Since the global pandemic, delivery is a necessity for many small businesses (and larger ones). Increasingly, customers want products to come to them, and not the other way around. From takeaways, groceries and retail goods, to documents and DIY equipment: you name it, people want it delivered to their doorstep. 

Enter the courier: this service is booming around the world. So, the good news is, small businesses now usually have a range of options. But choose carefully: how a product is delivered (or not!) can affect how your business is perceived.

So, what should you consider when searching for the right courier service? Here are four factors to take into account:

1. Cost 

Well, obviously. As a rule, small businesses operate on a tight budget, and courier costs can quickly add up. Take time to shop around and compare prices. (If you're using inDrive’s courier services, you can negotiate a rate with the couriers who respond to your request.) 

Also, check what types of delivery are available in your area. Do you need something delivered by car? If your package isn’t too big, you could send it by motorbike or even on foot, which may be cheaper.

Finally, do you need to send a product right away? If not, check if sending it at a different time (outside of rush hour, for example) makes any difference to the price. 

2. Reliability

This is really important: if your delivery never arrives, your customer may blame you, no matter how unfairly. Plus, the loss of goods can affect your bottom line.

Look out for services that allow you – and your customer – to track the progress of a parcel in real time, and always check a courier’s reputation. If you’re using inDrive.Couriers, consider experience, previous ratings and reviews when choosing someone to deliver your package (and don’t forget to leave your own ratings and reviews after service, to assist future customers). Choice is power!

3. Speed

How quickly do you need your delivery to arrive? If it’s a piping hot takeaway, the quicker the better, but other products might be less pressing. Again, it’s worth considering what options are available: if you need speedy service but live in a congested area, opting for motorbike delivery may be faster than by car. With GPS technology, a courier should be able to provide a reasonably accurate ETA, as well as allowing you to track the progress of a parcel in real time, helping you to pick the best option.

4. Scheduling 

Does your business operate outside standard working hours? Do you need a lot of flexibility? Do you need certain things delivered at the same time each week, or just as and when required? Keep this in mind when you’re considering alternative couriers. Do they operate when you need them to? How flexible is their service? While some courier services work within office hours, others provide on-demand delivery, 24/7.

And there you have it: four basic factors to take into account. It’s not rocket science, but considering these points can help ensure that your business delivers - in both senses of the word!