Delivery is one of the most important legs of your e-commerce business. Therefore choosing the right courier service is of the utmost importance. Recently I asked on our Instagram page for feedback on which courier is the best in Trinidad and Tobago. I’ll share the results and update this article from time to time so you always know which local courier/delivery service is best for your business.
When looking for a courier service or a delivery service it’s important to consider:
- The cost
- A flat rate across the entire country
- Collection of payments from your customers
- If they pick up your packages
- Length of time for your customer to receive their package
- Customer service and how pleasant the experience is for you and your customer.
Which courier and delivery service do we recommend? There was no clear winner. Sorry to disappoint. For now, I’ll mention some of the features and drawbacks of those services which were recommended by followers of our Instagram page.
TTPOST has come a long way since I first used them over 10 years ago to deliver my first package.
- Their customer service thus far seems very acceptable if not one of the best.
- They usually deliver packages in less than 3 days.
- They offer a flat rate throughout Trinidad and Tobago (the mention of Tobago is important here since its part of our twin-island republic).
- Their rate is the most affordable of all the options at only $28 for smaller items and usually less than $40 for most items.
- Their downside however as of this article is that they don’t collect payments on their clients’ behalf. My recommendation is to only use TTPOST if your customers pay you in advance.
- **update: I found out today that TTPOST actually can deliver internationally from as low as $25TTD!
UPSL used to be my favourite option but they need to update their service to get my first choice recommendation.
- The customer service is usually great.
- The delivery speed is also acceptable with most packages being delivered in a few days.
- They even accept payments for their clients in the form of Cash on Delivery, Linx and Credit Card payments; for an additional fee of course.
- Their rates however, is the reason why I don’t recommend them for most of my clients. UPSL’s rates vary from $25 to $70 for items under 20lbs depending on where they are delivering to plus an additional $20 for inter-island delivery. This not only confusing but it is REDICULOUS to charge such fluctiation in rates based on “distance”. Our little islands are way too small for some areas to cost as much as 3 times the rate of other areas.
Sped TT only came to my attention recently when a client recommended them. They seem to be relatively new and they have some points working for them. I’ll explain below.
- The customer service is great.
- The delivery speed is acceptable with most packages being delivered in a few days.
- They accept payments for their clients in the form of Cash on Delivery, Linx and Credit Card payments.
- Their rates for the most part are good. Most areas are between $30 to $40 here within Trinidad. Tobago however is $65. As mentioned above… we are a twin-island republic so Tobago should be treated as the same country!
I first spoke to the owner of this courier service in 2020 when they were launching their local delivery service to small business owners. Below is the feedback from some of their customers
- The customer service is great.
- The delivery speed is acceptable with most packages being delivered in a few days.
- They accept payments for their clients in the form of Cash on Delivery, Linx and Credit Card payments.
- Their rates for delivery are $21-$25 flat rate. The also offer a warehousing and fulfilment service for $45.
- Downside? You have to drop the goods off to them.
Right Away Courier Service might be the best thus far if you don’t mind dropping off the goods to them.
This company literally just came to my attention. I’ll update this review ASAP. In the mean time this is what I know about Fenish Couriers
- Same day or next day delivery.
- Delivery of food items.
- Free pickups.
- Cash On Delivery.
- Rates as low as $20. (I’m not sure their full rates just yet.)
I reached out to Ashley’s via Instagram for comment on their service and their response time was great. I got a reply within a few minutes. What can you expect from them?
- Same day or next day delivery.
- Free pickups.
- Subscription based model where you pay in advance for a certain number of deliveries. (from $425 to $950)
- Rates range from $31.67 to 42.50. These rates depend on which package you subscribe to.
- They are currently running a promotion where if you sign up for a package, they will promote your business via sponsored posts on social media.
This service has to be a joke! I reached out to them after seeing an ad. When I asked for details I was met with attitude…
- Rates? Who knows.
- Pickups? I wish I knew…
- Perks? Attitude problems if that’s a perk?
My Thoughts
Local delivery services have come a long way since I first began my e-commerce journey many years ago. We are almost where it should be as some services now accept payments for us while offering reasonable rates.
My wish-list for the ideal courier/delivery service is a short one…
- Flat rate across the entire country
- Great customer service
- Accept payments on behalf of clients
For those who know me personally, you know that my intention is to launch a proper end to end e-commerce solution where we will assist clients with importation of their goods, to advertising and marketing of them and finally delivery to their customers. What I can say for now is to stay tuned for updates on this. I only need to launch the local delivery service and I’ll be able to offer the complete package.
