5 Reasons Why SMEs Use Courier Services

Published on: 17 May 2018 Last Updated on: 25 July 2024
5 Reasons Why SMEs Use Courier Services

Rather than handling their own delivery processes, many small businesses turn to logistics companies to fulfill their shipping needs. This includes companies from every industry, including small local businesses and nationwide e-commerce retailers. It is one of the easiest ways to make your business operations easier.

But why is this? What are the benefits of using a courier service? And should your business consider outsourcing delivery? Here are 5 reasons why SMEs use couriers and the benefits they can have.

Efficient Booking :

If handled in-house, arranging delivery can be a long process. This includes selecting the right route, arranging for parcels to be loaded and ensuring the vehicle leaves on time. Outsourcing to a courier only requires a short booking process using a streamlined, online system. Parcels can simply be collected at a time that suits you, then the rest is done for you. It’s one of the most efficient ways of making sure that your luggage is delivered in good time.

More Affordable :

Running your own delivery fleet can be expensive. From recruitment and wages to fuel and repairs, and training and software, costs can be sporadic and soon mount up. A courier, on the other hand, can be paid by invoice. This provides one single payment per month, which could help to boost cash flow and plan for growth – to save further, you could consider using a courier comparison service, like Parcel2Go.com. It is the most cost-effective way of shipping your products from one place to another.

Professional Image :

As a small business, it can be hard to attract customers. One reason for this is trust, as, without a reputation, customers may be unfamiliar with your brand. However, using a courier service can inspire trust by making your SME appear larger, more established and more professional. A courier service could also help your business to stand out from competitors. Courier services will definitely take the image of your brand to the next level.

Reduces Risk :

For SMEs completing their own delivery, should a parcel be lost or damaged, the onus is on them. When using a courier, on the other hand, items are insured. This provides the opportunity to claim, covering the cost of the order and reducing loss. However, it is important to remember that your company is responsible for resolving the issue and boosting customer satisfaction. You will significantly reduce your risk levels when you use courier services to ship your goods. They have safe transportation cargos and an insurance cover to mitigate the risk.

Provides Updates :

For SMEs, providing customers with regular delivery updates requires investment in software and staff training, both of which can be costly and time-consuming. However, a courier already has these systems in place. This provides your customers with tracking and notifications at every step, saving your business money and keeping customers happy.

As you can see, using a courier can benefit both SMEs and their customers, by reducing costs and saving time, as well as projecting a more professional image and providing delivery notifications.

For more tips, see our business section.

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Project Management Tool!

Redmine Demo Vs. Trello Demo: Choosing The Right Project Management Tool!

