Advantages of offering flexible shipping and delivery in an e-commerce business
Offering international shipping in your e-commerce store is already an advantage over your competitors when it comes to reaching more customers and destinations. However, instead of offering standard international shipping, do you offer flexible shipping options?
When we talk about flexible shipping options, we mean offering the buyer the opportunity to select the type of shipping that best suits their needs. Customers' expectations are getting higher and higher and they expect to have options to choose from.
From different delivery times to custom rates, offering flexible international shipping options comes with numerous benefits, not only when it comes to improving your customers' shopping experience, but also for your online store's sales.
Flexible international shipping options
Offering flexibility in international shipping options in e-commerce is a way to respond and meet the different needs that customers may have to make the delivery of their packages more convenient and efficient. Some of the most common options valued by buyers are based on shipping security, cost, and convenience of delivery.
Express shipping
In our fast-paced world, express shipping has become a very popular option among those who want to receive their order as soon as possible, especially if it is a last-minute order. This is a slightly higher cost, but receiving orders in a short time adds value to your brand and customers will be willing to pay for it. This type of shipment experiences a boom during times such as Black Friday or Christmas, and is the ideal option for electronics or basic necessities.
Free shipping
Offering free shipping is one of the most attractive options as it reduces the risk and overall investment required to make the purchase. A study by Statista shows how purchase intent in e-commerce increases by more than 50% by offering free shipping options. In the international context, offering free shipping can seem like a challenge due to cross-border logistics costs. However, some logistics providers offer solutions such as optimising routes, combining shipments, or offering flat rates to reduce these costs. Some strategies that can be applied to get sales to offset shipping costs are: requiring a minimum order or offering a limited-time promotion. In this article, we'll tell you how to balance free shipping with fast shipping.
Custom shipping options
Custom shipping options allow customers to choose the alternative that best fits their needs and budget. This flexibility can include selecting specific dates and times, being able to bundle multiple orders into a single shipment, or even choosing preferred carriers. This is very useful for orders including items such as birthday gifts, and perishable goods, or for those who have not had a good experience with certain carriers.
Package delivery options
In addition to the shipping method, the way a package is delivered can also make a big difference in the customer experience. E-commerce parcel delivery options offer varying levels of convenience and flexibility, allowing each person to choose how and where to receive their order. From home delivery to pick-up at specific points, these alternatives adapt to different lifestyles and needs.
Home delivery
Home delivery is one of the most convenient options, as it doesn't require any additional input or effort for the end consumer, as it is received directly at their doorstep. This option is ideal for those with tight schedules, who don't have time to - pick up their packages from designated pick-up points or stores. Plus, it's perfect for large and or heavier orders.
Delivery at a point of convenience
One of the concerns of shoppers as they wait to receive their package is knowing if they will be home when the delivery person knocks on the door. The uncertainty of not knowing what will happen to the package if there is no one to receive it or the inconvenience of the delivery period being extended can be off-putting.
For this reason, more and more online businesses offer the option of delivering the package to a convenience point so that the buyer can pick it up at a time that suits them from a secure location. This option also means a lower shipping cost by optimising delivery routes.
Delivery with signature
For high-value purchases, where the customer wants to make sure they receive their package in person and be in control at all times, offering signature shipping may be the best solution.
This type of shipment generates confidence when sending packages with sensitive information or goods of great economic value. An option that provides peace of mind and security in the face of the uncertainty of not knowing where the order is, if the delivery person will leave the package in the garden, deliver it to a neighbor, or deposit it at a collection point.
Advantages of offering multiple shipping options
Offering flexible shipping options not only improves the customer experience but can also be a strategy to increase your e-commerce sales.
The main advantages of offering several shipping options are:
Improves customer satisfaction: By tailoring shipments to their preferences, budget, and urgency, customers have more flexibility and control.
Increase customer loyalty: By providing a good experience, they may make their purchases from your online store again.
Reduce abandoned carts: Offering multiple shipping options can be the key to convincing hesitant customers to complete their purchase(s).
Differentiation from the competition: having more options than the competition can differentiate your business and improve its positioning.
Time and cost optimisation: it allows you to better manage resources by offering different alternatives that fit the logistics capabilities of each e-commerce platform.
How to implement flexible shipping options in your e-commerce store
To implement these flexible shipping options in your e-commerce store, the idea is to partner with a logistics provider that is responsible for managing and co-ordinating all aspects related to international shipping to make your job easier.
The steps to follow to offer multiple shipping options are:
- Know your customer: do they prefer fast,cost-effectiveshipping, or the ability to choose the day and time of delivery? Understand what their preferences are to offer them the right options.
- Choose a logistics provider: Consider hiring a logistics provider to handle the entire process, from packaging and inventory management to shipping and returns. To have all these fronts covered, Spring GDS is presented as a complete solution, as it offers flexible shipping and deliveries adapted to the needs of your customers.
- Optimise costs: adjust sales and shipping prices to maintain a balance between the cost of express shipping and free shipping.
- Incorporate real-time tracking: this not only increases the transparency of the delivery process but also improves the customer experience, who will be able to know exactly when they will receive their packages.
- Customer service and support: it offers a customer service system that can solve any doubts or incidents related to shipments so that everyone reaches their destination without problems and within the established time.
Offering multiple international shipping options in your e-commerce business can help you generate more conversions, attract and retain more customers, and even optimise your costs. From fast or free shipping to personalised delivery, each type of shipping responds to a need and provides something of value for your business to continue growing.