Finding the perfect logistics partner for your business

Logistics and distribution play a vital role in the business proceeding of almost all types of businesses, dealing with tangible products whether the model is B2B or B2C. Before we proceed further and start explaining the various important factors one needs to consider for selecting the right distribution partner for their business, let us first try and understand what is actually meant by the term ‘Logistics’.

Basically, logistics refers to the planning and controlling processes of storage and transportation of commercial goods from their point of manufacture to the point of consumption, i.e. the end user of the goods. With the evolving markets and increasing competition among industrial sectors, there is a budding demand for effective and reliable logistics services which are often provided by couriers in London. Here are the steps one should take to select the right logistics partner for their firm:

1. Define your objectives- Get your selection panel together and pen down your company’s logistics needs and specific requirements on a sheet of paper. Now define the targets you wish to achieve with your logistics in a specific period of time, say a quarter (3 months). Defining your goals and objectives would initially help you search for the related logistics companies.

2. Evaluate your customer support needs- Filter out the first list of logistics firm you collect by evaluating them on the level of customer service they provide. Remember, customer satisfaction is and should be your primary goal.

3. Enquire and get quotations- After you have the filtered list of firms, get down to contacting them for enquiries. Mail them asking the key attributes of their services and get price quotations from as many as possible. This would help you set a definite budget for your logistics operations so that you can manage your expenses more effectively.

4. Review proposals- Get your selection panel to review the proposals received by different companies. Consider your budget and take out the top three firms to narrow your search.

5. Try and Decide- Even if you are thoroughly impressed by the logistics and distribution services of a courier company in London, hire them for a quarter of the business initially. This would give you time to review their work closely and you can later finalise their permanent contract if you feel satisfied.

Make sure your logistics partner offers flexible options so as to customise the distribution and logistics with the changing requirements of the business. It always pays well to ask friends and acquaintances for referrals and recommendations.