The period has begun when Poles start looking for Christmas gifts for their loved ones. We usually buy gifts in stores, make them ourselves, or order them online. With the development of e-commerce, the latter form is increasingly chosen due to the ease and simplicity of shopping. However, the purchase itself is only half the battle; the other half is the timely delivery of the parcel. So, how can we ensure that gifts ordered online end up under our Christmas tree?
We can find practically everything on the internet. The dynamic development of e-commerce means that more and more traditional stores are opening virtual branches or moving their offers online. This contributes to increased competition and lower prices. It is no wonder that this shopping channel is increasingly chosen by Poles. According to expert forecasts, the value of online retail sales will increase by at least 15% year-on-year this year. The link between e-commerce and the courier market also translates into a dynamic increase in the number of parcel deliveries, which grows by an average of several dozen percent, especially during the pre-Christmas period.
Processes, procedures, employees
Responsibility for the timely delivery of a parcel depends primarily on the good organization and operational preparation of the courier company. Very often, this translates into hiring additional couriers and warehouse workers. Over the years, DPD has modernized and expanded several dozen local branches, which has undoubtedly improved the quality of services provided. The Central Sorting Center in Stryków, commissioned two years ago, allows for the sorting of up to 35,000 parcels per hour, which significantly improves customer service throughout Poland. The Siódemka company from the DPD Polska group is also preparing for the peak parcel season. In addition to hiring new employees, the logistics network is also being strengthened by opening additional regional sorting centers, which significantly improves the process of delivering parcels to recipients.
– Siódemka also has a network of 1,300 Service Points where we can send a parcel ourselves. Siódemka Service Point facilities are located in well-known and easily accessible places in larger cities and smaller towns throughout Poland. On-site, we can pack, pay for, and send a parcel, and formalities are kept to a minimum – says Łukasz Zembowicz, Board Member for Sales at Siódemka S.A., DPD Polska Group.
Always play it safe
However, even the most modern technologies and proven processes may not be enough when dealing with random events. Severe weather conditions associated with snowfall cause difficulties in road traffic, on which courier parcel transport is based. A lot depends on whether the goods were ordered well in advance, whether the fields containing the address were filled in flawlessly and legibly, and whether the parcel was packed correctly. Below are a few simple tips that will ensure efficient and timely service:
1. Ensure that the correct recipient address is entered.
2. Parcels are standardly delivered during the day, so it is worth considering ordering it to the place where we spend most of the day.
3. It is worth checking whether the ordered goods are “in stock” at the e-store. Its absence will certainly prolong the entire gift delivery process.
4. Gifts should be ordered well in advance. Preferably 2 weeks, and at the latest 5 business days before Christmas Eve. Random factors, including weather conditions, also affect parcel delivery.
5. The status of the parcel can be monitored by yourself in the online application. If the online store uses, for example, the Predict service, the recipient can also receive a notification about the planned delivery via SMS or email.
– We also offer our customers additional services that improve the parcel delivery process. As an example, I will mention the Predict service, which allows you to define a 2-hour time window in which the parcel is to be delivered. Additional support is provided by a specialized Contact Center and numerous channels enabling quick order placement, such as: email, website, or chat with a DPD Polska consultant. In our opinion, efficient communication and early planning allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises in the parcel delivery process – says Rafał Nawłoka, CEO of DPD Polska.