Retail businesses today have much more to consider when it comes to shipping concerns. Years ago they needed to only be worried about ensuring timely delivery from supply chains. Now, thanks to eCommerce, they also have to factor in delivery to their end customers. When figuring out the retail logistics for eCommerce, they have to factor in multiple issues beyond cost. Here are some key considerations when trying to determine what carrier to use.
Reputation
The reputation of your carrier is very important. It will tell you how reliable a service they provide and what kind of interaction you can expect when problems arise. Look up reviews from reputable sites to see what other customers have to say about how they handle shipments and respond to customer care queries. Focus on those carriers with consistently good reviews that demonstrate quality service and customer care.
Accessibility
You will want a provider that serves the areas where your customers are. Be sure to define what delivery areas you will deliver to on your site. Ensure that your carrier can cater to your clients in the same locations, whether domestically or internationally. In some cases, this may call for the engaging of multiple carriers to cover all destinations.
Weight and Size
Different carriers will have different limits on the size and weight of items being shipped. Consider the range of products you are shipping and compare this to the pricing and limits different carriers have. for smaller items, you may want to consider carriers that offer a basic fixed rate. If your larger items surpass the limits on the carriers you are considering, find out what extra charges will apply. You may want to apply some of this to your product pricing to help cover the cost.
Timelines
As part of premium logistics, businesses must go beyond just catering to international customers. They need to offer accurate timelines on deliveries, whatever the destination. Many international online shoppers will abandon carts due to a lack of such information. It is advisable to offer multiple options when it comes to shipping, with indications of when to expect final delivery. Giving the customer the option to have their shipment expedited, even at a higher cost, will often encourage them to go through with the purchase as they can be better assured of when to expect delivery.
Tracking
Tracking features are a great way to help customers learn where along the delivery line their shipment is. It helps to instill confidence and can reduce customer queries as they will have access to this monitoring for themselves. Work with a carrier that