What is the best carrier for your e-commerce in the UK?

1. 10 key factors when selecting a delivery partner in the UK 

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Choosing the right courier companies in the UK requires understanding your online retail needs and your customer base's preferences:

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• Package details: Analyse shipment volume and size to match carrier capabilities.
• Type of delivery: Rising costs and environmental concerns are boosting out-of-home (OOH) delivery options, such as pick-up/drop-off points (PUDO) and lockers, despite the dominance of home delivery.
• Speed: A 2022 Metapack study found that 71% of customers value speed, with 39% willing to pay extra for same-day or next-day delivery.
• Cost: Customers value free shipping above other perks and discounts. So make sure to balance affordable rates with reliable service. 
• Coverage: Ensure domestic coverage and consider international options for future expansion.
• Customer support: Responsive support is crucial for resolving issues and maintaining satisfaction.
• Platform integration: Seamless integration ensures efficient order processing and shipment management.
• Customer reviews: Read reviews to understand experiences with different courier companies.
• Scalability: Choose a partner that grows with your e-commerce business.
• Sustainability: Prioritise eco-friendly delivery methods.

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2. Navigating the options: Popular UK couriers

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Once your products are ready to ship, selecting the right carrier becomes critical.  While keeping your margins healthy is important, focusing solely on the cheapest option can backfire.

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The key is to find a delivery partner that offers competitive rates without sacrificing service quality. This way, you can provide affordable shipping to your customers while maintaining a positive experience.  Happy customers and a healthy profit margin? That's a recipe for success!

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In a 2022 Statista survey, UK online shoppers were asked which delivery company they prefer. Over half chose Royal Mail as their top choice. DPD came in second place, picked by a fifth of shoppers. Evri (formerly Hermes) followed closely behind in third, with nearly 19% of UK shoppers selecting them.

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These preferences highlight the importance of a strong domestic network, affordability, and a reputation for reliability.

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Let's delve deeper into the strengths of these popular UK couriers and explore additional options to suit your specific e-commerce needs:

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2.5 Environmentally friendly options:

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• Pick standard delivery whenever possible to reduce the number of individual trips, minimising your environmental footprint.
• Look for providers offering carbon-neutral delivery or Click & Collect options, like Royal Mail Click & Drop. 
• Opt for carriers with carbon offset programs or those investing in electric vehicles (EV) fleets like DPD and Evri.
• Promote pick-up points by encouraging customers to use pick-up points to consolidate deliveries, reducing the last-mile environmental impact.

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_{Bigblue Tips 
Bigblue's Shopify Plus Pickup Point Selector app puts the power of choice directly in your customers' hands. They can select their preferred pick-up location before checkout, eliminating last-minute surprises and ensuring a seamless delivery experience.}

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3. Unlock faster deliveries, happier customers: The power of multi-carrier shipping

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Imagine a delivery partner for every situation! A multi-courier strategy unlocks a wider range of options, and will help you boost your conversion rate:

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• A backup plan: If your main delivery company has issues, others can still get your products to your customers.
• Optimal shipping costs: You can choose the cheapest option for each package based on size and weight.
• Faster delivery: You can pick the fastest courier for specific locations.
• Happy international customers: More options for receiving and returning products internationally.
• More choices at checkout: Offer customers various shipping speeds and prices.
• Reduced cart abandonment: Customers complete more purchases when having flexible options.

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However, dealing with multiple parcel delivery services can be tricky. 

By partnering with a 3PL like Bigblue, you can outsource your entire shipping operations and manage easily multiple shipping services in one place:

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• Connect to 20+ couriers at a discounted rate negotiated by Bigblue. Save on shipping with our smart-carrier offer that picks the fastest, cheapest option for your delivery needs.
• Keep customers informed with real-time delivery updates and ditch generic courier tracking links! Design branded email notifications and tracking pages to promote your brand directly.
• Leverage Bigblue's carrier network expertise for swift resolution of inquiries, improving customer satisfaction.

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Don't underestimate the power of a good delivery partner! In today's competitive online market, a smooth and eco-friendly delivery experience can make all the difference. 

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By taking the time to understand your needs and compare different couriers, you can ensure happy customers, fewer headaches, and ultimately, a thriving e-commerce business. 

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Remember, the perfect partner can offer you flexibility, keep costs in check, and even help you reduce your environmental impact.

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By partnering with a 3PL like Bigblue, managing multiple couriers becomes easier, ensuring you always have the best option on hand.

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