Shipping options are limited when it comes to small parcel carriers, but that doesn’t mean you have to succumb to poor service or uncontrollable rate hikes. It’s easy to get into a routine with a carrier, especially if you have a long-term business relationship dating back many years. At the end of the day, you need to consider your bottom line and make business decisions that will promote the growth of your company. Here are three questions to ask yourself when deciding if it’s time for you and your carrier to go your separate ways.
Is my carrier giving me the best rate?
If you’ve been negotiating shipping contracts on your own chances are you aren’t getting the best service at the best price. After all, what do you have to compare it to other than your previous agreement? Your reps might tell you that your rates can’t be lower, but that’s because they’re compensated on the revenue from your account. Their goal entering a negotiation is to make their business money even if they make it seem otherwise.
Not everyone embraces change, especially when it comes to onboarding a company that’s unfamiliar with your business. There’s history with your current carrier so you might be asking, “Is it financially worth it to diversify your carrier portfolio?” With Share A Refund, you can save 10-20% on shipping bringing profits back to your business. Share A Refund insight will help you improve cost accounting and reduce administrative overhead. Share A Refund contract optimization will either save you money or guarantee you have the best possible contract. It’s a win-win.
Learn more: Negotiating a carrier contract you can be proud of
Is my carrier keeping up?
We’ve all heard that popular belief that when you are in a relationship for years, you slowly start to let yourself go. Basically, you stop trying as hard to impress your special someone as you did during the relationship’s infancy. The same downward trend can happen with business relationships too. Life moves at the speed of relationships, and if you want your product to move efficiently your carrier must provide trustworthy impeccable service. It could be time to switch to a carrier eager for your business and better able to provide excellent customer service. Using regional carriers to complement your global carriers can offer valuable long-term advantages from better communication to reduced lost and damaged shipments. If you are considering diversifying your carrier portfolio or debating about optimizing your carrier contract, take the time to investigate the best shipping solutions to ensure you are receiving great service at a great price.
Learn more: Are regional carriers right for you?
Do I trust my carrier?
Frequent shipping mistakes, sketchy contract negotiations and subpar service can all contribute to the erosion of trust in a carrier-business relationship. If you’re consistently calling your carrier to correct an error that you’ve caught or a customer has complained about, then their credibility is in question. You may want to consider transitioning to a more trustworthy company.
Learn more: Why shippers choose Share A Refund
Selecting a carrier, negotiating a contract that leaves you satisfied and building a mutually beneficial partnership is a massive undertaking. Because it’s such a major supply chain decision, it’s even more critical to review your carrier’s performance and make the necessary adjustments to keep your relationship thriving.
