What to Look for When Outsourcing Your Appliance Delivery and Installation

What to Look for When Outsourcing Your Appliance Delivery and Installation

Posted by Lucy

5/1/14 6:00 AM

It's a typicall question to ask what benfits are there to outsourcing appliance delivery and installation. For starters you will lower your costs, provide a more efficient operation and be able to focus on what you do best: sell your merchandise.  The key is to find the right partner to provide on-time, professional delivery and installation.  Here are some things to consider when searching for the right company to partner with.

Choose a Partner Who Will Leave You in Control

You want to ensure that the company delivering and installing your merchandise will manage your products in the same manner you would.  Find out if the company has an on-site management who will make sure your standards are met.  Will they listen to your concerns and accept input on procedures or handling of your products? In order to acheive the greatest level of success there must be a collaboration of efforts and a full integratio. If either party is unable to meet this requirement, you may want to reconsider your options. 

Verify Your Customers Will Receive the Same Level of Service

The satisfaction of your customers is based on their entire experience.  You want them to be happy with the purchasing process, delivery, installation and performance of the product.  The delivery and installation are an important part of the customer experience and will affect whether they purchase from you again in the future and what they tell their friends about their purchase.  You want your delivery company to meet your performance standards.  Verify they will work closely with you to understand your expectations.  How will they evaluate how they are doing? Do they provide customer surveys and adjust their process accordingly?  A delivery company that is willing to evaluate and modify based on customer feedback is more likely to satisfy your customers.

Delivery Team

Is the team delivering your product experienced and licensed? Who keeps track of the DOT regualtions and makes sure they follow the correct Hours-of-Service?  How are your performance standards communicated to the delivery team and how are they incentivized to meet your customer service goals?  You want to ensure that the delivery team is focused on customer-service as well as successful delivery. A failure to follow federal laws can result in huge financial losses. Make sure you  

You will also want to find out if the delivery team is willing to wear uniforms with your brand.  Can the trucks have your logo?  If it is important for you to have the customer see your brand throughout their interaction verify the delivery company willingness to comply. If a delivery company is delivering another companies merchandise several days of the week then obviously they won't be able to be dedicated to your needs. 

Handling

Will the company take responsibility for the care of your products and guarantee damage-free delivery?  Do they inspect prior to loading and after unloading?  Are they willing to be held accountable if your customers are not satisfied?  You will want to outline what will happen in the event that an appliance is damaged or a customer is dissatisfied.  A reputable company will take full responsibility.

6 Steps to Choosing the Right 3PL Partner

Topics: Last Mile Delivery