There’s a movement underway in the same-day delivery space and it brings great news for online shoppers. The number of retailers offering same-day deliveries in the US has tripled from 16 per cent in 2016 to 51 per cent in 2017. And it’s set to continue.
So, why the sudden shift? The global online retailer, Amazon, is definitely leading the charge when it comes to super-fast same-day deliveries. Right now, their rapidly unfolding global expansion is causing a stir and other retailers are quickly stepping up their game.
Responding to consumer expectations
But, is it entirely fair to credit Amazon as a “trend setter” in the same-day delivery space? Perhaps Amazon isn’t single-handedly reinventing how consumers shop online, but rather, they’re responding to consumer expectations, evolving technology, and changing market conditions. They’re just too big not to notice!
The movement towards same-day deliveries as the new standard is being driven by consumers’ desire for a more personalised, convenient and seamless online shopping experience. Studies have consistently shown that increasing numbers of shoppers will choose one retailer over another because they offer more delivery options including cost-effective same-day delivery.
The traditional retail model is changing
The traditional retail model is changing too. Through cheap same-day deliveries, online retailers have found a way to level the playing field with bricks-and-mortar retailers by getting items delivered to customers on demand. In turn, this has opened many new opportunities for the online retail sector – previously reserved for high-street stores. Now, there’s virtually nothing you can’t shop for online, including alcohol, groceries, and even meals!
Don’t forget the enablers; the delivery industry!
And let’s not forget the enablers of this ongoing movement towards same-day deliveries. Along with the increasing number of retailers stepping up to get products to their customers as quickly as possible, the delivery industry is rapidly evolving to cope with the change. In the US, the number of retailers offering deliveries through the likes of Uber or Lyft has increased from 20 per cent in 2016 to 32 per cent in 2017.
So, even in Australia, as traditional delivery services continue to lag behind consumer expectations when it comes to speed and cost, we should expect to see more new generation delivery models like Go People enter the market to meet the demand.