Fastway Couriers

Neil_Sedaka · 24-06-2014 09:39PM #1

Would anyone have any pointers or tips as to how to get the best rates for pre-paid bags from Fastway.

My business is quite new and I'm in catch 22.
I can't offer customers a good courier rate, because I don't have one that is cost effective.
I can't get one, because I don't as yet have the volume needed for the discount!
20% -30% of sales are to the EU, rest are domestic.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

jimmii · 25-06-2014 09:49AM

I use parcel2go works out cheaper than going direct I a am in the same position as you that I don't quite have the volume to get their reduced rates.

Neil_Sedaka · 25-06-2014 10:14AM

Thanks jimmii, I have used CityPOST Parcel a few times and found them to be quite good.
I'll take a look at parcel2go.

Very few of my packages are over 1Kg and I'd love to be able to offer a domestic flat rate of about €6 inc.
Also flat rate to UK of about €10 inc.

I can dream can't I? LOL

jimmii · 25-06-2014 10:19AM

Fastway via parcel2go is €6.21 exld. for smaller packages so its not far off. I have used that a fair bit in the past the customer service from parcel2go has been pretty decent in my limited experience with them too.

Neil_Sedaka · 25-06-2014 10:34AM

I'm due a Fastway delivery today so I'll pick yer man's brain about buying satchels and see what he offers.

jimmii · 25-06-2014 10:43AM

Buying satchels? How does that work?

Neil_Sedaka · 25-06-2014 10:56AM

jimmii wrote: »

Buying satchels? How does that work?

You buy a heap of them (not sure what the minimum is) and get a business/frequent user rate.

Pay up front and then use them as you need to.

Satchels is just a fancy name for plastic mailing bags LOL.

Fionn101 · 25-06-2014 11:26AM

pre-purchase some of their jiffy bags. worked out cheaper for when I used them. and hold out for a discount , the driver is part of a franchise and will want the business.

Hope this helps,
Fionn

Neil_Sedaka · 25-06-2014 12:13PM

Fionn101 wrote: »

pre-purchase some of their jiffy bags. worked out cheaper for when I used them. and hold out for a discount , the driver is part of a franchise and will want the business.

Hope this helps,
Fionn

Just spoke to the driver at the door as he was delivering to me.
€5.50 + VAT per satchel for domestic. Minimum of 20 satchels.
Not too bad I suppose!!
Forgot to ask him about UK and beyond.

lucky john · 25-06-2014 12:25PM

Neil_Sedaka wrote: »

Just spoke to the driver at the door as he was delivering to me.
€5.50 + VAT per satchel for domestic. Minimum of 20 satchels.
Not too bad I suppose!!
Forgot to ask him about UK and beyond.

They are for ireland and ni only. Uk is more expensive. Fastway are great for here but they don't have a proper uk network. Tracking ends once the package leaves ireland. I do use then to the uk from time to time but not without problems.

GLS are worth a look to UK and Europe.

jimmii · 25-06-2014 12:39PM

Thats great to know will definitely check out the satchels!

_Brian · 26-06-2014 01:38PM

Neil_Sedaka wrote: »

Just spoke to the driver at the door as he was delivering to me.
€5.50 + VAT per satchel for domestic. Minimum of 20 satchels.
Not too bad I suppose!!
Forgot to ask him about UK and beyond.

I have low volume shipments but the added problem that I'm away at my "proper job" during the day.. I'm on the road so just pop into a Post Office and the Parcel Post up to 1kg is €6.50 with tracking ID, up to 2kg is only €7.50 with tracking ID. All my shipments are domestic.

Neil_Sedaka · 26-06-2014 02:06PM

Cheers Brian, good to know.

damiensw · 27-06-2014 09:58PM

Check out Scurri. They are an Irish business based in the UK. As far as I know they are connected to several different carriers in Ireland.

Neil_Sedaka · 27-06-2014 10:40PM

Thanks, will take a look now.

Mondo 088 · 13-07-2014 03:40PM

use An Post

Neil_Sedaka · 13-07-2014 07:17PM

Mondo 088 wrote: »

use An Post

I have been, I'm just looking for alternatives and a better deal if possible.

My high value packages need to be tracked, AnPost are not too competitive there.

Fastway Couriers

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