Welcome to the ultimate battle of project management tools: Redmine vs. Trello. It is no secret that choosing the right software can significantly impact your team's productivity and collaboration. Today, we will embark on a journey to explore the Redmine demo and the Trello demo options from the two popular project management tools. So, let's dive into the article to know the key features, pricing, and user reviews and find the perfect solution to manage your projects efficiently. Let the battle of the demos begin! Redmine Project Management Software Redmine is an open-source project management software that assists teams in efficiently tracking and managing projects. With its user-friendly interface, Redmine allows users to create projects, assign tasks, set priorities, and track progress. It offers a range of features, including issue tracking, time tracking, and Gantt charts. The flexibility and customizable nature of the Redmine software make it suitable for various industries and project management methodologies. Whether you're a small team or a large enterprise, Redmine aims to streamline your project management process and enhance collaboration. Redmine Software Features Customization One of Redmine's standout features is its high degree of customization. You can tailor the software to match your specific project management requirements. From custom fields and workflows to user roles and permissions, Redmine allows you to adapt the tool to fit your team's unique processes. Issue Tracking Redmine excels in issue tracking, offering a comprehensive system to create, assign, and prioritize issues. With features like status updates, due dates, and progress monitoring, Redmine ensures that your team stays on top of tasks, identifies bottlenecks, and resolves issues promptly. Integration Capabilities Redmine offers many integrations with popular tools and platforms, enabling seamless collaboration and data synchronization. Whether you need to connect with version control systems, customer support software, or communication tools, Redmine's integration capabilities make it a versatile solution for cross-functional teams. Redmine Pricing Let's talk about everyone's favorite topic: pricing. Redmine is an open-source project management tool that is free to download and use. You can customize it to suit your needs and enjoy its full features without worrying about breaking the bank. However, remember that Redmine might require technical expertise for setup and maintenance, so consider the associated costs if you don't have an in-house IT team. Redmine provides a self-hosted demo version that allows you to explore its features within a sandbox environment. The Red mine demo offers a great opportunity to test drive the software and understand its capabilities. However, setting up the demo might require some technical know-how, so if you're uncomfortable, you might need some assistance. Redmine Reviews Redmine has built a loyal following in the project management world. Users praise its flexibility, customization options, and robust issue-tracking capabilities. However, some mention that the learning curve can be steep, especially for non-technical users. It could be the perfect match for your team if you're willing to invest some time and effort to harness Redmine's power. Trello Project Management Software Trello is a visual project management tool that helps teams organize and prioritize tasks using a flexible board and card system. With its intuitive interface, Trello allows users to create project boards, add cards for tasks, and collaborate seamlessly. It offers tasks, assignments, due dates, and checklists to keep projects on track. The simplicity and ease of use of the Trello software make it a popular choice for individuals, small teams, and even large organizations. Whether you are planning a vacation or managing complex projects, Trello provides a visual and organized approach to project management. Trello Software Features Visual Task Management Trello's card-based interface makes task management a breeze. You can create cards for individual tasks, assign team members, add due dates, and attach relevant files. The visual nature of Trello's boards allows for a quick overview of the project's progress, ensuring transparency and easy collaboration. Task Assignments And Due Dates Trello allows users to assign tasks to team members and set due dates, ensuring accountability and timely completion. Assignees receive notifications, enabling them to stay informed about their responsibilities and deadlines. Easy Workflow Automation Trello's automation features, powered by its Butler functionality, save time and effort. You can automate repetitive tasks, set triggers and actions, and create rules to streamline your workflow. This feature reduces manual work and allows your team to focus on high-value tasks, boosting overall productivity. Trello Pricing Trello offers a tiered pricing structure that caters to different business sizes and needs. The software offers a free subscription with limited capabilities that is ideal for small teams or personal usage. If you require advanced functionalities like file attachments, automation, and team overviews, Trello's paid plans will be your go-to option, starting at a reasonable monthly fee. So, budget-conscious folks, take note of these pricing differences as you weigh your options. The vendor offers a cloud-based Trello demo that allows you to dive right in without any setup hassles. With a few clicks, you can start creating boards, adding cards, and experiencing Trello's intuitive interface. It's a user-friendly option that gives you a taste of what Trello offers without technical hurdles. So, if you prefer a quick and seamless demo experience, Trello's got your back! Trello Reviews Regarding Trello, users rave about its simplicity, visual appeal, and ease of use. The drag-and-drop interface and card-based system receive high praise for keeping teams organized and focused. Some users mention that Trello's free plan may feel limiting for more complex projects, but the paid plans unlock additional features. So, if you're all about simplicity and collaboration, Trello might be the tool you've been searching for. Redmine Demo Vs. Trello Demo—Concluding Remarks In the Redmine demo vs. Trello demo battle, the winner depends on your team's specific needs and preferences. Redmine excels in issue tracking, time tracking, and Gantt chart functionality, making it ideal for teams that require detailed project management capabilities. On the other hand, Trello offers a visual and intuitive board and card system, perfect for individuals and small groups looking for a simple and flexible approach to project management. When deciding, consider your team's size, project complexity, and desired features. Please take advantage of the demos provided by both platforms to experience their user interfaces and functionalities firsthand. With the right project management tool in your arsenal, you'll streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and drive success. So, let the battle of the demos guide you toward finding your team's perfect project management solution. Read Also: Using Project Management to Maximize the Holiday Season at Work 7 Common Construction Project Management Problems 7 Convenient Services Project Management Companies Offer Landlords

