Tuesday 5 October 2010

Prepping for Christmas deliveries

Working for a sameday courier company means a lot of the work is ad hoc, and because it is left to the last minute it becomes a premium service. 11 months a the year that works perfectly. Except for December.



In December time seems to get shorter. As an ethical business we will not take work if we cannot complete it, although there are many national parcel companies that will take the packages and do their best, even if that means the parcel sits in the warehouse over Christmas.



We also have watched vans go out overloaded and understaffed, that also means you don't get your goods in time for Christmas. It also means when stores are cutting costs that you don't always get the service you require-

So the courier company will give the shop/warehouse several prices -



  • Two man team, dedicated delivery


  • Two man team, no fixed time


  • Delivery on a dedicated vehicle


  • Delivery on a specific schedule, a working driver




Guess which one is the cheapest? Did you say the last one? Given the choice of the 4 options, and the store knowing you have disabilities / no parking / no one home until lunch, they always go for the cheapest.



Just blame the delivery guy


As a consumer there are things you can do to prevent Christmas presents being stuck in a depot...



Get things prepped early.



Ask if there is terminology that you don't understand.



Ask if there are any expected delays



Be prepared that if you leave things to the last minute you have two options - cheap and it risks non delivery, expensive but guaranteed delivery with a same day courier. Same day couriers are the only courier services that have a 100% effective guarantee. Don't believe me? check the small print of the guaranteed deliveries...



Sarah

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