Businesses have seen a significant increase in e-commerce delivery as the COVID-19 pandemic has changed consumers’ spending behavior. As 75 percent of consumers say they mostly will do their shopping online – an increase from 65 percent in 2019. Meanwhile, 43 percent of them plan to shop online exclusively.
Analysts are predicting an increase in orders and forecasting a “shippageddon” situation with a three to five times increase in shipments during the holiday season this year.
With UPS and FedEx stretched thin and telling some of their shippers that they have already exhausted much of their potential, businesses and delivery services alike are bracing for this unprecedented influx of demand. As a result, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, up to 7 million packages could face delays per day.
Fast and accurate deliveries are important factors for businesses during peak seasons. Finding a balance between speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are vital in order to succeed. Fortunately, businesses that are beginning today to plan for the holidays will be able to reap the benefits.
Be Proactive
Businesses have seen a permanent change in buying behavior, hence, waiting to take action will hurt them and put them behind competitors. On that note, businesses have several options available to help them out with their shipping needs.
Consumers want deliveries to happen quickly and on schedule, more than ever during the holidays. Previously, last mile delivery software was complicated and required knowledge of logistics and delivery. New technology, however, can do the heavy lifting and get real-time contract staff, local couriers, and internal employees up and running.
Research has found that even though the retailer was not liable, consumers will blame retailers for bad delivery experiences. So, ensuring successful, correct delivery of the retail items can now fit with the high standards of shoppers and keep them happy throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Customers Can Choose How To Get Their Goods
The website of a company should be prepared to accommodate an influx of order volume, that security measures are in place to accept digital payments, and that the supply chain is able to supply inventory as soon as customers request it.
Nowadays, many customers are not comfortable shopping in shops and would choose delivery or contactless pickup as their preferred methods of receiving goods. So, they need to have those choices on the website. Not having these choices available could have a drastic effect on the company.
A Seamless Customer Experience
Customers expect full transparency about the delivery status thanks to the advanced tracking tools. They want to know the exact location of the package, the estimated delivery date, and if they should expect any delays.
To get customers to stay loyal to a brand, they should have a positive customer experience and set expectations. With the already unprecedented number of delivery orders, however, FedEx has begun to send out warnings of potential delays and add peak season fees.
Many businesses have begun to take on their deliveries to help guarantee satisfied customers who receive their goods on time. If an organization chooses to control its shipments, make sure that realistic customer expectations are set.
The holiday season is close, but it is not too late to do the preparations. They can avoid “Shipageddon” and keep their customers satisfied during the holidays and beyond by taking action now, ensuring they will be ready for the influx of orders, and having the right tools on hand to help customers receive their products on time.
