Anyone who owns an eCommerce company will know only too well the problems that can arise by hiring the wrong couriers to deliver their goods.

If your delivery company is constantly losing items or delivering your packages late, this is sure to damage your reputation and, ultimately, cost you money.

But with so many options these days, how do you go about finding the right one? For those just starting out in the world of eCommerce, we’ve put together this list of tips to help you find the best courier.

Tips For Finding The Best Courier

To help you find the ideal courier, follow these steps:

Assess Your Needs: 

Some couriers will offer vastly different services, so start by thinking about your shipping requirements, including the volume of packages, delivery locations and delivery timeframes you need. 

Also consider whether you need domestic or international shipping, same-day delivery options, or specialised handling for fragile items. These are services some couriers don’t offer, so this will allow you to filter the options accordingly. 

Research Options: 

Research is key when searching for courier companies. So take some time to check through all the different options in your area, comparing their services, rates and reputation. 

Look for reviews and testimonials from other businesses to get an idea of their reliability and customer satisfaction levels.

Check Credentials: 

Another way to ensure you’re partnering with the right courier is to check they’re licensed, insured and compliant with industry regulations. Verify their track record and reliability by checking for any complaints or disciplinary actions against them, which can usually be found with a quick search.

If you’re considering one of the major players in the market then this shouldn’t be much of a concern. But if you’re considering partnering with a smaller company you haven’t heard of then don’t skip this important step.

Consider Speed And Efficiency: 

Customers are impatient, so look for a courier service that offers fast and efficient delivery options to keep them happy. 

When looking for a courier, consider factors such as transit times, delivery guarantees and the ability to track shipments in real time as these can all improve your customers’ experience.

Evaluate Technology And Tracking: 

For peace of mind, choose a courier company that offers advanced technology and tracking capabilities. Look for features such as online booking, electronic proof of delivery, and real-time tracking updates to enhance visibility and communication throughout the shipping process.

Don’t Always Choose Cheapest:

Some business owners choose the cheapest option when starting off. However, what they often find out is some of these courier companies are cheap for a reason – the reason being that they offer a below-par service!

So while some couriers may cost slightly more per delivery, if they’re going to deliver your packages on time and undamaged then this will ultimately save you money in the long run.

That’s not to say all the cheapest options will be offering poor service. But before you opt for the cheapest company you find, do some research and try to find out why they’re cheaper. 

Review Customer Service: 

Assess the level of customer service provided by the courier company, including responsiveness, professionalism, and support availability. A reliable courier should be accessible and responsive to address any inquiries or issues promptly.

Request Quotes: 

To find the best deal, you should obtain quotes from multiple courier companies and compare their rates, fees and service offerings. This will help you assess what’s on offer, as well as finding the company that’s best suited to your business’ needs.

When analysing the options, be sure to consider factors such as volume discounts, surcharges and any additional services they offer as weighing all this up will help you determine the overall cost-effectiveness of each option on the table.

Test Reliability: 

Once you’ve decided on a courier, before committing to a long-term partnership, tell them you’d rather have a trial period so you can see how it plays out.

This will help you get a good gauge on their performance, and if you feel you could be getting a better deal elsewhere, you won’t be locked into a long-term contract with the wrong courier!

During your trial, monitor delivery times, handling of packages and customer feedback as their performance in these areas will help you assess their suitability for your business.

Why Having A Good Courier Is Important

So now we know the steps to follow to partner with a great courier, let’s remind ourselves why it’s important:

Cost-Efficiency

Although investing in a quality courier service may seem like an expensive luxury, it can ultimately save you money in the long run. 

Just think about it: when you’re enjoying efficient delivery processes, reduced returns and satisfied customers, this will save you so much time and hassle – not to mention money.

If you want your business to grow then you’ll need a reliable courier by your side, so while spending more on your delivery service may seem like an expense you can avoid, it should be viewed as a long-term investment into your business’ future.

Protects Reputation

When customers order products online, they want them to arrive quickly and in one piece. These are the two basic requirements, and if your courier is failing to meet these expectations, then you’re going to have some pretty angry customers on your hands.

Thanks to the power of the internet, angry customers can now share their bad experiences with the world in a few short minutes. And once those bad reviews start totting up, it can be difficult to repair your damaged reputation.

Builds Better Customer Relationships

On the flip side, if you manage to find a courier that’s dedicated to getting your packages to their destination on time and intact, this will help foster a much better relationship with your customer.

Brand loyalty is real, and customers tend to shop with companies they trust. So by creating a better shopping experience, you maximise your chances of seeing these customers come back, which will help your business grow.

Tracking Options

As well as damaged items and slow deliveries, another way you can potentially annoy customers is by sending packages without tracking. 

When you provide tracking information, your customers can trace their packages every step of the way. This can be reassuring as they can follow their delivery along its route.

They’ll also be notified if there are any delays which can put their minds at ease. So if you want your customers to have an enjoyable experience then tracking will go a long way to providing it. 

Boosts Productivity

Investing in a good, reliable courier not only protects your items from damage while they’re en route but also streamlines operations, leading to significant productivity increases. 

With the time and resources that are usually spent handling customer complaints, processing returns and arranging for replacements to be sent out heavily reduced, this will free up more time for you and your staff to get on with other jobs.

This streamlined approach frees up valuable time and administrative resources, allowing your business to redirect its focus towards other more worthwhile tasks. 

Regulatory Compliance

This won't apply to all businesses, but in some industries, there may be regulations and restrictions placed on certain goods.

Whether it's pharmaceuticals, electronics or food and beverages, adhering to the industry-specific packaging guidelines that are in place will ensure that products reach consumers in the intended condition and you stick to the rules that are in place.

Prevents Contamination

In industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, packaging plays a crucial role in preventing contamination. 

As mentioned already, there are stringent packaging regulations in place which help businesses maintain the integrity of their products, ensuring they remain safe for consumption or use. 

This proactive approach safeguards both the health of consumers and the reputation of the business.

Packaging

Along with offering tracked postage, another way to ensure customer satisfaction is by using high-quality packaging materials.

This helps you minimise costs associated with damaged goods, refunds and returns, which can prove to be a real drain on your funds. 

By investing in strong, sturdy and protective packaging materials,you can safeguard your products while they’re on their way to their destination, reducing the risk of damage or breakage. 

This not only preserves the goods while they’re in transit but also enhances the overall customer experience, helping to protect the online reputation you’ve worked so hard to create!

So those are our top tips for finding the right courier, as well as the reasons you ought to do so. As you can see, there’s quite a bit of work that goes into this, but as an eCommerce company, partnering with a reliable and trustworthy courier is paramount.