1. But they are the cheapest!
As the old adage goes, the cheapest is the most expensive. I mean, it’s old, and an adage for a reason, it’s true! Cheaper companies often have a revolving door of dissatisfied contracting employees, not the guys you want to trust with your precious paperwork, critical items, or anything else. The most reputable services are usually priced accordingly. A few extra expenses are worth their weight in gold when your critical items and reputation are on the line.
2. They answer the phone with “yes, wait.”
This is not your local pizzeria. Being fired before you get to “hello” is probably a sign of the direction of your future business relationship. Phone skills are just one aspect of customer service. But you can be sure that if talking on the phone is a chore for them, they won’t treat your item delivery much differently.
3. Your idea of half an hour is actually 3 hours.
No one likes verbiage, well, at least the business kind. Wouldn’t you like more companies to realize that a little honesty goes a long way? Sure, not many will complain when a half hour is actually 45 minutes, but more than that and they’re pushing it. Time is money, a cliché well used for a reason.
4. The car they stop in seems to have come back from the future after barely surviving World War 3.
Reliability is a big issue here. And if they don’t care enough to drive a decently running vehicle, they probably don’t care much. Some people run their businesses and vehicles by a thread and hire contractors who do the same thing. Failure to maintain your vehicle can end up costing you money, time, or an important customer you simply can’t afford to lose. Make sure your courier has up-to-date and varied vehicles.
5. His name starts with “A” or, better yet, “AAA”.
This is no longer the early ’70s, when putting an “A” in front of your name was a bona fide promotional tactic to get you in the yellow pages. Granted, attacking the choice of a generic trade name isn’t the end of all arguments, but not even caring to try to update something that shows a modicum of effort just shows laziness and lack of creativity. Messengers can be called many things, but “lazy” should never be one of them.
A courier service is an extension of your business, and choosing the right one is an important choice. By heeding these insider tips, you’ll have a head start on what to avoid and fewer headaches the next time you order an express delivery.