We’ve put together a calendar of key dates for online retailers and courier services for 2018. When combined with the right technology we hope that courier and delivery services will continue to be able to send parcels efficiently, quickly and safely.
Christmas, Easter, sales and seasons – the dates don’t move but yet each year we always feel like they seem to creep up on us, whether as a business or a consumer. And regardless of how well our plans are made, in reality a lot of us will always find something that requires a last minute rush.
In fact 53% of holiday shoppers will wait until the final Saturday before Christmas to make their purchases. With that in mind, the online retail experience as well as the delivery plans and executions should be just as adaptable, or risk failure.
As consumer expectations evolve, they are beginning to feel more confident placing their orders closer to when they will be needed. This means that even by planning delivery guarantees and policies, it can put unprecedented levels of pressure on online retailers and couriers to keep to their delivery guarantees.
And it’s already starting to happen.
According to data released just this month, the percentage of online retail orders arriving on time fell to its lowest level of 85% since tracking began. The report released by IMRG MetaPack UK Delivery Index reveals that increased demand was placed on services due to next day delivery for last minute purchases.
With speedier delivery options being provided as default, next day delivery being offered by 80% of retailers and 65% of them planning to offer same day delivery options within the next year, the pressure is on for courier services to deliver the goods – literally!
In light of the above, we’ve compiled a calendar of key dates for online retailers and courier services for 2018. When combined with the right technology we hope that courier and delivery services will continue to be able to send parcels efficiently, quickly and safely.
