Courier delivery services have come a long way in a short time. This is a market that really has advanced in recent times. It is also a market that has grown and it has evolved in terms of the wider offering from and of these firms in the market as we see it. Whether you need a quick way to quote your next parcel delivery, or you are sending your first shipment abroad and need some guidance, businesses now have endless options in terms of how these services can work for a business. Small independent courier services face tough competition from larger firms. That said, a smaller firm will be able to deliver a one to one service.
How this service has evolved in the last 2-3 years
This pandemic has not just affected the stock market and financial institutions. From the small UK high street retailer to large multinational companies, everyone across the world has been affected. Some, unfortunately, will not be re-opening when this pandemic is over, but for others, it provides the opportunity to re-assess their business model, consider new working practices, and improve their operations using a reputable national courier service. Many businesses have closed their offices, and their staff work from home. From this they keep abreast of company activity using video-conferencing and Skype.
Others have changed production practises, to allow employees to maintain social distancing while continuing to maintain output. Changes are being made across all sectors of the manufacturing and retailing industries. Small and niche retailers, with no footfall through the doors due to lockdown, are learning how to use a courier service. They are turning more to e-commerce and social media. This is as a means to promote their products, advertise new lines, and arrange deliveries. Restaurants and fast-food outlets are offering take-away and home delivery services to maintain some level of cash-flow. While other businesses are re-tooling their manufacturing plants to supply much needed PPE equipment, ventilators, and hand sanitisers to frontline NHS hospitals, care homes, and GP surgeries, using our national sameday courier service.
Manufacturing and engineering
There are now very specialist services in place able to offer complete peace of mind for engineering and manufacturing professionals working in the industry. In any case, these are services of great convenience and they are able to add value to how processes are able to run. It also means a typical factory won’t be of risk of coming to complete standstill. This is in the sense that they will have the necessary key parts when they need them.
From products directly off the production line, to machine parts, tools or important chemicals, couriers can securely transport your goods using our same-day or next-day delivery as an offering. This is now a very common service offering. This is also a key way in how couriers are now able to operate in the UK. Couriers can and do work literally everywhere.
Fast delivery is key
The time it takes for your customers to receive their items from your courier service can impact the reputation of your business and 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. Therefore, it can be a good idea to explore your opportunities with inventory management software, which can automate many different tasks and maximise the efficiency of your order fulfilment processes.
Take the time to research what your competitors are doing and send out a survey or social media poll 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 courier service. You can factor these extra costs into the shipping fees your customers pay you.
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. This is 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.
Couriers for local businesses
The pandemic has proven to be a challenging time for many businesses in the UK. Adapting to new services, to meet the lockdown restrictions, have been felt by all. Subsequently forcing them to seek innovative ways to continue serving the public, whilst keeping customers and colleagues safe, is paramount. Some local businesses have faced the difficult decision of closing their doors to the public. This is never good for anyone.
Implementing the help of a local Courier has provided a way for some businesses to survive this turbulent period. It has also helped them to achieve sustainability. This is all without compromising on the health and safety of their colleagues. Working with a reliable courier service will find that they can continue to sell products to their customers, without having to let anyone physically step into a store. Providing customers with alternative services offers more than just immediate benefits. In fact, the advantages stretch far beyond short-term wins. By implementing these services, businesses can portray a level of responsibility and care. All of which will likely strengthen brand loyalty and draw in new customers.
Weigh up all of the key factors in how you choose a courier
We mentioned the importance of balancing using the cheapest and most fairly priced couriers for your shipping needs with delivering (pardon the pun) the highest service standards to your customers. As one of the first points of contact your customers will have with your business, it’s vital they receive their goods on time and in great condition. You also need to offer the product return options that suit them best. The best courier for your e-commerce business depends on various factors. It can come back to the volumes, sizes and weights of the packages you send. It also depends on the type of products you sell and how you want to grow your business. It’s one thing to ship the odd parcel. It’s quite another to ship hundreds of packages a month to a variety of locations. It’s even more complex using a range of express and standard services.
Overall
The impact of COVID-19 on industry is exceptional. Through the surge in demand across sectors such as food and medicine. This is very much in line to the innovative ways that businesses continue to explore to survive. The importance of working with a courier during the pandemic is more vital now, than ever. Couriers have seen a whole new demand. It will also be interesting to see how this is able to pan out in the coming months. This is as we head into recession. Again, couriers may see their demand open up in terms of how they are needed. They will always be required as a means to getting key items from A to B.
