subject: Challenges that Lie in the Path of Parcel Delivery Services [print this page] Challenges that Lie in the Path of Parcel Delivery Services
Challenges that Lie in the Path of Parcel Delivery Services
Most people wish to hire the services of an efficient parcel delivery service. In fact, this is one of the recurrent concerns on the minds of people, living especially in more remote areas. It poses a serious challenge in countries that have a difficult terrain as several obstructions lie in the path of delivery. These include:
The parcel delivery depots are often located far away from the communities they serve.
In case, the consumers miss out on a delivery, they have to travel several miles to collect the parcel.
The delivery process thus turns out to be a long drawn affair, increasing fuel costs as well.
The additional travel also has an adverse impact on the environment.
Consumers in these far-flung areas are located quite a distance from the retail opportunities. As a result, online shopping serves to be the best option for them and they have no other option but to rely on the delivery services.
The recipient of the parcel needs to be at home to receive the parcel. Every parcel operator has a customised system of processing the items that remain undelivered in the absence of the recipient. In most cases when the recipient is not at home:
The parcel is returned to the parcel depot for collection by the intended recipient.
A message is left at the premises to let the customer know that the parcel awaits collection.
Arrangements for its re-delivery can also be made at the request of the customer.
The parcel is also left at times with the neighbours or at a safe place within the premises of the recipient.
The parcel delivery industry has evolved gradually over the years and thus devised consumer-friendly solutions. The developments can be attributed to the demands of the businesses that rely on the services of the courier companies. When an online purchase is made, the contract is usually made between the customer and the retailer. If customers have a question concerning the delivery of the parcel, then they would obviously contact the retailer and not the parcel delivery operator. Thus, there is no direct contact between the customer and the parcel delivery operators. The demand for greater flexibility in delivery methods has prompted the courier companies to introduce diverse solutions.
Some courier service andparcel delivery companies have now started sending customers a pre-text' stating the possible time of delivery of a parcel. This is nothing but a text message to your cellular device containing the details of package delivery. If the time mentioned for the delivery is inconvenient for the recipient, then he/she can text back stating the same and arrange for the delivery at a convenient hour.
Another service that has been introduced by some parcel delivery companies includes delivery at an alternative address. For example, if your office happens to fall under the same delivery depot, then the parcel can be delivered at your workplace. Several delivery depots are located at quite a distance from the rural communities; customers prefer to collect the parcel from the local post office.
