Compare the same parcel and payment details for every courier. Headline prices may describe different weight slabs or omit costs relevant to your business. Record the delivery estimate and full cost, then check the result against your buyers’ needs rather than automatically picking the smallest number.
01How do I compare two courier quotes?
Compare the same origin, destination, packed weight, dimensions, payment type and order value. Check the full payable amount, transit estimate, COD fee and return charges rather than just the headline freight. A lower forward price may cost more overall if delivery attempts or returns are unsuitable for your buyers.
02Is the public rate calculator a final booking quote?
Use the public calculator for planning. It uses published rate information and an estimated zone; courier availability and final charges must be confirmed at booking. Enter final packed dimensions and review COD, return and any applicable surcharges. Do not promise a buyer a rate using an incomplete parcel estimate.
03Why does a small weight change affect the price?
Couriers sell weight in slabs rather than charging every gram separately. A parcel just above a slab boundary can move into the next slab. Compare the quote using final chargeable weight and the selected service’s base and additional-weight rules. Never reduce the declared weight to force a cheaper result.
04How is the COD fee calculated?
A courier may charge the higher of a fixed amount and a percentage of the collected value. For example, at ₹30 or 2%, a ₹2,000 COD order has a ₹40 COD fee before any tax treatment in the quote. Check your selected service’s actual rule; COD collection and shipping freight are separate charges.
05How should I budget for return-to-origin costs?
Estimate monthly shipped orders × expected return rate × return charge, and add forward charges and packaging already spent on those orders. For 500 orders with 10% returns, that is 50 returned parcels. Use your own recent return rate and the selected courier’s return slab; this is a cost estimate, not a forecast.
Before your next shipment
- Compare equal parcel inputs.
- Review the final booking quote.
- Include return costs in planning.
Examples are for planning. Your selected courier, booking quote and applicable policy determine the actual service and charges.