Category Archives: Courier Service

Amazon Expands Again, Launches Free Same-Day Delivery in Canada Cities

Same Day DeliveryWhen retailers thought they could take a breather, or even gain some ground with catching Amazon, the e-retail giant expands again.  Amazon has now launched Same-Day Delivery in Canada.

The Financial Post recently reported that Amazon Canada has announced that it will be offering free same-day delivery in Toronto and Vancouver.  The service will be available for only Prime members at no cost, which already pay $79 annually for free delivery without a minimum order required. These members will have at their disposal the fast shipping option for all orders above $25 in both cities.  Same-day delivery is more efficient within major cities that have the demographics and economies of scale that translate into volume.  This type of shipping thrives on this.

With Toronto being the biggest city in Canada, along with another top city of Vancouver, Amazon is certain to receive the response it’s looking for.
“We have been working quite hard to improve the speed of delivery and we got to a point where we are now able to offer that service,” said Alexandre Gagnon, vice-president, Amazon Canada.  He also said, “In general, people using e-commerce tend to want to receive those goods as fast as possible. In response to demand we are launching this program.”  The demand for fast delivery is justifying the expansion for Amazon.  As quickly as many shoppers can order online, is just as fast as they would like to receive what they order.  As a web-based e-retailer, same-day delivery is trending to be a value-added service that provides leverage on brick-and-mortar stores.

Jim Danahy, CEO of retail advisory firm Customer Lab, talked about Amazon and the value-adding of last-mile delivery. He stated, “With the membership, Prime is like a Costco for online, and where they really made ripples when they first did this was during the holiday season.  They have clearly demonstrated that same day and next-day delivery across the United States has made a difference. I can see this making a difference for people who are pressed for time. Many people decide which retailer they choose based on those kinds of features.  It’s an infinitesimally small piece of Canadian retail at this point, but it is where the industry is going.”

In an effort to compete with Amazon, other big name retailers have added subscription programs to their online report, namely Wal-Mart.  Wal-Mart has rolled out a new pilot program, ShippingPass, for annual membership.  Shoppers can join for only $49, in comparison to Amazon’s $99 Prime membership fee.   ShippingPass members have the option of free next-day delivery, as well as those that have already paid their fee will receive a free additional month.  Wal-Mart also is offering 30-day trial memberships to pilot program.  Wal-Mart.com will have a logo next to the products in which the ShippingPass service can be used.

For any retailer seeking to offer same-day delivery, a viable option is a Same-Day Courier like 1-800 Courier, which has the logistical expertise to create effective delivery solutions.  The Orlando Courier has a national footprint and establish same-day delivery throughout the US.  Retailers will have to do whatever it takes to contend with Amazon.

Reference: 9.27.16, Financial Post, Hollie Shaw, Amazon launches same-day delivery in Toronto, Vancouver

Retailers After Faster Shipping to Catch Amazon

same day deliveryIf you’re a retailer pursuing to catch up with Amazon, you won’t do it be doing the same thing regarding shipping options.  The e-retail giant has strategic order fulfillment centers placed throughout the US, coupled with an efficient logistics delivery system.  Two-day shipping is becoming the new standard for online retail and big companies are seeking to reach this fast delivery threshold.

Internet Retailer recently discussed what 30 top e-retailers are doing to get their online products shipped faster.  Its newly released “Click, Ship & Return: Fulfillment Report” study showed how they have all made delivery time improvements within the last three years.  The report tracked KPI’s including shipping speed, returns, and order processing times, and the average delivery time was four days.  This is a double the time frame that Amazon daily provides, yet it’s a step in the right direction, especially when traditional logistics may have been in place for so long.

