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shipping restrictions

Shipping Restrictions: What You Can and Can’t Ship

shipping restrictions

shipping restrictions

Since the inception of the United States Postal Service, we have been ‘shipping’ things back and forth to each other across valleys and mountains alike. It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends and family – sending care packages and gifts. Or leftovers from childhood. Or trinkets from your travels. We like sending things to others because we want to share our environments with them. Especially those that live particularly far away.

Whatever you’re sending, you need to be sure there are no shipping restrictions associated with the items in your outgoing packages. Every service, from the USPS to FedEx and USPS, and other carriers have shipping restrictions. These restrictions range from limitations on items and how they’re packaged to that of which may be considered illegal activity.

We’re here breaking down a list of shipping restrictions across the globe so you can rest easy when you’re sending something in question. Keep reading to learn more.

Alcoholic Beverages Come With Strict Shipping Restrictions

It is absolutely illegal to ship alcohol through the United States Postal Service. There are no acceptions to this rule.

If you must ship alcohol, you’ll need to learn about the specific guidelines and regulations in your state.

Generally, you can ship alcohol via FedEx if you’re licensed to do so. UPS doesn’t accept shipments of beer or alcohol for delivery to consumers. But UPS does ship between selected states depending on the nature of the transaction.

When shipping alcohol, it is imperative to wrap it with several layers of soft packaging to prevent leaks if it breaks or becomes compromised. You’ll also need to include the Adult Signature Required option on your shipping package. The Adult Signature Required option will require the recipient to present their ID at time of delivery.

You should try to stick with sending only a few bottles of alcohol at any given time to avoid penalties associated with these regulations that recommend you don’t ship in volume.

Breakables

You can ship things that are breakable but it is strongly recommended that you package the materials accordingly.

Depending on the value of what you’re shipping, it could require insurance. Even while shipping services take the best care possible with your packages, accidents happen and breakables do break.

Follow the packaging guidelines set forth by your carrier. Most carriers recommend selecting a box that is at least two inches larger than the item you are packaging in all directions. Then, put three inches of padding on the bottom and cover the item(s) with three more inches of padding.

Padding material should be something like bubble wrap or peanuts. Something that will withstand impact, such as dropping.

Computers and Electronics

The post office notoriously asks if you are shipping items with lithium or ion batteries because they have shipping restrictions associated with these items.

Computers and electronics often have lithium or ion batteries and they can ship with any carrier. You’ll need to find out the shipping restrictions for each carrier based on how and what you’re shipping. It will also depend on where it’s going that could cost additional fees.

Generally speaking, batteries should remain in the device that is shipping and they should be small batteries. Make sure if you’re shipping something with a particularly large battery that you’ve checked the shipping restrictions with your carrier.

You should probably insure electronics and technology items because they can damage easily, even if you pack them well.

Perishables and Baked Goods

It’s okay to send food and crafts made with perishables but again, pack it well and pack it accordingly. You’ll also need to select faster shipping so the items don’t go bad in transit.

Check with your carrier about how you should specifically package food items, especially if they need to be kept cold.

Firearms and Hazardous Materials

Guns and ammunition are prohibited through the United States Postal Service.

FedEx will ship firearms as defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968, but only between licensed importers. Individuals may ship to licensed importers or manufacturers and dealers. Likewise, these importers etc. may ship to individuals.

UPS accepts handgun shipments by next day air. You can ship rifles and shotguns using UPS’ ground service.

Hazardous materials include items like gasoline and explosives. You may not ship these items with any carrier. There are no exceptions to this rule.

The shipping restrictions for hazardous materials are maintained in the commercial sector and should not be violated.

Tobacco

FedEx prohibits the shipment of tobacco but UPS does accept shipments from shippers with the proper licensing. Shipping restrictions surround local and federal laws.

You can ship cigarettes and smokeless tobacco through the United States Postal Service. A Post Office or Postal employee must approve the package prior to shipment.

Live Animals

You can ship live animals with UPS from any UPS shipping facility for next day delivery only. You may not ship on Fridays or before a holiday in the origin or destination country.

FedEx ships zoo animals and horses but does not accept household pets such as domestic cats and dogs. Live fish are not accepted.

