Changes and improvements in parcel delivery options will
give a boost to e-commerce sites in 2015, according to a new report by Fastlane
International.
The internet retail delivery and international parcel market
is poised for some “significant developments” next year, including increased
delivery options, the growth of Sunday and same-day delivers, better
‘signature’ proof systems and even the developments in drones.
CSM Consultants Grant Stanley commented: “We are expecting
2015 to outperform even the technology-powered e-commerce revolution of 2014.
Retailers have paid lip-service to the idea that the customer is king, or
queen, for many years; but today they really are. No longer do companies decide
how much stock might be available in any store, or how many days it might take
to deliver.
“We were in a push-economy, with manufacturers and retailers
calling the shots. Now we are in a pull-economy: customers are in the driving
seat, and are deciding exactly when and where they want their products. The
good news is that research is showing delivery improvements could potentially
boost on-line sales by £16bn.”
Increasing real-time delivery options will be the most
significant factor for change in 2015, giving customers one-hour delivery
windows, better rescheduling options and real-time tracking services, so they
can follow their delivery driver en-route.
Grant commented: “This innovation was made possible through
the growing use of GPS satellite tracking systems. We predict by the end of
next year a number of more dynamic companies will be offering full real time
information and ‘in flight’ delivery change options in the UK and US.”
Sunday deliveries will also be more widespread, as well as
same day deliveries, which are expected to expand over the next 12 months.
Additionally, better signature proof systems, including using cameras to see
exactly who signed for an item, will reduce the number of lost and missing
parcels, and fewer allegations against couriers.
Amazon is expected to continue pushing the use of drone
technology in the United States, while the numbers of cut-price, untrained
delivery drivers are expected to fall.
Grant explained: “A number of parcel delivery firms have
spectacularly failed to cope with demand this year. Our industry is proud of
its achievements. However, some low-cost delivery companies continue to capture
headlines for all the wrong reasons.
"It won’t be long before consumers wise-up to those
companies who are failing to meet basic delivery standards, and, even more
significantly, stop doing business with those retailers who continue to use
them. Internet retailers should not be penny wise and pound foolish when it
comes to customer satisfaction."
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