Premium shipping options such as same-day and next-day delivery are expected of retailers today. Here’s why.

Today’s “I want it now” culture calls for quick fulfillment and speedy delivery. Customers have come to expect that speedy delivery will be available to them at checkout, and if it’s not, they’ll be looking elsewhere. Because of this, many companies are chasing their tail trying to find the balance between speed, cost and practicality.

A surprising 75% of online shoppers are willing to pay a premium for expedited shipping. In order to meet expectations, retailers are being pushed to offer premium shipping, which includes delivery options such as same-day, next-day and hyper-local. There are a variety of circumstances in which customers are willing to pay for these options:

What’s even more surprising is that 64% of online shoppers expect orders placed by 5 p.m. to qualify for delivery the next day and 61% of online shoppers expect orders placed by 12 p.m. to qualify for delivery the same day. That’s quick, right? Phew.

However, as peak season creeps up on you, make sure that you’re prepared for the truckloads of customers who want their online orders shipped and delivered swiftly and just in time for the holidays.

Impress Customers During Peak Season
So a package needs to be delivered from New York to California by December 20th?

With software features such as Advanced Date Shopping, the order can be shipped the week before, allowing ground service to be used for the five-day shipment. Both the retailer and customer save on shipping costs while ensuring satisfaction during the busiest times of the year.