Do you have an online store and feel like you’re lost in the unfamiliar world of shipping? You want some guidance, and while all roads will lead your goods to their destination, choosing how and with whom to ship books is not the same as shipping furniture.
Many factors will determine your choice of a shipping or courier company, from the type of product you sell to the budget you have, including the geographical location of your business and your logistical needs.
Let’s analyze the most important points to consider so that you can make the right decision that best meets your needs.
Key factors to consider before choosing
Veamos qué elementos tienes que considerar porque van a influir en tu elección y serán muy importantes en el servicio que prestes a tus clientes desde tu tienda online.
Delivery Speed
What delivery times do you want to work with? Can your shipments accommodate medium or long delivery times? Do you need an express delivery service? Delivery speed is highly valued, but it may not be what your business needs.
Cost
Do you want shipping costs to be affordable for both you and your customer? What budget do you have? Would you prefer more extensive services from the courier company, even if the cost is higher? Some courier services are more economical but may have more limitations, such as not reaching all the regions you need to cover with your online store's shipments.
Weight and size of your products
If you sell flowers, you should consider that not all courier companies are equipped to deliver fresh products that require refrigeration, or items that are delicate or fragile. Not all companies handle large or heavy products the same way either. The type of product, its size, weight, fragility, quantity, and nature all influence your choice.
Geographic coverage
Do you sell only in your country, or do you also ship abroad? The transportation company you choose must meet your needs, and not all companies have the same reach. You should keep this in mind, as sometimes international and non-EU deliveries are subcontracted to external courier services, which may not always operate correctly or with the same standards as the national service you intend to hire. It’s advisable to evaluate this before making a choice, to avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Customer service and after-sales support
Managing issues and after-sales service is crucial to the success of your online business. Good customer service is just as important as having a quality product for sale. The shipping and courier service your online store relies on is a fundamental part of the whole operation.
That's why you should ensure you choose a shipping company with a solid reputation for handling potential issues. You will face some issues at some point, but you need to rely on professionalism and seriousness from the courier company. A mistake from them with poor handling, even if it’s not entirely in your control, will affect your business and its future. So, choose wisely.
Affordable options for tight budgets
Maybe you're just starting your business, or you've been running it for a short time, and you need affordable courier services—shipping options that offer competitive rates. You want to provide your customers with low shipping costs so they don’t leave your online store without making a purchase. Several companies fit this profile in the courier industry.
· National postal service
The state-run postal service allows you to ship at affordable rates, making it ideal if your shipments are within the country. It also has the advantage that every town, no matter how small or remote, has a Postoffice. Additionally, in the United States, if you want or need faster deliveries at some point, they offer a direct parcel service through UPS SurePost.
· Mondial Relay, InPost (Europe) or local pickup
This option provides economical shipping and operates in almost all of Europe and USA, with customers picking up their packages at designated drop-off points. These points are usually located in shops near your customers' homes or workplaces, making it very convenient for them to collect their packages. It is also cost-effective and promotes itself as sustainable and efficient. The only drawback is that customers need to adhere to the opening hours of the pickup points, which can cause delivery delays if those hours are irregular.
· Seur (Europe)
Seur is the most established and versatile courier company in Spain, known for the variety of its services and their pricing. It offers a range of economical rates, fast delivery times, high flexibility, and robust international operations. Additionally, it has a strong reputation among customers as a reliable brand, making it the quintessential Spanish courier service. This familiarity and recognition can enhance the trust your customers have in their online purchases, which, in turn, can benefit your sales and shipments.
Options for medium budgets
If your business has more capacity to invest in courier services and you aim to improve the customer experience and service, there are also various options available. These include services focused on express deliveries, those that strengthen international shipments, or those that provide greater security in managing the process. For medium budgets and a focus on any of the factors we've discussed that you need to invest in, these other courier companies might be the solution you’re looking for.
· MRW (Spain and Portugal)
Well-known for urgent deliveries, MRW operates in both Spain and Portugal. It’s also recognized by the average user, offering a sense of reliability. It provides fast service with moderate prices, along with the option of more economical rates if your online business does not require urgent deliveries.
· UPS (International and USA)
You might want to strengthen international shipments because you sell outside of USA (or your country) but still want to maintain your domestic sales. To cater to both markets, one of the best options is UPS due to its well-established reputation and track record. It’s also a familiar name to your customers because of its broad presence. This will allow you to offer secure and fast deliveries, with a wide range of pricing options to adapt to your specific needs.
· DHL (International and USA)
Another option for enhancing or boosting your international shipments is DHL. It’s an excellent choice if you need to send packages abroad, especially if you deal with heavy or bulky goods. They offer a range of services that combine all of the above with the flexibility to choose between standard and express shipping, depending on your needs.
Delicate or urgent shipments, premium options
Many online businesses deal with fragile and delicate products. Their deliveries must be guaranteed to succeed, without compromising the speed that any customer expects when shopping online. Combining security and speed in the same delivery for delicate products may lead you to explore Premium options in the courier market. Here are a few possibilities to consider for your selection:
· FedEx (International and USA)
FedEx is one of the most specialized companies for shipping high-value items, such as works of art. Its international presence allows for fast deliveries abroad with extensive security guarantees. It's an important option to consider if you need to meet strict delivery deadlines and handle the additional challenge of shipping delicate, highly fragile, valuable items or those requiring risk insurance.
· Nacex (Europe)
Nacex’s Premium services also combine speed with guaranteed security for shipping fragile items. It operates in Europe, making it a valuable option if you require careful handling of your products and if your shipments demand this level of attention.
· DHL Express (International)
DHL Express specializes specifically in urgent international shipments. This service guarantees secure delivery of your packages within 48 hours to many countries, thanks to its extensive international presence. However, this reliability comes at a price, making its services more expensive. If you have the budget, it's among the best options available within the Premium category.
What if your goods are bulky or heavy?
Shipping products that are large or heavy can be tricky, as not all courier companies guarantee proper handling of large packages or those weighing many kilos. In such cases, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate the services and guarantees offered by different companies.
· Envialia (Europe)
Envialia offers competitive rates for shipping large packages and provides great versatility with flexible options. It's an excellent choice if you need a company that specializes in consistently heavy shipments but with varying weights.
· GLS (Europe)
GLS is an ideal option to consider if you are focused on the European market and have shipments that are typically heavy. It’s particularly suitable when your priority is moving and transporting goods with significant weight.
Conclusion
Choosing the right courier company for your online store, one that best meets your needs and circumstances, that aligns with what you’re looking for, and provides the highest level of satisfaction, can make the difference between good service and excellent service for your customers. Shipping and deliveries are an inseparable part of the purchasing process. This choice can set you apart from your competitors or make you stand out in your industry as the online store that provides the best satisfaction to its customers. This will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of your business.
Carefully consider all the options, analyze your needs, the budget you have, and the type of product you sell and need to ship. The courier market is vast and offers solutions that will fit your situation, whatever it may be, whether you need a cost-effective solution or a Premium service for your business.
If you’re unsure about which option is best for you, take the time to compare prices and analyze the possibilities that best match your needs and define what would be the ideal courier company for your online store. Among all the available options, there is one that’s perfect for your business, and you can undoubtedly adapt it with Super Shipping for WooCommerce.
PS: This post is currently focused on companies operating in Europe and the United States. If you know of any courier company that operates in your country and you think it should be included in this list, I’d love to hear from you here: Contact
