These days, almost everything can be done online. We send our mails online, we shop online and we even work online. And yet, there are times when we simply have to leave our computers aside and think “real life”.
If you have never sent a parcel for delivery, this will be one of those “real life” moments for you. How do you make sure your parcel delivery gets there in time, with as little hassle as possible and as fast as possible too? Read on and find out more because we have picked up the best delivery tips right from the courier services pro’s.
• Shop around. You don’t go to the nearest IT store and buy the very first laptop you lie your eyes on. You don’t buy the very first pair of shoes you see at the mall either (regardless of whether they fit or not). This works the same way with delivery services as well. It doesn’t matter if you are starting an online business and you want to send off your customers’ parcels or if you simply want to send some gifts from abroad to your family and friends back home. You do need to shop around. Courier companies are not created the same, do not offer exactly the same services and some of them may be more suitable for your needs than others. Make sure you find out which ones are for you.
• Pack properly. Now, most of the couriers services out there will offer you some sort of guarantee over the fact that they will try to handle the parcels properly. However, you can never be sure enough – especially if you are sending off sensitive items. If you are delivering IT or electronic products, make sure to pack them in their original boxes and to use anti-static bags and cushioning. If you are delivering anything else, make sure to wrap them properly, place them in adequate-sized boxes and use cushioning to avoid accidents.
• Parcel collection is a great service. If you don’t have the time to stop by the delivery company and send off the parcel yourself or if you simply have to send too many parcels in a day and you want to make sure you get to send them all, you should know that there are companies offering parcel collection services. They will stop by your house or office, they will pick up your parcels and then they will send them off their ways.
• International delivery? Pay attention. Even though technology has evolved a lot, international deliveries are still a bit more expensive than local couriers. Aside from the price of the delivery proper though, make sure to take into consideration any other taxes and fees that may apply. Before sending off a parcel, carefully read your company’s rules on shipping internationally. Also remember to choose a very reliable service too. Even more than that, take into consideration that international delivery usually takes longer than normal deliveries – so if you want a parcel to reach its destination by a specific time, you should definitely pay attention to the date at which you will send it.
• There are ways to save on the shipping costs. Most of the times, they don’t take longer than “normal shipping” and they are safe bets. Things such as investing in a shipping scale can save you a lot of money on the long run, especially if you own a business and if you regularly ship out parcels to your customers.
• Last, but not least, stay safe, stay informed and don’t worry too much. If you choose the right service, everything else will go smoothly from thereon!
