There are a number of tests that have gone into getting same-day delivery on the map as a true dynamic service option for retailers, even to the point of being a marketing magnet for shoppers. These days, customers want their online items faster than they can order them, as businesses in the US and globally are looking for answers to consistently meet this level of demand. The companies that can keep up, will thrive; those that can’t, will end up falling far behind within the transformation of e-commerce as we know it.
The New York Post released an article about how companies are aiming to make shopping easier for customers. With today’s online business, retailers are having to bridge the gap between getting their website in front of people on their ipad or tablet, and what they order into their hands in a convenient, simple way. One of the best times to roll out same-day delivery has been before the holidays. Macy’s did so in 2013 and aggressively launched the service in 8 major US cities, while sister company Bloomingdale’s started in 4 cities also. Now, Macy’s has same-day delivery in more markets then even Amazon, and some experts have stated that the department store leader is probably the biggest competitor against the global robust leader.
“People are getting more and more accustomed to getting what they want, when they want it,” stated Deliv Founder Daphne Carmeli, which handles same-day delivery for department store leader. This has led to e-retailers like Amazon and Google to take their online presence to the next level to compete with physical stores. For example, Amazon first began with two-day shipping for Prime members, then to Prime Now in which it can deliver online items within hours. Yet, Amazon is going for it all with launching free same-day delivery last year in several major US cities, forcing even companies like BestBuy, Ace Hardware, Uber, Toys-R-Us, and more to keep up.
Recently, there have been big name companies that are rolling out the last-mile service, coupled with an online store pick-up option. Brick-and-mortar stores know they have to reach every market segment, including the shopper that says I’ll come to the store to pick it up, but not the shop for it. Their tech gadget is the store now. Carmeli made known in the article that one third of purchases were made online and picked up in-store. Online retail is forecasted to grow to $500 billion by 2018, which gives us a clear view on a certain level of expansion for store pick-ups. Cameli’s additional point made was that stores should be able to deliver the same percentage of items that are picked up at the store.
It takes time to build a solid same-day program, along with accurate delivery models. A Same-Day Courier like 1-800 Courier is increasing its’ reach in the US, partnering with various retailers and businesses to implement same-day delivery. The Houston Courier has a nationwide footprint and the driver expertise to deliver online items efficiently, even within a few hours. With same-day delivery, 1-800 Courier is indeed helping businesses keep up with the innovation occurring within the e-commerce world, and door-to-door delivery will continue to be a growing demand.
Reference: 12.27.15, www.nypost.com, Catherine Curan, Companies aim to make shopping even easier