The study mentioned who the retailers were and showed specifically their current shipping day numbers.  Nordstrom, Wal-Mart and Newegg Inc. lowered their delivery times by two days within two years.  J.C. Penney Co. landed most improved by cutting its’ delivery time to 5.1 days in April 2016, compared to 9.7 days in April of 2014.  Best Buy cut its delivery time by 3.5 days, equating to 3.3 in April 2016, versus 6.8 days two years ago.  The electronics giant stated that faster shipping times attributed to its 24% web sales growth in this year’s 2nd quarter.  When implemented effectively, a good delivery system will attract online shoppers, and if you supply the right service, you’ll keep them coming back.

The article mentioned some adjustments the study found that retailers have made to get their delivery times down.  E-commerce analytics company Slice Intelligence found one way they decreased shipping time frames were due to building more distribution centers to fulfill online orders.  These facilities then store merchandise near heavily populated areas to create the fast turnaround times.  The closer radius results in easier delivery routes and higher production as well.  This is contrary to traditional distribution and warehousing, which utilized less fulfillment centers instead.

This type of model is what has enabled Amazon to not only consistently provide two-day shipping, but the e-retail leader has taken the bar higher with Same-Day Delivery.  Prime members have the option of receiving two-day and free same-day services via Prime Now.  Amazon has now expanded its’ free same-day delivery to 27 major US city markets, including San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Diego, New York,  Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Washington DC, Atlanta, Orlando, Chicago, Richmond, and more.

Same-day delivery is becoming more in demand as online retailer evolves, as retailers seek the omnichannels that connect between the web and physical stores.  With sourcing online order fulfillment from brick-and-mortar locations, shipping faster can be made easy with a Same-Day Courier like 1-800 Courier delivering for you.  The Los Angeles Courier has a national footprint and can create an optimal same-day delivery program for the largest of retailers.

Reference:  9.9.16, www.internetretailer.com, Kat Fay, Top e-retailers deliver the goods faster

UK’s Tesco Goes Click and Collect, Same-Day Delivery Could Be Next

same day deliveryIf a major grocery store chain in London is diving into Same-Day Delivery to compete with Amazon, there must be tangible results to implementing the service.  Groceries are items that consumers need daily, and as a supermarket giant like Tesco takes steps toward fully offering same-day delivery, it will help keep its’ current customer loyalty from swinging to Amazon.

Tesco has recently announced its’ plans to roll-out a same day ‘click and collect’ service for groceries from 300 stores throughout the UK.  Shoppers that place their order by 1pm, will be able to pick up from a local store after 4pm the same day.  One benefit to this model is that shoppers that work will have the convenience of being to buy their grocery items by early afternoon and can quickly pick them up on their way home from work.  In today’s business market, convenience is in high demand and the company that can save time for shoppers, will be the ones they keep using.

The service cost for click and collect will be £2 for a two-hour collection slot from Monday to Thursday during the week.  Friday or Saturday service requests will go up to £3 per slot.  Customers can choose either a 4pm to 6pm, or 6pm to 8pm collection window slot for all six days the service is being offered.  These slots enable shoppers to have additional pick up options and Tesco has more probability to capture late online sales.

Tesco stated in the article, “We know time is valuable to our customers and they expect more convenience and choice than ever before in how, when and where they do their grocery shopping.  Our same day grocery click-and-collect service is available at nearly 300 stores across the UK and means our customers can get their shopping at a time and location that is convenient for them.”  A value-added service like online order and pick up meets shoppers where they are, as well as it offers customers the benefit of saving time.  Ultimately, this is what same-day delivery creates for consumers, which is why Amazon Fresh is consistently experiencing growth.

Amazon aggressively pursued same-day delivery and now the service is thriving, as fast last-mile delivery is becoming a greater staple for the leading e-retailer.  It now even offers free same-day delivery for Prime members in the US, including San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, Orlando, San Diego, and more.  Amazon has a total of 27 major city markets in the US that provide same-day delivery and it appears the service is right on the heels of Tesco and Sainsbury.

The two grocery store leaders are shifting with online trends, as many retailers and other businesses should do.  A Same-Day Courier like 1-800 Courier is a viable option to develop a same-day solution to quickly fill online shopping orders.  The Cleveland Courier has the courier expertise and has the latest courier technology that retailers need to delivery from multiple store locations.  To keep up with Amazon, it may take same-day delivery in order for Tesco to do it.

