I am regular in sending the stuff through courier. I have my own challenges in taking the service from the current courier companies. I am wondering if some company could launch a revolutionary courier service that offers a complete new experience to the customers.
In general, I would like that company to address my below concerns:
1. The courier tariff should be cost effective.
2. The tariff should be standardized and should be published on public domains. Customers should know the tariff in advance. Today, different courier companies offer different prices. Not only that, different offices of the same company may offer you different prices. And if you know the person personally then you may get a better price.
3. Should have options of selecting the frills for cost effectiveness. For example, if I need to send a simple letter which is not very urgent, I should be able to take the basic service without frills like expedited delivery, tracking etc. Current courier companies charge min 150/- to 200/- for sending even a letter.
4. If not all then at-least the basic services should be provided 24x7. Currently, courier can be booked only during business hours of the courier offices.
5. There should be prepaid option so that business houses can pay in advance and send someone on their behalf to book the courier. It is like a pre-paid card. I load the card for say 1000/- and keep on paying for the services using that card. Instead of using the card, the courier company can offer the printed coupons instead of card to save the cost. You can give those coupons to someone as ask him/her to do the job on your behalf. If the tariff is standardized as mentioned in point 2, this option would be very effective.
6. The service should cover even the remote areas without digging hole in the customer's pocket. It includes both domestic and international regions. I can understand that quality of service may degrade little bit in case of remote areas.
7. Should have good chain of their offices in urban areas as well as country side.
8. Though I don't have the requirement of other services, but they can offer some add-ons like sending money, govt. backed investment schemes, life insurance etc. It will help them generating more revenue and due to large coverage as per above point, these services can be availed by everyone.
After a lot of search, I found a suitable courier company in my neighborhood. If this company has the office in your neighborhood, would you like to consider them for your next courier? What if I tell you that this courier company already exists?
It is nothing but Indian Postal Services. For points 4 and 5, they offer postage stamps. Which we can stick to our courier and drop them in the drop-boxes (letter boxes). These drop boxes are available 24x7. The tariffs are also affordable.
Despite all of these features, Indian Postal Services are incurring losses. Reason is best known to all of us. So, next time you want to send the courier, consider them and give them a chance to serve you. I am sure that you would not be able to ignore them.
Happy posting ...
