Local Delivery: How Does it Affect Sales & Customer Experience

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people now prefer to shop online rather than in physical stores. Online shopping is now a major trend. Even after the pandemic, the trend continues. Many people are now used to it, giving many e-commerce businesses hope. As a result, sellers, whether online or physically, need to adopt a new method of running their business.

An excellent way to start is by integrating a local delivery scheme into your e-commerce business. A local delivery ensures your customers buy your goods online and allows you to deliver them to them at their doorstep. It serves as a replacement for in-store pickup or in-store shipping with a carrier.

You might think that you do not need a local delivery system because you offer shipping services. However, these e-commerce strategies are quite different. Local delivery differs from shipping in many ways.

This article explains the benefits of local delivery services and how you can go about it.

Benefit of Local Delivery

1. Increase in Sales

Many people shop online, giving you a great opportunity to increase your revenue. Statistics show that people tend to buy when convenient to get their products; Customers who choose local pickup or local delivery have a higher conversion rate than those who prefer the shipping. You can also get more revenue from the charges for delivery.

2. Goods Get to Customers Faster

Shipping companies have a lot of orders to send out, especially during the incidence of COVID-19. Customers complained about late deliveries, which impacted several businesses. But local delivery does not encounter such issues. Some local deliveries are capable of delivering packages within a short period of time. You shall ensure that the items arrive on time whether you utilize a third party or transport them yourself.

3. Connection With the Local Community

When customers find it easy to buy with you, you stand out from competing brands or businesses. Local delivery allows you to cultivate positive relationships with your consumers. This might take the form of discounts for customers who opt to have their items delivered locally.

4. Preparing Your Business for the Future

Despite the fact that local delivery was popular during the epidemic, it had a long-term impact on customers. Customers would still want their items to be delivered in a timely, convenient, and cost-effective manner. E-commerce companies should include local delivery in their business strategy for future potential.

5. Reduced Delivery Fee

Aside from the fact that large shipping agencies take a long time, they also charge a high rate. Local deliveries are less costly than shipping companies. Using local deliveries is excellent for your customers: you get to save their money, which they will appreciate so much.

Planning Local Delivery Operation

It is essential to prepare before you set out to add local delivery to your business. Here are a few examples of what you should do:

• Create a delivery and storage center. It would be best if you had a place to package products and control how they are distributed.
• Determine your coverage area. You must guarantee that your coverage regions benefit the majority of your customers.
• Decide how you will deliver it. Determine how you want the goods to reach customers. The way you deliver goods is critical.
• Set delivery time. You have to be plain to your customers. Delivery time depends on the product you sell. Delivery should take no more than a day or two.
• Set shipment fees. You must ensure that you are not losing money. Consider the following: petrol, staff wage, delivery location, and automobile expenditures.

Final Thoughts

Integrating local delivery into your e-commerce business boosts sales and improves customer relationships. Add a local delivery service to your business and see how your sales and customer experience grow.

(Contributed by Ayotomiwa Omotosho & Hermes Fang)