Using GPS To Improve Customer Satisfaction
By Robert J. Hall, president, Track Your Truck
If you operate a mobile fleet or provide delivery services of any kind, a Global Positioning System (GPS) offers a variety of benefits and advantages to your business. With 2014 approaching soon, the existence of GPS should be common knowledge to everyone in the business world. But if you do not know how GPS could directly benefit your company, you may be missing out on one or several ways you could improve your customer satisfaction.
In fact, GPS technology can enhance your overall services and business model if utilized to its full potential. Whether the GPS unit is hardwired or portable, you can view its location from any computer or smartphone from anywhere in the world. Here is how GPS and fleet tracking can improve your customer satisfaction and more:
Improve Customer Satisfaction
Whether you deliver large loads on a tractor or small personal packages in a delivery van, your customers want to know when they will receive their products. Chances are you have had to answer the question, “Where is my product?” and had no real answer to provide. And depending on the scenario, your customer may not be too thrilled with this lack of detail.
However, if you were able to say, “Our driver is 2.5 miles away and heading north in your direction,” you would most likely earn their business for life. The 21st century is all about instant gratification, and paying customers are certainly members of this group. The ability to track your purchase online is also gaining popularity and allows the consumer to view the history and current status of the package. Simply copying and pasting the tracking number into a search engine will send them to a link with all of the information they seek.
Lower Business Cost
The less you spend on business costs, the less you have to charge your customers, and the happier your customers become! GPS technology can make your fleet operations and delivery more efficient in a variety of ways. For example, you could calculate real-time or historical data to plan the most efficient routes during rush hour to save on gas and cut delivery time. You can also use the data to monitor speed and driving habits to discourage dangerous driving. Avoiding accidents and paying lower insurance premiums will certainly save you money, and these savings will be passed on to the customer.
Gain a Competitive Edge
When companies compete for a customer, the customer always wins. The same goes when it comes to delivery. Small, local companies and large, nationwide fleets all have competitors, and the most profitable company is usually the one with the best technology. Every new year brings some form of enhanced GPS or mobile tracking system that can give you an edge in the delivery industry. Staying abreast of what new products and software are on the market will make you the company that gets the consumer their package the fastest.
About the author:
Robert J. Hall is president of Track Your Truck, providing GPS vehicle tracking systems and software for small and midsized companies.