There are some animals that you may ship with the USPS but you should check their shipping restrictions. Mostly these conditions apply to special shipping options for animals such as live, day-old poultry, or adult birds.

When You’re Shipping

Whether you’re shipping across the street or around the world, there are regulations for your packages across all carriers.

Make sure to pack your boxes efficiently so that items won’t rattle and break or become exposed in transit. It’s always a good idea to get insurance on your packages. Your carrier should always provide you with a tracking number for your package so you know where it is and when it’s delivered.

As an added security measure, you should always notify recipients of packages that are getting delivered if you don’t ask for a signature on delivery. This will ensure that your recipients know when to expect the package.

When you’re ready to ship your next package, contact us for superior service and rates.

 

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Can Couriers Make The Quality of Life Better ? Where Technology Meets Humanity

Technology in our society advances quickly and constantly. Generally, it’s to improve our daily lives and we’ve seen incredible advancements. Just remember, that the cell phone hasn’t been around as long as we think — and yet, how could we live without it?

As technology has catapulted other areas of our lives, how has technology improved the way logistics and deliveries work? There are companies that are aiming to improve the way deliveries arrive into the hands of their recipients: faster, safer, and more accurately. Which companies are doing this? And how are courier companies able to take advantage of the rising technology?

Couriers and Humanity

In the warehouse, mobile technology is being harnessed to eliminate errors and mistakes in the large-scale process of logistics. Logistics encompasses door-to-door deliveries and global shipping, which includes a myriad of different steps. Courier and Logistics companies are coping with this by using tablets  to create a business that goes beyond simple deliveries. There is mobile tablet type technology that can be utilized as a constant companion while traveling through the warehouse inventory. The tablet is used to describe needed details as to particular items that can be instantly transmitted to those who need urgent information about the items to keep a plant running or keep a customer happy. There are programs that companies can download to list the work schedule for the day, scan the barcodes of all the packages to be delivered, and create the optimum delivery route to maximize speed and efficiency. Additionally, at each route stop, the courier can access information to help with the delivery, such as noting the code to the building or if there’s a dog that gets a little too protective of the residence. The tablet even gives instructions for each package, so if a package contains alcohol, the courier is instructed to check the ID of the recipient.

This puts more control into the logistics process and assists in fast reliable service to you and your customers.

The other day, a new app was introduced  to the market that connects to a house or apartment lock, and the courier, using the app, will be able to unlock it and leave a package right near your front door. However, the app includes a camera that turns on the minute the app unlocks the front door. Once the delivery is finished, you’ll get a video, through e-mail or phone, where you can watch the delivery. What’s incredible, is that the app can be used by different services from couriers to dog walkers.

Technology is connecting us and making our lives easier. Couriers are able to use to this technology to improve logistics and create more confidence for our customers and in turn their consumers or end users. At Need It Now Courier, we’re always on the cusp of new technology to help our clients. Find out how we can help your business deliver to its customers.

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Essential Holiday Shipping Tips for Small Businesses

Essential Holiday Shipping Tips for Small Businesses

Essential Holiday Shipping Tips for Small Businesses

Essential Holiday Shipping Tips for Small Businesses

In 2016, retail e-commerce sales during November and December reached a massive $63.1 billion. That’s a lot of sales, and e-commerce is becoming more and more competitive each year. If you want your small business to perform well this holiday season, you need to have a solid shipping plan in place. Customers won’t be keen to buy from a company with unclear shipping times, expensive delivery costs or poor packaging, so every detail counts. You’ll need to make cut-off times clear, offer competitive prices, package items carefully, and be ready to process returns. Want to know how to succeed at holiday shipping this year?Keep reading for our top tips.

1. Make Your Delivery Cut-Off Clear

What’s the point in ordering Christmas gifts if they don’t arrive in time for the big day?

Providing a clear cut-off date for guaranteed delivery before Christmas is absolutely essential and will save you dealing with complaints and returns down the line.

Display your cut-off dates prominently on your website, make them clear during the checkout process, send them to your mailing list, and share on social media.

This serves a dual purpose, as it keeps customers informed and creates a sense of urgency that encourages them to take action right away.

Compare quotes from different couriers to find the most competitive options with the best delivery times.