Reference:  8.24.16, www.dailymailcom, Sean Poulter, Tesco is to offer a same day ‘click and collect’ service for groceries as it moves to fight off threat from Amazon

Here Comes The Fragrance Shop With Same-Day Delivery Options

same day deliveryIf you thought only electronics, household goods and groceries are the only products that are being pushed for Same-Day Delivery, think again.  The Fragrance Shop in the UK is showing retailers that cologne and perfume are among hot items that shoppers want fast too.  With the retailer’s recent results with shipping options, The Fragrance Shop has jumped head first into the trending service.

The Fragrance Shop announced last week that it is going to launch a new one-hour delivery service, as well as a next-day delivery option, in three major areas in the UK.  At one juncture, the retailer only offered online customers a standard, next-day and a nominated day delivery, weekend options and a click & collect service.  As the service attracted shoppers via fast next-day and click & collect options, The Fragrance Shop has now decided to expand into one-hour services.

Mark Kelly, Fragrance Shop’s head of eCommerce, commented on his view on same-day delivery and its’ positive results.  He stated, “Fragrances are typically purchased as a last minute gift, so speed and flexibility of delivery is important. We want to maximize on this by making it easier for customers to make these guilt-free, eleventh-hour purchases. We chose to implement Shutl based on the company’s standing as a market leader in same day delivery and the fact we share the same ethos for superior customer service.”

The fragrance retailer isn’t the only company jumping into same-day delivery in the UK.  Supermarket grocery store chain giant Sainsbury announced the roll out of its’ own same-day grocery delivery, beginning with three testing stores.  Once the service as been effective and established, Salisbury has its’ sites on being in over 30 areas in the United Kingdom.  Many companies are gearing up now for the holiday season ahead.  Same-day delivery is positioning more and more companies to begin to thrive online, as more shoppers are looking for convenience.

Kelly also added in the article, “Shutl enables us to interact with our customers quickly, and in the manner of their choosing. This doesn’t just give customers greater control over when they receive their purchases, but by keeping the delivery time short, they are less likely to change or cancel their order or contact customer services for delivery updates.”  With same-day delivery, a retailer will only be as good as its Same-Day Courier like 1-800 Courier that it partners with for pick ups, deliveries and returns.

As a trusted shipping option, 1-800 Courier has the courier expertise and driver fleet to implement optimal same-day logistic solutions nationwide.  As Amazon continues to capture more and more market share, it will take a bold move for order fulfillment expand to the point of competing with it.  The New Jersey Courier has partnered with companies looking to adapt to today’s e-commerce and grow, especially as they see Amazon steadily getting more sales.  The Fragrance Shop isn’t reserving any investing, but rather is being aggressive about growing online and using fast delivery options.

Reference: 8.10.16, www.essentialretail.com, Caroline Baldwin, The Fragrance Shop rolls out one-hour delivery

Not Just Retail, Toyota and Lexus Go Same-Day with Parts

Same Day DeliveryAt first it appeared that the retail industry was the only one implementing Same-Day Delivery to capture more market share. Now, the automakers are seeing the benefits of fast delivery and diving in also.  The latest is Toyota and Lexus announcing a move to take same-day delivery and utilize it for dealership part fulfillment services.

Auto News recently reported how Toyota and Lexus will being to  offering same-day parts availability to their dealerships as a way to meet real time demand for repairs.  The faster a dealership receives their parts, the faster the service repairs can be completed.  Concerning that many times complaints come by customers in regards to dealership service departments, this will be an initiative worth pursuing by Toyota and any automaker seeking improvements.  Customers will know that their repair will be done in a timely manner, which will translate into good experience reviews.

in the article, parts managers added that the service will lower loaner car use and an increased efficiency of service bay usage.  Having to keep a loaner vehicle used longer then necessary equates to more wear-and-tear on them, which in some cases can be new, or fairly new vehicles.  Efficient use of bays means service technicians repairs are being maximized, creating a more fluid operation.  Parts are critical in making this happen, and same-day delivery may be the component automakers needs to shift with today’s business trends.

