Category: Logistics

Have you noticed how often you’re on E-commerce sites and apps nowadays? It’s probably pretty often, especially considering how it’s safer and more convenient to just shop for everything online. This has resulted in a heavier dependence on courier services and fulfillment services in the Philippines.

With the amount of online orders that people now make, courier riders have been busier than ever before. It seems they’re always on the go, whether they’re picking up orders, traveling from one drop off to another, or making sure that merchants get their profit from each delivery.

They do so much for businesses, the economy, and their fellow Filipinos, and it’s important to find small ways to give back to courier riders. Here are five examples of how you can do that:

Be courteous to them

This should go without saying, but sometimes people forget to be courteous to their riders. Things as simple as replying to your rider when they have clarifications or helping them when they’re lost can greatly help the both of you have a pleasant delivery experience. 

Don’t forget to say thank you 

This may seem like another simple gesture, but it can make a big difference in your rider’s day. A simple thank you — especially if they need to travel far distances — is an effective way to show your rider that you appreciate their effort. 

If given the chance, leave a review

What’s nice about today’s delivery services is that most of them allow you to leave driver reviews and ratings. With just a few taps on your phone, you can send a message to your driver or highlight what you like about him or her — is it their friendliness? Ability to quickly navigate the route? The care they put into handling your package? 

Whether you do it through an app, an email survey, or an SMS link, leaving a good review or a high rating shows your rider that they’re doing a great job. 

Give a tip

If you’re feeling extra generous, why not give your driver a tip? It doesn’t have to be a big amount, because the mere act of you tipping your driver is sure to make his or her day. Tips, even in small amounts, can go a long way. 

Offer them a drink or a snack

If you can’t leave them a monetary tip, maybe you can offer your delivery rider a drink or a snack. It’s easy to feel extra drained when you’re constantly driving under the sun, and a cold drink can be just what your rider needs to power through the day. Other apps, specifically food delivery apps, also make it possible to order food for your delivery rider. This gives you more options on what food or drinks to offer.

Payo’s collaboration with top Philippine courier services

Payo knows just how hard courier riders work, especially because it is partnered with over 10 of the best local couriers. These couriers serve as a crucial support system when it comes to Payo’s goal of making E-commerce in the Philippines simple and easy. That’s why Payo hopes that members of the E-commerce industry, including merchants and customers, can give courier and delivery riders the respect, appreciation, and credit that they deserve. 

You can read more about how we work with the top local couriers here, or you can sign up to be one of our E-commerce merchants today!

If you’re an online merchant who wants to sell products to Filipino customers, then you should be aware of how important Cash on Delivery (CoD) is in the Philippines. Even with the acceleration of digital acceptance and reliance on online payments, CoD remains to be one of the preferred payment methods in the country. Aside from this, Cash on Delivery has a number of benefits for local and international merchants, as well as their customers. Here are a few examples: 

Benefits of CoD for merchants

Creates a wider customer reach

Millions of Filipinos remain unbanked, and if you opt to only offer online payments to your customers, you’re discouraging these Filipinos from making a purchase with you. This limits your customer reach, which means you’re losing the opportunity to make more sales and find potential customers. 

By providing Cash on Delivery, you can attract customers who prefer CoD as a payment method. Reasons for this may be because they don’t have a bank account, they aren’t as knowledgeable in e-payments, or they are more complacent with the ‘traditional’ way of paying for online orders.

Gives customers flexibility

Just because a customer has a debit or credit card, doesn’t mean that he or she will always opt to pay every purchase with it. Similarly, offering CoD doesn’t ensure that most of your customers will always pay with cash. Offering CoD means that your business acknowledges how payment option preferences aren’t set in stone — it varies from purchase to purchase. 

One of Cash on Delivery’s benefits is that it lets your customers be flexible with how they pay for each order. It’s not about which payment method is better; it’s about catering to the different choices of your customers. 