2. Advertise Special Offers for the Holidays

Two companies have the item you want, and only one offers free shipping…

Which do you choose? The free option, of course.

9 out of 10 consumers say free shipping is the number one incentive to shop online more, so it’s a great way to lure people away from brick-and-mortar stores.

Creating attractive shipping offers is also an excellent way to stand out from your competitors and attract new customers.

If you use selling platforms like eBay, offering free shipping can boost your position in listings, so it’s a great way to get more views.

On top of that, offering deals like, ‘Free holiday shipping on orders over $50’ is a smart way to encourage customers to add a few extra items to their baskets.

In many cases, offering discounted holiday shipping can be more enticing than actually reducing the price of what you’re selling.

Before you decide to offer a price discount, look at adding shipping offers instead.

3. Know the International Shipping Rules

Are you shipping to foreign countries?

It’s really important that you’re clear on the rules and regulations for each location you ship to, or you could be hit with delays and other issues.

For example, if you’re shipping to countries in the EU, you should be aware that customers are allowed 14 days to return unwanted goods.

You should also be wary of shipping items like lithium batteries, nail polish, aerosol cans, lighters, and other goods that could be considered dangerous.

Take care to thoroughly research before sending packages, and always clearly declare their contents. This cuts down on customs delays and ensures packages reach their destinations on time.

4. Wrap Items Carefully

Does Santa deliver broken presents?

No – and you shouldn’t either.

Being busy during the holiday season shouldn’t be a reason to slack on packaging, and getting a good system together before the holiday rush is a smart move.

Here’s a simple guide to good packaging:

1. Wrap items individually in bubble wrap or tissue paper.

2. Choose an appropriately-sized box with as little empty space as possible.

3. Fill the empty space with packing peanuts, scrunched up brown paper, or airbags, leaving the item no room to slide around.

4. Place a shipping note with address, order details, and returns information inside the package.

5. Add any flyers, promotional materials, or vouchers to the package.

6. Close package securely using staples, packing tape, or glue.

7. Affix ‘fragile’ or ‘this way up’ stickers to the outside of the package if needed.

9. Securely affix shipping address to the front of the package.

If you’ll have multiple different employees dealing with shipping, putting together a simple guide makes sense. It ensures consistency and prevents staff from missing a single step in the packing process.

Poor shipping can cost you a fortune in returns, so make sure you get it right.

5. Provide Tracking Information

Is there anything worse than waiting for a parcel with no idea when it’s going to arrive?

Probably not.

While tracking is important all year round, it’s particularly crucial during the holiday season, when customers will be waiting anxiously for gifts, decorations, and other time-sensitive items.

It’s good practice to offer tracking on all orders and provide the customer with all the details they need to check on the progress of their delivery.

If your budget won’t stretch to offering tracking on every order, be sure to offer it as a paid option when customers check out.

Tracking parcels means you won’t have to deal with as many calls to your customer service department, you’ll have fewer complaints, and you’ll create a better experience for the customer.

6. Be Prepared for Returns

It’s been found that shoppers return nearly $70 billion worth of purchases during the holiday season, with clothing, games, and jewelry all being high risk.

No matter how wonderful your products are, you can be certain that you’ll be dealing with some returns post-December.

Having a solid returns procedure in place allows you process claims quickly and efficiently, keeping customers happy and reducing problems for your staff.

If you’re worried about being bombarded with loads of returns all at once, try offering a longer returns period. This gives you more time to process everything and means customers don’t have to rush.

Now You Know How to Succeed at Holiday Shipping

Messing up your shipping during the holidays will waste your time and money and won’t impress your customers.

Get it right by offering competitive shipping offers, knowing the laws around international shipping, packaging items carefully, providing tracking details, and being ready to process returns.

Prepare properly, and you’ll give Santa’s elves a run for their money!

Finding a good courier service takes a lot of the stress out of holiday shipping, so contact us today and let’s discuss your needs.

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Macy's offering same day delivery and so should you!

The Future of NYC Courier Service

If you’re a New Yorker, you’ve walked past the famed Macy’s department store on 34th street and 7th avenue. Spanning a city block, it’s the second largest department store in the world — it follows closely a department store currently located in South Korea. Macy’s is a point of pride for many New Yorkers and even hosts a renowned Thanksgiving parade that is broadcast throughout the world.  