Customers want a higher level of convenience and speed with their services.  Automakers use to only deliver parts to their dealerships as fast as next-day delivery.  Yet, when the part doesn’t arrive or in cases of a part delivery error, that adds another two days to a car repair.  Same-day delivery will cut resolution times in half for dealerships.  The service will also create a part sharing system within their dealership network, which they can part swap and replenish needed inventory.  Also, dealerships will be enabled to set better appointment times and mechanic scheduling.

Parts manager Luciano Restrepo of Keyes Lexus in Los Angeles touted how the new same-day parts delivery is making a positive impact on his dealership’s success.  He stated about same-day part delivery, “That is the best thing Lexus ever did for us — the fact that we can get a transmission and a vehicle in and out in one day. I utilize the service every single day.”  As the part repairs are completed faster due to faster part deliveries, dealerships will create opportunity to take on more auto service requests.

What is separating one retailer from another, one dealership from another, or any other company in today’s markets is service time.  When you can provide the same product in less time.  Same-day delivery is transforming how we do business, especially as customers are able to do more online.  Automakers like Toyota can utilize 1-800 Courier as a Same-Day Courier to partner with to develop a same-day logistics solution.  The Tampa Courier has the courier expertise, a national footprint and the latest in courier technology to establish a thriving delivery base and grow.  From parts route delivery to dealership-to-dealership shipping, 1-800 Courier can help Toyota and Lexus use same-day parts delivery in major US cities nationwide.

Reference: 8.15.16, www.autonews.com, Jim Henry, Same-day service aims to give Toyota, Lexus stores competitive edge

Amazon Has 28% Sales Growth in North America, Prime and Fast Delivery Works

same day deliveryAmazon is not just leading the pack, they are leading others by a large margin and its’ recent second quarter numbers shows that Amazon is on a track by itself.

Internet Retailer recently reported that Amazon’s net sales in North America went up 28.1% in the second quarter over the same period last year, as well as internationally by 30.1%.  Amazon also had a 58.2% increase in revenue from its Amazon Web Services cloud computing unit, resulted in overall revenue growth to 31%.  This speaks volumes to how Amazon’s loyal customer base is utilizing Prime more frequently.  More technology, reliability and convenience to order is allowing Amazon to be as trusted as a physical store.  This is more than likely a prelude on how the remaining year is going to be for Amazon.

The article mentioned how the second quarter numbers were a record net income for Amazon, equating to $857 million, which is almost ten times the net income of only $92 million in the second quarter last year.  This quarter makes the fifth consecutive profitable quarter that Amazon has had, which several retailers can’t attest to this type of profitability.  In the past, Amazon often reported quarterly losses as it invested heavily in new fulfillment centers, developing new devices, licensing movies and TV shows for its Prime Video service.  Now, the upfront investments are literally paying off for nation’s leading e-retailer.

Brian T. Olsavsky, Amazon’s senior vice president and chief financial officer discussed future implementations, as Amazon shows no signs of slowing down.  “We’re opening 18 fulfillment centers this quarter,” Olsavsky said, according to a transcript via SeekingAlpha. “To put that in perspective, we launched six in Q3 of last year.  This will bring us up to 21 net FCs for the year by the end of Q3 and that compares with 10 fulfillment centers for the first three quarters of last year on a net basis.”

In regards to Amazon’s continued rapid expansion, Olsavsky went on to say, “So, why are we expanding so much?  If you remember back to Q4 and the capacity constraints we had in Q4, primarily due to really strong FBA growth, we talked a lot in the Q4 call about the operational cost of that in Q4. Customers well taken care of, but we had additional fulfillment costs from being so tight on capacity.”  The more Amazon expands, the more it will be able to grow and sustain Same-Day Delivery to current and future markets.

