Thriving in the logistics sector
Most sectors are now highly competitive with hundreds of businesses targeting the same customers. With so many ways for customers to shop around and to discover information on a certain brand, it is essential that your business stays ahead of the competition. By investing in a franchise business with a highly-experienced franchisor and support team, you gain essential knowledge to help you achieve this.
In this exclusive article, InXpress, a global provider of shipping solutions, gives you their unique insight into the logistics sector and what to consider when you are researching franchises in this industry.
Lucrative Market
By the end of 2015, revenue in the courier, express, and parcel sector was forecast to reach £7.6 billion and has proven to increase year on year.
Although we have seen a growing demand for courier services in the UK, the recent economic downturn has created a shift in demand for lower cost courier and parcel service solutions. Consider how franchises responded to this change…
As an example, InXpress responded by leveraging global agreements with world-class carriers to secure preferential rates and provide international express, domestic express, freight and mail services to customers.
Top Class customer service
Excellent customer service should be at the heart of every business; with happy and satisfied customers, you gain loyal, repeat customers who refer your services to others!
We believe that there are so many ways to keep your customer service in order and on top form. Although refining and honing your franchise’s customer service may take extra resources, time and money, it will pay dividends in the long-term. Consider how franchises deal with customers…
For instance, InXpress franchisees and employees are trained to offer the best customer service that follows a set standard and ethos, and they find that this keeps their customers coming back time and time again.
Innovative Technology
In your research, find out if the logistical franchises you are looking at are reliant on technology or not. This is essential as more and more people now turn to it for their customer service needs. Ensure that you choose a franchise where your product, service and customer support team are all easily accessible.
Having adequate technology in place within your business will increase the ease of purchase for customers and therefore increase your sales. When you are researching franchises, ask the franchisor about how they provide customer service online and offline, as well as the usability of their digital platforms.
At InXpress, we know that our market and technology is constantly changing and developing. We consistently innovate and improve our service to make sure that our franchisees stay ahead of the competition. Our technology is regularly updated to meet growing demands and changes to make the process as easy as possible, giving our franchisees more time to go out and gain recurring customers.
Competitive Price
Most people now shop around for the best price when making a purchase, so you need to make sure that your franchise’s price is competitive as well as profitable. Good Franchisors keep a finger on the pulse in terms of the demand for your product or service and understand the range of price.
As an example, at InXpress we leverage our global agreements with world-class carriers to secure preferential rates and provide international, domestic, freight and mail services to customers. Due to our innovative systems, which are specifically adapted to both customer and franchisee needs, we are able to offer competitive prices with reduced overheads.
Summary
Taking the above into account, when researching franchises within the logistics sector, make sure that you compare the market prices thoroughly and do your due diligence on the quality of online and offline services they offer customers, as well as the business model you would be following.
To find out more about InXpress’ franchise offering, please click here. To look at other franchises within the logistics (courier and delivery) sector, click here.