Recently, Macy’s has instituted another major development that is bound to please many New Yorkers. They announced their expansion of their same-delivery products purchased online at macys.com, bloomingdales.com and both brands’ mobile apps. They have added it to 15 different stores, which includes the New York location. These locations are: Austin, TX; Charlotte, NC; Cincinnati; Columbus, OH; Denver; Grand Rapids, MI; Kansas City, MO; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Orlando, FL; Phoenix; Pittsburgh; Sacramento, CA; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; and Tampa, FL.

What does this mean for local businesses in the New York area who are trying to compete with Macy’s, and other major retailers like Amazon.

Couriers and New York City

A major advantage of using a courier company in New York, is the ability to travel distances rather quickly. In an era where consumers are demanding immediate service and deliveries, this truly is a great advantage. Courier companies can traverse the boroughs and get products into the hands of customers with a short trip.

All major businesses have the tools to enter the competition right at their fingertips. Currently, Amazon, and now Macy’s, have this advantage where they could deliver the “day of”. Stores, such as Walmart and Target, who aren’t offering one day deliveries are seeing their customer base move toward the “immediate” market.

This is where a company can use a courier service to their advantage.

Home Town Advantage

As a local company in New York, you can effectively change the way you approach your customers. Now, you can impact their lives with your product in the same day rather than waiting for a delivery to occur. For instance,if you are large retailer selling evening wear and you want to capture the last minute market (suddenly an outfit is too small or not trending and needs to be replaced) you would like to offer same day shipping and be ahead of your competition. Even if you don’t have a physical store in NYC or another major city, Need It Now provides warehousing and can get your items delivered in most cases same day from their facilities.

A printing company usually sends out a sample pack to show their production quality. If these were sent through regular postage, it could take up to two weeks for them to arrive. With one day delivery, you get the samples in the client’s hands and can start the selling process that same day.

The trend of needing everything delivered asap and immediately can be intimidating. However, in the fast paced lifestyle that New Yorkers are used to, it’s just another aspect of daily life.

Need It Now obliges this fast paced environment is keeping up with it by running right next to it. Find out how our courier services can get your business ahead.

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How Quickly Can I Get It Delivered?

Courier Service NYC and International

One aspect that characterizes today’s supply and demand is: can I have it now?

Amazon changed the game when they began offering two-day shipping for Amazon Prime subscribers. Suddenly, the concept of “now” was no longer a dream, but a very real concept.

The race to achieve the ultimate now is still going. Amazon is planning on adding 50,000 jobs to a dozen warehouses across the States and Foxconn has decided to build a plant and hire 13,000 workers in Wisconsin. And these are just a few of the major companies pouring funds into the expansion of production.

This can be viewed as a positive way businesses for creating jobs, and at the same time it s a way for these major companies to get closer to their customer base.

A question many business owners ask, is how they can compete in the “now” race when they may not have the same resources as an the online giants such as Amazon or while still possessing the wherewithal needed may still not have the in house expertise to expedite deliveries. The answer is simply to depend more heavily on third party logistics.

Small and mid sized businesses have an advantage that large companies don’t have — the ability to retain a personal connection with their customer base. It’s a quality that small businesses can build upon. However, the need to compete with larger companies still exists, especially when getting one’s product to their customers.

While the giant corporations have the ability to create an in-house shipping service, smaller companies may feel left out. Yet, there is a simpler and, many times, cheaper solution than in-house shipping and logistics.

Couriers and Your Company

Courier companies give businesses the advantage of creating unique and personalized shipping methods depending on one’s product. While FedEx and UPS boast the ability to deliver personalized specifications, the big company feel doesn’t offer the variety of options you truly need. On the other hand, USPS doesn’t do anything beyond basic packaging.

Here are where independent courier companies step in. They will meet with you, curate a plan to meet your business’s needs, and handle all your shipping and logistics requirement.

As a small or mid-range business, you will get the best of both worlds: keeping in contact with your customer base while delivering products with care and speed.

