Whether you’re sending items to your son abroad or to your mother who lives in another country, you want to choose the right company with the best rates and service. Most people focus primarily on price when considering overseas parcel shipping, but you want to ensure that the service is on par, as well. Therefore, it can help to learn a few tips on how to choose a courier.
Rates
When most people think about prices, they think of getting the lowest price, but that could be a mistake. You want something reasonable and fair, but you have to consider the entire deal. Would you rather spend $50 to receive free insurance, guarantees that the package will arrive on time and a guarantee that it will be whole or would you rather pay $10 and have no guarantees. Most people would prefer to spend a little more to get all the added perks and benefits. Just make sure, when comparison shopping, that you compare what you get along with the price you pay.
It may also be comforting to choose a courier that offers a money-back guarantee. This way, if you’re not satisfied with the service for any reason, you can receive your money back. You’re not obligated to use them again, though they will likely offer discounts and other ways to get you back as a customer.
Service
When thinking about the services you get, there are many things to consider. For one thing, you’ll want to deal with professional and knowledgeable employees. If you must call in and ask questions or have any concerns, you need to feel comfortable talking to the customer service representatives. That means they shouldn’t talk down to you or be rude. Instead, they should be pleasant, helpful and respectful.
The only way to determine if the courier has excellent customer relation skills is to contact them. How long does it take for them to answer the phone or email? Are they courteous and do they answer your questions satisfactorily?
Another part of services is what you get for the price you pay. Some overseas parcel shipping companies will offer guarantees on timing and skill. For example, they may promise that your package arrives when it’s supposed to and will be whole or in one piece.
You should also find out which shipping companies the courier uses, such as UPS, TNT, DHL or FEDEX, to ensure that you feel comfortable with those companies, as well.
