Online shopping has made instant gratification as prevalent a component in modern life than ever before. One might be forgiven for forgetting that behind the scenes, there is a mountainous level of logistical nuances to be considered.
The tangible products do not simply materialize on the front porch a day or two after clicking the purchase button, a factor that many avid business owners are well aware of.
In order to close the gap on client and customer expectations, you must carefully manage the risks to physical assets when in transit.
If you happen to be one such business owner, here are some tips you might want to think about when streamlining your shipping processes.
Telematics
Software integration is the buzz-term of the decade, and for good reason. By implementing reliable telematics solutions, you can begin to optimize your shipping process with the help of analytical data.
This can help you determine which routes will be the most effective and least time-consuming, and provide real-time updates and asset monitoring via livestream.
One of the best ways to ensure that your product gets to the customer on time, and in the best possible condition is to use a combination of software platforms, as this can help you cover all the bases.
Keep in Contact
Whether it happens to be the driver or the customer, making yourself available to answer any questions is crucial in nurturing your brand image, as well as for risk management purposes.
If you are able to establish an area on your website in which customers can send in queries about the package, this extra level of interactivity can help reassure them should they need it.
Tracking
GPS tracking is another fantastic way to make sure that your physical assets are exactly where they need to be. In the unfortunate event that something should end up going wrong, you can consult the GPS tracker in an effort to fill the customer in on the situation.
Well-Trained Employees
If your company needs to deal with customer complaints regarding the delivery of the product or the condition that it arrived in, you will need well-trained employees to be able to handle the situation in a calm and informative manner.
In the field of risk-management, sufficient employee training is one of the most important factors.
This training should cover a range of areas including customer service, the safe handling of goods and the certifications required to transport the physical assets with care.
Request Customer Feedback
Customer feedback is incredibly valuable in business, from product development to brand awareness and everything in between – the word of the customer really can help.
This can also apply to the shipping process, and being open to honest criticism can help you decide on your best course of action.
Without the voice of the customer, there is every chance you might miss an outdated or non-functioning protocol in your process, which can spell disaster for any hopes of sustainability in the long-run.