With E-commerce websites fast on the rise, courier service companies have also seen a sudden increase in their numbers. Delivering the shipments on time is one of the biggest part E-commerce services.
Every E-commerce website is always on the lookout for a good delivery service that will deliver its products at reasonable rates. However, with so many companies it is hard to pick out a logistics services that is reasonable as well as covers the most ground and has the highest success rate.
India is currently the hotspot for e-commerce services. With websites like Flipkart, Jabong and Myntra gaining recognition on a national level, it is only a matter of time when E-commerce takes over online retail in India. E-commerce has gained such widespread recognition that even Amazon has opened its doors for India.
Here is a list of some of the best logistics services in the Indian subcontinent that will help you to pick out a delivery service that will fit well with your requirements.
How to pick courier companies:
Picking a courier option for an e-commerce website is one of the toughest decisions that business owners have to make. The sad truth of the matter is that there is no one size fits all solutions for this problem.
The size of every company, their delivery rate and their budget everything is different. As finding the perfect solution can get a little tricky, in most cases the hit and trial method is the best way to get hooked with the right service. However, a little knowledge about the many game players in the field can also make it easy for you to pick out a service.
The main options for Ecommerce retailers:
As far as options are concerned Ecommerce retailers have a total of three main options. These options are:
1. Creating your own logistics division
Charming as the idea may sound; it is also the priciest one as it would also require a hefty investment on your part. While the option of having one’s own logistics division does have its perks, which are
- Complete control over how the products get delivered.
- Increases the faith of customer’s in your brand as they see that you take full responsibility of all your interactions with them.
But the fact remains the same; it is a very hefty investment. Not only do you need a lot of capital but you also require a lot of warehouse space spread all over the area where you plan to begin your deliveries from.
Even the biggest of all Ecommerce companies, Amazon has not been able to create its own logistics division.
Flipkart, India’s biggest online retailer began with its logistics division in the year 2010 at a time when the company had already gained a stable footing all over India. Flipkart’s Ekart logistics division has even started offering its logistics services to other Ecommerce competitors in the market.
2. Giving all responsibility to a third party service
If you don’t have the capital or the space to invest in a plan then, you can hand over the complete logistics department to well-recognized courier companies. In order to do that, you need first check their track record with different companies.
It is best go for companies that provide reasonable rates and have a stable track record. The only drawback of this option is for ecommerce stores that have just started out and have a low volume of deliveries, they end up getting billed heavily. This automatically has an impact on their profit margins.
3. To work jointly with a third party Service
To work jointly with a third party service is like taking up their services on a loan. You will have to talk to them separately and come up with a deal depending upon the amount of expected deliveries that you plan to make on a monthly or yearly basis.
1. India Post Service
Yes, this may come as a shock to many, but the India Post is without a doubt one of the most reliable Ecommerce delivery service to date. They have the highest coverage and maximum reliability that has been vouched for by their years of service.
Currently, no other service can beat them on the grounds which they cover. Even in terms of cost they are as affordable as a logistics service can get. Their pick up costs are nil for consignments that are below 35 kg.
| Services | Ratings |
| Pickup facility | Beyond Average |
| Rates | Rs. 30 to 90/ 500 gms depending on the location |
| Deliverable Area | Covers the most area among its competitors |
| Service | Extremely Satisfactory |
| Tracking Shipment | Extremely Accurate |
For customers who have just started out with their Ecommerce business, India Post Logistics service is the Holy Grail.
2. FedEx
Here’s the thing with FedEx, it has an excellent delivery service and fairly competitive prices in the areas it does provide its services. However, the fact that its coverage area is comparatively less FedEx may not be a reliable candidate for Ecommerce websites that plan to depend solely on it and no other courier services for the purposes of logistics.
A plus point however is the fact that the same account can be used for the purposes of expansions to international spaces as well. And when it comes to international services FedEx is pretty much unbeatable.
| Services | Ratings |
| Coverage Area | 6/10 |
| Shipping Rates | 32-72/kg or 70-24/kg depending on the serviceable area |
| COD | Yes, around Rs 250 on waybill amount |
| Tracking | 7/10 |
| International Facilities | Yes |
| Integration with Shiprocket | Yes |
3. First Flight
Established in the year 1986, First Flight currently has an audience base of 17000 plus employees. They currently serve over 220 countries and have over ten offices spread across the globe.
| Services | Ratings |
| Coverage Area | 4500 pin codes all over India |
| Shipping Rates | Rs. 35/ 500 gms |
| COD | Yes |
| Tracking | Yes |
| International Facilities | No |
| Integration with Shiprocket | Yes |
4. DTDC
DTDC has been providing its services since the year 1990. They currently have a network of over 10,000 pin codes spread all over the country. Although, DTDC originated from India it has expanded to a level that, it currently provides its services to over 240 other countries.
