These days, you can even save money when it comes to sending items in the post.
By Craig Falck for Africa Report
Photograph: © Verapol Chaiyapin | Dreamstime.com
The postman has become quite an expensive means of delivering mail and items to suppliers and customers. But you don’t need to be spending a small fortune getting your goods to their destinations if you use these tips…
1. Send out your deliveryman with a full load. What’s the point in sending out your deliveryman with 5 items, only for him to return for another 5? Fill up the delivery van and only then send him on his way. You might find that 6 of the 10 deliveries are within walking distance of each other and this will save on petrol, time, as well as wear and tear on the vehicle.
2. Package your items properly. Don’t use a big heavy box for an item that takes up only 10 percent of the box’s capacity. You pay for size and weight at the post office and other postal businesses, so rather minimise costs by maximising on proper packaging.
3. If you can send a document via email instead of physically mailing it, jump on this option. Emails are not only more direct and immediate, you also won’t have to cover the cost of envelopes, stamps, paper or petrol for the trip to the post office.
4. Source different courier companies, assess which provides the best value for money in terms of service delivery, and then try to negotiate with them for a better price for repeat business. There are so many courier companies around that you’d be hard-pressed not to find a better deal than you’re currently making use of. It’s just a case of shopping around and doing research.
5. For mail, many countries have discounted rates for businesses or individuals who are sending a certain amount of identical post. If you’re sending out 200 invoices at the end of every month in identical envelopes, find out from the post office if they offer such discounts and make use of them.
You can save money everywhere in business these days, including on the mailing and shipping of goods. You just need to be savvy about this and be able to identify areas that you can trim the costs down and save some much-needed funds. Happy posting!
