Online shopping has quickly become one of the main ways that people obtain goods nowadays. It has become so common the in US that more than three-quarters of consumers have shopped for items online. This is a staggering statistic, and businesses should be prompted to take action.
The action your business should take will impact the delivery process. It should be your aim to have as smooth a delivery process as possible. This will not only lead to an easier fulfillment process for the business, but your customers will also be more satisfied if their orders arrive as and when expected.
To ensure your customer’s order goes from the warehouse to their front door without issues, then the three tips listed below could prove useful.
Choose Protective Packaging Materials
When you ship products to customers, you do not want them to be damaged or lost. Not only could this be costly to resolve for the customer, but it could also leave the customer with a bad impression of your business. Thankfully, you can reduce the likelihood of this happening by choosing the right packaging materials for your products.
The best packaging will protect your product against the dangers of transit, ensuring it arrives at the customer’s doorstep in excellent condition. This could be made from any material, from cardboard to metal, but what you choose will undoubtedly reflect back on your business. With this in mind, you should opt for sturdy but sustainable packaging. For example, you might use honeycomb packaging paper to wrap items in instead of bubble wrap.
However, the packaging must also be clearly sealed to ensure any tampering is obvious. You can use tamper-evident tape or security labels to preserve the contents and deter any would-be thieves. This can show your customers that their orders have been untouched since leaving the warehouse; it is almost like a silent promise.
Search for a Local Courier Service
If orders are adequately protected with the right packaging materials, then the next aspect to look into is the courier you work with. A courier service can have a big impact on the delivery process. If they work efficiently, then they will boost your business’ delivery times and ensure customers are satisfied. If they do not, then orders will be delayed, customers unhappy, and the business boycotted.
There are numerous factors to research when searching for your preferred courier, including the speed of delivery, the flexibility offered, and the cost-effectiveness. As many online shoppers now expect fast deliveries, it could be beneficial to opt for a service that provides same-day delivery. This can be easier if you only ship locally, such as in New York. If this is the case, then choosing couriersnewyork.com could be the right choice for your business.
Not only does choosing a local courier service mean your orders will be delivered faster, but it can also be more cost-effective in the long run. These drivers will have a better understanding of the routes and traffic in the area as that’s where many of them will have grown up and/or lived.
Offer Proactive Customer Support
Although how and when the orders are delivered is important to the customers, they might also require assistance at times. This is why it is vital that your business be equipped to offer customer support when necessary. Being able to provide customer support proactively will lead to a smoother experience for the shoppers waiting on their orders. It will also help to build trust between your business and its customers.
The customer support that your business offers will likely vary depending on the situation, but there are a few essentials to pay attention to. For one, proactive updates should be sent regarding order status, tracking information, and any potential issues. This will allow the customer to plan accordingly. Additionally, customers should be able to use various channels to reach your customer service team, such as chat, email, or phone.
Customer support team members should be trained to identify potential issues before they arise and escalate. This can be achieved through understanding the customer needs and preferences. If a problem does occur, then the team should be responsive and willing to help, which can ensure the customer feels listened to and sufficiently assisted.
To conclude, the delivery process can be complicated at times. However, the aim should be getting orders from A to B in as smooth a manner as possible. This will, after all, impact the customers. To do so, you must adhere to the three tips outlined in this post.