Shipping goods in India can be challenging, especially for a small business in a new market. The logistics industry in India is significant, with many players serving different areas of this industry.
A report by the India Brand Equity Foundation said the Logistics sector in India would reach $484 billion by 2029. Yet several challenges have impeded this growth. The ranking of India's Logistics Performance Index, or LPI, at 44th in the world, as per a report by the World Bank, brings to the fore some of the nagging issues inefficient procedures at borders, inadequate infrastructure, and unreliable service quality.
Why It Happens Several factors contribute to these challenges:
This blog will share tips for choosing the right courier partner to ship anything in India. On-time delivery, value-for-money services, and quality customer support will help you ensure that the goods reach various destinations within stipulated time frames.
Let's get started.
First, understand your shipping requirements before starting the selection process. This will help you determine which direction to take. Are you shipping mainly domestically or perhaps frequently sending parcels overseas? Knowing your situation will help you find a courier service that will suit you.
You want to be confident when choosing a courier. It would help if you were assured that your product will make it to its destination on time and in excellent condition. According to research, 95% of people check for online reviews before buying anything. This means paying attention to what previous customers say about a courier service is essential.
Following are some of the ways you might be able to tell if the credibility of a courier can be trusted:
Parcel delivery speed is one of the critical factors for courier selection. Your shipping requirements may be same-day, next-day, or standard delivery. For example, e-commerce multinationals like Amazon have altered the game with same-day delivery across many metropolitan areas.
Standard delivery times to plan for:
The real-time delivery tracking option has shifted from a nice-to-have to a must-have. Knowing how far your shipment has travelled to its destination helps. Reports indicate that 80% of consumers want some form of mobile tracking functionality, 66% of whom would prefer SMS alerts on updates about their deliveries.
Benefits of robust tracking systems:
Good customer support can save a business from many unwanted surprises. Indeed, it has been revealed that customers who have had good customer service experiences are inclined to spend more. 62% of B2B and 42% of B2C customers have reported doing so due to good customer support experience.
The most prevalent customer support channels are:
The industry involves huge risks concerning parcel loss and damage. Comprehensive insurance coverage, therefore, safeguards against any possible financial loss. Recent statistics indicate this has been a big problem, as approximately 119 million packages worth about $6 billion were reported stolen last year.
This is a mistake company owners often fall for due to its excellent reputation and recognition. You must check that your courier can deliver to all the locations listed where you intend to provide. This means the places you will send your products to must be covered in the courier's network of operations. Think about it:
Customs and import/export laws vary from country to country, so international shipping is associated with complex customs and import/export regulations. Hence, as a business owner, you must ensure that the chosen courier knows all the rules and will help prepare the necessary documentation, which involves commercial invoices and shipping manifests. This will help you be ready for probable additional costs in the form of duties or taxes on specific shipments.
DHL
FedEx
Blue Dart
DTDC
When choosing a courier, consider the following metrics:
Choosing the correct courier service is a vital decision that will affect the operation of the business and customer satisfaction. Reliability, speed, tracking ability, and good customer support help you pick the exemplary service.
Please get in touch with us if you need expert advice to fine-tune your shipment process. We can provide the best possible advice and support to make the right choice for your business needs.
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