However, in terms of its services and expenses it is not an option that small businesses can afford. Considering the charges that they offer reports of untimely deliveries and loss of shipments has made them a somewhat unreliable logistics partner in the Ecommerce industry.
| Services | Ratings |
| Pickup facility | Average |
| Rates | Slightly costly |
| COD | Above Average |
| Deliverable Area | 10,000 pin code coverage in India |
| Quality of Service | Average |
5. Aramex
Everyone who has searched about logistics services has heard the name of Aramex. But do they hold a candle to their brand value? Well, the answer is less than pleasing. An amateur planning on using their services might feel that they cover everything within his needs. Their experiential statistics might even point him to think that Aramex is the best in the business.
This just goes to show that a well-funded promotion can do just about anything. However, when it comes to their service, they are not as awesome as they make themselves up to be. Many users have ended up suffered at the hand of Aramex because of untimely deliveries and even loss of deliveries.
| Service | Ratings |
| Pin codes | 2872 |
| Pickup facility | Average |
| Rates | Rs. 60/500 gms , 6/10 |
| COD | Below average |
| Deliverable Area | 10,000 pin code coverage in India |
| Quality of Service | 4/10 |
6. Go Javas
As a logistics company, GoJavas is fairly new in the game, although, it seems to have bagged one of the biggest E-commerce clients in India, Jabong. As they are pretty new to the field of logistics rating, then becomes as little complex.
But considering their competitive prices they cannot be left out of the discussion.
| Service | Ratings |
| Pin codes | 2010 |
| Pickup facility | Average |
| Rates | Begin with Rs. 22 per 500 gms |
| COD | Rs. 40 of 1.76% value of the order |
| International Courier Facility | No |
7. DHL
From a global standpoint, DHL is pretty much the biggest shark in the sea. Their prices are fairly steep. But when it comes to international coverage, there aren’t many reliable candidates to choose from.
| Service | |
| Shipping Rates(international) | Rs. 600/500 gms |
| COD | No |
| Tracking | Yes |
| International Courier Facility | Yes |
| Integration with Shiprocket | Yes |
8. eCOM Express
eCOM Express is another newbie in the market. It is ideal for users who are planning to use a combination of logistics for the purposes of deliveries.
Their rates are pretty affordable and in terms of services it is hard to say much as they are still fairly new in the game. However, they come with a huge potential for growth and a tie up with them might not hurt in the long run.
| Services | |
| Serviceable pin codes in India | 1500 |
| Shipping Rates | Begin with Rs. 22 per 500 gms |
| COD | Yes |
| Tracking | Yes |
| International Shipping Facility | No |
| Integration with Shiprocket | Coming soon |
9. Blue Dart
Blue Dart is one the most logistics services currently spread in India. Their prices may be slightly more than what you bargained for, but in terms of services and customer satisfaction they have a pretty awesome record.
They have a pretty strong delivery base in India that comes very close to the level of delivery provided by India Post.
| Service | |
| Shipping Rates(international) | Rs. 55-75 per 500 gms depending on the area |
| Pick up Facility | 7/10 |
| COD | Rs. 80 per 500 gms or 3% of the cost whichever is higher |
| Tracking | 8/10 |
| Service | 8/10 |
| Deliverable Area | Yes |
10. Kartrocket’s automated solution Shiprocket
For newbies in the Ecommerce market, picking up a shipping service might not be as simple. After all delivery prices are a huge concern for you and missing out on any potential market simply because your logistics service doesn’t function, there might be too strong a statement to make.
It will be best for you to opt for an automated solution that uses a combination of these logistics service so that you can expand your services to the maximum area without spending more than you need to.
Shiprocket is the answer to your call. It has tie-ups with DHL, Aramex, First Flight, eCOM Express and DTDC depending on the service area and the cost.
It automatically integrates with your system and gives you the cheapest option depending on the delivery area.
With the number of its tie-ups, Shiprocket currently provides its services in over 12000 pin codes all over India.
It provides automated shipping for over 12000 prepaid payments per month, which is more than enough for amateurs in the market.
To know more about Shiprocket log on to http://www.kartrocket.com.
After reviewing all this information it will get easier for you to pick out a logistics service for your website.
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