Here are some more of the record stats from Amazon this second quarter:

  • North American net sales of $17.674 billion, up 28.1% from $13.796 billion in the same period a year ago.
  • International net sales of $9.844 billion, an increase of 30.1% from $7.565 billion last year.
  • North America sales of books, music and other media of $2.928 billion, an increase of 11.8% over $2.620 billion in Q2 2015. North America sales of electronics and general merchandise increased 31.6% to $14.459 billion from $10.987 billion.
  • Net income of $857 million, a sharp increase from $92 million a year earlier.

There is no doubt that retailers are going to have to do more than just have an existing, traditionally-operated online site.  Some of the strategy Amazon has implemented are some of the same ones other retailers, brick-and-mortar and e-based, are doing also including same-day delivery.  Google, Wal-Mart, Macy’s, Ace Hardware, Whole Foods, and more have all partnered with a Same-Day Courier like 1-800 Courier to create the omnichannels from online retail to the actual store via last-mile deliveries.  The Seattle Courier has a national footprint for same-day delivery, enabling it to have the versatility big companies need for quick service implementation.

Reference: 7.28.16, www.internetretailer.com, Don Davis, Amazon reports 28% North American sales growth in Q2

UPS Gains Higher Revenue, Can Increase More with Same-Day Delivery

Courier ServiceAs UPS seeks to remain a leader in delivering packages, there are a number of other big name carriers that are competing for market share position.  FedEx and the US Postal Service are both being aggressive for more revenue.  Recent numbers show that UPS sales did go up, but not a lot.

UPS’s second-quarter revenue slightly increased within its’ domestic and international package divisions.  The Washington Post reported details regarding about sales and other factors impacting where the industry is currently at right now.  Other companies are beginning to weigh in on the delivery industry, which is compelling UPS to think outside the box in order to keep growing.  UPS’s revenue went up to $14.63 billion, up from $14.1 billion. Analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research had an expectation of $14.6 billion in revenue.  Therefore, UPS did produce a little higher than forecasted.

The article also mentioned that the US domestic package unit increased 4%,along with average daily package volume up 2.5%.  Second quarter revenue figures rose 1.1% in the international package division and 3.9% for daily export packages.  For the three months ended June 30, UPS earned $1.27 billion.  This was higher than $1.23 billion the same period year over.  It may not be a huge increase, but it does sow that something’s being done right.

Online retail is impacting the package delivery industry as well.  Shoppers have become more comfortable with making online purchases, which in turn, increases revenue for carriers like UPS, FedEx and the USPS.  It also creates a higher demand for Same-Day Delivery, which e-retail giant Amazon has strategically implemented the service throughout the US.  The free service is available in San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Dallas, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston, Richmond, Orlando, Atlanta, and several other major city markets.  With 27 major cities already with same-day delivery, Amazon probably has its’ sights on more cities to come.

This provides insight on why Amazon has leased 40 cargo planes from Boeing and Atlas Air for the purpose of creating an air cargo network.  Amazon stated it doesn’t plan to build its’ own delivery service and is only looking to work closer with package-delivery services like the USPS, FedEx and UPS.  A move like this will have a wide affect on all three carriers, being Amazon uses them as delivery companies, which as a business partner, provides UPS a lot of business.

UPS is looking to shift along with today’s markets, even studying same-day delivery.  Earlier this year, UPS conducted a study on fast deliveries and led a $28 million funding round for start-up fast delivery company Deliv.  The article didn’t mention the investment size, yet it did state that UPS was taking a minority stake in Deliv and sits in on board meetings.  After doing the same types of deliveries for years, UPS sees it may be time to enter into some new markets to meet customers where they are.

Many companies are doing the same, even partnering with a Same-Day Courier like 1-800 Courier to launch same-day logistic solutions in major cities.  The Los Angeles Courier has a national footprint and the expertise to help any business become engaged in same-day delivery.  If UPS and Amazon are clearly improving its’ business product to increase revenue, other companies can take note and do the same.

