If you’re thinking about starting a small business, or you’ve already got one and want to take things online, then you need to ensure that you’ve got a good courier or shipping service lined up. The wrong company can kill your profit margins, and if you don’t do things properly, you can easily find yourself working for nothing.
When you add in returns, this makes it even more important that you find a good company. However, it can be difficult to even know where to start when you’re looking online. So, let’s look at some good options if you’re looking for shipping for your small business.
Best Shipping Companies & Couriers for Small Businesses
CollectPlus
Collect Plus actually introduced a new pricing scale for their sending service a few years ago, and it’s made them one of the more affordable options for new businesses. They’re one of the bigger, more reliable couriers too.
Yodel
Yodel are known as being one of the most cost effective options for small businesses in the UK. They handle hundreds of millions of parcels, and they service Ireland and the Channel Islands too.
UPS
UPS are one of the more well known couriers worldwide, and they’re quite big in the UK too. They’re a good choice if you’re going to be doing a lot of international shipping. In the UK, they have both 24 hour and 48 hour shipping options.
DPD
DPD is one of the bigger couriers in the UK, but they do offer some of the most affordable options for those looking to deliver their good within the UK. DPD has a lot of pickup shops located all around the UK, so they’re a good choice if you want to offer a click and collect for your products.
Parcelforce
If you’re not aware, Parcelforce are actually part of the Royal Mail in the United Kingdom. However, they are a subsidiary of the brand so they’re not the same company, however, they do adhere to the same high standards. They’re another contender if you’re looking for a small business delivery service.
City Sprints
If you’re looking to offer same day delivery, then you might want to look at a company like City Sprints. They are the UK specialists in same day delivery, so if you have a product that needs this like flowers, then they’re definitely the first place you should look.
Hermes
Another one of the biggest names in the UK when it comes to courier services is Hermes. Their myHermes service is used by many of the big brands like QVC, but they’re also not a bad choice for small businesses either.
DHL
Another one of the massive companies that help with small businesses is DHL. If you have a SMB that’s growing, then partnering up with DHL could be a good move to help relieve the stress of the logistic side of your business.
Most Common Questions Answered About Shipping/Couriers
What is the best shipping company for a small business?
There are many different options for you to choose from. It will depend on what exactly it is you sell, as well as if you’re going to be sending things in the UK or internationally as well.
How do I figure out shipping costs?
Most couriers will give you a price based on the size and weight of your parcels. Knowing these measurements is the easiest way to figure out your shipping costs.
Are shipping bags free?
Some companies, like UPS, will actually provide you with the bags you need to ship smaller items. Others, you might have to pay for some kind of packaging.
Is it cheaper to print shipping labels at home?
It is nearly always cheaper to print the shipping labels for your items from home. So if you can, you definitely should!
Can offering free delivery increase sales?
Offering free delivery to your customers can definitely improve your sales. However, you have to take the shipping expenses your end into account too.
Conclusion
All in all, these are just some of the best shipping couriers and companies that are currently available for you to use in the UK. Finding the right partner to send your items with can make things a whole lot easier in the long run. So, try and find the best one for you, and stick with them.
