Smart tips on choosing a courier service for your business

By George Ogeto

Over the years, there has been a shift in how businesses are run with technology disrupting the different aspects, especially in the courier service space as new players seek to get a piece of the pie. However, to get the best it is prudent to start by ensuring that there is efficiency and safe delivery of items.

As a business owner, you will most likely send parcels and packages to your customers from time to time. That is why you should ask some questions before you engage a particular company so that in an event that you lose a package, for example, there is a recourse. These questions include; will the service provider be pushed to pay for the loss of your item? or if there is a contract that is signed prior to engagement to ensure that both customer and service provider are well protected? This would help compare various players and rank them because sometimes, the loss or mishandling of packages might lead to strained relationships with customers.

A good courier service would not only ensure efficiency, but also safe shipping and delivery of goods from point A to point B. Choosing the right courier service is key in ensuring customer satisfaction, return on investments and the growth of your business.

Reputation of the company

If there are a lot of complaints from customers and a company is mostly being criticised especially online, it means something is amiss. Most people would engage services of companies that have a good reputation because credibility and trust are important aspects to consider when picking a courier provider.

As a business owner seeking a courier service to work with, consider how the public perceives the courier company. Reputation is a testament of a company’s service delivery, and a direct translation of what one should expect when engaging them. Associating your business with reputable companies will help you advance your business and offer top-notch services. It would be best if you also looked for one with a valid compliance certificate, through getting information on licensed providers from the Communications Authority of Kenya, to avoid dealing with those under investigations, or are involved in illegal enterprises.

Time consciousness

Time is a key factor in any business venture. When supplies or purchases are not delivered on time, there is business disruption that might sometimes lead to losses. Choosing a courier service that offers the quickest delivery services and stays on schedule is a bonus for your business. To avoid inconveniencing your customers who are also your brand ambassadors, ensure you work with a courier service that values and has a reputation of being prompt.

Accessibility

Customers come from different parts of Kenya and beyond; some live far from your shops and yet want to do business with you. As a business owner that values all customers, working with a courier service that has the capacity to deliver in all parts of the country or the world, is one of the wisest business decisions you could ever make. Companies like SGA Security which has its footprint all over Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, are a great asset in helping you advance your business by having your packages delivered anywhere in the three countries and beyond. In addition, courier companies with international land and air courier service enable you to deliver your package anywhere else.

Security of your package

More important, is the safety of a package. Will the courier service provider deliver safely to the customer? The safety and security of your package is of utmost importance in the running of your business. Ensuring that your customers receive items they order from you in good shape, greatly contributes to customer satisfaction and retention.

It pays to work with a courier company that is big on safety and one that would ensure that your package is secure. A company that offers variety, like manned courier services which entails use of guards to safely deliver items, for example, can place a company on the right path and finally always track your parcels.

George Ogeto is the SGA Kenya Courier Service Manager.