When it comes to choosing a courier for a package – whether it is a delicate package or a large parcel or something that is worth a lot of money – it is important to do your research first before jumping in with the first courier that you cross paths with. Although many couriers will be widely known due to marketing and ease of access, depending on the style and size of your package they may not be the best courier for you. Likewise, if you want to have your package delivered quickly, the same courier service responsible for swift service may not have so many positive reviews when it comes to ensuring the package’s safety.
Similar to any online service that you are unsure of, taking care and putting the research in will hopefully save you from bitter disappointment later on. Some of the key things to look out for when choosing a good courier are:
Know your Parcel
For a start you need to know the dimensions (that’s height, width and length) and the weight of your parcel, as well as its intended destination. Knowing the specifications of your parcel will ensure that you can get an accurate quote online and will also ensure that you pay the right amount of postage up front with no nasty postage surprises – although import tax may still be required of the recipient depending on the destination of the parcel.
Price
Pay close attention to the price. Obviously you’ll want to go for a good deal, but if the prices seem too good to be true, then in all likelihood, it probably is. Unlike cheap produce or chocolate that you can buy from a supermarket, couriers are providing a service and a certain amount of labour will go into this service. Essentially, as they say, you get what you pay for…
Along this same vein, be careful that you are not overcharged for your service. Use price comparison websites or compare prices yourself manually, as the price comparison websites will always give the lowest price which may not be reflective of your parcel’s dimensions.
Delivery Style
Does your courier request a particular pick up and drop off time? Will they give you a tracking number? These are the sort of questions you want to be asking, as they are an indication of a good courier who provides a dedicated service. By asking for specific pick up information they imply the intent to see to it that the package is safely picked up and delivered. Obviously you can never be 100% sure of a delivery service but if they are requesting specific information, it gives further proof that this is a courier company that cares about its service.
Tracking numbers and information is also useful to have as you can check up on your parcel as it makes its journey. Particularly helpful if you’re running a small business and are sending out valuable stock, with closer relationships perhaps with your customer base.
Reviews!
With today’s technological world, it is very easy to find reviews online if the courier is genuine and reputable. Try to read a small sample of reviews before you decide to buy. Check whether or not the reviews sound genuine as unfortunately there are scripts that people can write in order for them to generate fake reviews online on behalf of their products. If there are a number of reviews of varying lengths and in different writing styles, then you’re probably in the clear.
Please bear in mind that many large companies may not have 100% positive feedback. In general people are more likely to make a comment on something if they have a complaint about it, which is why we may see more negative reviews than positive on a service online.
Personal Experience
Finally, Word of Mouth is still in existence, even if competing with the web… so take advice from friends if they have used a courier before. If you are completely unsure, ask a relative or a friend who has used a courier. Chances are somebody you know will have needed a courier service at some point in their lives, so it is always good to ask.
Happy posting!
Steven Korrell is an online content editor for www.randlogistics.com, a market leading parcel broker delivering goods across the UK and all around the world.