Thinking of comparing courier Delivery charges in India? You’ve landed in the right place!
Choosing the right delivery app for shipping goods across the city or even within the country can feel overwhelming. It’s imperative to know that courier charges mostly vary based on the service you pick, the package’s size and weight, the destination, and other factors. Therefore, you must get a good grasp of these costs to find the most affordable shipping solutions, among the numerous options, for your businesss requirements.
In this article, we’ll breakdown the courier charges for five popular apps—Dunzo, Borzo, Zepto, Porter, and Blinkit. We’ll also share some handy tips to help you optimise your shipping expenses.
Understanding Courier Delivery Charges in India
Comparing courier charges of some of the top delivery apps in India will help you get a good grip on the pricing structures of delivery services:
Dunzo
Dunzo is a popular delivery platform offering on-demand, hyperlocal deliveries. Sellers can list their products to reach millions of users. The courier charges for Dunzo usually range from ₹10 to ₹60, depending on the distance and order value. However, the delivery app also delights users with free delivery on certain promotions, like the “Dunzo Daily” deal.
Dunzo charges partner stores a commission for each order, ranging from 15% to 30%. The exact commission rate varies based on factors such as order volume and product category.
The app has many benefits, like step-by-step guidance for building and managing an online business, tools to maximise earnings per order and reach, 24/7 merchant support, instant registration, and zero sign-up fees.
Borzo
Borzo (formerly Wefast) is another renowned hyperlocal delivery app extending various delivery options based on weight, distance, and mode of transportation. For local deliveries, Borzo’s courier charges are as follows:
- On Foot: Collection point charges range from ₹80 to ₹220, while delivery point charges range from ₹90 to ₹230.
- By Car: Collection point charges range from ₹210 to ₹430, and delivery point charges range from ₹230 to ₹450.
- Weight-Based Pricing: For packages weighing 1 kg, the estimated delivery charge is ₹45.
The delivery app provides a Cash on Delivery (COD) service, which is convenient for businesses and end customers. Moreover, it is open to negotiating shipping rates, particularly for high-volume shipments.
Business owners can use Borzo’s courier charge calculator, which simplifies the process of estimating shipping costs, allowing for more precise cost planning.
Zepto
Zepto, with over 7,000 products listed in 20+ categories, is a quick-commerce app that promises rapid delivery of groceries and other essentials within 10 minutes. The courier charges vary depending on the order size, time of day, and demand.
Here’s a breakdown of its charges:
Platform Fee: A flat fee of ₹2 per order for select users.
Late Night Handling Fee: ₹15 for orders placed after 11 PM.
Delivery Fee: Ranges from ₹5 to ₹28, depending on the cart value.
Cart Fee: A small fee for orders under ₹100.
Handling Charges: ₹5 to ₹20, depending on factors like order size and location.
Surge Fee: Zepto charges a fee during periods of high demand.
The delivery app’s unique fee structure caters to its niche of fast grocery delivery, making it suitable for your end customers who need quick delivery of everyday essentials.
Porter
Porter offers sellers affordable courier services, with rates starting from ₹44 and going up to ₹60. The app’s pricing varies based on location, and additional charges like road tax and parking fees may apply.
The company specialises in moving goods and packages across short distances and provides several vehicle options. Porter’s strength lies in its same-day courier services, which are competitively priced and reliable. Users can send anything weighing up to 20 kg at ₹44 starting price.
Let’s gauge the detailed pricing:
2-Wheeler Service
Base Fare: ₹44 – ₹60, inclusive of a 1 km distance and 25 minutes of order time.
Capacity: Up to 20 kg.
Load Body Size: 40 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm.
Blinkit
Blinkit, formerly Grofers, is known for delivering groceries and essentials quickly. The delivery app charges sellers a commission fee ranging between 8% and 15% of the product’s value.
Factors affecting Blinkit’s courier charges:
Distance: How far the delivery location is.
Time of Day: Fees could increase during late hours.
Demand: During peak demand times, delivery charges may be higher.
Traffic and Weather: Real-time conditions can influence the final delivery fee.
Seasonal Peaks: Charges may spike during holidays and other peak seasons.
Blinkit offers discounts and special promotions that may lower or even waive the delivery fee, making it a good option for cost-sensitive end customers. The app users can see the delivery charges at checkout before placing their order. They agree to pay the courier charges when they hit the place order button.
Factors Influencing Courier Delivery Costs
When it comes to determining courier delivery charges in India, many factors come into play. So, understanding these factors can help you anticipate and manage shipping costs.
Size of The Shipment
The weight and dimensions of your package significantly influence the shipping cost. For instance, heavier or bulkier items incur higher charges. Courier companies often have weight-based pricing tiers, with rates increasing as the package’s weight goes up. Oversized or irregularly shaped packages may also attract additional fees.
Service Type
Different shipping services cater to diverse business needs. For example, Standard Ground Shipping is cost-effective and reliable for non-urgent deliveries. Express Delivery, on the other hand, is Ideal for time-sensitive shipments, but it comes at a premium. Therefore, you must choose the right shipping solution to balance speed and cost.
Packaging
Proper packaging protects your items from various conditions and in different environments, and also prevents unexpected charges. Courier companies may apply additional fees for poorly packaged, oversized, or irregularly shaped packages.
Additional Fees
Shipping companies, in addition to the base shipping charges, often have potential extra costs like:
Fuel Surcharges: These fluctuate based on fuel prices.
Special Handling Fees: This applies to fragile or hazardous goods.
Oversized Package Fees: Charged for parcels exceeding standard size limits.
