Shipping is an essential aspect of any startup. The earlier you deliver the product, the better. Reduced waiting times improve customer retention and experience. Thus, a business owner must optimise its shipping strategy to revise the customer retention rates. Moreover, it attracts new customers too.
Most customers prefer same-day delivery. It saves time and funds their excitement. However, “only 33% of businesses offer same day deliveries.” The reason is- low cash surplus, limited working capital, or connections. Startups often struggle through this.
However, you can double up orders by taking small steps. You don’t need to invest heavily. For example, you may win over the customers’ hearts by providing package tracking options, constant updates, and exact delivery time. It becomes convenient for the customer. He can design the rest of his day accordingly. The blog discusses other shipping strategies that may help you revise business orders.
How to get more orders with the best shipping policy?
A positive shipping and delivery experience increases customer loyalty. They may refer your brand to others. It walks by word of mouth. Eventually, this aspect increases customers. Positive shipping experience involves knowing your customer’s pain and personalising the experience.
For example- most consumers hate waiting for customer enquiries. You can cut this issue by responding within an hour or two. Moreover, personalise the shipping by providing flexible options. For example- offer a landmark, if the customer is unable to type the complete address.
Here are other shipping strategies to attract more customers:
1) Offer same-day delivery
Yes, you may feel it a bit challenging to implement this. However, according to chargedretail.com, “33% of customers believe same-day deliveries are important in 2020. Now., the figure has gone up to 56%. Most businesses like- AmazonPrime delivers the products on the same day. It is the one benefit that the company provides to the “Prime” members. It is due to the rise of online sales during COVID. Now, customers expect companies to deliver the product within a day of placing an order.
How canstartups deliver the product on the same day?
You would need to expand your business network to benefit from this. Here are some techniques to deliver the product on the same day:
- Find the best logistic company that can help deliver the same day
- Allow customers the option to choose same-day delivery
- Check a broker facility that can help you with the same-day courier facility.
Providing same-day deliveries may raise your customer orders by 70%. However, it may mean investing a large portion of your cash reserve. Identify the available external financial facilities. You may get one even if you hold pending payments.
Check startup business loans for bad credit and compare quotes. Identify the unsecured one for which you are eligible. You can pre-qualify to know your approval chances. You may get up to £25000 for your needs. However, you can check secured options as well. It may help you fund the logistics company for same-day delivery.
2) Offer multiple shipping options
Customers like varieties in everything related to shopping. It could be the colours, sizes and shipping timings. The more shipping options there are, the better. You can offer – expedited shipping, next-day shipping or overnight delivery. Check what your leading competitor offers. Accordingly, include such shipping options on your website. More options grant customers the flexibility to choose.
They may pick the best time according to the availability. For example- you can consider Royal Mail for your shipping needs. It is the best shipping company in the UK. It is popular among the startups and established firms in the country. You can also explore other options that fit your business and customer requirements.
3) Deliver on the near-exact time
Most businesses prefer to deliver the product on a specific day. However, the delivery is delayed for some reason. Regardless of that, it’s your responsibility to update the customer. Ignorance may affect customer reviews and retention. Alternatively, identify the obstacles to timely delivery. For example- if it is due to the traffic., analyse the best routes with the least traffic. Check the best ways to identify the shortest route to the customer’s destination. Analysing such aspects may help deliver the product in a timely.
How to ship the product timely?
You can take a few initiatives to ensure timely product delivery in the UK. Here are some steps that can help you with that:
- Re-check your supplier chain and logistics
- Try to reduce loading time by categorising deliveries by distance
- Invest more in logistics to meet the target
You can also leave the delivery date to the customers. They can choose the date when they want to receive it. For this, you must invest in a delivery date scheduler. Integrate this aspect to your website. However, track each schedule and deliver accordingly. Prefer an automatic tool to track this to avoid mistakes.
You need enough cash to integrate and optimise this process. Identify your existing liabilities and check the buffer. Is it sufficient for the need? If not, check other ways to fund it. You don’t want to lose customers due to silly delivery errors.
Check unsecured startup business loans for bad credit scores. You may need one as tackling multiple liabilities burdens up the credit. It leaves you with limited flexibility. Thus, a bad credit loan may help you there. You may qualify despite multiple liabilities or payments in your credit report. Qualifying for an unsecured loan is easier than a secured loan here. It requires less documentation and is a same-day process. Thus, update your infrastructure with the best scheduler. Invest in the right automated software that eases delivery.
4) Deliver the exact product
It is one of the biggest mistakes that a company commits. Delivering the wrong product affects the customer experience. It also slows down the excitement attached. He may not buy it again. Thus, re-check the customer order before shipping it for delivery.
Confirm the size, colour, brand and other things according to the category. Deliver the exact product the customer asked for. Moreover, invest in inventory tracking. It helps identify the product availability. Your accuracy rate should be at least 95%. If it is below that, work on it.
Bottom line
These are some expert strategies to optimise the shipping process. Aspects like offering the flexibility to choose the delivery time to customers help. It reveals the brand’s trust, and customers can adjust it according to the availability. Additionally, try to reduce the waiting time during delivery. Ensure sufficient logistics for the same-day delivery services. The better the delivery process, the more customers there are.
Emma Anderson is a highly accomplished Editor-in-Chief at 24cashfinances, renowned for her exceptional expertise in the finance industry. Holding degrees in Finance and Marketing, Emma has developed a deep understanding of the financial landscape, particularly when it comes to loans and personal finance.
Emma’s professional journey began as a financial analyst, where she gained hands-on experience in evaluating market trends and analysing investment opportunities. Emma’s enthusiasm for writing and her goal to educate and give individuals a voice motivated her to move into financial journalism. Her work has been published in popular magazines and she has produced thought-provoking pieces on various financial topics.