A beginner guide to develop a successful Uber for Courier delivery app

Digital transformation reverberates the on-demand industry. Especially, the courier industry has expanded with the advent of an on-demand courier delivery app. Undoubtedly, on-demand app development has revolutionized many sectors by automating business operations. This is the primary reason for transforming a traditional business into an online business.

Most courier companies or agencies are moving to the digital space in the current age by launching a courier delivery app. This is to cope with the recent market trends and reach a wider user base to boost sales. Moreover, courier service providers can track the entire business operations through the dedicated admin panel.

Suppose you own a courier delivery company or need to initiate a courier delivery service business. In that case, it is a profitable idea to take your business to the next level with a similar app like Uber for Courier. With this, you can manage the entire business operations seamlessly and effortlessly. This article will guide you through the aspects you need to know before you go ahead with the courier delivery app development.

Different types of business models for courier delivery services

Not all courier delivery service apps work in the same way, as every business model has its implications. If you want to enter the on-demand industry with a courier delivery app, you should have prior knowledge of the functioning of the following different business models.

• Packaging tracking aggregators

This business model needs one app for package tracking, which is in regardless of the courier service providers. The app collects all the data of the courier service providers and saves it in one place. Each package will be added manually through an ID. Using the ID, it is easy for the app users to track the package in real-time. Moreover, the users get updates of the package delivery via push notifications.

• Branded delivery apps and Integrated solutions

Delivery apps integrated with the order tracking feature will allow the users to keep track of the delivery status. It includes the order is preparing to dispatch, the order has been shipped, or the order is out for delivery. Brands that follow this business model are Deliv and Doorman. With this business model, you can increase user engagement and get visibility for your brand.

• Postal and courier services apps

Predominant brands such as FedEx and DPD are following this business model. The app is equipped with a comprehensive user app and a powerful admin panel. Apart from having the authority to create shipments, you can print out labels for these shipments.

• Uber-like marketplaces for parcel delivery

Undoubtedly, Uber has disrupted the global marketplace, which enables a traditional business to transform into a digital business by launching on-demand apps. Uber stepped into various sectors to expand its business. Notably, the idea of parcel delivery is a great niche in the on-demand market. With this business, you have the entire control over the process in a single place. In addition to this, customers have the advantage of tracking the delivery status in real-time.

Let’s see the streamlined workflow of the Uber like courier delivery app

Now, you are clear about the business model of the courier delivery services. Let us see the workflow of the Uber like courier delivery app in steps.

• The customers first install the app and finish the registration process with their email address or phone number.

• They create their profile with the required details, including the payment details. Then, they can fill in the product details along with the image for identification. The customers have to specify the delivery location correctly.

• Customers have the option to choose their preferred courier delivery agent based on the location, ratings & reviews, and price.

• After that, they have to select the payment mode and proceed accordingly. Once the courier service provider accepts the request, the delivery person will collect the package and deliver it to the specified location without delay.

• Meanwhile, customers get messages regarding the delivery status via push notifications. After the parcel delivery, its proof will be sent to the customers via email. It may be a digital signature from the other end customer who received the parcel.

• In the end, customers can leave feedback on the services they availed. They can rate it on a scale of 1-5.

Which are the necessary features of the on-demand courier delivery app?

Once you have chosen the business model, you have to focus on making a functional specification with the inclusion of features. A few of the must-have features that you should not omit while developing your on-demand courier delivery app.

• Hassle-free payment process

A payment gateway is the necessary feature of an on-demand app. Provide multiple payment options so that the customers can choose their preferred one for payment. Ensure that the payment process is simple, secure, and safe. This will avoid customers having a second thought of using your competitor’s app.

• Real-time tracking

A real-time order tracking feature plays an important role in increasing customer satisfaction. This is a way in which they can know the delivery status along with the location. Despite this, you can even have a track of the delivery person who has registered with your app. This will help you find a nearby delivery person for sending requests.

• Push notifications

It is a worthwhile engagement tool for on-demand apps to increase customers' engagement. Make sure the app provides regular updates to the customers. It may include package location, estimated delivery time/date, and delivery status consisting of any changes in the delivery time. Also, you can let the customers know about the offers or new schemes. Such means help to retain your potential customers.

• Reviews & ratings

Allow your customers to rate and review the services. Getting valuable feedback from your customers paves the way for betterment. The app with more good ratings and reviews gives a positive perspective from the customers' end.

• Digital signature

There will be less paperwork for the delivery person as the app is integrated with the digital signature feature. Once the delivery person completes the delivery job, they have to get a digital signature for proof of delivery.

An estimation of developing an on-demand courier delivery app development cost

The courier delivery service app development cost varies according to your business requirements. You can consider launching the on-demand courier delivery app for iOS, Android, or both, depending on your budget, requirements, and target audience. Developing for both platforms costs more in comparison to launching on one platform.

The number of features added, time frame, technology stack, third-party service integration, and geolocation of the company or app developers will directly impact the app development cost. Notably, there are two approaches in which an app will be developed. The first approach is to create it from the very first beginning, which is quite less expensive. The second approach is to opt for a readily available app similar to Uber for Courier, which is pocket-friendly.

Summing up

A well-structured on-demand courier delivery app can put your business on wheels. Therefore, it is more essential to conduct market research and load your app with exciting & user-friendly features. Most importantly, you have to approach a well-experienced company or developers to turn your business idea into reality by offering the best app.

I help publishers and local brands build social and digital content.