Builds brand trust

Offering CoD elicits a greater sense of trust in Filipino customers because they receive their items before paying for it. They can inspect whether or not the item really is what the online shop promised, and if it has arrived in good condition. Providing CoD also shows that you’re aware of the factors you should consider while navigating the local E-commerce industry.

Benefits of CoD for customers

Gives customers the luxury of time

When you provide CoD, you give your customers the luxury of time in two ways; first, you give them time to check their packages and make sure everything is as it should be. Once they’re done, that’s the only time they need to pay.

Second, you also give them more time to come up with the money they need to pay for their order. These instances may be rare, but a few hours or even a day can make the difference between a customer being able to pay for an order, and that customer not being able to. 

Eliminates the stress of refunds

In the event that you, as a business, are unable to fulfill a customer’s order for whatever reason (e.g., a stock shortage) they may opt to cancel their order with you. On the other hand, they may also decide to cancel their orders for reasons completely unrelated to your service.

By providing CoD, you remove the stress of refunds, both for you and your customers. You won’t need to coordinate with them about it, or answer messages asking for follow-ups on the refund. 

Helps customers avoid online fraud

As a business, it’s your responsibility to provide secure payment options for your customers. However, not all customers are tech-savvy, and these customers are more prone to being victims of online fraud. Maybe you have secure payment methods, but you can’t say for sure that the same goes for every other online store.

By providing CoD, you help customers feel at ease because they know they can just pay with cash, and that they don’t need to share sensitive information online. This is an important benefit of choosing Cash on Delivery.

Ready to integrate CoD into your business?

Want a hassle-free way to integrate CoD into your selling platform? Then partner with Payo!

Payo is an E-commerce enabler that helps online businesses scale through tech solutions, such as a data-driven courier algorithm, multiple warehousing, and CoD integration. Whether you’re a local or international merchant, Payo is committed to helping you effectively and efficiently sell your products in the Philippines.

Payo can integrate CoD for you through Shopify or by manual tagging on the merchant dashboard they provide. Once it’s been integrated, your customers will instantly see a CoD option on your selling platform. Payo will also take care of collecting CoD payments and remitting your earnings upon delivery. 

Sounds convenient, right? Sign up today and let us make E-commerce simple for you!

Warehousing is an essential part of the retail supply chain. It affects everything from storing products and efficiently managing inventory to getting orders delivered on time. 

With new tech, urbanization, and the ever-changing world of E-commerce, warehousing demand has skyrocketed — so much so that warehousing companies in the Philippines are bringing their A-game on to stand out. However, to be able to have an edge in providing warehousing services in the Philippines, there are best practices that they can adopt to improve productivity and overall customer satisfaction. Here are a few of them:

Master the art of accuracy

The best warehousing companies are the ones that are successful in fulfilling their role of receiving, storing, and swiftly delivering products to customers. This role requires accuracy. To become one of the top warehousing companies in the Philippines, companies have to master the art of accuracy. This will help them avoid delays and failures in delivering the right products to the right customers. 

Maybe you’re wondering, “how can these companies master accuracy while handling countless packages on a regular basis?” The answer is technology and innovation. Warehousing companies can take advantage of E-commerce automation to optimize their processes, which can help reduce manual errors and improve their accuracy.

Offer affordability without exposing products to risk

Shipping costs are one of the largest buckets within the supply chain. For online merchants, looking for ways to manage these expenses is very important. So what can warehousing companies do? They can offer multiple warehousing. This can help merchants reduce their logistics costs because when their warehouses are spread out across different places, deliveries are faster and cheaper.

Flexibility is the key!

Speaking of multiple warehousing, another benefit that it can provide is flexibility in shipping products. Utilizing multiple warehouses will definitely reduce the risk of having products stuck in one place and eventually, will allow merchants to adjust quickly to drastic changes like community lockdowns. That’s why warehousing companies in the Philippines that offer multiple warehousing have an edge over those that don’t. 

