Given the growing base of internet-aware consumers, a fast and efficient delivery system is quintessential for any successful e-commerce business. According to a report on Statista, India is expected to enter 2022 with a count of 932 million internet users. These tech-aware consumers come with updated, real-time trackers on their phones and expectations higher than ever before.
Owing to growing competition in the sector, new jargon is rapidly entering its lexicon. Recent additions in the e-commerce lingo are same-day shipping and express delivery—this means that a customer now expects a faster delivery and wants it the same day or at least the next day of placing the order.
Delivery speed is also a significant differentiator that gives your business an edge over others.
Seamless deliveries are more important than ever because all players offer competitive prices, and customers no longer stay with a company because of its price points and offers. What makes the difference now is how a consumer’s shopping experience with the business was (product journey from order to delivery) and how she was treated in case of cancellation or return.
According to a PWC study, one in three consumers (32%) say they will walk away from a brand they love after just one bad experience. So how can you prepare your e-commerce business to cope in today’s fast-paced, cut-throat environment and gain an advantage over the competition? Let us find out in these seven steps.
1. Invest in a logistics service provider
Look for a logistics provider that suits your supply chain needs while upholding the delivery standards promised by your company.
Pickrr is a tech-enabled all-in-one shipping solution for e-commerce businesses. Offering services from multiple courier companies, it helps businesses scale rapidly by streamlining shipping and order fulfillment. Businesses can manage deliveries across multiple carriers on a single dashboard and experience affordable and hassle-free shipping.
2. Expand to multiple storage locations
In order to achieve same-day shipping, multiple storage points (warehouses or fulfillment centers are imperative. This is a relevant requirement since e-commerce demographics are expanding like never before. According to IAMAI, there will be more internet users in rural India than urban by 2025.
Achieving shipping in remote locations will also help increase your business reach and capitalize on the deep penetration of internet users in the country.
3. Use technology to your advantage
Employment of proper and transparent tracking of your shipments will ensure seamless delivery.
This will also significantly reduce the chances of false consumer claims and logistical goof-ups. End-to-end order visibility and real-time tracking keep consumers engaged in the shipping process and prevent frantic customer care calls. Being privy to the delays helps build consumers’ faith in the brand.
4. Ask for pin code verification
It is advisable to check for delivery availability in the destination area before confirming an order. This might be considered an obvious suggestion, but missing out on this information can cause unwanted orders that might not get delivered ultimately and lead to last-minute cancellations.
5. Provide personalized delivery options
Consumers must be provided with options to choose the delivery date preferences that suit them. Since many consumers are willing to pay the additional price to get early shipping, they should also be given the alternative to get a product at the desired time (for example, a consumer might select the preferred delivery time after one week of placing the order because of her unavailability before the selected date).
6. Choose shipping options per your business
Figuring out a shipping strategy that works for your business is essential to incorporate from the initial stages of setting up your business. More so if you are hassled by the competitors hogging the limelight with attractive free shipping stickers.
Free shipping can hurt your pocket, and this cannot be the only option to ensure reduced customer drop-offs. Here are two other kinds of rates listed that you can take into consideration.
Flat rate shipping: With flat rate shipping, the weight of a package does not affect the cost of shipping. If you ship heavy items, then this will save you money. On the downside, this might not be helpful if the sizes of products shipped are small or keep varying.
Variable-rate shipping: This kind of shipping allows shipping costs to be calculated using three factors—weight, order subtotal (cost before shipping, taxes, and discounts), and a configurable flat rate. Multiple shipping options with variable rates can be created.
Find out which one works for you, and you might realize free shipping was not your only option.
7. Choose the right packaging
Packaging can also play a pivotal role in smoothening out delivery processes and reducing costs. The requirements vary with your needs.
For example, if you are a B2C e-commerce business, then the aesthetics of your packaging matter. Consumers like customized deliveries, a personalized touch too.
Whereas in the case of B2B businesses, robust and sturdy packaging is essential. Packaging material also adds to the size and weight.
In both cases, deciding on a budget can help you simplify your product packaging, thus helping you offer a smooth delivery experience to your customers.
According to Statista, the e-commerce industry is expected to touch 73 billion U.S. dollars by 2022. Employing the suggestions above will help in optimizing your delivery processes and keep your e-commerce business ahead of the game in the coming year.
