Parcel Comparison Websites – why to use them and how to compare them!
Whether you need to send the odd parcel as a consumer or you are running a business that needs to utilise couriers on a daily basis, you will of course want to secure the most cost effective and highly effective solution for your requirements. In this section of the Knowledge Centre, we will review parcel comparison websites, built to provide users with discounted courier and parcel services, providing service comparisons for UK and worldwide services. Before we dive into the detail of what services parcel comparison websites provide and review the main sites, please visit our section on Couriers (click here) to review all the key considerations when selecting a courier to deliver your consignments.
Now let’s dive in…
What services do parcel comparison websites provide?
This one is an easy one to answer. Parcel comparison websites compare (unsurprisingly!) courier and parcel services, giving you a summary of the pricing and service levels of the major UK courier providers. However, whilst they will all provide this service, the difference comes with the arrangements that some of the websites have directly with the couriers. This can result in additional savings and benefits vs. the standard market service. They are able to do this as a result of volume that they can guarantee with providers.
Interesting, so what kind of additional benefits can they provide?
The main benefits come in terms of the rates they can secure for their customers as well as other tangible benefits including free insurance for your goods (up to a limit of £20/£50), with further benefits being realised with memberships and cashback.
Sounds good. So how does it work?
With all of the parcel comparison sites, it is a similar process when you visit. On arrival at the homepage you will be met with an image similar to the this:
On the next page you will have the opportunity to input your exact dimensions (including weight) and then the services and corresponding price will be displayed:
You will have the option to toggle the view to display what is most important to you. This can be by speed (e.g. next day vs. 3 day delivery) or by ‘drop off’ (at a local parcel shop) vs. ‘collection’ or any other variance that you might deem important.
Once you have chosen your service, you move to the address input stage. Upon completing the address details, you will be prompted to pay (by many means, including card, Paypal etc).
Next, depending on the service selected, you may be required to print a label and affix it to your parcel.
The final stage will be slightly different and will depend on the service. If your parcel(s) is being collected, then you will either need to be around for the collection (or leave somewhere safe). If you have selected a drop off service, then you will need to pop it to your parcel shop (or locker) at the earliest convenience.
It really is as simple as that!
See, we told you it is a simple process ?. Whilst undoubtedly the process is simple (and similar) for these websites, there are a few watchouts and differences between sites.
What are these watchouts you mention?
From our experience, there are 3 main watchouts when it comes to selecting a parcel comparison website, beyond the obvious of rates and time of service. These are the following:
Surcharges: Be honest with your parcel dimensions. If not, you may get hit with surcharges and associated admin fees which may increase the price significantly or delay your delivery. Top tip: It is always better to round dimensions up, rather than down, which will have little impact on your parcel cost.
Insurance: Parcels get damaged and go missing – this is part and parcel (pun intended!) of couriers lives. To best protect yourself against this, remember to include (or at least consider) including insurance cover for your goods. Each website offers different levels of insurance included as standard and you can top it up accordingly to give you piece of mind.
Customer Service: Whilst ultimately you never want to engage with any companies Customer Service, it is expected that over a long enough time, sending enough parcels and you will need to speak to them. Again, each company has different hours and ways of interacting with their Customer Service team and so it should form part of your considerations when selecting a partner.
Great, I now understand the process. Is there any further things that I should consider when selecting one of the parcel comparison websites to send my parcels?
In our humble Logisto opinion, each of the main players in the UK have their standout positives and considerations. We have summarised their main points below, providing you with links to their services and introduction offers, exclusive to Logisto members!
In no particular order…..
Summary:
Cheapest parcel delivery in the UK £2.34 (£1.95+VAT)
Cheapest parcel delivery for parcels up to 20KG for domestic delivery
UK’s largest provider by volume
£20 insurance cover as standard with most carrier
24/7 customer service (live chat)
Trustpilot score of 4.0/5.0 from 92,183 reviews
Summary:
£50 insurance cover as standard
Up to 60% savings vs Parcelforce at post office
Membership scheme with (up to) additional 8% savings
UK delivery from £2.69 with UK collection the same-day collection by 3pm in most cities and 4pm in London
UK based customer service
Over 100,000 regular customers, including businesses
Trustpilot score of 3.7/5.0 from 11,368 reviews
Summary:
Up to 60% savings vs Parcelforce at post office
Offer strong services across UK/Worldwide/Bulk/Pallet
Collect from home or drop off
£50 insurance cover as standard
No phone number for customer service escalation
Trustpilot score of 3.6/5.0 from 2,259 reviews
Summary:
Discounted rates and they offer the full range of reputable courier options
Live chat available 8am-8pm, no phone number for Customer Services
Spend £10, they will plant a tree on your behalf
Handy bulk parcel uploader
Trustpilot score of 4.1/5.0 from 74,853 reviews
Final comments
There are several smaller providers which we will review soon, but the above 4 are the main providers in this space, within the UK. We have personally (for our businesses) used these websites and we can personally attest to the very beneficial rates vs the standard and to the benefits of home collection (sometimes we are just lazy!) Of course, if you have any questions, please drop us a note or ask a question in the LOGISTO Forum and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Thank you
LOGISTO Team