It is not so common to talk about it but there are different types of delivery, today we will talk about doorstep deliveries. Doorstep delivery occurs, as its name suggests, when a carrier delivers a package directly owned by the recipient. That is, the delivery person meets the customer at their entrance, to ensure that the package being sent arrives in perfect condition.
It is most commonly used for home deliveries and commercial shipments of medium-sized items. As well as for more delicate deliveries such as liquor or food that may spoil in large shipments. A quick review of this alternative can help manage delivery costs. As well as potentially charge more for special delivery services, while maintaining profits.
Differences between threshold delivery and traditional delivery
Traditional deliveries are those that have worked for years where packages are left without contact, for example FedEx. It doesn't matter if the package is left at the mercy of rain or other people, it is only necessary to make the delivery. On the other hand, with the threshold, the driver is required to deliver to the porch, garage or to the owner himself.
This is often more personal because many companies choose to require the recipient's signature. This ensures that it was delivered into the owner's hands and not sitting on a curb. This makes doorstep delivery a safer delivery option, helping to keep packages safe from inclement weather and porch pirates.
What level of service do threshold deliveries offer?
This type of more direct delivery is a new level to the standard delivery offered by retailers or transport companies. It is handled as follows, an order is placed and the customer will choose the option they want at checkout. There are companies that currently do not offer any service below the delivery threshold. Let's look at the different levels that currently exist:
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Free standard delivery to your front porch for small packages, such as those from Amazon Prime.
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Free delivery to curbside or driveway only for large packages, such as sofa-type furniture.
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Threshold type deliveries for free or with payment.
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Delivery is now available inside the house or apartment, in the specific room you want. This is usually applied to larger packages such as shelves or appliances such as washing machines.
After the last one mentioned, there are the white glove ones, but these are special. Since they are usually only done by specialized parcel companies or moving companies. Because they require delivery plus assembly, which is usually the case with tables or other objects.
Prices suitable for the threshold
If you are considering adding curbside deliveries to your business, it is time to set tentative prices. Often, this starts with a promotion or gift to see how customers respond. When you charge, it is usually a separate price from the price charged for the reservation or trip. There is another option, which is more appropriate, and that is a personalized price based on the following factors.
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Size of what is delivered.
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Type of vehicle in which it is delivered.
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Value of products to be delivered.
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Scheduled reservation time.
Normally, delivery costs between $6 and $9 in standard taxi service vehicles. Others calculate the cost based on the percentage of the order value, from 10% to 15%.
Types of producers eligible for threshold delivery
The products that are best suited for threshold deliveries are small to medium-sized packages. They do not require assembly or installation, and are not very heavy or fragile. This way, they can be delivered directly to the customer without the need for extra help. Some of the products that are most often sent this way are:
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Medium-sized furniture, such as chairs.
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Electrical exercise equipment.
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Flat screen televisions that are not wall-mounted.
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Mattresses.
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Construction materials such as bags of cement, tools or others.
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Games and toys for children.
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Paintings or other decorative ornaments.
Despite what it may seem, it is very important to be clear about the areas for which delivery will be offered. Transporting food is not the same as transporting a mattress, there is an important issue of the size of the vehicle. In addition, the first option may need better packaging to avoid damage or even refrigeration.
Items that are not recommended for this type of delivery are usually those that are very heavy or cumbersome to carry. Examples of this could be wooden furniture that weighs considerably or large appliances. These are better for a higher level of delivery service, which ensures that nothing is damaged and covers the installation.
The best way to manage this new service
As long as you have the right technology, doorstep deliveries are going to be extremely easy to manage. Drivers or delivery people will only need to know the time, where the pickup will be, and where it will be delivered. If you invest in an app like ToolRides, you will have a version for your partners. Everyone will have the customized software at their fingertips that will enable flawless deliveries.
Purchasing software will make life much easier for drivers, because they will be able to see the best route on the built-in GPS, as well as the time window between picking up the package and making the delivery, as well as receiving notifications of new deliveries, a chat for eventualities, among other features.
A new service for the list
Having new alternatives in your service list can make you much more interesting to your clients. And, in the same way, give you an advantage that the competition doesn't have if you apply it in time. That's why you shouldn't stop researching the business you're in. Be a successful and modern businessman by implementing threshold-type deliveries.