The notion that a small or midsized company can’t join the “now” race, is shortsighted. Need It Now Courier, with locations throughout the United States, and offering rush local delivery in NYC and the tri-state area. Need It Now is your answer to your customer’s question: “How quickly can I get it delivered?” For the large corporations Need it Now has the capacity to store, kit and ship all of your retail items, with over 400,000 square feet of warehouse space. Being in the courier and logistics industry for over 30 years and consisting of a family of 15 courier and logistics companies throughout the United States gives us the expertise and resources to provide the simplest or most complex logistical solutions based on your situation. Factors of cost, speed and safety are always considered when offering the best route for your deliveries.When you need third party logistics – You NEED IT NOW!

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Can Courier Services Compete With The Explosion of Technological Breakthroughs?

Can Courier Services Compete With The Explosion of Technological Breakthroughs?In this day of ultra sophisticated communications where empires are being built from the comfort of one’s own home in front of a computer screen, we wonder if the day of the messenger has finally come to an end.

Quite the reverse is happening! As communication increases to and from different parts of the world, so do new markets develop. Where there is increased communication, there follows a desire for new products.

And since our communications are now able to travel at lightning speed, there is an expectancy for objects to travel at the same speed

Among the new products created are food ingredients from different parts of the world, pharmaceutical elements that have been discovered and developed in even obscure corners of the planet, and just general innovations in toy manufacturing, fashion and of course the evergrowing field of technology.

Many of these products are more cost effective if produced overseas and shipped into the US or the raw materials need to be acquired in different parts of the world. Again, the increased ability to communicate to our fellow inhabitants of planet earth has resulted in awareness and availability for many more products.

One out of many thousands of overseas gems is the health and anti aging benefits of extra virgin olive oil. This product has the promise of a multitude of health and anti aging benefits. The best sources of this are Spain and Italy. Cost effective methods of shipping are essential to the manufacture and distribution of this product so that it can reach the shelves of retailers and ultimate consumers in the US in such a way that allows for viability along each link in the supply chain.

And of course with that comes an increased need for LOGISTICS. Need it Now has offices in many major US cities as well as large warehousing capabilities. With hard won, hands on messenger and courier experience in the “Mean Streets of NYC” we have expanded to many US cities with the ability to rapidly send and receive goods throughout the world quickly and reliably. Of course we offer the best courier service in NYC even though we have expanded – we don’t forget what where we started – delivering day in and day out 363 days per year throughout Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Staten Island. We have gone from one office to 13 around the US and 7 warehouses with short term and longer term storage capacity in order to facilitate rapid local delivery for online retailers. And growing all the time, because we can DELIVER! Call now: 212 989 1919

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The Evolving Retail Landscape and Final Mile Deliveries in 2017

Be competitive in the new retail spaceNYC customers want products as quick and conveniently as possible. It’s essential for retailers to offer multiple channels to purchase and deliver merchandise. By leveraging NYC messenger delivery services and continuous real-time data, businesses are reducing the customer time responsibilities and building customer loyalty. Need It Now Courier is the leading nyc courier service for last mile deliveries in NY.

Retailers are accelerating  and streamlining difficult, tedious and burdensome backend processes and getting products to market faster. Digital marketplaces allow for adoption of more visual, collaborative and social tools.

Retailers are exploiting machine learning, analytics and artificial intelligence for a targeted, focused, customized consumer shopping experience. Customers have longer shopping histories and social networking profiles enabling retailers to offer a tailored selection of products. The North Face, Etsy.com and others are using AI to provide personalized recommendations and dedicated delivery services for last mile deliveries. Last mile delivery is the readily perceived segment of the supply chain and key to the customer experience.

Both aging baby boomers and youthful millennials are looking for an idividual personal shopping experience. Heightened expectations on the part of affluent costumers favor special products delivered by a NYC courier service.

The last leg of delivery, ending up at the consumer’s home or business, is challenging as most consumers are away from home when deliveries are usually made. The result is that unattended delivery has become a significant issue among delivery companies.

The orchestration of processes and information for the procurement of goods, especially in the last mile delivery to the customer is a required competency in today’s direct-to-consumer marketplace. The client may or may not be aware of rail shipping or trucking to a hub but they are certainly aware of the NYC courier service bringing the delivery to their door. The convergence of supply chain execution systems is a goal that companies like Amazon and Walmart are well on their way to achieving. For other enterprises to keep pace, they have to begin the development of their strategic road map.

