Courier delivery services are extremely popular and offer businesses cost effective ways to distribute products both nationally and across the world. There is no denying the need for fast delivery in our evermore connected world, especially with the growth of ecommerce.
With so many options it can be tricky to work out which courier service is right for your business, but with this helpful guide to courier delivery services and their benefits, you will know what to consider. Click here to know more about courier company in London.
What is a Courier Delivery Service?
A courier is a company or person who delivers a package from one place to another. Well known examples include Hermes Group, FedEx and Parcel Monkey. Most courier services are privately owned companies; however, the Royal Mail is somewhat an exception.
Courier delivery services are used frequently for ecommerce fulfilment as they allow for more localised or regional services, can deliver multiple packages and take away the responsibility from the seller.
Small scale businesses such as independent sellers are more likely to use public services like the Royal Mail, whereas larger businesses may have contracts with courier services for cost effective mass deliveries.
How Does Courier Delivery Work?
The process of courier delivery depends on the company, contract, location and a variety of other factors. Either a company provides its own fulfilment to a local depot, which is then picked up by the courier and dispersed to customers, or couriers pick up packages directly from the seller.
Couriers often pick up many different orders to deliver to a specific area or region in order to reduce overall transport and time. Through coordinating area specific deliveries, courier delivery services reduce the amount of unnecessary journeys undertaken and can perform multiple deliveries in a day.
A company may use multiple courier services to fulfil orders, however some may stick with using one service, likely depending on area of distribution and bulk costs.
An example courier delivery may look like this:
- Seller delivers orders to local depot
- Courier picks up orders at local depot
- Courier drives to designated area of distribution
- Courier delivers packages to customers at home/work/offices
- Courier return to local depot for more packages or shift end
If you would like to find out more about order fulfilment, check out Allegro Logistics. With over 60 years’ combined experience in fulfilment, Allegro has grown with the industry, developing expertise and processes.
What are the Benefits of Courier Delivery Services?
There are many ways a courier delivery service can benefit a business, from fast delivery to global connections. Customers don’t like to be kept waiting for their package or to be left out of the loop, so efficient shipping and delivery is key.
Here are some of the key benefits of courier delivery services.
Reliable
While it is important to check reviews and use reputable companies, the majority of courier delivery services are reliable. Just as you rely on them to deliver your packages, they rely on your satisfaction and service for money. Genuine mistakes and mishaps aside, courier delivery services take the hassle and stress of delivery out of your hands and leave you with happy customers.
Pricing
Often courier delivery services provide cost effective solutions for delivery, helped by the fact there are multiple services competing for business. Especially key for big shipments or contracted agreements, courier services may provide cheaper deals for long-term contracts or repeated services. This way they keep you as a customer and you get delivery at a good price.
Tracking
As technology becomes more advanced and connected, courier delivery services provide great reassurance through tracking. Both you and your customers are now able to see where a package is using the courier service tracking provision. This helps alert your customers as to when they should expect their package and keep you updated on any hold ups or delays.
Tracking updates for customers are a great chance to provide great customer service and keep buyers satisfied with your services.
Competitive Services
Courier delivery services have come a long way in a short time. Whereas a few years ago customers would receive an estimated delivery day in the new future, customers now receive time frames, same day delivery and can even track their delivery on a map. Similarly, if you weren’t in for a delivery before you may have searched or hope for a redeliver, whereas now customers can often add delivery instructions and safe place locations.
As the courier market is competitive, services keep improving and offering faster, more cost-effective delivery solutions.
Global
International delivery has become easier to achieve thanks to courier delivery services. Deliveries can travel between countries and overseas within days, facilitating businesses reaching into global markets.