The popularity of online shopping is constantly growing, and the number and variety of courier companies offering delivery can be dizzying. How to choose one that will fully meet our expectations – one that is reliable, honest, and above all, fast? What is worth paying attention to, and what should we watch out for to save ourselves unnecessary nerves and stress?
Experience is the most important thing
When we go for a job interview, we know that the question about our experience will certainly come up. If we want to use the services of a logistics company, we should ask the same thing. It is always worth checking how long a given company has been in existence and what its specifics are. Although for many of us price is a priority, let’s remember that cheaper does not necessarily mean better. If we want the shipment to reach the recipient not only quickly but also safely, we should look for a logistics company that has been verified by many customers. A long-standing presence on the market is, in itself, a guarantee of experience that cannot be overestimated. A company operating in the TSL industry for several years must be reliable and solid. Otherwise, it would simply disappear from the market. If you are afraid that due to the large number of shipping companies, you will encounter a dishonest carrier – ask your friends. There is no better recommendation than a referral of a company’s services by one of its customers.
Time is money…
The reason why it is not worth saving on shipments is precisely money. By sending a shipment with a proven courier company, we can expect it to reach its destination within 1-2 days of dispatch. However, the shipping time depends on many factors, including the place where it is to be delivered. The time of year when we send the package is also of great importance. If it is sent during the so-called peak season, its delivery time may be slightly extended, so let’s think about it in advance. If the delivery time of the shipment is a key issue for us, it is sometimes worth paying more to ensure it arrives on time. Especially in business, where any delay generates additional and completely unnecessary costs. Purchasing a delivery service by a specific time can also effectively solve the problem of sending documents that need to be in a specific place, e.g., before 9 or 12 o’clock, when we cannot deliver them personally.
It’s nice to get something extra
The best courier companies, in addition to standard services, also offer their customers additional services, which are often free. This is the case, for example, with the DHL Parcel service – Redirect your package, which allows you to change the delivery address of a shipment even when it is already on its way. All you need to do is use the website and change the destination, all for free. Therefore, it is worth checking the carriers’ offers carefully, because what is not available from one of them, we will get for free from another.
The customer is king
The more companies and the greater the competition, the better for customers. More and more companies know that fighting for a customer is not just about lowering prices and expanding the offer. It is also about proper service. We all like it when, asking a question or making a request, we are treated kindly and professionally. When we hear a friendly voice on the phone, and the information provided to us is reliable and clear. Therefore, before we choose the carrier of our dreams, it is worth checking how the company treats its future customers. How fast is the contact with the customer service office? Does the company respond to our emails? Is it willing to answer our burning questions? If contact with them is seamless, it means that they put the customer’s good first, and that is what it is all about.
Tailor-made
The logistics industry tries to meet customer expectations by often offering a comprehensive service at a very attractive price. But the most important thing is that the offer is properly tailored to our individual needs. Therefore, first of all, let’s check the offers of companies to which we would like to entrust our package. Do we want to additionally insure the shipment, or do we care about delivering the package before a specific time?
Quality guarantee
After checking offers, prices, and quality of service, we are almost decided, but… what next? To be absolutely sure that the company serving us is trustworthy, we can ask about the certificates and licenses it holds. Or maybe it has received awards or distinctions in consumer competitions? Technical facilities are also important.
Courier or parcel locker – that is the question?
Even when we have already chosen the carrier to whom we will entrust our package, the question remains – courier or parcel locker? Which way of delivering the package is the best? Well, it all depends on us and our preferences. Some people prefer the courier to deliver the package straight to their home. However, if we move around a lot during the day and don’t want the courier to have to look for us – let’s choose a parcel locker. Especially those placed inside a building will ensure the safety of the shipment and proper storage conditions. We won’t have to worry about whether our dream electronic equipment, which we have been waiting for so long, will be damaged due to low temperatures. And in addition, they will allow us to pick up the package in comfortable conditions, without having to expose ourselves to wind, rain, or frost.