Need It Now Courier has the team and the resources to be the friendly face completing the delivery. CALL US NOW AND GET YOUR DELIVERY SCHEDULED EARLY: 212 989 1919

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The More Things Change

Messenger nycThe first mararthon was run to deliver news of the results of a battle. Rome built the roads to create fast flowing communication lines for running the empire – a sure way to bring the wrath of the Roman legions was to interfere with messengers or traffic on the Roman roads.

But these are not the ancient days – cell phones, messaging, faxes and emails make communications faster and surer than ever before. Is a NYC courier still a viable means of delivering a message in the 21st century?

The More Things Stay The Same

The most modern of technical solutions are not the best solutions for very sensitive deliveries, requiring dedicated professional NYC messengers, such as

  • Advance copies of as-yet-unreleased material – too sensitive for public transmission.
  • Fashion samples – one of a kind rush deliveries.
  • Keys for quests, needed right now.
  • Documents requiring original signatures for legal purposes.

Faxes are useful for restaurant menus. Emails are good for ads and many routine communications. Text messaging is workable to get the recipient’s attention.

For the most sensitive items, your NYC Messenger Service has the experience and dedicated professionals to make your delivery happen. Fully documented, proof-of-delivery on record, mission accomplished as usual in the expected time.

Ceasar would approve. Call us for sensitive, routine and beyond the last minute deliveries when you Need It Now! 212- 989-1919

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Need it Now – Where Technology Meets the Road

Courier NYCBeing a courier company in 2017 has changed radically from the 90’s. There used to be a bicycle cult that enjoyed the art of weaving in and out of traffic as dangerously as possible while still getting the job done.

While this made for interesting headlines when a messenger occasionally got nailed, it wasn’t exactly the most reliable means of delivering packages in NYC.

Today , quick deliveries are more about technology. The tracking of the package from beginning to end and the means of transport chosen are always factored into the dispatchers decisions here at Need It Now Courier.

The other day we had to make a delivery in 45 minutes that involved picking up four boxes from 125th street and getting them to 23rd street. By means of sophisticated tracking we could see at a glance which messengers and which vehicles were closest and out of those who had the most likelihood to pull it off. The boxes were picked up within 10 minutes of the call by van and the driver knew exactly which route was fastest and was at the destination with 2 minutes to spare!

Another incident was a very large online retailer needed an item pulled from our warehouse in the middle of the night and delivered to a store by 8 am. The item was heavy and required a van. Using our inventory tracking and messenger status data base the best courier could be selected and the item gotten ready, picked up and delivered within a 5 hour window.

Of course the essential ingredient to all successful application of technology is the personnel who utilize it to service their clients. Our dispatchers are very seasoned and savvy in the field of warehousing and deliveries.

Remember when you need a delivery done right you Need It Now! Call: 212 989 1919 and find out about our low rates for same day delivery!

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A Messenger in NYC Can Be Your Personal Assistant!

messenger nycThere’s nothing like getting home to a package waiting for you. That excitement of receiving the little present for yourself or from a loved one or a friend (or secret admirer!) can really make a sort of dull day sparkle!

I’m a huge fan of music, so when I finally was able to get my hands on a guitar, having to wait an additional two weeks seemed like a lifetime. Of course, I could’ve gone to the store after a long tedious day at work after and picked it up myself. But let’s be honest, after spending the majority of your brain cells at work all day long, do you really want to spend your relaxation time waiting on lines?

Using a Messenger in NYC is a terrific solution for this and many other logistics challenges we face when trying to multitask – something that New Yorkers bring to a whole new level!

I think many of us get bright ideas about what to buy someone for a holiday when we are stuck at work and then at the end of the day we end up racing home to relax. Your Need It Now NYC Messenger can be like a personal assistant.

Having a trusted NYC messenger for delivering your holiday gifts as a business owner can mean a terrific boost to your public relations. There is nothing better than receiving a box of yummy chocolates from a vendor on Valentine’s Day.  Quite a bit of goodwill can be generated and small mistakes may be overlooked because of that.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner it is a good idea to avail yourself of this handy messenger service in NYC.  Check out how easy it is: Call: (212)989-1919 or order online: needitnowcourier.com

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