on 21-05-2007 06:35 PM
on 22-05-2007 03:53 PM
on 22-05-2007 04:21 PM
Hi!
Let me tell you something about me. My name is Shuaib and I deal in categories
like mobile phones, digital camera, PDAs and other high end product.
Frankly speaking, shipping and packing is one of the most important things that
should be taken care of extensively. Delivering the product to the customer is
not a big deal, anyone can do that. We should always try to deliver the product
to the customer as fast as we can and in the best condition.
Imagine that we ourselves order something and get the item after 10 days and
that too in not a good condition. How would we feel in such a situation?
Courier companies never care for any parcels that we send, no matter how
expensive it is. So it is our responsibility to see that the packing is good and
has some extra thermocol or bubbles inside as well as outside if required.
Some tips that we all should take care of:
1. Try to ship the product as fast as you can. Try to dispatch it the same
day or the very next day once your get the payment.
2. Take care of the packing so that the item does not get damaged in transit.
3. Do some extra thermcol packing so that the outer box does not get damaged
when it reaches the customer.
4. Use the best and fastest courier that you can, and ensure that the item is
delivered the next day. Courier companies like Bluedart, FirstFlight, Aramex etc
are good and reliable.
5. Always insure the parcel using some good insurance company or directly by the
courier company. The easiest way is to insure it with the courier company
itself.
6. Keep tracking the parcel until it is delivered to the customer. Do keep a
record for later reference and procure the POD and store it.
7. Keep the buyer updated so that he knows what's happening, like mail the
tracking number to each and every buyer or just SMS him. If the tracking shows
that the product has not reached the buyer, call the courier company to know the
status and mail / call the buyer.
Do's
1. Always send the best product available.
2. Ensure that all the accessories are included that comes with the product.
3. Keep a record of all the items and accessories that you send to the buyer.
4. Always write down the serial no or IMEI no before you dispatch the product.
If a buyer returns a product we should come to know that it is the same one that
we have sent it. Other wise how will we come to know that it is the same one or
not as all of them look the same.
5. Use Insurance for high value shipment. (for all shipments if you can)
6. Always declare the actual cost and all accessories to the courier company.
There are chances that the courier company delivery boy might flick the product
or its accessories.
7. Be in touch with the buyer if there is any delay in shipping the product.
Send an email to the buyer explaining the problem or requesting him to have some
patience, or just give him a call if he does not respond to mail.
8. Try to deliver a company sealed pack product.
Don'ts
1. Never trust small courier companies if the product is of a high value
2. Never try to hide something from the courier company.
3. Never ignore any mails or phone calls from the buyer if you are unable to
ship or if there is any delay, this might result to a negative feedback or a
dispute.
Any questions are welcome.
Regards,
Shuaib
on 22-05-2007 04:38 PM
Dear mahavircomputers_in1,
This is a very genuine problem mentioned by you. Even i face this
type of problems many times.
But we don't need to leave any orders or refund the buyer. You can
have account in multiple courier companies and use the, as per your choice.
For eg.
You use BlueDart, if they don't have service then you can keep the
parcel on hold at the nearest BlueDart Office. It is called HAL (hold at
location). Before doing that contact the buyer if he is ready to pick it up from
the nearest BlueDart Office.
If the first option does not work out then try with other courier
companies like Aramex, First Flight, etc
Other wise the last option is EMS speed post or Registered Parcel, it goes to many locations in India.
Hope this works out for you
Regards
Shuaib
on 22-05-2007 09:30 PM
on 22-05-2007 09:42 PM
on 23-05-2007 10:18 AM
Dear nathan_home_needs,
I just checked your listings, the items you deal in can be sent by
professional couriers. Normally professional courier is good for low value items
and is cheaper as well. But if ever you start selling high value items then
please be careful. Everything will work smoothly, but if any parcel is lost in
transit or is stolen then they wont be able to track it out and may not even
answer your phone calls.
Regards
Shuaib
on 23-05-2007 10:27 AM
Dear Deepak,
DTDC is also a good courier company. In some selected cities
their service is very fast. They also provide hard copy of the PODs on time.
Regards
Shuaib
on 24-05-2007 11:21 AM
on 24-05-2007 01:34 PM