How courier services are becoming popular again
According to a column in STL Today – the use of courier services is on the rise across the country – the first bit of news in a while which has mostly subverted the notion that no one uses them anymore. We’ve known this as we obviously have a ring side seat and as such – the national trend overall shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise.
After some discussion, we’ve come to the conclusion that there are three, primary reasons for this. Let’s jump right in:
Local is beginning to mean cheap again
OK so maybe ‘cheap’ isn’t the best term – but folks are beginning to find an affinity for their own backyards again and discovering value in places where you’re less likely to find it. Larger companies with major fleets have noticed a massive uptick in overhead expenses in the past year – things like fuel hikes, increased insurance costs and supply chain issues- many of the issues that have made many businesses more challenging to run during and after the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Local delivery services however are smaller and while their volume isn’t that of the big boys, they also are suffering less from the massive hikes their peers are. This allows them to keep their prices mostly the same.
Personalized care is another phenomenon that is harder to quantify, but certainly one that customers crave. Especially when it comes to high-value deliveries like briefs, legal notices and medical deliveries – people are more willing to pay a little more locally than going for the brand names.
Believe it or not – the weather
Broad weather patterns don’t seem to impact the little guys as much as the big boys. What might impact Tampa isn’t impacting Miami or even Atlanta. What impacts Tampa is Tampa. While this can have some drawback during adverse weather events – by in large what’s local is local and you can rest assured that the locals know the ins and outs of their markets – not just from the weather patterns, but the different tips, trick and corners that can be cut to make sure that your delivery gets to where it needs to do.
Incentive
The bigger the company, the less they actually need your business. Thus the incentive to perform and provide top class customer service isn’t always at the top of the priority list. Local couriers? They need customers. They need to do a good job. They need you to come back. One bad customer to them can be as harmful as 100 happy customers can be helpful – so understand that incentive is meaningful – particularly when we’re talking about high value deliveries.
Courier services are becoming more and more popular. Maybe you should see what all the fuss is about. If you’re looking for an affordable courier service in the Tampa, FL area, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help you out. Until then – good luck!