Expedited Delivery Charges: It’s a fee for shipments requiring faster delivery services.
Destination and Fuel Prices
Longer distances or deliveries to remote areas may incur higher costs because of increased transportation expenses. Plus, the fluctuating fuel prices also directly affect courier charges, making them a variable cost.
Tips for Controlling Courier Expenses
Controlling courier charges can help you stay within budget and maximise your profits. Here are some effective tips:
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is among the easiest ways to save on courier charges. You can reduce last-minute stress and enjoy several benefits by arranging your shipments in advance. Take the time to research courier charges across different providers. Whether you need express delivery for urgent packages or standard shipping for less time-sensitive items, comparing prices can lead to significant savings.
Plan beforehand to avoid last-minute costs, as urgent shipments often come with premium fees. This allows you to schedule standard deliveries, which are usually much more affordable. Besides, try leveraging promotions by planning ahead, as many couriers run discounts and promotions periodically.
Optimise Packaging
Proper packaging can help you cut courier costs. Use the right materials, such as boxes and protective materials best suited to your item’s size and fragility. This will minimise damage risks and potential replacement costs.
Avoid oversized packages, as irregularly shaped or oversized packages can incur extra fees, even if they’re lightweight. Go for compact packaging that snugly fits your items. Use strong boxes for heavier goods to prevent damage and avoid extra handling fees.
Apart from that, be aware of dimensional weight. Some couriers calculate costs based on how much space a package occupies. So, reducing excess space in your packaging can help slash these charges.
Consider Consolidation
Consolidating shipments can drastically cut your shipping costs, especially if you deal with high volumes. You can reduce your shipping fees by grouping items together for a single larger shipment instead of sending multiple packages. Many couriers even charge handling fees per package. You can also lower these additional costs by consolidating shipments.
Besides, consolidation can streamline your logistics as it simplifies package tracking and inventory management. It’s particularly beneficial for eCommerce businesses shipping to the same location.
Opt for the Right Service Level
Selecting the appropriate service level for your shipment helps balance cost and delivery time. It involves understanding your delivery needs, speed versus cost, to find the right service without overpaying.
For instance, Standard Ground Shipping is usually the most affordable choice for non-urgent deliveries, taking longer but saving you money. Express Shipping is relatively faster and good for time-sensitive shipments, but comes at a higher cost. Same-Day or Overnight Shipping are the priciest options, which are apt. for packages requiring immediate delivery. If you’re shipping large quantities, Freight Shipping Services can offer better rates for bulk shipments.
Utilise Shipping Calculators
Online shipping calculators are a great tool for estimating courier charges. You can get
accurate estimates through detailed breakdowns of costs based on your package’s specifications. It helps you understand your expenses better.
Many calculators show quotes from different couriers offering side-by-side Comparisons, making it easy to find the best deal with. They can even help you anticipate extra charges like fuel surcharges or special handling fees, so you’re not caught off guard.
Moreover, shipping rate calculators can also estimate costs for larger or bulk shipments, making it easier to manage your budget. Using these tools promotes transparency and lets you make informed decisions when picking a courier service.
Negotiate Rates
Negotiating rates can be highly beneficial for businesses with high shipping volumes. Many couriers are willing to offer discounts for bulk shipping. You can approach such negotiations by reviewing your shipping history to understand your average monthly shipping volume and spending. This will give you leverage when negotiating.
Another impeccable way is to contact multiple couriers to gather quotes and use these figures to negotiate the best rates. You could also negotiate by letting couriers know if you expect your shipping volume to grow. They’d be more likely to offer discounts if they see potential for a lasting partnership.
You could even ask for discounts, as many courier companies provide tiered pricing based on shipment volume. Inquire about these options and any additional incentives for meeting shipping thresholds.
Optimising Deliveries With SR Quick: Tailored and Cost-Effective Solution
Looking for a reliable hyperlocal delivery partner? Shiprocket Quick can be a cost-effective solution for your business.
Features that make us a fantastic choice for your business:
Lowest Delivery Charges: Our prices start at just ₹10/km, keeping your shipping costs significantly low. So, you can deliver more with less expenditure.
Fast Rider Allocation: One of the best features of our delivery service? We assign riders in seconds, even during busy times. Your packages get picked up and delivered without any unnecessary delays.
Multiple Courier Partners: Shiprocket Quick works with many trusted courier partners, giving you access to top-rated services. We customise these services to your local delivery needs, leaving your packages in good hands.
Delivery in Minutes: Need something delivered urgently? With our efficient network and smart routing, we ship your orders quickly. Shiprocket Quick is an ideal choice for those last-minute deliveries.
24/7 Availability: Unlike many courier services that operate on a tight schedule, Shiprocket Quick is available 24/7. This means you can count on them for deliveries any time, day or night.
Uniform Courier Pricing: No more guessing games with our pricing! Shiprocket Quick offers straightforward, single-rate pricing for all couriers. So, you can predict and manage your delivery expenses easily without the need to compare different rates.
With courier charges starting at just ₹10/km, zero demand surge fees, and 24/7 availability, we simplify local deliveries. Join the Shiprocket Quick family of sellers today!
Conclusion
Selecting the right courier service involves finding a balance between cost and speed. Understanding different providers’ pricing structures and adopting strategies to optimise your shipping approach can keep your logistics budget in check while ensuring reliable delivery. Besides, you can make better decisions and achieve long-term savings.
Moreover, as your shipping needs grow, you can take advantage of volume discounts, flexible service levels, and innovative shipping solutions to minimise courier charges effectively.