Reference:  7.29.16, www.washingtonpost.com, Associated Press, UPS 2Q revenue improves on strength in US, abroad

Online Retail Searches Grows, Consumers Want Fast Delivery Also

Online ShoppingOnline retail forecasted to reach $500 billion by 2018 and one of the biggest drivers will be the frequency of online searches that shoppers make.  A recent study provides insight to what shoppers are looking for, and the retailers that can meet the demand, will be the one the captures the sales.

Internet Retailer released an article showing that 56% of online retail searches are made via smartphone or tablet, according to a study from web measurement firm Hitwise.  The firm utilized hundreds of thousands online search queries across 3.5 million smartphones and tablets between April 10th – May 7th this year by consumers based in the US, UK and Australia.  Hitwise does consider smartphones and tablets to be mobile devices.

Hitwise looked at the specific keywords that retail consumers used for their search.  The study found that 82% of them used the words “24 hours” for their searches from mobile devices.  Other top searches included keywords like “where to buy…”, which was 84%, “near me” at 79% and “hours” was used at 79% mobile.

Beyond the deals and discounts, some keywords show that shoppers also have an interest in getting their online items fast. This is why Amazon, Google, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and others all provide a Same-Day Delivery to meet the convenience and speed demand of consumers.  A Same-Day Courier like 1-800 Courier is a viable option to help retailers develop a same-day delivery solution so their sales online can thrive. Hitwise senior research and marketing analyst John Fetto discussed how shoppers use online retail searches at checkout.  He stated “Especially for traditional brick-and-mortar establishments, the smartphone has become an indispensable shopping tool providing consumers—sometimes within feet of a register—with information or offers that could seal or jeopardize a transaction”.  It is crucial for retailers to be able to have deals online, especially so sales aren’t lost at the register.

With shoppers creating so much activity online, it is essentially creating online sites to become more like stores at their fingertips.  Whatever a customer is looking for, technology has cause mobile devices to be where they can shop from anywhere and anytime.  This means retailers with the omnichannels to make seamless operations between e-retail and physical store locations, can always be available for customers to shop with them.

1-800 Courier has a national footprint and can quickly implement last-mile deliveries for any company, enabling them to adapt to today’s e-commerce.  The Seattle Courier offers nationwide same-day delivery, order fulfillment, multi-stop route service solutions, return deliveries, and more.  As online retail grows, more companies will need same-day services to bridge their physical stores with the web.

Reference: 7.26.16, www.internetretailer.com, April Berthene, 56% of online retail searches take place on mobile devices

Sainsbury Rolls Out Same-Day Grocery Delivery

Same Day DeliveryBeing able to deliver your products to your customers fast hasn’t always been crucial to keeping them.  As long as you can get their order to them within a few days, they were fine and they remained loyal as well.  Yet in today’s online market, and with the pressure Amazon is putting on retailers to engage in offering various shipping options, getting shoppers their online items within the same day has become vital to being relevant in e-commerce.

Grocery store chain leader Sainsbury is not taking it lightly, as Amazon begins to expand Same-Day Delivery within the UK.  Now, Sainsbury has decided to make a move of its’ own and has announced its’ launching of same-day grocery delivery within 30 areas throughout the country.  Its’ goal is to have the service implemented in those areas by Christmas this year.  The holiday season is not only ideal to generate more revenue, but it is also a time a retailer can attract shoppers just enough to sway their loyalty from a company like Amazon.  In Sainsbury’s case, it’s AmazonFresh.

The Daily Mail article discussed how the new service will work.  For all online grocery orders that Sainsbury receives by noon, it’s shoppers will receive by 6pm the same day.  The article didn’t mention who will be performing the actual deliveries for Sainsbury, or whether the grocery retailer will be doing them itself.  Several companies that implement same-day delivery partner with a Same-Day Courier like 1-800 Courier due to have the logistical and routing expertise in order to optimize on transportation costs.  The New York Courier has helped hundreds of companies create same-day solutions nationwide.

