How to Choose the Perfect Delivery Partner for Your Store

Sahl Wednesday,09 Jul 2025

1. Why is choosing a delivery company such an important decision?
Many e-commerce store owners focus on marketing, design, and pricing, but overlook a crucial point: the delivery partner.
A customer may like your store, order, and pay, but if their order arrives late or damaged, they hold your store responsible, even if the problem is with the shipping company.
Therefore, choosing a delivery partner is not a fleeting decision; you must build your reputation and customer trust on it.
2. Service Coverage: Does it deliver to all the areas you target?
The first thing you need to check is:
Does the delivery company deliver to all the cities and areas your store targets?
Some companies only deliver to major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Others have broader coverage that includes villages and hamlets.
If your store targets all of Saudi Arabia, or even Gulf countries, choose a company with a strong and fast network throughout the region.
3. Delivery Speed ​​and Responsiveness
In the Saudi market, customers are accustomed to fast delivery, and some stores offer same-day delivery.
If a delivery company takes 3 or 5 days to deliver a simple order, this is a weakness that affects your customer satisfaction.
Try testing them yourself:
• Ask them for a trial delivery
• Measure the time
• Observe how they handle the package
And be sure to ask them: Do they offer immediate or same-day delivery in major cities?
4. How They Handle Returns
Sometimes, customers refuse to receive their order or request an exchange. Does the delivery company have a mechanism in place to handle this?
Some companies return products to the warehouse quickly and without damage, while others lose the package or return it in poor condition.
Read the contract and ask for a clear explanation of how returns are handled. Are there additional fees? Can you track returns online?
5. Cost vs. Service
Prices vary from company to company. But don't be tempted by low prices if they come at the expense of service.
It's always best to strike a balance between price and service.
Some companies give you special discounts if you have a fixed number of orders per month. Ask about packages, or negotiate with them for prices tailored to your store.
Make sure the price includes delivery only, or does it include hidden fees such as excess weight, distance, returns, etc.
6. Tracking and Reporting System
One of the most important things that makes your customer feel comfortable is knowing the location of their order at all times.
Choose a delivery company with a clear tracking system that sends notifications to the customer and provides you with real-time reports from a control panel.
This reduces customer questions and increases trust between you and them.
7. The Company's Reputation and Customer Service
Before signing a contract with any company, read their reviews online. See what people are saying on Twitter, Google, Snapchat, and even their experiences with other stores.
Are they known for their fast delivery?
Are the delivery staff professional?
Does the company respond to complaints and not ignore them?
Reputation is essential, as it directly impacts your store.
8. Do they support cash on delivery?
In Saudi Arabia, many customers still prefer cash on delivery, especially in certain areas.
Make sure your delivery partner provides this service safely and securely, and transfers your funds regularly and without delay.
Choosing the ideal delivery partner for your online store isn't just an operational step; it's a strategic decision that impacts customer satisfaction, repeat orders, and even the reputation of your entire business.
Take your time comparing companies, try out several, experience the experience for yourself, and only sign the contract when you're certain this partner truly matches your store's aspirations and ambitions in the Saudi market.