Luggage delivery platforms: simplify parcel shipping

How do you develop your own platform?

The market for private-to-private luggage and parcel delivery is still in its infancy, so there' s a real opportunity to launch your own platform. However, to maximize your chances, it's important not to skip any key steps.

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Identify a niche

To offer a service that will find its audience while generating trust, it's advisable to focus on a specific niche rather than trying to cover too broad a market. To do this, you need to study the specific needs of your audience, targeting, for example, regions underserved by current competitors. You may also decide to concentrate on a single type of delivery, such as sports equipment.

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Choosing the right platform

Depending on your product's target audience, it makes sense to focus on a single platform: website or mobile app? In any case, the option you choose must be thought through to the last detail, to offer your audience all the functionality they need.

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Building a community 

By offering a platform that combines parcel or personal delivery, travel and expatriation, it's a safe bet that your users will be seduced by an approach centered on emotions and a sense of community. Social networks and sponsorship are marketing choices you need to include in your approach to generate added value.

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Define all functionalities 

Developing a high-performance digital intermediation platform doesn't just happen.

One of the crucial steps is to define in advance all the functionalities you'll need to operate your platform efficiently. This will help you avoid additional costs and delays in product delivery.

You should pay particular attention to the following points: 

• The registration system: users must be able to enter all relevant information via a simple, secure process.
• The matching model: the algorithm must be able to match users with potential travelers, taking into account destinations, luggage types, travel dates...) 
• Integrated messaging: a fluid tool that facilitates exchanges is essential to reassure both parties and improve service.
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Payment systems integration 

To make your service attractive to travelers, you need to offer different payment methods. 

It's also vital that all payment systems are as efficient as they are secure, to reassure both parties. This way, users can make the payment without any hassle, and travelers can be sure of being paid on time.

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5 mistakes to avoid when setting up a luggage delivery platform

Luggage delivery platforms are above all based on trust. After all, who would entrust their personal belongings or previously paid-for products to a complete stranger?

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Logically, this trust requires a clear and transparent platform, detailed profiles, real-time tracking and secure payment methods. In any case, here are 5 mistakes to avoid.

1. Neglecting safety and trust 

The platform must be secure and offer a minimum of guarantees: 

• Implement a user verification system.
• Offer luggage insurance.
• Ensure secure payments via reliable, standards-compliant gateways.

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2. A complex or confusing user interface

Navigation should be as simple as it is intuitive, not to mention fast:

• Invest in a simple, clear and mobile-friendly design.
• Regularly test the user experience to identify friction points.
• Offer a simple process for posting ads and making connections.

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3. Underestimating legal and regulatory aspects

It's essential tobe up to date on customs regulations, restrictions on certain types of objects and tax obligations:

• Consult legal experts to ensure compliance with local and international laws.
• Create clear usage policies.
• Inform users of customs implications and any additional charges.

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4. Failure to anticipate scale and maintenance

Your platform must always be designed for success. Be sufficiently prepared to avoid performance problems in the event of heavy traffic:

• Use scalable cloud infrastructure to handle traffic peaks.
• Surround yourself with a technical team to ensure regular updates and rapid bug fixes.

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5. Not investing in the community

Without a large community of users, connecting shippers and travelers becomes difficult.

• Create a solid digital marketing strategy.
• Encourage word-of-mouth with referral programs and promotions for new users.

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Le Backyard 's experience in UX/UI and development

Our agency has helped a number of customers to set up platforms to put people in touch with each other.

In addition to an in-depth understanding of target audiences and their needs, our team knows how to translate this data into clear, effective functionalities, while applying good UX/UI practices. So we guarantee you a platform that's functional, delivers a smooth user experience and, above all, converts!

Having worked with a variety of technologies for website and mobile application development, we also have all the knowledge needed to advise you on the most appropriate development development.

Visit this page to discover the projects Le Backyard has been involved in over the past few years!

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