Getting started in e-commerce - how do I choose a courier company?

Choosing a courier company is one of the most important decisions to be made by those opening an online shop. The right partner in this area will help deliver orders efficiently, while offering competitive rates. However, a lot depends on the exact industry in which the shop will operate and where it is located. What else is worth paying attention to?

Manner of sending and receiving shipments

The distance of the online shop's head office (warehouse) from the courier's pick-up point influences its choice if we plan to deliver parcels there for posting. However, if we expect it courier will come to us to collect parcels, we should check what the cost of this service will be. Using Parcel Machines may become an attractive alternative to the above solutions. By choosing the best way of sending parcels for you, you guarantee yourself the possibility of immediate delivery of orders, thus creating a competitive advantage.

Information on the status and progress of the shipment

Today - in the information age - customers want to know where the goods they have ordered are currently located and when they can expect them to be delivered. That is why it is worth using a courier service that allows tracking of shipments, giving the recipient the possibility to monitor the process at all times. SMS notifications are also a very useful tool, informing about the expected time of delivery of the parcel or the fact that it has been delivered to an InPost parcel machine.

Available dimensions and weight of shipments

When choosing a courier company, it is important to consider the average weight and dimensions of the parcels you intend to send, as well as their maximum dimensions. These parameters will largely affect the price and availability of services. It is a good idea to have at least a preliminary understanding of the matter in order not to make the wrong decision at the very start of your business.

Delivery times

This is a fairly obvious point that will always play an important role. The shorter the waiting time for an order, the greater the customer satisfaction. Most people do not judge the online shop and the courier separately, but consider both as a whole. If they take too long to wait for delivery, they often report directly to the shop rather than to the courier company. It is worth bearing this in mind when choosing a courier partner.

Quick returns

If you intend to trade in items that you suspect may be subject to frequent returns, such as clothing or footwear, check whether the courier company supports a system for such returns. Sometimes we find that the availability of this functionality will encourage new customers who would not otherwise dare to buy certain goods. If we remove their fears about the difficulty of processing a return, they are more likely to place larger orders.

Minimum number of shipments

In order to find the best courier company for you, check whether it hides a 'catch' in the form of a minimum number of shipments. In some cases, this is crucial, especially if you are just starting out. There are offers where you pay for, for example, 20 shipments, regardless of how many are actually made. If the shop receives, for example, 10 orders each in the first few months and the owner has to pay for 20, his profit will be significantly reduced.

Duration of the contract and possibility to amend the terms

An important factor when choosing a courier company will be the flexibility of the offer. At the beginning of your business, it is quite common to underestimate the possibilities or, on the contrary, to overestimate them. Therefore, it is worth ensuring that the cooperation agreement with the courier company provides adequate flexibility and allows for modification of the offer. InPost services are a good example of this.

Price of services offered

When making a decision, it is important to remember that price is not necessarily the most important factor. Quite often, the cheapest offer hides significant flaws and therefore does not meet the company's needs. Only after taking all the pros and cons into account can you say that you have made the best possible decision.

Average product price and average basket value

If we sell a relatively cheap product, especially in small quantities, we need to look for the cheapest possible delivery methods. This is because the vast majority of customers compare the value of the order with the cost of delivery. In the case of more expensive products, on the other hand, the delivery price plays a smaller role, as it represents a small fraction of the price. For small transactions, Paczkomaty InPost is an attractive option for customers. Especially as it has several other advantages, such as being available 24/7.

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