Whether you’re an individual having something shipped to a loved one overseas or a small e-commerce business doing shipping on a regular basis, you’re probably looking for ways to save money on courier services. Small businesses in particular can benefit from keeping courier costs to a minimum, so they can grow profit and expand.
Having parcels delivered, no matter what the size or quantity, can get expensive, so it’s extremely important to cut your courier costs without compromising service quality or the state the parcel will arrive in. We’ve come up with five clever tips to help you do just that.
Use voucher codes when booking
While there are many courier companies out there that offer both domestic and international parcel shipping services, not all can give you value for money. Pro tip: shop around first before choosing a courier and look at the reviews provided by customers. When you find a company that other customers recommend, look for active coupon codes, which you can use to make further savings. Parcelhero has its own voucher codes and you can get them from Total Discounts. By using coupon codes when booking, you can still get the courier’s high standard of service without having to pay the full price. Couponing is definitely one of the best ways to save money on courier services.
Don’t forget compensation coverage
Should anything untoward happen that may result in parcel loss or damage, you would want to have compensation cover that will make you eligible for a refund. Many courier services offer basic compensation for free and allow you to increase the value of your cover for an additional fee. When checking out coupon codes for courier services, be on the lookout for those that offer a coverage upgrade for free or at a discount, which will give you big savings and greater peace of mind on your parcel delivery.
Go for a hassle-free and convenient door-to-door service
If you’re sending parcels yourself, you’ll be spending on not only the postage but also the fuel you use up, not to mention wasting a lot of time. To save money, go for courier companies that offer door-to-door services. Pickup and delivery are already factored into the shipping costs, so all you need to do is prepare your parcel so you can continue with your other tasks.
Keep your parcel as lightweight and compact as possible
Courier companies will calculate delivery rates based on parcel size and weight, so if you want to keep your operating costs down, it’s imperative you make your parcel as lightweight and compact as you can. Use bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts and similar lightweight packaging materials to keep fragile objects snug in their box—delivery experts recommend using a sturdy cardboard box if necessary.
Accuracy is key
Because the cost of courier services relies heavily on the weight and size of a parcel, it’s imperative you measure its dimensions as accurately as possible. By doing so, you will only have to pay for exactly what your parcel weighs. If you send out parcels frequently, it would be wise to invest in digital scales that would give you an accurate measurement of a parcel’s weight. You can even take a photo of the measurement and send it as proof to the courier. Failing to give accurate measurements can result in you having to shell out money for oversized charges, or paying more for something that weighs significantly less.
