Fast delivery or lost customers? How to meet expectations and ensure speedy and reliable delivery

It can’t be said enough: Shipping and delivery have become a critical part of the customer experience. And with expectations evolving – the increasing demand for faster and free – brands (especially smaller ones) often pay a price. To compete in ecommerce, they must find ways to achieve speedy and reliable delivery or lose customers to retail giants that can.

Customer shipping expectations by the numbers

How fast do customers want their orders? The numbers tell the story:

• While free shipping still edges out fast shipping in terms of customer expectations, 60% of consumers want speedy delivery
• 68% of shoppers say the availability of shorter delivery windows at checkout is the determining factor in their purchases
• As of April 2023, when asked about their delivery expectations for online purchases across various categories, nearly two-thirds of global shoppers anticipated receiving their items within 24 hours, with four in ten expecting delivery in under two hours
• As many as 22% of shoppers abandon carts because delivery takes too long

This increasing pressure to deliver in two days or less can be both costly, time-consuming and challenging for many brands.

10 Ways to streamline and speed up shipping times

Fast and reliable shipping helps retail brands meet customer expectations and remain competitive in the market. Streamlining your shipping process can significantly reduce delivery times and bolster customer satisfaction and loyalty. Here are 10 strategies that can help your business optimize shipping and improve efficiency.

1. Use regional fulfillment centers

Distributing inventory across multiple regional fulfillment centers helps minimize shipping distances and delivery times. With a nationwide multi-node network, retail brands can position products closer to customers, reducing shipping costs and improving service levels. For example, instead of shipping across the country from one central hub, orders can be fulfilled from the nearest location, ensuring faster delivery times and a better customer experience.

2. Leverage 3PL partnerships

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers offer advanced networks and expertise that can streamline shipping processes for retail brands. Outsourcing logistics to a 3PL with an optimized network can help retail brands access a wide range of services, including warehousing, transportation and last-mile delivery, without the need for internal infrastructure. A modern 3PL can also provide powerful fulfillment technology, letting businesses gain more real-time visibility into their omnichannel operations. A well-established 3PL partnership allows brands to focus on core competencies while ensuring quick, reliable fulfillment.

3. Offer expedited shipping options

Partnering with carriers that provide expedited shipping services allows retail brands to offer customers faster delivery options, which can be a key differentiator, especially during peak seasons. Brands can negotiate for two-day, next-day or even same-day shipping to cater to the growing demand for speed.

4. Utilize inventory forecasting tools

It’s critical to maintain stock levels through accurate inventory forecasting. By using advanced forecasting tools, retail brands can predict demand based on historical data, seasonal trends and other factors. This helps ensure the right products are in stock at the right time while also reducing the risk of shipping delays due to unavailable items.

5. Implement same-day or next-day delivery

While challenging, it’s necessary to meet customer expectations for rapid delivery. To achieve same-day or next-day delivery, retailers can establish local delivery networks or partner with third-party providers that specialize in same-day or next-day services. By working with regional couriers or rapid delivery platforms, businesses can shorten delivery times. This service is especially valuable in urban areas where quick deliveries can become a competitive advantage.

6. Automate warehouse operations

Brands looking to streamline fulfillment operations can invest in warehouse automation technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) or automated conveyor systems can significantly improve operational efficiency. Automated order picking, packing and sorting processes reduce human error and speed up fulfillment times, allowing businesses to handle higher order volumes during peak periods while maintaining accuracy and efficiency. If self-fulfillment is hindering delivery speeds, it’s worthwhile to look into outsourcing fulfillment operations or opting for a dedicated fulfillment site takeover.

7. Use drop shipping

Drop shipping ships products directly from manufacturers or suppliers to customers, bypassing traditional warehousing steps. This method reduces handling times and can be particularly effective for businesses with a broad range of products or those that deal with bulky or perishable items. By eliminating the need for intermediate storage, brands can deliver products faster and reduce overhead costs.

8. Optimize packaging processes

Standardizing or pre-packing items reduces packaging time and ensures that orders are ready to ship more quickly. Efficient packaging processes, combined with automation, can reduce delays in fulfillment and improve shipping accuracy. For example, pre-packed kits or items with uniform packaging requirements streamline the packing process and help get orders out the door faster.

9. Enable in-store pickup

The more options the better. Giving customer the ability to pick up their online orders from physical stores or designated lockers provides a convenient alternative to home delivery. In-store or micro hub pickup eliminates shipping time and allows customers to collect their purchases at their convenience. For retailers with brick-and-mortar locations, this option helps drive foot traffic, increasing the potential for additional sales.

10. Negotiate faster shipping contracts

Working with carriers to negotiate faster shipping contracts is essential for improving delivery speed. By securing favorable terms with shipping partners, retail brands can offer quicker transit times and potentially reduce costs for expedited services. Developing strong relationships with carriers allows brands to customize shipping solutions that align with customer expectations and operational needs. If you are looking to outsource to a 3PL, assess their ability to reduce shipping costs and the quality of partnerships with different carriers.

Communication is key post purchase

Maintaining strong communication with customers after the purchase is just as important as the sale itself. Clear, accurate delivery estimates and timely notifications about order status create a sense of trust and transparency, which customers highly value. Retail brands can manage expectations and reduce customer anxiety by providing real-time updates, such as when an item has shipped, is out for delivery or has been delayed. 

Transparency is also crucial when there are disruptions or delays. Rather than leaving customers in the dark, proactively notifying them about any issues and offering revised delivery timelines can help maintain confidence in your brand. This level of communication ensures customers feel informed and in control, which improves overall satisfaction.

Moreover, post-purchase communication is an opportunity to engage customers with additional content, such as care instructions, related products or exclusive offers, keeping your brand top of mind while they await their delivery. Today’s consumers want clear and transparent communication, which sets the stage for repeat business and long-term loyalty.

Cart.com for faster and more reliable shipping and delivery

Choose Cart.com for faster, more accurate deliveries that improves your customers' shopping experience. With our advanced technology and nationwide fulfillment network, we make sure your products get to your customers quickly, no matter where they are. By leveraging cutting-edge inventory management and seamless integrations, Cart.com helps you reduce delays and improve order accuracy. Contact us today to streamline your logistics and exceed customer expectations.