Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic brought stay-at-home protocols upon us, online businesses in the Philippines have exploded. So much that on top of personal updates from our family and friends, our social media timelines are now showered with small business posts of all natures — from daily necessities and home decor, to health essentials and creative services.
With the convenience of selling goods, there’s a growing focus on the importance of reliable cargo delivery in Luzon, where the stricter lockdowns are. Amid transport restrictions, Victory Liner has been providing this with their Drop & Go service to help online business owners fulfil their delivery needs. We caught up with a few of these entrepreneurs and, in an interview, they revealed how Luzon’s largest bus company continues to aid them in these trying times.
Also read: This Cargo Service Lets You Padala Your Essentials and Goods Across Luzon
“Victory Liner has an affordable cargo pricing with same-day or next-day delivery of packages,” shared John, a plant seller from Bamban, Tarlac. With customers throughout Luzon, the full-time community pharmacist counts mainly on these factors for the smooth and efficient delivery of Monstera deliciosa plants, his main commodity, to fellow plant lovers in Luzon.
Like the latter, he turned to growing plants due to the quarantine in his hometown. But after seeing how highly other sellers priced them, he thought of selling them on his own and found a much-needed push from Victory Liner’s accessible rates. “I don’t add that much to the prices of my plants,” he said, “but my goal has always been to buy them for myself while selling the rest.” What he would do is buy the plants in bulk, then get one for free to add to his own collection. This would be enough to keep him going mentally while working as a frontliner outside of Metro Manila.
Like John, numbers mean everything for Cyan, a rattan and buri basket seller based in Pangasinan, as he copes with the pandemic. “I chose Victory Liner because it is cheaper than a courier,” he briefly told TripZilla. He sells the baskets from ₱100 to ₱850 depending on the quantity, and earns a small amount from this. But with the affordable rates offered by Drop & Go, he is able to manage his sales better and continue to provide for his family.
“I am part of the skeletal workforce, so I really needed something that would help me earn more, and Victory Liner’s accessible cargo service really helped,” he shared. “With Victory Liner, when you ship today, you can receive the item tomorrow or the next day.” Being able to offer and deliver these cargoes affordably, and in as little time as possible, gives his business more credibility, which results in more clients.
Victory Liner is open for small and bulk cargo delivery in Luzon. As of writing, the company’s Drop & Go service outlets are accepting deliveries from terminals at Balanga in Bataan, San Jose in Nueva Ecija, Carmen in Pangasinan, Agoo in La Union, all Victory Liner terminals in Metro Manila, and many more.
Based in Quezon City, online bike seller Mel has been benefiting from Victory Liner’s vast terminal network. According to him, it opened more possibilities to help fellow Filipinos with their alternative personal mode of transportation in and around Metro Manila. “I’ve been receiving inquiries from a few North and Central Luzon provinces, and I haven’t declined a single opportunity with the help of Victory Liner’s wide selection of cargo points,” the seller said.
Mel has even had some customers from Bicol. He proudly recalls the moment he found out about Victory Liner’s partnership with Bicol Isarog and Cargo Padala that allowed him to deliver goods to South Luzon. “I was already in talks with a friend from Naga City who wanted to buy mountain bikes,” he shared. “Around the same time, someone told us about Victory Liner recently offering deliveries to Bicol and we instantly arranged for it to happen.”
Aside from terminals in Metro Manila, Baguio to Bicol deliveries are now possible with this timely collaboration. Online businesses who have packages bound for Bicol may send their items to Drop & Go offices in Baguio City, Alaminos City, Dagupan City, Lingayen, Sison, Dau, Mabalacat, San Fernando City, and Tarlac City. Meanwhile, drop-off points in Bicol are Naga City, Legazpi City, Masbate City, and Virac.
Kathlene, the owner of an online food and beverage shop called Crave In, has been using Victory Liner’s Drop & Go since launching her business in June 2020. With the perishable nature of her products, a smooth and safe delivery in and outside of Metro Manila is of the utmost importance.
When she discovered that Victory Liner has a terminal in her locality of Caloocan, Kathlene took the chance to open her business to customers from areas outside of the Philippine capital. This way, she could take advantage of the company’s approachable delivery system. “When we saw their post regarding their Drop & Go service, we immediately announced on our page the additional areas where we can ship,” she said. “We just want to maximise our resources during this pandemic.”
Because of the shorter lead time compared to other freight services in Luzon, Kathy feels confident that her customers in other Luzon destinations will receive their orders in excellent condition. Not to mention, Victory Liner’s staff never fail to properly look after their packages throughout all stages of the delivery. “Their porters are accommodating,” she said. “From weighing your items to placing the billing stickers, they are always ready to assist you.”
To further optimise Luzon deliveries for online businesses, the Victory Liner team has opened their lines at Drop & Go outlets to requests asking for exact delivery times. Through this process, perishable goods sellers like Kathlene can opt to drop their cargo at a more convenient and practical time to ensure the freshness of the products that are being delivered.
With simplified steps on how to send cargo with Victory Liner, you can safely get in and out of a Drop & Go office in no time. Upon arriving in your chosen location, fill out a freight form and have your cargo evaluated to determine the corresponding delivery fee. Then, you may pay in cash, or use the Victory Liner Premiere Prepaid VISA Card for a cashless experience. You may avail of the latter at the following Metro Manila terminals: Caloocan, Cubao, Pasay, and Sampaloc.
After completing your transaction, the authorised teller will hand you an official receipt. You can keep this as proof of delivery for your customers. You will also receive SMS notifications when your cargo has been dispatched, has arrived at its destination, and has been claimed. Through this notification system, you and your clients will remain informed throughout the delivery process.
As online businesses take the spotlight in the fight against the pandemic, all-around dependable cargo services, like Victory Liner’s Drop & Go, are of the essence. “Without them, we will have difficulty in distributing our products,” one of the above online sellers further said. “Which is why we recommend MSMEs to use cargo services like Victory Liner to expand their business.”
For more information, visit Victory Liner’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Brought to you by Victory Liner. The quotes above have been edited for grammar, clarity, and flow. Featured image credit: Libenya Ben | Facebook
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