According to some research, 88% of consumers will pay for same-day delivery. With how quick deliveries are becoming, it’s important to consider speed when choosing a shipping service.
While there are many different options for shipping services that you could choose, you’ll want to ensure that you choose the right one for your business.
Keep reading, and we’ll fill you in on all the factors you should consider so that your business can be successful.
Know Your Business
If you need to ship heavy freight, you’ll want to look for a carrier that can accommodate larger items. Some companies mainly focus on smaller items, so they might not have the right services for your needs.
Be sure to do your research and find a shipping service that will be able to transport your freight without any issues. The last thing you want is to show up with a large item that a carrier can’t accept.
You should also consider any special circumstances that your business might have. For example, if you often ship hazardous materials, you’ll want to make sure that the shipping company can accommodate those needs.
Some shipping companies might not be able to handle dangerous materials, so it’s important that you do your research in advance.
Reliable Delivery Times
You’ll want to go with a provider who has a high service rate level. This means that the business can efficiently ship your freight and get it to its destination on time.
A suitable carrier can help you boost your company’s reputation and also help you scale your business more efficiently.
On the other hand, if you choose a company with lower shipping costs but can’t deliver your shipments on time, you might miss your deadlines. You can save money in the short term, but you’ll hurt your customer satisfaction ratings in the long run.
You should also choose a carrier that focuses on communication and keeping you updated on where your shipment is. This will help hold them accountable while keeping you and your customers in the loop if your shipment doesn’t get to its destination on time.
Consider Safety
The safety of the shipper is also an important factor. While some might be cheaper, they might be compromising safety that could eventually come back to haunt you and your business.
When you’re shopping around, check out the company’s accident rates. See if they’re higher than the average in the industry. Your customers will care about package safety, and if you ship with a carrier that prioritizes safety, you can use them to help build your company’s reputation for successful deliveries.
Another way to judge a carrier’s safety is by looking at their online reviews. If many customers wrote great reviews for the company and their negative reviews have good explanations, then you can likely trust them.
In the end, this might even lead to increased sales.
Look at Delivery Speed
Delivery speed is essential to ensure that your items arrive when your customers need them.
Thanks to Amazon, many customers now want same-day delivery, and some are even willing to pay for faster delivery services. You’ll need to compete with companies that can ship out products faster, so it might be worth it to invest in a company that can send out products quicker than your competitors.
While you may not have the budget to offer free same or next-day delivery times, you can still find a shipping company that offers delivery times that meet your customers’ needs.
Faster delivery times will also help you grow your business since you can take on more orders from your online store without worrying about whether or not they’ll arrive on time.
Look at Your Budget
When comparing shipping costs, you’ll also want to look at your budget. Shipping might contribute to a large portion of your business’s expenses, so you must find a shipping carrier that fits your needs while allowing your business to be profitable.
You should compare shipping rates between multiple shipping companies before settling on one. You should also try and negotiate any discounted rates if you’re shipping many packages.
Factor in Stability
How long has the carrier been in business? Do they offer competitive rates and services in your area? Do they have the capacity to handle your packages reliably?
These questions are essential because you want to choose a shipping carrier that has some stability. You want to ensure that they can run efficiently so that your products can get to your consumers on time.
Choosing one that isn’t in danger of going out of business is crucial because you don’t want to interrupt your operations to look for a new shipping service.
Shop Around
When you first start shopping for a shipping solution, you might think that all the companies offer the same services. However, each shipping business is different, and they may provide additional services at various costs.
You’ll need to make sure that you’re choosing the right shipping company because they will essentially be part of your business. Choose one that will be a good fit for you and your customers.
Take Note of Customer Service
The product shipping experience can either help you grow your business or hinder it. If there’s something wrong with a shipment, you’ll want to know that the company will do everything they can to take care of it for you.
You can check reviews for the carrier online, through forums, or even by calling them to ask questions.
Discover More About Choosing a Shipping Service for Your Business
Overall, there are many factors to consider when choosing a shipping service for your business. There is no one size fits all solution, so always remember to do your research before choosing a carrier. We suggest that you look at the solutions we offer at Goin’ Postal!
We have many different shipping options, including international shipping, so check us out today!