Whether you are selling online exclusively or have a physical store, you need a courier service to provide a convenient shopping experience for your customers. It’s not just because of the pandemic. You need to offer delivery services even before and after the pandemic. This isn’t a trend nor a one-time thing. Delivery will be a part of the overall success of your business-yes, even if you’re selling clothes. People will soon want same-day delivery of clothes, shoes, accessories, and even household items.
The culture of deliveries has long been popular in the United States. This is nothing new to businesses, but the sense of urgency to provide courier service was magnified because of the pandemic. Whereas before delivery was just a secondary source of income for businesses, it has become critical now in their operations. No delivery? Forget about reaching new markets and satisfying your current clientele.
But, of course, delivery services aren’t for all businesses. Some cannot afford the cost, while others simply don’t have the manpower for it. This is an incorrect approach to delivery services. It should be the focus of your business now. If you cannot provide that, then it’s only a matter of time before another business steals your clients away.
In-house Delivery Service
The best way to provide a convenient shopping experience for your customers is to build an in-house delivery service team. You can hire college students as part-timers, so you won’t have to pay them the full benefits as prescribed in the law. They can do this on the side. The only problem remaining is the vehicles they are going to use to deliver the goods.
You don’t need to buy a brand-new motorcycle or compact sedan. Go to a buy-here-pay-here car dealership to consider your choices. The best thing about these car lots is that they’re not going to require financial documents to prove that you can pay the loan. Although interest rates will be higher, you’re going to get the car or motorcycle that you need in a few hours. Besides, most businesses don’t have a good financial standing to apply for an auto loan right now.
There’s another way for you to provide delivery services without needing to buy a used vehicle for it. How about letting the business use your own car? As long as the deliveries will just be around the city, those wouldn’t add too much to your car’s mileage. If you have a second and older car, then let the business “borrow” it from you. These days, your business needs as much help as it can get.
Third-party Courier Services
You will not lack options when you consider third-party delivery services. From Uber Eats to DoorDash, you have loads of companies to choose from. These businesses, however, profit from taking a chunk out of your sales. Or you will need to sell your items for much more than their original price if you go with any one of these. Most of these companies will operate via “partners” in an area, so same-day deliveries are possible.
In choosing a courier service as a partner, consider the speed of delivery, the size and weight limitations, proof of delivery, customer service, the cost to value, and insurance. You also have to consider the serviceable areas. If the company is not servicing the area where most of your clients are coming from, then the low service fee and good customer service satisfaction will be of no use to you.
Traditional Fulfillment Services
FedEx, DHL, and UPS are the traditional route for businesses that need to reach markets outside their usual areas. These companies will bring your business to new heights since they can deliver to different parts of the world. If you want to expand your business operations, talk with a local branch and see what deal you can get out from them. Most of these companies offer pick-up services by batch to make it more convenient for businesses to partner with them.
If you plan to achieve global growth for your company, this is the easiest path to that. Making sure that you can deliver goods worldwide will ensure your accessibility. Start listing down your options to see what makes the best sense for your business.
Is your business still not offering a delivery service? What are you waiting for? Clients and customers are not going to wait for you to make a move. They will grab the chance of supporting another company that puts their convenience a priority. Don’t waste this golden opportunity.