How to Choose an Easy Delivery ServiceHow to Choose an Easy Delivery Service
Forget calling your local pizzeria to pick up a slice – now you can do it from the comfort of your couch. Thanks to a host of innovative tech startups, delivery services have made it easier than ever to buy and receive goods from restaurants and retailers that don’t have their own in-house drivers. These apps and online portals let users place orders via their smartphone or tablet, then schedule a convenient delivery time. Some deliver within hours of an order, while others offer a same-day service.
For example, Postmates is a unique delivery service that connects users with people in their neighborhood who can pick up and deliver items for them, including pizza, prescriptions, shoes and tech products. It’s available 24 hours a day, so you can satisfy that craving at 2 a.m., or get those school supplies you’ve been putting off at the last minute. Another great option for food delivery is Munchery, which delivers prepared meals made by local chefs and restaurants to customers’ homes or offices. Its customizable menu offers a variety of healthy, gourmet options, from sushi to vegetarian fare.
Offering delivery service is a great way for small businesses to compete with bigger chains that offer faster shipping, but it’s not without its challenges. There are many factors to consider, from how much it costs to find and train a driver to the cost of fuel and vehicle upkeep. The type of vehicles a courier company uses also makes a difference. You’ll want to choose a service that has a good reputation for reliable delivery and offers competitive pricing.
It’s also important to consider how easy it is for your customers to use the delivery service. If an app is difficult to navigate or requires them to create an account, download extensions or other steps, it’s likely that they will abandon it and try a different one. Customers also appreciate delivery services that have saved their payment information, addresses and preferences, as well as multiple, convenient payment options, such as mobile wallets.
Finally, when choosing a courier service to partner with, it’s essential to look at their track record of customer satisfaction. If your customers are happy with their deliveries and experience, they’ll be more likely to return to you for future purchases. You can learn a lot about the quality of a delivery service by reading testimonials on their website and social media pages, as well as looking at customer reviews.
Whether you’re running a restaurant, shop or eCommerce site without a physical storefront, offering delivery is a great way to attract new customers and boost sales. The key is to choose the right delivery service for your needs, and by following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a successful delivery strategy.