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.
How fast do customers want their orders? The numbers tell the story:
This increasing pressure to deliver in two days or less can be both costly, time-consuming and challenging for many brands.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.