, including eBay, can be linked with broker software to help you manage your fulfillment more effectively.
- Is your collection urgent? Not all couriers have an ‘express delivery’ option and even if they do, you’ll need to check exactly what they mean by ‘fast’ or ‘express’.
- Does your shipment need to arrive at a specific time? If so, you should choose a package delivery service that offers deliveries at specific times.
- Does your package have value? There are several insurance options available for your shipment, depending on the courier service you select. Often a certain level of cover is included in the standard booking fee and higher levels of insurance can then be arranged separately.
- How big is your collection? Do you need a courier company that can handle heavy items or pallets? Parcel companies offer different types of service depending on the size of your items. Larger items will need to be picked up by larger vehicles and may require 2 people to lift. This will be reflected in the price.
- Do you need cheap parcel shipping? No one wants to spend more than necessary on their courier service, but the exact cost will depend on your requirements. You may be able to negotiate better rates if you are flexible about pickup and drop-off times, or if you make regular or mass bookings.
- Do you need regular collections? If you know you need a courier service to pick up packages at regular times, you can look for a company that can book package deliveries in advance. You may get a better price and you will save a lot of time making repeat bookings.
- Are there more packages to ship on certain days of the week? For many people, Monday is a very busy day and some courier services are better suited to the level of demand than others. If on-time pickup and delivery is important to you, check to see if the package delivery service you use can cope with your schedule.
- Would you prefer your package to be picked up and delivered by a uniformed person with a labeled van? If your customers require their deliveries to arrive in a smart van with a uniformed driver, make sure that they choose a parcel delivery service that requires their courier drivers to be properly groomed. These services are often more expensive, so if your customers are satisfied with an off-brand service, you may prefer a cheaper alternative.
In the end, the courier service you choose will affect the type of package delivery options available. It is important that you select a courier service that suits you and your business.
