When people think about what makes a brand successful, they tend to consider an array of factors. Having amazing products, effective marketing, fantastic customer service, and eye-catching packaging are among the most common. Those things can definitely make a difference in a brand’s success, but they’re only part of the bigger picture.
One of the important determining aspects of a brand’s ability to outshine its competitors is shipping. Its true value often goes unnoticed because its more in the background than the forefront, but it’s just as important than those other elements. It can affect a company’s reputation, customer satisfaction ratings, and many other factors. Though the links between freight and shipping services and brand success are often overlooked, they’re certainly crucial.
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Improving the Customer Experience
One of the most important points to keep in mind is that shipping is a major aspect of the customer experience. Today’s consumers expect fast, reliable delivery. They also expect their orders to arrive in excellent condition. If products constantly arrive late or damaged, that affects how consumers feel about the brands behind them. In most cases, they don’t blame the shipper; they blame the companies they order their products from. Partnering with dependable shippers who care about the timeliness and condition of their freight can have a positive impact on the customer experience.
Building Customer Loyalty
By improving the customer experience, a reliable shipping company that focuses on quality and service can help brands build customer loyalty. Today’s consumers aren’t willing to wait very long for their orders to arrive. If the companies they do business with take too long to get their orders to them, they’ll quickly look elsewhere.
On the other hand, if the companies they order from make a habit of getting products to them quickly, they’ll be more likely to become repeat customers. Furthermore, they’ll be more likely to tell people about their positive experiences, which helps bring in new customers. Word-of-mouth advertising is just as important to a brand’s success today as it ever was, if not more so.
Smoother Returns Processes
Remember that shipping isn’t just about getting products to customers. Making returns as simple as possible also comes into play. Having a smooth returns process gives customers peace of mind and makes them more likely to choose a brand when they make purchases. In fact, an estimated 65 percent of consumers say they’re more likely to buy from a brand with easy returns. In contrast, more than 90 percent are unlikely to make additional purchases from a company after having a negative experience with making a return.
Fostering Values
Finally, the company a brand chooses for its shipping needs can speak to its values and dedication to its customers. When a brand works with a shipper that’s known for being on time and ensuring items arrive intact, it emphasizes their commitment to customer satisfaction. On the other hand, when a company chooses a shipper that has a reputation for delivery delays, damaged products, and other issues, that makes consumers feel as though it doesn’t care about their needs and expectations.
Achieving Success With the Right Shipping Company
Numerous aspects can affect the way consumers view a brand and its products. Shipping may not be the first one people think about, but it’s definitely a major deciding factor. It can determine how a brand is perceived, how satisfied its customers are, and whether they ultimately turn to a company’s competitors for the products they need. With that being the case, shipping companies play several roles in helping brands achieve success.
