If you need a courier service for a parcel delivery, there are plenty of options available. From large well-known companies with offices across the world to small local companies serving the local community, customers have many choices. Before deciding which service is right for you, there are several things you need to consider.
Reputation
Checking a courier company’s reputation is always a good idea, especially if you have not used a courier before. A simple internet search can often provide the reassurance you need; however, it is also worth speaking to someone who has recently used the company. Key questions include whether their parcel arrived on time and whether their parcel was damaged during transit in any way.
Cost
Give yourself enough time to shop around for the best price. Many companies offer an online quote service and can calculate the cost with basic information such as the collection and destination address and the size and weight of the package. Always bear in mind that a courier service is saving you time by providing a service to you, the customer, and a good courier company should offer great value for money.
Time
Obviously, the quicker you want your parcel delivered, the more it is going to cost, so thinking ahead and being organised will save you money. Options range from same day courier services to next-day delivery, 48-hour delivery and five working day delivery. The cost also depends on how far the item is travelling, so forward planning is always going to be the most cost-effective option.
Companies such as http://allaboutfreight.co.uk/same-day-courier-service have access to a nationwide pool of qualified and insured same-day couriers.
With the growth of online businesses, courier services are in high demand. While other areas of retail may be struggling, online sales are continuing to rise; for example, online non-food sales accounted for 24.1 per cent of the total market in December 2017, up from 11.6 per cent in the same month in 2012.
Parcels being sent abroad often require additional paperwork, so using a company that can handle this kind of delivery will ensure your parcel isn’t held up at customs. Always ask for the tracking information so that you can identify the exact location of your parcel at any given time, then contact the recipient to let them know when to expect it.