In our previous post “The Ultimate Guide to Starting an Online Business in the Philippines in 2020“, we’ve discussed the importance of partnering up with reliable courier services for your online business.
It’s not just enough that you have a stellar product, or an incredibly thought out marketing plan to attract and retain customers. What gives you the competitive advantage compared to the other players out there is your holistic approach to Customer Experience (CX).
What is Customer Experience or CX?
Customer Experience (CX) is taking into account the customer’s point of contact with your business from the start of interaction until the end of the transaction. Your goal is to provide a GOOD CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE to increase customer acquisition and retention.
Customer experience starts the moment your customer sees your ad listing, then to website and product viewing, then purchase and feedback. What you want is a frictionless continuity of these processes. Most entrepreneurs, however, overlook one of the most integral process in giving good customer experience as they usually rely on 3rd party services to complete this process- Shipping or delivery.
Shipping or delivery as an integral part of the overall customer experience, can massively contribute to customer brand perception and loyalty. It’s not much of a rocket science. The longer the shipping time, the less your customers are going to be satisfied about their overall customer experience. Sometimes, a long waiting time could instantly ruin your business’ reputation. This could discourage your customers from purchasing from your business again, lowering your customer retention rate and decreasing your sales.
In order to avoid these, what you want are reputable courier services that have good track record of delivering their products on time for a reasonable price.
Here are the 10 Best Shipping Services in the Philippines in 2020 for Online Sellers and Merchants
1. LBC
LBC is the largest shipping and money remittance service company in the country. They offer services like Cash on Delivery or Cash on Pick-up aside from their shipping services like Air cargo, and international sending.
You can send out documents via sealed pouches of varying sizes, or send out physical items or products via their boxes that range from small to extra large. They also offer door to door delivery services. You can also have your products picked-up in your location.
Compared to other courier services however, LBC is slightly a bit more pricey but I’ve never had a bad experience with LBC. In fact, their shipping is fast and they provide a tracking number so your customers can check the delivery.
You can check their rates here.
2. Abest Express
Abest Express is a courier service company that was established in 1990. It boasts of its affordability and fast service to their clients. Some of their most reputable clients are BDO, Motortrade and HSBC bank to name a few.
You can schedule a pickup or drop by in any of their 100 branches nationwide. They also offer domestic tracking so your customers will be able to track their delivery.
You can have your documents sent for as low as 50 php in a small 6 x 12 pouch; or if you are sending out products you can have them delivered for as low as 70 pesos in a small 1kg limit box (Manila to Manila only).
3. JRS Express
Jrs Express has been in the courier service business for over 60 years. They have over 430+ branches all over the country and they are known for their express-delivery logistics and value-added services to cater to every business’ need.
What I love the most about JRS Express is that it is perfect for those businesses who run 7 days a week 24/7 as they are open even on Sundays and holidays. They also offer same day delivery services for documents, physical items and cargo; they even ship internationally.
Their rates vary depending on the scope of delivery (domestic or international), package size, volume and actual weight. Check out their rate calculator.
4. GrabExpress
Delivery on-demand services have grown in popularity thanks to the increase of mobile usage in the Philippines. If you’re looking to give the best and premium customer experience to your customers in Manila or Cebu, you should check out GrabExpress delivery services. It is a mobile application integrated with Grab services that not only allows you to book deliveries with just a few clicks, but you’ll also be able to track your package real-time!
Just open the Grab app -> click on Delivery -> Type in your pickup and drop-off locations -> Type in the recipient’s name, contact details and the description of the products -> Confirm. Wait for the biker to arrive in your pickup point and track the delivery real time.
You can opt for a cash on delivery mode of payment, debit/credit card of via Grabpay. GrabExpress is a lot more expensive than other courier services as it depends on the drop-off location, but you can’t deliver your products as fast as this!
5. 2Go Express
2Go Express is one of the most famous courier services in the Philippines. With over 700 branches nationwide and reaching over 220 destinations worldwide, 2Go Express has truly proven itself as one of the most reliable delivery services provider. Some of their most reputable retail partners and clients are Fedex, The SM Stores, SM Hypermarkets, Savemore, Zalora, and Lazada to name a few.
They offer various domestic and international services via air or sea freight, and they have guaranteed same day deliveries perfect for businesses keen in improving their overall customer experience. Like the other courier service companies, you’ll be able to book online and track your package.
For their same day delivery service at any point in Metro Manila, they charge 130 pesos (max 10 kilos). Same day delivery bookings are available from Monday to Saturday, from 8 AM to 2 PM.
6. Lalamove
Lalamove is an on-demand, same day, door-to-door delivery service that is perfect for your customers in Metro Manila. Shipping your products to your customers has never been easier! Through their mobile or web app, you’ll be able to make fast bookings in minutes!
Click on their app -> Click on the type of vehicle that is suited for the size and weight of goods about to be shipped -> Type in your pick up and drop off location -> Confirm your delivery. Wait for the driver to pickup your goods and track them real time. You’ll be able to track the location of the driver before and after the pickup and during the drop-off. What’s good about Lalamove is that they deliver 24/7.
Similarly with GrabExpress and other on-demand same day delivery services, the rates are location-based and they are much more expensive. But you can guarantee of a premium service to enhance your customer’s overall experience with their fast and reliable shipping.
You can get an estimate here.
7. Mr. Speedy
Mr. Speedy is another on-demand same day courier service. Their competitive advantage, however, is that they are cheaper than the other companies. They have a straightforward rate of only P60 + P6 per kilometer compared to the their competitor’s P8 per kilometer. They have an in-app chat that will will guarantee you of a good customer service as they’ll reply in just 2 minutes. Plus, they offer Cash on Delivery services and if you have a website, you can integrate with their API.
Simply download the Mr. Speedy app -> Click Book Now -> Type in the pick up and drop off addresses -> Type in other information like contact details or time and date of pickup -> Indicate special services like Cash on delivery or Pabili service -> Click on Place order!
Mr. Speedy is committed to giving you the best customer experience. If you want better rates, you can partner up and open a business account.
Check out their website.
8. Fastrack
Want to send a parcel for as low as 60 pesos? Try Fastrack courier services. With just three easy steps, you’ll have your goods delivered to your customer! Simply register on their website -> Schedule a pickup -> Wait for the arrival.
Fastrack courier services has been consistently offering fast, reliable and cost-efficient delivery services for over 7 years. They have over 2.9 million parcels delivered nationwide and abroad.
Their rates are relatively cheaper compared to other courier services out there. For deliveries in Metro Manila, you can have them delivered from P60 to P100 (up to 3kg + P3 for each additional kg) depending on the size and weight of the package. For their provincial services, you can expect to have your goods shipped after 2-3 days, and their rates vary from P180 (1kg) to P350 (Up to 3kg + P80 per additional kg).