READ MOREDetails
Improve Workplace Safety

6 Useful Tips To Improve Workplace Safety

The workplace is one of the most important places in our lives. It is where we make money, build relationships and meet new people. For us to be able to do all these things, we must have a safe environment to work in. The safety of employees should be paramount but sadly this isn't always the case as many businesses are not taking the necessary precautions when it comes to workplace safety. Below are some tips on how you can improve your workplace's safety standards. Safety Audit Conducting a safety audit is a great way to identify potential hazards and ensure that everyone in the workplace is safe. The first step in conducting a safety audit is to take stock of everything you can think of from your office building’s structure to the equipment in the kitchen, everything should be scrutinized for any risks or dangers. Keep an eye out for anything that could cause bodily harm if it were to be tripped over or otherwise mishandled. Next, it’s time for some hands-on testing! Look at every surface that might have sharp edges or jagged corners; make sure every tool has its own place where it won't get lost or forgotten about; look at staircases and make sure they're clear of clutter (or better yet, eliminate them entirely). You may even want to go around with different people who work in different parts of the building so that no one area gets overlooked—it's important not only that all employees are aware of their own responsibilities but also those around them as well! When you’ve finished checking all areas thoroughly, write down what needs improvement on pieces of paper—you’ll need these later when presenting your findings back to everyone involved so they know exactly what needs changing before someone gets hurt again due to negligence. If you are still confused, try to go for employer of record, which is a prominent outsourcing process for your business process. Safety Issues Report If you want to improve workplace safety, you need to make it easy for your employees to report problems. You don't have to be a jerk about it—just make sure they feel comfortable reporting whatever issues are on their minds so that you can take appropriate action. Don't punish people who report safety issues. It's not as simple as saying "don't ever punish someone for reporting a safety issue." Sometimes, if an employee has done something wrong and is being honest about the problem, he or she may need to be disciplined. But if an employee reports an unsafe situation because he or she feels strongly about doing the right thing in terms of workplace safety, then that person should not be punished for doing so (especially if there was no harm done). Make it anonymous—but not too much more than anonymous. In other words: allow for some anonymity (so people don't feel afraid), but also encourage them by making sure everyone knows who reported what issue and why so that everyone at least has some idea of where improvements are needed (and thus can work together on making those improvements) Safety Culture A safety culture is a set of norms and values that promote safety in the workplace. It's more than just good policies, it's how people think about and manage their own behavior. Safety culture is based on shared values, not just written rules and procedures. You can develop a positive safety culture by: Promoting a sense of ownership among employees—giving them opportunities to suggest ways to improve workplace safety and rewarding those who do so with the recognition Making sure all employees understand the importance of their role in keeping themselves safe as well as others Camera Spotter Installation Camera spotters are a great way to improve safety in your workplace. These cameras are designed to be installed in many different places, including around the perimeter of your site, underneath traffic lights and stop signs, and even on top of buildings. Camera spotters can be used for many purposes: they can help monitor people as they walk down hallways or drive through parking lots; they can help monitor traffic by recording speeding vehicles; and they can alert security when pedestrians or vehicles enter restricted areas. The camera spotter you install should be able to detect motion at long distances so that it will pick up any activity within its field of view. This way no one will ever sneak around unnoticed—you'll always know when something dangerous is happening! Drug Testing Policy It's important to have an Australian drug testing policy in place to ensure that your employees are not using drugs or alcohol at work. It can help prevent accidents and injuries, increase productivity, and improve employee morale. A drug testing policy is an important part of maintaining a safe workplace. It helps protect the health and safety of everyone who works there by setting expectations for how the company will respond when someone tests positive for drug or alcohol use. Each state has its laws governing workplace drug testing policies—which substances are allowed to be tested for (alcohol alone? alcohol with drugs?), what type of tests can be used (urine tests? hair follicle samples?), how much-advance notice employees must receive before being tested, etc. Some states even require employers who regularly employ more than five people within their jurisdiction to implement a written drug-free program that includes components such as: Work Licence Update Having a work licence lawyer working on licence updates is important. Your work licence is a legal document that allows you to work in Australia and is required for every person who wants to work in Australia, including those who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. If you are an overseas worker and have a current subclass 457 visa or a subclass 186 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa, then you will need to apply for a new subclass 400 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa if your current visa expires within 12 months of the expiry date on your old subclass 457/186 visa.You need to renew your work licence every 3 years after its issue date (or 2 years after its issue date if it was issued by way of an automated process). Conclusion This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many things that you can do to ensure your workplace is safe and healthy. At the end of the day, it’s all about prioritizing safety and making sure that everyone in your company feels comfortable at work. Read Also: Should You Be Friends With Your Co-Workers? What To Do About Discrimination In The Workplace Tips To Conduct Active Shooter In The Workplace Training

