A recent study reveals that Australian consumer expectations and preferences for eCommerce shipping options are changing.
For the past decade, shipping was a typical cost associated with online purchases. But now, it’s becoming a key differentiator in what eCommerce sites offer consumers. For example, buying from an online retailer and having your purchase shipped for free is now considered standard practice by many Australians. This means retailers must rethink how they approach shipping and look at alternative strategies like collection points or same-day delivery to keep up with customer expectations.
Here are the top five expectations shoppers have for their eCommerce shipping options:
1) Free Shipping
Free shipping is now the number one expectation from Australian shoppers when purchasing online. This trend towards free shipping has been highly pronounced in rural areas, where availability and access to goods have traditionally been poorer than in cities.
2) Mobile will be a massive driver of sales for e-commerce in 2023
It is no longer a question of whether people will shop on their mobile devices: it has become a matter of when. Shoppers expect to use the same retailer across all platforms, not just desktop computers and laptops but also tablets, smartphones, and smart TV’s in the years to come. The ability to deliver that experience is key to providing customer satisfaction.
3) Consumers are expecting shorter lead times – with Same Day delivery, and even same-hour delivery, becoming just a standard
As eCommerce continues to grow and Australians continue to shop online more often, we will all expect our packages to be waiting for us when we get home from work.
4) Customers prefer Free Shipping on orders totalling over a certain amount.
The majority of Australians are still price-driven. But they are also aware of value-added bonus offers like free shipping. If you want Australians to choose your eCommerce site, make sure your prices are competitive, but consider offering extra incentives for bigger spenders.
5) People shop in a way that suits them best. They expect multiple options when it comes to delivery – from in-store pick-up to secure lockers at the post office.
Australians are no longer interested in getting the cheapest deal. They want various options that suit their needs, and the modes and methods of delivery they will use can vary widely.
In conclusion, your online shipping options should be seen as a marketing tool to increase loyalty and conversion rates rather than a cost.