Option 1: Deliver yourself
For orders within your area, delivering yourself or with a family member is often the cheapest and most personal option. You meet the customer, handle cash if needed and make sure the product arrives fine.
Plan fixed delivery slots, like evenings or weekend mornings, and group orders by area. This saves petrol and time. Tell buyers the slot when they order.
Keep the buyer's phone number handy and message them before you leave, so they are home to receive the order. This saves wasted trips.
Option 2: Hyperlocal courier and bike taxi apps
For same-city deliveries, hyperlocal apps let you book a rider to pick up from your home and drop at the buyer's address. Examples in India include Porter, Rapido parcel services and similar pick-up-and-drop apps. Availability, features and prices differ by city and change often, so compare a few in your area. These are examples, not recommendations.
These apps usually charge by distance and vehicle type. You can pay yourself and add the cost to the order, or share the tracking link with the buyer.
Pack well, because riders may carry many parcels. Write the buyer's name and phone number on the package.
Option 3: India Post and couriers for long distance
For other cities and states, India Post Speed Post and registered parcel reach almost every pin code, including small towns. Private courier companies and shipping aggregators are other options and may offer pickup from home.
Compare price, delivery time, tracking and pickup convenience. Weigh and measure your parcel first, because charges depend on both weight and box size.
Not every product travels well. Fresh food, cakes and fragile items are often better kept to local delivery only.
Packaging that protects and impresses
Good packaging reduces damage and complaints.
- Use leak-proof containers and seal jars with tape or cling film for liquids and pickles.
- Use bubble wrap or newspaper for glass, ceramics and candles.
- Use strong boxes for courier. Thin bags tear easily.
- Add a small thank-you note or card with your shop name and how to reorder.
- Take a photo of the packed parcel before handing it over, in case of disputes.
Setting delivery charges
Work out what delivery really costs you for each area or distance. Then choose a simple rule buyers understand, such as a fixed fee within your area, distance-based charges, or free delivery above a certain order value.
Always tell the buyer the delivery charge and expected date before they confirm. Put the final total in writing on WhatsApp.
If a buyer is nearby, offering free pickup from your home is another useful option. Many buyers are happy to collect, especially for food that should reach them fresh.
Cash on delivery: know the risks
Cash on delivery helps new buyers trust you, but it carries risks. A buyer might refuse the order at the door, change their mind or not be home, and you still pay for delivery.
To reduce this, confirm the order by phone or WhatsApp a day before delivery, offer COD only within your area or for smaller orders, or take a small advance for big or custom orders. If you offer COD, clearly mark which products allow it.
For courier COD, the courier collects cash and pays you later after deducting fees. Check their remittance time and charges before you start.