Running a business can be tough, and some people will decide to keep their companies small, especially in the beginning. This might mean only having in-store purchases or delivering orders to the local area. However, this doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges.
This article outlines three of the most common issues you might encounter as a small business delivering orders locally. You will also learn how to overcome these issues.
Travel Congestion
One of the biggest obstacles that businesses face when delivering locally is traffic congestion. Urban areas, in particular, are notorious for frequent delays caused by accidents, roadworks, rush hours, or unexpected events, such as scheduled parades or protests. Even in smaller towns and villages, road closures or school zones can throw off a tightly scheduled delivery route.
Businesses should invest in a good GPS or route optimization app that provides real-time traffic updates and suggests alternative routes. It is important to try to schedule deliveries during off-peak hours when possible. If delays are unavoidable, then you must communicate proactively with your customers. Providing a simple update can go a long way in maintaining satisfaction and trust.
Damaged Goods
Additionally, there is the risk of goods being damaged during transit. This is especially critical when delivering electronics, fragile items, and/or fresh food. Careless handling or low-quality packaging can lead to items arriving in poor condition even with short delivery distances, which could damage both your reputation and your bottom line.
It is vital that your business uses proper packaging materials, including bubble wrap and packing tape, and ensures all items are securely placed during transport. If your delivery vehicle has compartments or shelving, use them to keep items and packages stable. Staff members should be trained in careful handling techniques, and fragile packages must be labelled clearly.
Even if you use a courier service, then you should take the time to research a reputable company that will handle your orders with care. It is also crucial to consider the fleet of vehicles the company has, and more of this information will be available on the service’s website. For example, California Courier services states they have a fleet that can deliver “everything from small envelopes to large pallets of goods.”
Vehicle Breakdown
Finally, a vehicle breakdown can definitely throw a wrench in a delivery schedule. A dead battery, engine trouble, or flat tires can cause a backlog of frustrated customers through late arrivals and missed deliveries. This can be even worse if you are a solo operator, as you might need to halt your business for the entire day.
Of course, breakdowns cannot be prevented completely, but routine maintenance should be carried out. Brake checks, oil changes, and tire inspections are vital, and they are all necessary to prevent many common issues. Basic emergency kits with jumper cables and a spare tire should be kept in each vehicle.
You might consider joining a roadside assistance program, too. A backup vehicle might also be necessary if your primary mode of transport is down.
To conclude, delivering orders locally can be a challenge, particularly if any of the common issues mentioned in this post occur. Thankfully, you can avoid these problems by investing in technology and partnering with a reliable courier.
