The Cheapest Courier Services for Ecommerce Shipping in India: Pros and Cons

When it comes to the e-commerce industry, who doesn’t want affordable shipping solutions? If you are an online seller, who would know the pain of costly ecommerce shipping solutions more than you? Don’t you constantly seek an affordable courier partner for your online brand and at last, you always end up getting confused while shortlisting an apt courier partner?

 

Well, the confusion is obvious because it is one hell of a task to sort out one reliable option among so many options in the market. Don’t worry as this blog will be your ultimate guide! It will follow the comprehensive list of the top cheapest courier services in India for your e-commerce business. Not just that, the second half of the blog will also cover the pros and cons of partnering with cheaper courier partners so that all your doubts get cleared! Stay tuned.

Top Cheapest Courier Services For E-commerce Shipping In India

 

1. NimbusPost

 

You may have heard their name for the tech-driven solutions they offer. NimbusPost is the 2nd largest shipping aggregator in the country, which covers about 29,000+ pin codes in India. They offer shipping, logistics, and warehousing solutions in India and abroad in 196+ countries and territories at affordable rates. NimbusPost brings many interesting features and benefits for e-commerce sellers and enterprises of varied scales. Some of the features are: 

 

• Domestic shipping rates start from ₹ 21/500 gm 

• Free sign-up and subscription

• AI-driven courier recommendation engine

• Integration to 27+ courier services 

• One-click API integration with Amazon, Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, Unicommerce, Prestashop & other marketplaces and eCommerce channels

• Import services from Far-East countries

• 1-day* COD remittance with real-time access to an advanced NDR panel

• Instant WhatsApp support feature for swift order updates

• 30-min quick call-back feature

• 24×7 customer support for flawless shipping

 

NimbusPost is the cheapest courier service in India for e-commerce businesses, particularly small-scale enterprises and startups with a limited budget. 

2. India Post

 

With 150 glorious years of establishment, India Post is truly that resilient bridge connecting India’s vast geographic landscape. They have one of the world’s most extensive networks maintaining, 1,55,000 post offices to every nook and corner of the country. Also, India Post is the most affordable option for shipping goods and commodities in India and abroad. Their domestic shipping rates start from  ₹ 30/500 gm. 

3. XpressBees 

 

One of India’s fastest-growing express courier service companies, XpressBees was founded in Pune in 2015. Approximately 3,000 offices and support centres make up the company’s vast network, which it uses to effectively handle approximately 30,000,00 shipments per day.

 

A comprehensive range of tailored logistics services, including prompt door-to-door delivery, warehouse fulfilment, inventory management, etc., are provided by XpressBees. They facilitate shipment for several well-known brands, including Flipkart, Meesho, Myntra, Bajaj Finserv, Bewakoof, and Snapdeal.   

4. Delhivery 

 

Delhivery was established in 2011 and provides supply chain services, cross-border initiatives, and quick parcel transit throughout India. Delhivery is a highly reliable courier for fulfilling the e-commerce shipping needs of a startup eCommerce company looking for a reasonably priced and dependable shipping partner.

 

Delhivery serves across 18,500 pin codes and is operational throughout the country. They have 2,751 direct delivery centres, 93 fulfilment hubs, and 22 automated sort centres. The company lets consumers book and track shipments using web and mobile apps.

5. DTDC 

 

With its Express Parcels Vertical, DTDC offers a comprehensive range of domestic services, making it a top choice for sending large, heavy commodities within India at reasonable rates. DTDC provides efficient document and package transportation for businesses and consumers of all sizes, including part-truck load shipments. Customers can choose from a range of expedited services or go with more affordable ground express options that are customised to meet their requirements.     

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Partnering With A Cheaper Courier Service?

 

Pros

1. Cost Savings:

   • Lower Shipping Costs: Reduced shipping expenses can help improve profit margins.

   • Competitive Pricing: Ability to offer lower shipping fees to customers, potentially increasing sales.

 

2. Improved Cash Flow:

   • Reduced Expenses: Lower shipping costs can free up capital for other business investments.

 

3. Increased Market Reach:

   • Affordability: More affordable shipping options can make it feasible to expand into new markets.

 

Cons

1. Quality and Reliability Issues:

   • Delayed Deliveries: Cheaper services may have slower delivery times, leading to potential customer dissatisfaction.

   • Inconsistent Service: Lower-cost providers may have higher variability in service quality.

 

2. Limited Services:

   • Fewer Options: Cheaper couriers may not offer premium services like express delivery, tracking, or insurance.

   • Lack of Support: Customer service may be less responsive or helpful.

 

3. Potential for Increased Returns:

   • Higher RTO (Return to Origin): Inconsistent delivery performance can result in more returns and additional costs.

 

4. Hidden Costs:

   • Extra Fees: Some cheaper couriers might have hidden fees for services like tracking or handling, negating some cost savings.

 

Conclusion

Partnering with a cheaper courier service can offer significant cost savings and improve cash flow, but it comes with risks like inconsistent service quality, potential delays, and limited service options. 

So before you choose one for your e-commerce business, you must weigh these pros and cons to decide if a cheaper courier aligns with their overall logistics strategy and customer satisfaction goals.