To sum it all up, warehousing is an essential aspect of running an online store. It can help merchants retain customers, grow in different aspects, and run a profitable business. That’s why it’s important that they choose a warehousing partner that can optimize their processes and improve their business flexibility.

Are you looking for a reliable warehousing company? Choose Payo for the best service!

Payo’s warehousing service here in the Philippines will help you store your products in secure warehouses no matter where you are. Payo also has a multiple warehousing solution that can help your business remain flexible and agile even amid the pandemic. Aside from that, they can take care of Fulfillment and Last Mile Management, making sure they oversee your packages every step of the way!

Sign up today to create happy, loyal customers with our efficient and reliable warehousing service! 

E-commerce continues to rapidly grow across the globe as consumers move to the digital space for their needs. As a result, businesses are also making the shift to cater to this growing demand, especially in the local market. From having an online store to working with fulfillment service providers in the Philippines, merchants are truly innovating with the times.

While setting up a virtual store may seem easy, a lot of decisions must be made while running it, and this includes choosing a courier service. You may have the best product or service in the market, but it may be compromised due to courier challenges. Here are several factors for you to consider when finding the best couriers in the Philippines for your business.

Nationwide presence

If you’re looking to reach the farthest ends of the market, then the best courier in the Philippines must be able to cater to locations spread across the country. Because anyone from anywhere can now access online shops at any given time, you need a courier that can deliver your goods in rural and even remote areas.

Proper and safe handling of goods

Go for couriers who know how to properly handle different products and goods, especially fragile items. Whether your products are only for pick-up or for them to pack, it pays to have partner couriers that are careful so your customers can receive their orders in one piece.

You can even go as far as looking at couriers that offer contactless delivery, ensuring safety not only for your product but for both the rider and the customer. With this, it is also important to have riders that proactively communicate with the recipients to inform them that they’ve dropped off the package.

Swift and reliable delivery

As soon as a customer checks out, they would want to get their orders in the shortest time possible, sometimes even within 24 hours. The best courier in the Philippines for your business should be one that does not only work fast but provides real-time or accurate updates on the location of the package. This will help you and your customer efficiently track its status and also estimate its time of arrival.

Multiple delivery attempts

You may have encountered an instance wherein the receiver is not always at home to accept the package. As such, a trait that the best courier in the Philippines must have is having multiple delivery attempts. This will not only be greatly appreciated but will also increase the chances of having repeat customers.

Consistently good track record

Working with the best means they should have proper, consistent testimonies and feedback from previous and current partners. Just as customer feedback is important to shops and products, knowing that other businesses recommend a particular courier should also give you confidence in choosing to work with them.

Active and reliable customer support

The best courier in the Philippines does not only have top-notch service but must also have an open line for customers, especially when there are logistical concerns. Having an easily accessible communication channel is a plus because it shows that help is available when needed. Don’t forget to check as well how responsive they are to ensure that they won’t take days or weeks before they are able to connect with you.

Rider-first

It may not directly concern you, but it is good to know if a courier company also values its riders. Whether it’s giving them fair wages, free masks, and test kits, or more perks, taking care of riders shows how couriers do not only think of their customers but even the very people who continue to traverse roads to fulfill deliveries.

Payo knows how these factors are essential for merchants and businesses to make a successful sale. This is why it remains committed to working with the best and most reliable local couriers to ensure a safe, seamless, and swift delivery process. 

When they partner with Payo, merchants don’t have to second guess whether the courier they are working with is the best one for them because of Payo’s Courier Algorithm. This algorithm uses factors like fees, locations, and past performance to pair each merchant with a courier that will best fulfill their needs. Payo also offers Warehousing for product storage and pick and pack services, ensuring that they cover every step of fulfillment.

If you’re looking for a reliable fulfillment service in the Philippines, choose Payo! You can sign up with us today or send us a message at info@payo.asia. We are more than happy to assist you!

Despite the ongoing quarantine, Filipinos have been finding ways to keep in touch with one another and nurture their connections.

