Whether you’re in the Manufacturing Industry or operating an Ecommerce Business - It’s Imperative that you find a Reliable Shipping Partner. One that’s able to meet your Specific Shipping Needs and Requirements.

Not only will the right shipping partner ensure safe and timely deliveries - They’ll also play an important role when it comes to your customers satisfaction and overall brand reputation.

The interaction your business has with it’s customers goes way beyond the ‘checkout’ point. In actual fact, one of the most important interactions you will have with your customers - is at the final point of delivery.

Which means that to ensure a good customer experience - Your entire process (from the shopping cart to your customer’s driveway) needs to be seamlessly streamlined.

Start by Looking at Your Business’ Needs...

Before you begin your search for the right shipping partner - you’ll first need to understand your business’ specific needs and requirements. Consider the type of products you’re shipping, the needs of your customers and finally - how your competition operates.

The Type of Product Your Shipping:

Consider the average weight and dimensions of your products (how big and how heavy they are), the average value of your products (how much they cost), the quantity you expect to ship (weekly) and your average order value.

The Needs of Your Customers:

Take into account where your customers are located, how much they would expect to pay for delivery and how urgently they would need to have their orders delivered.

How Your Competition Operates:

There’s no better way to see what’s working and what isn’t, than to look at your competitors. Take some time to research their delivery options and services. 

Once you have gained a better understanding of your shipping options and needs, you can begin your search for a Reliable Partner - One that’s capable of handling them with ease.

Seven Things to Consider When Choosing A Reliable Shipping Partner:

1. Their Delivery Speed & Reliability

Today, consumers expect fast deliveries. That being said, the last thing you want to end up doing is having to apolgise for shipping delays and late deliveries. Take the time to check the track record of your prospective partners - Are they able to consistently deliver on time?

2. Their Range for Delivery 

Before you can choose the right shipping partner, you’ll need to check whether they’re able to meet the needs of and deliver to all of your customers’ destinations. And if you are shipping internationally - you’ll need a company well versed in international shipping.

Looking to ship Internationally? Contact us at InXpress Sandton. 

3. Their Customer Service & Support Levels

As we’ve already mentioned - the service provided by your logistics partner will greatly effect your business, your customer satisfaction and overall brand reputation. Be sure to research each prospective partners history with customer service and choose a company with a good reputation for customer satisfaction.

It’s also recommended to choose a partner that offers dedicated support - in terms of live support, over the phone support and email services. How responsive are your prospective shipping partners? It goes without saying.. Quick response times are crucial in the shipping industry.

4. Their Tracking Capabilities

Customers today prefer to be able to track their orders and deliveries. And so, providing them with options for tracking - will greatly impact their final buying decision. 

Tracking services allow customers to track their packages locations, estimated delivery times as well as any delays they may undergo. Beyond this, they allow you to monitor your deliveries and ensure they arrive on time while communicating any delays directly with your customers.

5. Possible eCommerce Integrations

An important factor to consider when looking for a shipping partner is their ability to integrate with your eCommerce platform. These integrations will ensure your processes are all in one basket (or so to speak). And if you’re looking for a shipping partner to scale with your needs - they’re pretty essential.

6. Multi-Carrier Options

Though sticking to a single courier may seem like a tempting idea - it’s recommended (for businesses shipping on a regular basis) to outsource to multiple logistics carriers instead. 

And so the question is…How can one do this without causing chaos and confusion within their shipping? 

Luckily, most reliable shipping companies offer ‘Multi-Carrier Options’ which provide more options for couriers and in turn - opportunities to negotiate better rates while expanding your audience through a greater reach.

7. Their Delivery Costs

Your initial intention may be to choose a shipping carrier with the cheapest rates. Though it may seem like a good idea - it may end up costing your business more in the long run. 

Cheaper carriers cannot always guarantee the best service - and often do not have the industry experience needed to handle errors or delays. 

This is why it's recommended to take into consideration both shipping costs and quality of service when making your final decision and equipping your business with a shipping partner.

To Conclude:

The importance of choosing the right shipping partner cannot be understated. One that is able to scale with your business while supporting and simplifying your shipping processes. And the process for acquiring one does not have to be that difficult of a task - All it takes from your side, is a little bit of research and understanding.

Looking for a reliable shipping partner - One that checks all of your boxes?

Contact Us at InXpress Sandton - We’re here to simplify your shipping!