The growth of the e-commerce sphere has reached an all-time high in the recent past. This is a result of technological change and shifts in the way people shop. Out of many other factors, fast delivery has come to play such a significant role and created a new narrative concerning online shopping and how customers relate to it.
Initially, e-commerce companies offered a standard two-day delivery and the same day for an additional fee. However, most companies have to offer same-day delivery as a norm. There was an improvement in the level of service available to the customers, however, this has its challenges that the industry is seeking to address. With the speed of deliveries, consumers’ expectations change, and e-commerce sites meet these changes. Read below and see how fast delivery changes consumer decisions.
Fast Delivery
Fast delivery was a luxury earlier as not many platforms used to provide that service to their customers. But for most consumers, this has changed from being a luxury to an expectation. Here is how it changes the way customers shop-
- Instant Gratification
As fashionable as quick service is in the present time, consumers have also evolved, and they are no longer willing to wait a day or two for their orders, no matter how much it costs. The rapid turnaround in providing the goods is a contributory factor to maintaining a loyal customer base and making consumers come back.
- Competitive Advantage
Affordability is no longer a demand of consumers, instead, they are ready to pay an extra fee for expedited services thus the platforms that offer fast delivery can have enhanced competition. For instance, Amazon Prime offers faster delivery services and has been able to get a loyal customer base due to that.
- Customer Loyalty
Quick delivery improves the overall shopping experience, which encourages customers to be loyal to the brand. Customers are likely to revisit the sites that can offer the speed expectations regularly.
Challenges E-Commerce Platforms Face
While fast delivery benefits consumers, it presents several challenges for e-commerce businesses
- Logistics Costs
Fast shipping necessitates sophisticated infrastructure in the form of warehouses, delivery vehicles, and last-mile delivery services, which in turn, increases operational costs.
- Sustainability Concerns
Sustainability is also a concern because faster delivery usually means an increase in carbon emission as a result of more trips taken on poorer and/or incomplete delivery routes.
- Inventory Management
Upkeeping stock levels in real-time and making certain that the products are in stock, are some of the activities that demand higher-level technologies and detailed scheming.
How E-Commerce is Adapting
- Leveraging Technology for Efficiency
Artificial Intelligence and the Concepts of Machine Learning- With the help of predictive analytics, it ensures the location of the products around the customers to reduce the distance in getting the products.
Automation- Processes of warehousing and packaging are progressively being automated to eliminate cumbersome operations and mistakes.
- Last-mile Innovations
The last-minute delivery option has further changed the game and the innovations in the same include-
Drones- Some platforms are experimenting with drone deliveries
Electric Vehicles- Brands are adopting EVs to balance speed with sustainability.
- Subscription Models
Loyal customers are inclined towards offers when they are coupled with membership services like Amazon Prime and Flipkart Plus where fast delivery of products does not mean extra cost.
- Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Partnering with specialized third-party logistic providers can help a platform expand its reach and deliver more quickly.
- Flexible Delivery Options
A few platforms have started to deliver the products at a time chosen by the customer itself. This ensures convenience without compromising on speed.
How Consumers Can Save on Fast Delivery
There is no denying that the fast delivery of a good or service has its benefits, but it usually comes with a cost that is on the higher side. Below is how consumers can make it less expensive
- Look for Free Shipping Offers
Some platforms waive the delivery fee if you have a certain amount of cart value. If you want to buy a few things, make sure you make a cart and place the order altogether.
- Use Coupon Platforms
Platforms like CouponzGuru list offers for e-commerce giants which can make the fast delivery option even more accessible at lower costs.
- Opt for Membership Plans
Subscription plans usually incorporate fast delivery with other enticing features providing huge benefits in the long run.
Our Final Words
In the world of e-commerce, fast delivery is perhaps one of the critical aspects that drive consumers’ attitudes toward purchasing. Although it presents several challenges in terms of logistics and the environment, there are still so many ways that keep on transforming the business. Moreover, consumers have platforms like CouponzGuru that ensure such services are not expensive to foster smarter and cheaper forms of shopping.
