Christmas gets earlier and earlier every year!

Of course, a key factor in your decision making process will be the bottom line cost. However, it is not always best to go with the cheapest, nor is it best to go with the most expensive though.

If there is a company you have had good dealing with in the past, or, heard good things about, see if you can get them to come down on their rates but in doing that you may lose part of what makes their services so good.

If you can guarantee them a certain level of orders, (perhaps you have advance orders yourself, or have an exclusive product), this will really work in your favor. Tell them about it.

Customer service is of course important so do a little digging around. Ask your business associates about them. As mentioned earlier, you may have heard one or two good reports. But have these been an exception?

Do not be afraid to ask the courier companies to provide you with contact details of previous customers or testimonials. If they are unwilling to share these details, ask why – confidentiality is one reason, but not every customer is a confidential customer. No testimonials? then it’s up to you whether you take that chance with your Christmas deliveries.

Other questions to bear in mind regards tracking services, personal account managers, and twenty four hour contact and helpdesk facilities.

Finally, it is always wise to diversify; you already know this of course. So apply this to your use of same day courier service companies. Many companies will be stronger on some areas than others, and have a particular knowledge of certain regions. And should one slip up, you will always have the existing relationship to call upon. Too many slips ups and they are not the right courier as they are damaging your business.

Happy Christmas deliveries!

Kevin Arrow