How to Negotiate Better Shipping Terms with Shipping Companies?

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How to Negotiate Better Shipping Terms with
Shipping Companies? Do you operate a business
which needs an overseas shipment of goods? Then
you probably have a fair idea of how important
and difficult it is to negotiate shipping terms
with cargo shipping companies. No matter how
cheap and affordable shipping rates you have, if
your shipping partner is not trustworthy for
timely delivery, the negotiation stands of no
use. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks
to avail better shipping terms along with
affordable rates from shipping companies. Here
are some tips to help you negotiate in a way that
can decrease the overall cost with better
facilities Know the Terminology Before jumping
into the process of negotiation and pricing it's
better to have a fair idea about the glossary of
shipping terms. Terms like Forwarders, Agents,
Insurance Covers, Pilferage etc. are some of the
terms that are eagerly used in the world of the
shipping industry.
Before your service provider traps you in this
terminology, it's better to have a brief idea
about all these terms by yourself. Even if you
are new to the business, having a fair idea of
these terms will make you look experienced and
provides you with an upper hand during
negotiation. Conduct a Through Market
Research Entrusting your precious consignment on
the very first offer might not be beneficial for
you. You can get price quotations from at least
3 other suppliers to compare their prices and
other services offered in the industry. This
acquired knowledge will help you create value as
you deal with the shipping company. You can also
demand some extra services based upon other
quotations. It will provide you with knowledge
of existing challenges in the industry.
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Clarity over Refunds and Penalties When you opt
for a particular carrier, there is some standard
of services that they promise to offer, timely
deliveries being one of them. Failing to comply
with timely delivery can result in unhappy
customers and may sometimes end up in refunds and
penalties. The main reason being the delay in
deliveries from shippers end.
That is the reason that you should never waive
your right to claim service refunds. While
negotiating with the supplier make sure you have
the money-back guarantees and service refund
options if the carrier doesn't meet the specific
standards of services. Having Good
Inter-Personal Skills If you clearly define the
services you want, you can easily grab better
pricing and offers. Its easier to explain
yourself better to the people with whom you share
a better relationship. Maintaining good
relationships with your carrier representatives
is extremely important to grab better services
and discounts. These are the people who can help
you with negotiations and makes your business
better and easier. Sometimes they can also help
you to get access to much-discounted rates that
only representatives can work out. Final
Thoughts However there is no strict rule book
applicable on pricing and shipping terms, you can
always find better negotiation options for
special cases. As you grow in the business, you
can develop better strategies apart from those
above-mentioned tips.