Delivery Options for Ecommerce
There is no one-size-fits-all shipping strategy for ecommerce. The delivery options for your business will depend on your audience, margins, product and several other factors.
As a general rule, offering varied shipping options helps reduce shopping cart abandonment and increase conversions.
4 delivery options for e-commerce
Let’s start by talking about four delivery options to consider when planning your e-commerce shipping strategy.
1. Delivery within 2 days
Thanks to big companies like Amazon, 2-day delivery has become coveted in the world of online shopping.
This type of premium shipping may seem only accessible to e-commerce giants, but there are ways for SMEs to offer two- to four-day delivery times without breaking the bank.
2. Same day delivery
This shipping option guarantees that your order will be delivered the same day it was purchased.
The vast majority of consumers are willing to pay more for this shipping speed. However, for this to be possible, you need to have technology and available delivery people, as you can find in the Delivery365 app.
3. Express delivery
The exact shipping time for orders placed under the express delivery may vary depending on the carrier and recipient address.
Offering fast shipping can help your online store reduce shopping cart abandonment, meet customer expectations and increase customer loyalty.
4. International delivery
Among all shipping options, international shipping is often the most challenging and expensive for any business.
Different countries have different regulations, taxes and requirements for incoming shipments, so it is important to find experienced partners that can not only help you navigate international shipping but also provide affordable shipping rates.
Delivery options in e-commerce: how to set the shipping cost
Different ecommerce companies use different fee structures to charge for shipping.
Below are three popular delivery options in e-commerce.
Flat rate shipping
Flat rate shipping refers to the collection of the same shipping rate on all orders.
To set a value, the retailer must carry out a study of the best-selling products and their average weight and size (and don’t forget to limit the delivery distance).
Having done this, it is important to bear in mind that the shipping cost of some orders will not be completely covered, but in other cases there will be compensation.
Real-time shipping calculation
Some online stores offer a shipping calculator for real-time calculation.
Shipping rates are synchronized with logistics operator ZIPcode/cost spreadsheet, and determined based on the customer’s location and delivery preferences. This allows you to charge the exact shipping cost for your order.
Delivery365 account with its own online calculator, that it makes available to our customers.
Free shipping
Offering free shipping is a strategy that can result in a significant increase in sales.
You can offer free shipping without losing money in several different ways, such as:
- Include the shipping cost in the product price;
- Require a minimum purchase amount in exchange for free shipping;
- Charge a recurring fee in the form of a loyalty program in exchange for free shipping on all orders.
The type of product your e-commerce company sells and its profit margins are usually a good starting point when trying to find the most profitable shipping solutions.
In addition to the delivery options available, it is important to pay attention to another factor that impacts the cost of sending orders: the packaging.
Packaging for shipping in e-commerce
The packaging used to ship orders directly affects the shipping costs and the customer experience.
The package is the first personal interaction your customers have with your brand, so keep an eye out for these tips on how to ensure a great first impression.
Type of packaging
Corrugated cardboard, box, envelope… The packaging options for ecommerce can seem endless.
To help, we have listed some useful considerations to make when choosing your packaging:
- What is your product?
- How heavy is it?
- What are its dimensions?
- How fragile or durable is your product?
- What packaging does the manufacturer already include?
- Do you want to use regular or personalized packaging?
Take all these factors into consideration when selecting the type of package that best suits, protects and enhances your product.
Customized packaging
In the competitive landscape of e-commerce, high-quality custom packaging can help your brand stand out.
Package is more than just a container for your product – it is part of the post-purchase experience that you deliver to the customer.
Distinctive wrappers help make a great first impression, generate buzz and create brand loyalty.
Eco-friendly packaging
Environmental protection agencies estimate that packaging represents a third of all domestic waste.
As online sales continue to increase, unfortunately, the waste they produce also increases.
Your company can help reverse this effect by choosing sustainable packaging that is as good for the planet as they are for business.
As you can see, when it comes to delivery options, there are several factors and possibilities that your e-commerce business must consider.
How to have more delivery options for your ecommerce
Having a variety of delivery options is the best way to speed up delivery and ensure a more satisfied customer.
In the two decades, ecommerce has experienced and continues to experience exponential growth, while the need for delivery services has increased.
Currently, the demand for good delivery people is increasing, and taking care of this part of the operation often becomes a real headache for e-commerce owners.
At this time, nothing better than having an application like Delivery 365.
Delivery app, it allows you to set up your online store in just a few steps and start selling products and services immediately.
Specialized in e-commerce, the Delivery365 account with tracking technology, own online freight quote system, methods for receiving online payment and much more.
With a base of hundreds of registered couriers, it is a true revolution in delivery!
Visit our website, create your e-commerce and start selling online now.