This includes virtual get-togethers, communicating through social media, and creating different types of digital content. Plus, thanks to online shopping and the various courier services in the Philippines, it’s also easy to purchase products for both you and your loved ones while staying safe at home. 

Running out of ideas on how else you can stay connected with your family and friends? Then try sending them a care package! It’s a sure-fire way to show them that you’re thinking about them despite the distance. To help you decide, we’ve listed down five types of packages that you can send: 

Safety package 

Everyone knows how important safety essentials are by now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give them as gifts! You can start off your safety package with alcohol spray, disinfecting wipes, and some masks. Depending on the preference of the person you’re sending it to, you can also add in things like a mask holder, a no-touch key ring, and even some hand cream to avoid dryness from all that sanitizing. 

Relaxation package

It’s important to unwind or make time for self-care, especially during this time. Why not prepare a relaxation package for someone who really needs it? Maybe it’s a friend who’s been working too hard lately or a family member that needs a reminder to have some me-time. Either way, you can help them create a relaxing atmosphere with some scented candles, chocolates, and even some face masks. You can also add essential oils or a bottle of wine, or anything else that helps make them feel calm.

Movie night package

Thanks to tech, there are now so many platforms that can help you host an online movie night. Why not take these movie nights up a notch by sending your loved ones a movie night package? It can include popcorn and other snacks, a mug or glass for their preferred drink, and even a cozy blanket. You can also change up what’s inside this package depending on the genre of the movie you’ll watch.

Art date package

Thinking of sending a package to your artsy and creative loved one? Why not make it an art date, then? This package can include items like a paint by numbers canvas, adult coloring books, and jewelry-making materials. Just make sure that your package is related to your loved one’s hobbies, or something they want to try out. 

Work from home package

Know someone who has been working from home since the pandemic started? Then this package is perfect for them! Include work essentials like coffee or tea, a handy notebook, and a pair of nice earphones. You can even add things like vitamins or a water bottle to remind them to stay healthy as they work! 

Those are five different ideas for packages that you can send your loved ones. No matter what type of package you send, the thought alone should be enough to convey that you care for whoever you’re sending it to. Just make sure you get your care package from a reliable online merchant who can deliver products without a hitch.

How can online merchants help create a seamless delivery experience?

If you’re an online merchant, your service is just as important as the products you’re selling. If you want to help customers deliver unique and exciting care packages or products, then you need to make sure you have the upper hand when it comes to delivery speed, your fulfillment service, and delivering products to the right person at the right time. 

As the country’s leading E-commerce enabler, these are things that Payo can help you with! We work with the best courier services in the Philippines to ensure that your packages are handled properly. We also provide same-day and next-day delivery for Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and areas near our warehouses, meaning your customers won’t have to wait long for their packages. Plus, we provide automated SMS updates and live customer support to make sure they stay updated on their orders’ status.

So if you want to help customers send different packages to their loved ones in a quick and safe manner, then sign up with Payo today! You can also send us a message at info@payo.asia to know more about how we can level up your E-commerce game. 

A high return-to-sender (RTS) rate is a common challenge that many E-commerce merchants encounter. In fact, approximately 30% of online purchases end up as returns. This can happen for various reasons, such as delivery delays, damaged products, or incorrect orders. 

Here are helpful ways on how to avoid RTS in your online business.

Choose the right courier

Choosing the right courier is an important step in avoiding returned packages. You should consider its past performance and the areas they cover, and not just its affordability. Investing in a good courier will help you avoid an increased RTS rate brought about by poor delivery service.  

It’s also important to take note of how many delivery attempts your courier can make. Ideally, you partner with a courier that has 2-3 delivery attempts. This is just in case your customer won’t be able to receive their package the first time around.

Validate customer details

Orders from fake buyers can increase your RTS rate significantly. That’s why you should first validate each customer to make sure they’re placing a legitimate order. You can do this by calling them or confirming their orders before preparing them for delivery. 

