As an eCommerce business owner, developing a shipping strategy is a very important step. Whether you are running a large or small-scale business, you should have a defined plan to deliver the items to your customers. If the items are not delivered on time or in the right condition, your customers will not be happy. Also, your online business will function properly.
We know it’s very
difficult to decide which shipping solutions will fit your business best
because there are many couriers in operation. Also, the services offered by
courier companies are different. To make the right decision, you should know
the types of couriers available.
Time-based
shipping- As the name suggests, this courier type aims to
deliver goods worldwide within specific time frames. For example, the courier
companies agree to deliver the package within a day or specific hours of the
day. Technically, it is known as express courier
shipping services, which are a bit expensive.
Local
shipping- You will find courier services providing speedy,
same-day delivery but within the limits of your city. You can send important
documents with the help of these courier companies at cheaper rates because
they operate locally. To reduce the cost, you shouldn’t be time-bound.
International
shipping- If you are planning to ship your goods to foreign
destinations, you should find a courier company with an overseas network. The
services and charges are completely different from local shipping courier
services. The company provides services such as frequent tracking or tax and
duty handling at an extra cost. Also, the company passes through customs
without any issues.
There are courier
companies that provide all the three services mentioned above under one roof.
But sometimes, it’s difficult to get all in one. So, you should know what you
want before selecting the courier service.
Difference between courier services and postal services
Many a time,
business owners are confused between courier services and postal services. They
tend to drift towards postal services because they are cheaper. The services
are almost the same but cheaper than courier services. But still, we recommend
using courier services over postal services.
Between couriers and
postal services, there is a huge difference between service qualities. You will
pay less for the postal service but run the risk of getting what you pay. The
service will not be as expected and you will lose your potential customers. In
postal services, there are longer delivery times, infrequent times, and a lack
of customer service. Also, the quality of postal service depends on the
countries that have more reliable services than others.
On the other hand,
the courier services are pricey. And if you use express courier shipping
services, they are pricier. The cost includes fuel surcharges, remote area
surcharges, and parcel-handling fees. In courier services, the items are
handled correctly and delivered in the given time frame.
How does international delivery work with postal and courier
services?
In postal services,
the companies handle the delivery up until the package is received in the
customs department at the destination country. After the customs department,
the destination country’s postal service handles the rest of the delivery.
On the other hand,
normal or express courier shipping services are responsible for delivering the
package for the entire journey. Also, it’s easier to find a service
representative to know the status of your delivery.
If you are worried
only about the cost, you should choose the postal service but you shouldn’t
expect anything from it. If you want quality service and can manage costs, you
should prefer courier services.
