If you're a small vendor, especially in Nigeria’s fast-paced e-commerce space, you already know that delivery can make or break your business. One late delivery or misplaced item, and your customer might never return. Yet, many vendors continue to repeat common mistakes that cost them money, time, and customer trust.

Let’s break down these mistakes — and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Having a Clear Delivery Process

The mistake:
Many small vendors treat delivery like an afterthought. They focus on selling but scramble when it’s time to send out an order — no clear system, no timeline, and sometimes, no delivery partner at all.

The fix:
Create a simple, step-by-step delivery process. Know what happens after payment is made: how the item is packed, when it leaves your location, who delivers it, and how long it takes. This builds predictability and trust.

2. Using Friends or Random Riders

The mistake:
To save money, some vendors use "a guy that rides bike" they know personally, or even a cousin or friend. While this may seem convenient, it often leads to unprofessional service, delays, and zero accountability when things go wrong.

The fix:
Work with a professional logistics company that offers structured operations, trained riders, tracking, and real-time support. It may cost slightly more upfront, but it saves you in customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

3. Poor Communication with Customers

The mistake:
Customers are left in the dark after paying. No updates, no tracking info, no estimated time of arrival (ETA). This makes people anxious, especially first-time buyers.

The fix:
Always send order confirmations, share delivery timelines, and offer real-time updates when possible. Even a simple WhatsApp message like “Your item is on the way and should arrive in 45 mins” makes a big difference.

4. Ignoring Delivery Feedback

The mistake:
Some vendors don't ask how the delivery went. Others ignore complaints, assuming the issue ends with the delivery.

The fix:
Delivery is part of the customer experience. Check in with customers after delivery. Ask: “Did you get your order in good time?” This feedback helps you spot problems early and keeps your customers feeling valued.

5. Offering Unrealistic Delivery Promises

The mistake:
Telling customers you offer same-day delivery anywhere in Lagos when you don’t have the capacity. Overpromising leads to underdelivering — and trust is hard to rebuild.

The fix:
Be honest and clear about your delivery timelines. If it’s 24–48 hours, say so. Customers value transparency more than vague or exaggerated promises.

6. Not Factoring Delivery Costs Into Pricing

The mistake:
Selling at a low price, then realizing later that delivery will eat up your profit — or worse, asking the customer for more money after they’ve paid.

The fix:
Always calculate your average delivery cost and factor it into your pricing, or clearly state it as a separate charge. No one likes surprises after payment.

The Bottom Line
Your product might be amazing, but if the delivery is poor, your business will suffer. Avoiding these common mistakes can put you ahead of many vendors who still treat logistics like an afterthought.

Want to make your delivery process smoother?
Work with a logistics partner like DLE that offers real-time tracking, trained dispatchers, and nationwide reach.

Let your customers experience delivery the way it should be — fast, smooth, and professional.