You should also call your customers in case they have incomplete address details, just to lessen your chances of sending a package to the wrong place.

Use the right packaging

Poor packaging increases the chances of your products getting damaged, so make sure to do it the right way. Use package fillers, make sure your items don’t move around, and seal your package well!

Offer reliable customer service

Customers want to know that you’ll be there for them when they need you. By providing reliable customer service, you can address any of their queries or concerns. It also gives you an opportunity to establish trust and credibility with your customers.

Provide accurate product descriptions

Providing detailed product descriptions and high-quality pictures on your selling platform is a must. By doing this, you show customers exactly what they’re getting, and they’re less likely to return your products.

Identify reasons for returns

A high RTS rate lessens your profit, so take note of why your packages are getting returned in the first place. This way, you can identify how to better prevent returns for  future transactions.

Looking for an E-commerce partner to lower your RTS rate? Payo is the answer!

We take care of everything — from CoD Integration to Last Mile Management — so your customers have a great experience from cart to delivery. Trust Payo to help you ship your products smarter, faster and cheaper! 

Sign up today or send us a message at info@payo.asia to learn more about our services.

Since the pandemic began, Filipinos have hailed delivery riders as modern-day heroes and essential workers. That’s because they help people stay at home amid the pandemic, and they conveniently bring packages to different customers’ doorsteps.

With the importance of the work they’re doing, do delivery riders in the Philippines get enough compensation? 

The answer to this is still quite unclear. An article by TopGear talked about how a delivery rider they interviewed earns Php1,200 – Php1,500 a day for an average of 11 deliveries. However, Rappler shared how some riders only make Php600 – Php800 a day, and Inquirer revealed that some even take home as little as Php150 a day. This is barely enough to make ends meet, and even requires some riders to be out for long hours. 

Thankfully, more and more people are bringing up the need to provide fair wages and better benefits for delivery riders. Given the pandemic that Filipinos continue to face, their health should also be a top priority. Initiatives like Grab giving their riders incentives to get vaccinated, or Manila opening drive-thru vaccination sites for delivery riders, are some examples that help address the needs of these modern-day heroes. 

Hopefully, these conversations and initiatives bring the country a step closer to giving delivery riders what they deserve.

Want to show your appreciation toward delivery riders? Here are a few ways you can do that!

The boom of e-commerce has brought people the convenience of buying goods online wherever and whenever they wish. Sellers are now switching to this new trend where there’s no need to have a physical store but still be able to earn money by selling online. Both the seller and the buyer will only need their gadgets to do business and make purchases. But did you ever ask yourself who are the people behind the success of every successful sale and deliveries? Today, we will talk about the men that brings your parcels right to your doorsteps.

We seem them mostly riding motorcycles with boxes, driving under the heat of the sun and in the unbearable traffic but being in a light vehicle makes it easier and faster for them to travel. They are constantly checking their mobile phones to check with the consignees to make sure the packages are delivered to the right addresses. Most of them work as early as 7AM and until 11PM to make sure that their delivery quotas are met.

There are a lot of struggles a delivery guy faces everyday, from irate customers to long hurdling working hours. Somehow, they have already learned customer service skills and some selling skills, too. There are courier companies that will give sanctions to delivery guys who will not meet their quotas so the lesser refused parcels, the better. Careful handling of parcels is also important and they have to know what exactly the boxes contain to make sure it won’t be damaged along the way. You wouldn’t want to deal with an irate consignee upon seeing a damaged item.

They have also learned how to effectively look for addresses. Here in the Philippines, it is particularly hard to locate an incomplete address especially if the consignee is just a renter or new to the location. Constant communication with them and/or inquiring from the locals of the an exact address is their solution to this issue. Some courier companies sometimes have red flag in certain locations because of the hazards of holdup incidents.

Overall, their work is tough and not to be taken lightly. Are they getting paid enough? Let’s find out on our next blog!