The global logistics industry is already huge and is expected to reach a value of over £11.3 trillion by 2028. A key driving factor of this success is the expansion of e-commerce. The number of people shopping online increases annually, with over 97% of the population estimated to be doing it by 2029.
Your fulfilment operations are an area that can lead to your business falling behind, especially with the likes of Amazon taking it to new heights. With that in mind, here are the key reasons delivery is important for your organisation.
Boosting customer satisfaction
Lots of shoppers consider shorter drop-off windows as a deciding factor when making a purchase, with many wanting their items within 24 hours. Offering next-day delivery has become essential if you’re aiming to improve the experience and retain loyalty.
The convenience of getting products quickly can greatly enhance satisfaction and encourage repeat orders.
Expanding your reach
Upgrading your services can unlock new market opportunities. Individuals who live in rural settings or hundreds of miles away from your nearest store can now engage with your company and receive goods via courier.
Opening local parcel hubs can also assist you in overcoming geographical barriers.
Gaining a competitive advantage
As competition increases, speed and reliability can be the differentiators that set you apart. By leveraging advanced delivery models, smaller companies can provide personalised opportunities that rival larger competitors.
One example of these innovations includes last-mile technologies that can help you improve efficiency while reducing costs. Adapting to recent trends, such as hyperlocal fulfilment and sustainable methods, can also strengthen your position in the market.
Increasing sales and revenue
Plenty of consumers make purchase decisions based on how quickly they’ll receive the product. Furthermore, convenient and reliable experiences can encourage higher order volumes at more frequent intervals.
You could incorporate your logistics into offers for customers as well to drive sales further. Periods with no shipping fees or free same-day delivery when they spend a certain amount are great strategies for this.
Building brand reputation
This component of your business can contribute significantly to how people view your organisation. Timely drop-offs, accurate tracking and client-focused services build trust and enhance your reputation.
Conversely, poor experiences can damage your credibility and result in negative reviews. In these instances, it can be extremely valuable to reach out to these consumers and provide compensation. This could be free shipping in the future or a discount the next time they complete an online order.
While your supply chain does factor into the image of your company, ensuring your products are of good quality can help you retain some loyalty, even if it takes a while to arrive.