Coronavirus: Big boost for courier services - Association reveals

IN spite of losses incurred by most businesses as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana, the courier services industry is reporting a 100 to 200 percent increase in profit margins.

The stay home directive, during the lockdown got many undertaking transactions from the comfort of their homes and relying heavily on courier services.

President of the National Courier Association, Mr Kwame Bekoe, indicated that due to the trend of e-commerce in Ghana, every individual had come to understand the need to stay in the comfort of their homes and have products and services delivered to them.

According to Mr Bekoe, courier businesses earning about GH? 1,000 a month increased profits by some 200 percent of during the three weeks lockdown period. He noted that previously, people did not accept the idea of a third party handling their packages especially when they were essential products like food, jewelry or other important documents.

“Five years ago, delivery services weren’t effective in Ghana. Now people see the need to have service providers render services to them,” he said. However he noted that after the lockdown, there had been new entrants which had brought a lot of competition into the market.

“We have seen 1000s of individuals entering into the business. This is gradually decreasing profit margins for the industry; because it has become very competitive now”, he stressed.

Mr Bekoe encouraged all those in the courier business to provide excellent service to their clients and hold on to them for more businesses. Courier companies confirm boost in business Mr Micheal Asare Darkoh of Kuurex Courier & Commerce Limited said his business had experienced a 10 percent upsurge in revenue. “Covid-19 hasn’t affected us negatively. Due to the lockdown, people are home and deciding to buy online for the first time, making people request our services”, he stressed.

Mr Darkoh said the dynamics were changing as people had begun buying more from online shops. “Fanmilk has started delivering yogurt so several companies are adapting to the change and by so doing delivery business is in high demand. For now, it can only get better” he noted.

Mr Darkoh noted that his company was working on limiting delays in order to reduce clients’ anxiety and to maintain good customer relations with them. He called on the government to put in place mechanisms that would help the courier business especially in terms of regulations.

“Because of covid several people are in the business and the sector is not well regulated, so it means if you are a registered business and you have an office and staff your prices can not be like someone operating as individually and taking less below the standard rate. This is affecting us” he said.

Mr David Yemo Laryea, CEO of Chris Dave delivery services also indicated that the pandemic has increased the number of clients he was currently working with.

He said, “now we are gaining about 40 to 50% of our initial income”. He encouraged all those in the courier business to communicate with their clients every day and ensure they are safe.

The Chris Dave CEO indicated that every situation created opportunities as such delivery persons should endeavor to observe the protocols in order to sustain their business and satisfy clients.