Currently, Sainsbury offers next-day delivery on all orders placed before 11pm, as long as a delivery slot is available.  This is a commendable delivery option, however, rivals Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Ocado offer similar services, not to mention e-retail giant Amazon.  Moving beyond its’ competition is what Sainsbury is after, and with Amazon’s pace, it doesn’t have a choice.  Sainsbury will also offer a pick-up option, which will be ready to pick up from 4pm at stores.  This gives shoppers the flexibility of not having to remain at the store so long with fast pick up in case they need to save time.

As same-day grocery delivery will be with any type of shipping, the fees for shoppers will play a part in its’ success.  Sainsbury will be charging up to £7 for same-day grocery delivery, yet will offer a membership program that customers can take advantage of to pay less. With Sainsbury’s Delivery Pass, customers will pay no delivery fee for all orders over £40.  The pass costs between £30 and £60 a year, which equates to being between $39 and $79 US dollars.  Amazon’s Prime membership program is $99, as well as newcomer Wal-Mart with its’ ShippingPass program provides free two-day shipping for $49 a year.

The shift that Sainsbury is making in the UK, is a shift that an array of big name retailers and companies are doing in the US.  Technology has propelled online business more and more to the front of the line, right next to physical store shopping.  Now, it is only a matter of who can get your online product to your front door first and consistently do it to keep the shopper coming back.

Reference: 7.21.16, www.dailymail.co.uk, Sean Poultner, Sainsbury’s takes on Amazon with same-day delivery pledge

Amazon Prime Day Sales Successful, Still Offering Same-Day Delivery

Same Day DeliveryAmazon is on top when it comes to having shoppers turn to the e-retailer as their first online order choice.  Let alone it has it’s loyal Prime member base that utilize Amazon.com as it would a physical brick-and-mortar store.  This is exactly how Amazon likes it to be.  It’s recent Prime Day launch showed that Amazon currently has the key to online retail that others have yet to unlock.

Internet Retailer recently reported that Amazon had about 46 million American to make a purchase from its’ site, achieving a 46% conversion rate based on it customer survey.  Well-known Forrester Research has estimated that there are 244 million online shoppers in the US, which makes for a generation of revenue retailers have begun to aggressively pursue.  Based on the numbers by Forrester Research, Internet Retailer estimates Amazon had a $50 per average order value, which equated to about $2.32 billion in transactions.

The leading e-retailer is doing a masterful job at not only giving customers what they want, but also when they want it–even if it’s fast.   Amazon’s free Same-Day Delivery could have had something to do with it.  It expanded earlier this year, now provided in 27 major US cities, which include San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, Washington DC, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, and many more.  It appears it will soon be nationwide.  For Prime Day, more than likely shoppers utilized the service as well, resulting in Amazon not only gain sales, but also exposure for same-day delivery.

Internet Retailer performed a survey of 191 online shoppers the following day after Prime Day.  In spite of retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl’s getting in on creating an online sales campaign of their own, Amazon’s topped them all.  The survey also involved those shoppers that purchased something online in the past year, via online survey company SurveyMonkey.  The results were roughly 19.4% of the respondents said they purchased from Amazon on Prime Day, as well as the e-retailer has a 46% conversion rate.  The industry rate was 3%.

Traditionally, the holiday season has been the time that e-retailers and physical stores advertising big sales.  With Amazon’s clout, it makes sense for Amazon to not wait for the holidays to perform online marketing promotions.  Retailers may have to think outside the box too, in order to capitalize in today’s e-commerce.  One way is the partner with a Same-Day Courier like 1-800 Courier and meet the demand for shopper convenience.  The San Diego Courier can help any retailer draw sales with a same-day delivery operation of their own.  Then, their customers have an option of going to their store and shop, or allow the store to come to their front door.

Reference: 7.13.16, www.internetretailer, Stefany Zaroban, 46 million Americans bought something on Amazon during Prime Day