Delivering to Markets and Shopping Malls

A single address can cover hundreds of businesses in a mall, market or bazaar. The street address brings the courier to the complex, but finding one small shop inside is a separate problem.

What a courier needs

• Shop name as it appears on the sign.
• Complex name and the entrance nearest the shop.
• Floor, lane or block.
• Unit or shop number.
• Phone number of someone at the shop.
• Opening hours, so the driver arrives when it is staffed.

Typical problems

1. Shop numbers are not in order or are missing.
2. Several shops have similar names.
3. Vehicles cannot enter, so the courier must walk.
4. The shop is closed or the owner is away.
5. Security restricts access or requires a pass.

Writing the address and note

An example:

"Ali Electronics, Shop 14, first floor, Central Plaza, east entrance next to the pharmacy. Open 10:00 to 20:00. Call 0300-000-0000." (The number is a placeholder.)

For other note ideas, see how to write delivery instructions that work.

Using the exact point

For complexes with multiple entrances, it helps to mark the specific entrance on a map rather than the building centre. A UPCS code identifies a 3 m by 3 m cell and can be attached to an order by supported plugins. It does not encode floors or shop numbers, so keep the written details. See pin-drop delivery locations at checkout.

Business tips for shops

• Give your customers the same complete address you would give a courier.
• Tell regular carriers about the best entrance and unloading time.
• Arrange a handover point at the entrance if parcels are bulky.
• Keep a person available during delivery hours.

Related situations

Large complexes with offices and reception desks work similarly; see delivering to offices, campuses and business parks. For wider causes of failure, see why deliveries fail.

Summary

A market address is a starting point. The shop name, floor, unit and contact number are what turn it into a delivery.