Delivery costs are soaring out of control, but it is important to look at the big picture before making rash decisions
For retail florists, delivery is a necessary service we provide to help achieve the delivery of a bouquet and ultimately, the card message. When we put too much focus on the service, we could deter clients who may look for other ways to achieve what they need.
Let's face it, although we create such beautiful designs with a gift from nature, in most cases the flowers are simply the vehicle for the message delivery. Our delivery service is the vehicle for the flowers. That being said, it's more important now to focus on working SMARTER, not harder!
Here are a few examples of simple changes you can implement to make your deliveries more efficient (thus saving money);
Divide your delivery area into grids and zones. Plan the times of the day you will go there. Stick to this and only vary is a priority service has been selected. What's that? When a customer is asking for you to get somewhere within a 2 hour window or maybe 3, instead of saying, "it's be an extra, as if you are punishing them" Try, " I can offer you a priority service and that would guarantee to deliver within the time you expected since our drivers have already delivered to that area. If you wish, we could deliver tomorrow to where we would not need to priority service". Always show the client you have their best interest in mind. Be sure your staff is informed what the RUSH (or Priority) service cost is.
Remember that we can only charge so much for delivery. Please be cognizant of that. Make t as affordable as possible, when a priority service is requested, charge a good amount for that.
Please consider adding vehicle tracking devices like Network Car. I am not sure what they have now. BUT we paid between 20-25.00 a month and were able to see our vans at any given moment, track all the stops and the idle time. That is when the van could be waiting outside to be loaded. We were running 48 minutes a day and we got it down to around 15. The fuel costs are WAY to high now to do this. Be sure you get the devices that are INSTALLED in the vehicle so there is no way for mistakes to occur, battery dies or whatever. I think you all know what I mean...
Just because the cost of fuel and completing a delivery has increased, you don't have to lose money trying to perform your service. Let's get ready and make the next few holidays the best yet!
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