Online shopping and on-demand delivery services have boomed in popularity over recent years. Both advancements in technology and the Covid-19 pandemic have led to greater consumer expectations for fast and reliable delivery. While many businesses are seeking ways to meet this new demand, many others are still falling short.
Recent surveys have shown that consumers are not willing to wait as long for their packages; in 2021, 36% of online shoppers chose same-day delivery services. That is a significant increase from only 24% the year before, and this number is expected to continue rising.
In order to remain competitive and keep customers satisfied, it is essential for businesses to offer fast deliveries. Utilizing on-demand delivery networks can eliminate the hassle of offering these services to consumers.
Always Available
A delivery network connects each business with multiple third party fleets. Whereas internal fleets may be small, or drivers may not always be available, joining a network ensures that there is always someone ready to deliver your products. A network of fleets will also give your business room to grow, without overwhelming a smaller, internal fleet of drivers. Not only will this provide speedier services, but it will improve reliability. Providing consistent, reliable delivery services is key to customer retention. Inconsistent delivery speeds, or deliveries that are often late, could cause consumers to shop elsewhere. Connecting to an established network guarantees better service for shoppers, and growth for any business.
Economical
Offering same-day delivery services does not have to be an expensive endeavor. By having numerous fleets at your disposal, you can easily compare prices and choose the best option for your business. In addition to increased demand for ultra fast delivery, most consumers have also become accustomed to free shipping costs. In fact, unexpected shipping costs are the main reason why customers will abandon an online shopping cart. On-demand delivery networks make it affordable to meet these consumer expectations.
Automated
Delivery networks such as Elite EXTRA also have automation capabilities. Selecting drivers and scheduling deliveries does not have to be a hassle. Automation allows your business to set up preferred third-party fleets, so that new online orders will instantly be sent to those providers. This effortless process creates less work for your business, and enables orders to be delivered without any delays.
Easy to Manage
Keep everything organized in one place with a network service. Being part of a network means that your company does not need to handle individual payments or contracts with the drivers, as everything is arranged within the network system. On-demand delivery networks like Elite EXTRA also provide the real-time status of each delivery within the system, so your business can promptly notify and communicate with customers. Reliable, transparent deliveries are key to customer satisfaction and retention. Within the system, you may also review performance data to confirm that the selected fleets are meeting goals for both your customers and your business.
Overall, consumers in 2022 have higher-than-ever expectations for fast, free delivery services. Convenience and free shipping costs are repeatedly cited by consumers as deciding factors when choosing where to shop.
Attracting and retaining these customers is easy with the help of an on-demand delivery network, such as Elite EXTRA. With an abundance of affordable, reliable fleets to choose from, your business will be able to offer top-notch, competitive delivery services. To learn more, visit our website or contact our team to get started.
Resources:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1227024/same-day-delivery-by-merchant-united-states/
https://www.emarketer.com/content/shoppers-increasingly-impatient-with-delivery
