SMBs have to get their products and services out to the public without spending a fortune. Unlike major corporations, you don’t have the money to keep up with Amazon, eBay and H&M. What small businesses do have is innovation. A lack of money forces you to get creative and come up with new ways to improve shipping. Not making promises you can’t keep is a savvy piece of advice, but you need to take delivery to the next level. To do that, the company has to think outside of the box. Below are the tips which every SMB should be doing without hesitation.

 

Shirk The Responsibility

 

No one would think the best option is to give up on shipping, but the industry is always changing. As a result, outsourcers are willing to take on the business’s processes and shoulder the liability. And, you should give them a chance to impress. Why? It’s because they have the resources to make life easier. Trucks aren’t something an average company has, yet a shipping outsourcer has hundreds of vans. They also have contracts with couriers and distribution firms that they are willing to share. It’s no guarantee, but outsourcers tend to lower expenses and improve standards.

 

Put The Customer First

 

In this era, thinking about the customer seems like a revolutionary idea. However, delivering a parcel is something which needs their explicit confidence. After all, they are the key to signing for and accepting a package. That’s why the best companies provide a variety of options for a person’s individual needs. A courier can’t arrive at a time that suits them so they rearrange for another day. Or, the delivery person leaves it with a neighbour. Parcel collection shops and lockers are common and there’s a good reason: it helps the customer.

 

Make It Traceable

 

It’s amazing how the small details make people shop with one business over another. Delivery is a big part of a modern shopper’s life, which is men and women want as much info as possible. Sending an email confirmation with the date is no longer acceptable as customers want to be part of the process. So, it’s imperative that you include them by using a tracking system. That way, your base can log-in to their profile and check for updates. Plus, they can see when the package is due to arrive and plan accordingly. Don’t forget about the liability angle too as every part of the process is recorded.

 

Let Goods Be Returnable

 

January is a peak month for returnable goods as people sneakily bring back gifts they didn’t like. Returning and exchanging items are occupational hazards and it shouldn’t be difficult. Sure, it’s a loss of a sale but it’s also a way to boost loyalty. 85% of customers won’t shop with a retailer that refuses a return or makes it difficult. So, instead of a handful of sales, you could lose the bulk of your orders. An individual should be able to return an item by post or in-store if that’s possible.

 

Are there any foolproof methods that your company uses to great effect?