READ MOREDetails
Professional Office Cleaner

10 Reasons To Hire A Professional Office Cleaner

It’s a bummer when you walk into an office and notice that it isn’t clean. What’s worse is when the office actually belongs to your company. Nobody wants to walk into a dirty, messy office every morning. It can be stressful and make your work less productive. Without a professional office cleaner, it is pretty tough to maintain the right cleaning parameters. But how to hire a professional office cleaner? Pick the right housekeeping service-providing company. Hence only taking the service from the office cleaning service provider is not going to solve the issues. You have to check a few things before appointing professional office cleaning services. Who Is A Professional Office Cleaner? A professional office cleaner is someone who is hired to keep an office or a business space clean and sanitary. They usually have a set of tasks that they perform daily or weekly, such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping, emptying trash cans, cleaning bathrooms, and wiping windows. They may also do some clerical duties, such as organizing files or answering phones. Professional office cleaners need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and they may receive on-the-job training from their employer. They should have good customer service skills, as they may interact with staff and visitors in the office. They should also be reliable, punctual, and detail-oriented, as they are responsible for maintaining a professional image of the office. Professional office cleaners can work in various settings, such as office buildings, schools, hospitals, retail stores, and other places of business. They may work for cleaning contractors or service companies, or they may be employed directly by the office. They may work part-time or full-time, depending on the needs of the office. They may also work during the day or at night when the office is closed. Professional office cleaners are important for keeping the office environment healthy and productive. They help to prevent the spread of germs and diseases, and they create a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere for the office workers and guests. They also help to protect the office equipment and furniture from damage and wear. 10 Advantages Of Hiring A Professional Office Cleaner If you’re not sure if you should hire a professional office cleaner, then you can take help from office cleaning services in Canberra. Here are ten reasons why you should hire a professional office cleaner. 1. Professional Office Cleaners Are Experts When you hire a professional office cleaner, you can rest assured that they know what they are doing.  They have years of experience handling different types of messes and know how to clean things properly. This means that they won’t cause any damage while cleaning your office space. 2. Professional Office Cleaners Will Save You Money in the Long Run Some people believe it is cheaper to do their own cleaning; however, this isn’t usually true in the long run.  When you clean on your own or have one of your employees do it, then you have to pay for all of the supplies and equipment needed for them to do so properly. 3. Better Cleaning A professional office cleaner has the training and resources to get your office clean. They use industrial-strength cleaners and equipment that is not available to the public.  A professional cleaner can remove even the toughest stains and dirt from your office carpet and furniture. This will keep your office looking great for visitors and clients. 4. Healthier Environment If you want to create a healthy environment for your employees, hire a professional office cleaner. Professional cleaners can remove allergens and germs from your office space, which will help improve the health of your employees.  With fewer allergens in the air, fewer people will take sick days due to allergies, which will save you money on productivity loss. 5. Saves You Time And Money If you currently clean your own office, then you know how time-consuming this task can be. By hiring a professional cleaning service, you can devote more time to running your business, which will save you money in the long run.  Hiring a professional office cleaner seems a little expensive. But in the long run, it will save you time and money.  6. Prevent The Spread Of Illness If one employee falls ill from something like the flu, they are more than likely going to share their germs with others in the office if they come in while sick. A professional office cleaner and their service will help prevent the spread of germs by killing bacteria and viruses that can cause illness.  They will know where germs typically hide (desk phones, keyboards, and doorknobs) and how to clean them effectively. If you opt for a green cleaner, you'll also have the peace of mind of knowing that no harmful chemicals are being used on surfaces that employees encounter daily. 7. Improve Employee Morale An unclean office can be a massive source of stress for employees. When hiring a professional office cleaner, you are actually setting an example of a clean ambiance, which helps develop the employee’s morality. A clean office is a happy office! Not only will employees appreciate the clean environment, but most cleaners will also even take on extra tasks if requested by an employee. 8. Save Time And Money You’re busy enough running your business; you shouldn’t have to spend time cleaning it too!  When you hire a professional office cleaner outside the company to do the dirty work for you, you free up valuable time and resources to focus on what really matters – growing your business! 9. Increased Productivity A clean office environment can help make your staff more productive. Numerous studies have shown that employees who work in cluttered, dirty spaces tend to be less engaged with their jobs and more prone to distraction — which can negatively affect their performance. On the other hand, employees who work in clean and organized offices are happier and have better morale — two major factors in productivity. 10. Reduced Sick Days Regularly sanitizing high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and desktops is another benefit of hiring a professional cleaning service. These areas teem with germs that could make your employees sick, but most people don't take the time to disinfect them properly every day.  A professional office cleaner will know how to do this using the right tools and techniques to ensure your office is germ-free. Conclusion: These are the main reasons for which you must hire a professional office cleaner. First, your office ambiance is essential. Unless you can not maintain your office's clean ambiance, your business productivity is getting affected. Undoubtedly, cleanliness maintenance is a good investment for you. Read Also: Six Steps to a Successful Office Move Vancouver House Cleaning Services with Local Home Cleaners Near You 7 Facts About Living Room Furniture to Build the Space of Your Dreams 5 Office Organization Tips Every New Business Owners Must Know

READ MOREDetails