Getting your product from A to B quickly and efficiently is a relatively easy task for larger companies with big budgets to match. But for an SME watching its spending, shipping goods by land, sea or air requires careful consideration to ensure costs remain manageable.
While some small businesses rely on Royal Mail or even deliver themselves, others prefer to use the services of dedicated logistics companies. So how can small businesses get the best deal and ensure their goods are delivered on time, safely and cheaply?
In an interview with the Entrepreneur website, US small business owner Rhonda Abrams advises: "A lot of small businesses think they're not large enough to negotiate rates with the delivery services, but they can. Open an account, get a rep and talk about options."
Considering the various options available, we're wondering, how do you set up a delivery system which fits your company's budget? What should cash-strapped startups think about when formulating their shipping policy? And how do you ensure delivery costs don't spiral out of control? Share your advice and tips in the comment thread below.
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