Websites using Asendia

Okay, let s break down Asendia, covering its overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Asendia Overview

• What it is: Asendia is a joint venture between La Poste (French Postal Service) and Swiss Post. They are a global e-commerce and mail solutions provider. They specialize in international shipping and mailing services, particularly for e-commerce businesses.

• Key Services:

  • International Parcel Delivery: Shipping parcels worldwide, with various speed and tracking options. They offer solutions for both small packets and larger parcels.
  • International Mail: Direct mail, catalogs, brochures, and publications.
  • E-commerce Solutions: Services tailored to online retailers, including warehousing, fulfillment, and returns management in some regions.
  • Business Mail: Solutions for sending invoices, statements, and other important business communications.
  • Returns Solutions: Asendia offers localized returns solutions in key markets.
  • Sustainable Delivery: Asendia offers customers the possibility to compensate the CO2 emissions caused by the delivery of their shipments.

• Target Audience: E-commerce businesses (small to large), publishers, businesses with international mailing needs.

• Strengths: Global network, access to postal infrastructure, potentially competitive pricing for certain destinations and volumes, and a range of services beyond basic shipping.

• Weaknesses: Can be less transparent than major express carriers (like DHL, FedEx, UPS) in terms of tracking and delivery times. Customer service can be an issue (see below). Reliability can be vary widely depending on destination.

Revenue

• Asendia does not publicly release its individual revenue figures. They are a part of the larger La Poste and Swiss Post groups. While precise numbers are hard to come by, estimates suggest Asendia s annual revenue is in the range of hundreds of millions of Euros. This is based on market analysis and reports on the overall performance of its parent companies.

Alternatives to Asendia

Here s a breakdown of alternatives, categorized by the type of need:

• For General International Parcel Shipping:

  • DHL: Excellent global network, fast delivery, premium pricing.
  • FedEx: Similar to DHL in terms of service and cost.
  • UPS: Another major global carrier with a strong reputation.
  • Aramex: Strong presence in the Middle East and Asia.
  • DPD: A European-based carrier with growing global reach.
  • Local Postal Services (e.g., USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post, Australia Post): Can be cost-effective for certain destinations, but tracking and delivery times may be less reliable. Usually a good solution for shipping smaller, less valuable goods.
  • Easyship, Shippo, ShipStation: These are multi-carrier shipping platforms that allow you to compare rates and services from multiple carriers (including Asendia and many others). Good for businesses that want flexibility and the best possible rates.

• For E-commerce Fulfillment:

  • Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon): If you sell on Amazon, this is a natural choice.
  • ShipBob: A popular third-party logistics (3PL) provider specializing in e-commerce fulfillment.
  • Red Stag Fulfillment: Focuses on larger, heavier items.
  • Other 3PL providers: Research and compare based on your specific needs (location, product type, volume, etc.).

• For International Mail:

  • Spring GDS: Competitor focusing on international mail and parcel solutions, owned by PostNL.
  • Direct Mail Services offered by major carriers: DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer services for bulk mail.

Pricing

• Pricing is complex and highly variable. It depends on:

  • Destination: Shipping to remote or less common destinations will cost more.
  • Weight and Dimensions: Heavier and larger packages are more expensive.
  • Speed of Service: Faster delivery options cost more.
  • Tracking Options: Full tracking costs more than limited or no tracking.
  • Volume: Larger businesses with higher shipping volumes can negotiate better rates.
  • Service Type: Parcel vs. mail, e-commerce solutions, etc.
  • Fuel surcharges: Fluctuating oil prices affect shipping costs.
  • Insurance: Adding insurance will increase the price.

• How to get a quote: The best way to determine pricing is to:

  • Contact Asendia directly: Get in touch with their sales team for a custom quote based on your specific needs.
  • Use a multi-carrier platform: Platforms like Easyship, Shippo, or ShipStation allow you to compare rates from Asendia and other carriers side-by-side.
  • Check Asendia s website (if available): They may have some general pricing information or a rate calculator, but it s unlikely to be comprehensive.

• General Pricing Considerations:

  • Asendia is often positioned as a cost-effective alternative, especially for higher-volume shipping.
  • For individual packages or low volumes, the major express carriers may be more competitive, or the local postal service.
  • Be sure to factor in potential customs duties, taxes, and brokerage fees, which can significantly increase the final cost.

Customer Care Details

• Reputation: Customer service is a common area of concern for Asendia. Some users report issues with:

  • Tracking Accuracy: Inconsistent or delayed tracking updates.
  • Delivery Times: Longer delivery times than expected.
  • Communication: Difficulty getting in touch with customer support or receiving timely responses.
  • Issue Resolution: Challenges in resolving problems with lost or damaged packages.

• Contact Channels:

  • Website: Check the Asendia website for contact forms, FAQs, and help articles.
  • Phone: Look for specific phone numbers for your region or service type on the Asendia website.
  • Email: Email addresses may be available on the website or through your account representative.
  • Social Media: Some companies offer limited customer support through social media channels like Twitter or Facebook. (Check if Asendia is active on these platforms).
  • Account Manager: If you re a larger customer, you ll likely have a dedicated account manager who can assist with inquiries and issues.

• Tips for Better Customer Service:

  • Be prepared: Have your tracking number, order details, and a clear description of your issue ready.
  • Document everything: Keep records of all communication with Asendia.
  • Be persistent: If you don t get a response quickly, follow up.
  • Escalate if necessary: If you re not satisfied with the initial response, ask to speak to a supervisor or escalate the issue to a higher level.
  • Consider using a multi-carrier platform: These platforms often provide a layer of customer support and can help you resolve issues with carriers.

In summary, Asendia can be a good option for businesses with international shipping needs, especially if cost is a major concern and they are shipping in higher volumes. However, it s essential to be aware of the potential customer service challenges and factor those into your decision. Comparing prices and services with alternatives is always recommended.