Businesses tend to take a simplistic approach when looking for an ecommerce delivery strategy. Though simplicity should always be the goal, it does have its limitations. Thankfully, there are strategies businesses can adopt to ensure they can effectively manage their entire ecommerce delivery processes, and we will unpack those strategies in this article.
eCommerce delivery involves different processes such as receiving and processing orders, picking out and packing the purchased items from the warehouse, printing the delivery labels and ensuring an effective returns process. Though these processes might sound straightforward, this is not always the case.
ECommerce delivery consists of four steps which include the following:
- Process orders
The procedures needed to complete a customer’s order are called order processing. Each purchase has a different order number and tracking ID for the delivered item. After then, many teams are in charge of handling various aspects of processing the order. The manufacturing and logistics team then updates the purchase order, closes it, and delegates duties to the packing and delivery teams. - Package order
Before final delivery, the products must be adequately packaged. Packaging has two purposes: first, it safeguards the product from damage, and second, it helps build brand value. However, only the item category is considered when packing an item. - Logistics and delivery
The third and most crucial step in the delivery process is this one. E-commerce businesses - need a reliable logistics
process to ensure seamless and on-time delivery to customers. In this situation, engaging with or hiring a trustworthy third-party logistics or courier company might be advantageous. The deliveries will be made on your behalf by them. There will, of course, be certain exceptions in this regard. - Returns
Delivery also includes processing returns, which is the last but not least step. For several reasons, when a customer returns an item, the logistics provider sends it back to the retailer, where the returns process starts. The terms and conditions of the return are followed when processing the refund.
Additionally, if customers place an order directly through an eCommerce payment gateway, the clients will receive their reimbursements in the form of a bank deposit.
For a business to become successful, it needs to start using a strategic ecommerce process, ensuring that it effectively differentiates itself from the competition while increasing its profit margins. Coming up with an effective strategy can be challenging, but it does not have to be. Below we will look at some ecommerce delivery goals that businesses should always set to achieve success.
Be transparent about delivery costs
The cost of shipping significantly influences people’s purchase choices. High cart abandonment rates are typically the result of expensive shipping and lengthy delivery periods, and some businesses conceal delivery expenses to increase sales.
You must be open and honest with your audience regarding what people can anticipate from your business. This entails disclosing freight costs and emphasising delivery dates.
Keeping your price and procedure open and honest promotes trust. You could, for instance, explain that you offer slow shipment because it helps the consumer. Customers that really must have speedier delivery can pay more for it. Customers will be understanding as long as you offer decent service. People dislike being made to feel tricked.
1. Choose and optimise packaging
Packaging is a crucial consideration when considering best practices for eCommerce shipping. Various packaging options are available to safeguard things during shipping and storage. Your choice of the packaging must fit both your needs and your budget. The packaging must be tailored to fit your product perfectly.
The simple explanation is that carriers charge you based on the size and weight of your cargo. The dimensional weight calculation they employ to determine costs is shown below. Reduce package and delivery expenses by adjusting the packaging’s dimensions to the items you are transporting. Of course, you want the item to be undamaged when it is delivered to the destination. That entails putting enough void filler around the product as padding.
2. Use nice packaging
Your marketing efforts will be aided by effective packaging design. The design of your box and how it’s displayed can have a tremendous impact on a customer’s initial perception of the goods. It extends the brand identity of your business while also attracting customers and providing a memorable customer experience. It serves as a marketing conduit in that regard.
Take into account making personal touches as well. As an illustration, providing a handwritten note with a purchase is a great approach to express gratitude for your confidence in us regarding your hard-earned cash.
3. Great return policy
Product returns are annoying. You frequently have to deal with customer service, justify your desire to return the item, and mail the item back. Unsurprisingly, a lot of people detest the procedure. An excellent strategy to lessen that friction is to have a reasonable return policy. Additionally, it aids in establishing your clients’ confidence.
Your return policy should have straightforward guidelines, limitations, and allowances. Customers may want to know when they can return products, for instance. Make sure your consumers have a return procedure in place.
Customer testimonials are often glowing when a company leaves a great impression. Giving precise directions is excellent. When you offer free return shipping, it will assist in simplifying the return procedure. Your clients will also value your efforts if you take such modest steps resulting in customer loyalty.
Conclusion
Delivery is a critical aspect of any eCommerce business. The delivery process is where your customers can cross the divide between digital and physical, so it’s essential to get it right.