BrownCafe

See it, buy it, when do I get it?

We’re all familiar with consumers’ need for speedy delivery, as companies like DoorDash Inc., Uber Technologies Inc., Gorillas Technologies GmbH and others vie to ship items to customers in record time. (For many, it’s still a money-losing venture.)

But new research shows shoppers are looking for something else in their delivery options: a more customized experience.

Nearly 70% of consumers are willing to pay for services that would provide enhanced personalization, according to a report from UPS Capital. These services include allowing shoppers to dictate arrival timelines, track packages in real-time, purchase insurance to ensure packages arrive safely and more. They’re also worried about missing and damaged packages, and they’re seeking more control and choices when it comes to the post-purchase experience.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and UPS has some advice for how Valley motorists can avoid getting hit by a distracted driver.

In 2019, distracted driving killed 3,142 people – a 10% increase from 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Mike Woolston has over 40 years of driving experience and is a Circle of Honor member, meaning he’s accumulated at least 25 years of driving habits.

Jumia (JMIA) and UPS (UPS) announced today a partnership giving UPS access to Jumia’s last mile logistics capabilities and infrastructure to grow its delivery services in Africa.

Leveraging the Jumia infrastructure in Africa, UPS will offer its customers an extended range of delivery solutions, including door to door package delivery and collection, with a variety of payment options. This partnership will also allow UPS to leverage the extensive network of Jumia drop-off and pick-up stations to expand the UPS reach and coverage across more towns and cities in Africa. The collaboration will initially cover Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, with plans for expansion to Ghana and Ivory Coast, and thereafter to the remaining African countries where Jumia operates.

“At the beginning of our journey, 10 years ago, logistics infrastructure was one of the most challenging aspects of our operating environment. This challenge was a catalyst for us to build an unparalleled logistics platform in Africa offering our sellers and consumers reliable, convenient and cost-effective delivery services. Today, we are helping other businesses overcome these infrastructure challenges by giving them access to our logistics platform. We are delighted and humbled by the opportunity to partner up with UPS, a global logistics leader, to offer them last mile solutions in Africa. We view this as a validation of the strength of our logistics platform as well as an incentive to double down on our efforts to further enhance our services and build a world-class logistics business in Africa,” said Apoorva Kumar, Senior Vice President Logistics, Jumia.

UPS planted its flag last November as a proud supporter of diverse small business owners and is committed to working tirelessly to empower them through leadership programs.

They have since made good on their word. Through the recently launched UPS Ignite program 140 outstanding innovators now have access to mentors, coaching, executive-level education, leadership programs, and a wealth of other resources.

One of these Small Businesses is Frères Branchiaux Candle Co. Founded by brothers Collin, Ryan, and Austin, with support from their parents Patrick and Celena Gill. Celena is now part of the UPS Ignite executive education program with Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.

“It is of the utmost and paramount importance for minority businesses to have support. Oftentimes, many of us do not have adequate access to capital or a blueprint for building a successful business,” said Celena Gill.

Later this year, Ween will head out on the road with a tour sponsored by the Brownest Brand around, UPS. The “Are You Down with the Brown?” Tour will see Ween heading from show to show in a fleet of iconic UPS delivery vans, which will be painted powder blue during the tour.

“We partnered with UPS in part for their professionalism and their overall commitment to deliver your packages, even if the weather is cold and wet,” said an enthusiastic Gene Ween.

UPS will serve as the delivery vehicle of choice when you need someone to carry that velvet sack full of pretty colored marbles to your Voodoo Lady. The tour will also guarantee that delivery of all roses will be free.