Have you ever been eagerly anticipating a package only for the delivery status to say “pending“? It’s like waiting for a significant other to call you back, and you’re left wondering if it’s ever going to happen. This feeling of uncertainty is common to us all. Alas, fear not! In the world of eCommerce, there’s a solution for this kind of problem: Scheduled Delivery.
Understanding Scheduled Delivery
Scheduled delivery is one of the critical services offered by eCommerce stores or online retailers. It enables customers to choose when they want their orders delivered, providing some level of control over the delivery process. With scheduled delivery, a customer can choose a specific day or time frame to have their package arrive, reducing any anxiety that comes with waiting for a delivery.
Why Scheduled Delivery is Important
Scheduled delivery is a big deal for customers, online retailers, and shipping companies. It provides the following benefits:
Customer Satisfaction
Customers are more likely to be satisfied with their online purchases when they have control over when it will arrive. Scheduling a delivery ensures that customers won’t have to wait around all day or miss out on important engagements waiting for a package to arrive.
Less Time Wasted
Scheduled delivery also reduces the incidence of missed deliveries. By scheduling your delivery, you can ensure that the package arrives when you’re available, saving time wasted on missed deliveries.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Scheduled delivery also promotes environmental conservation by reducing the carbon footprint of delivery trucks. With scheduled deliveries, businesses can plan their routes better and have less vehicle emissions as deliveries are optimally planned.
Types of Scheduled Delivery
Scheduled delivery comes in different forms to suit the various preferences of customers. The following are some types of scheduled deliveries that online retailers offer:
Date-Specific Delivery
With this option, customers can choose the day they want their package delivered. This option is perfect for people who have specific days when they are free to receive deliveries.
Time-Specific Delivery
With time-specific delivery, customers can specify the time they want their delivery to arrive. This is ideal for people who have plans for the day and want to make sure they’re at home to receive the package.
Recurring Delivery
This option enables customers to schedule deliveries for particular items that they’ll need regularly. For example, a customer can set up delivery every week for groceries, eliminating the need to keep reordering the same products repeatedly.
Same-day Delivery
If you need your package as soon as possible, some eCommerce stores offer same-day delivery. With this option, customers can place an order in the morning and receive it by the end of the day.
Fun Fact: Did you know? Amazon Prime members can now receive two-hour deliveries for orders over $35 with Prime Now. Talk about instant gratification!
Tips for Making Scheduled Delivery Work for You
Want to make the most of scheduled delivery? Here are some tips to help you out:
Plan Ahead
If you know you’ll need an item in the future, schedule its delivery date in advance. Doing so will ensure that the package arrives at the right time.
Watch for Shipping Notifications
Keep an eye out for shipping notifications to avoid missed deliveries. When a package is dispatched, most retailers will send a notification. Be sure to check these notifications and reschedule your delivery if necessary.
Opt for a Secure Delivery Location
If you won’t be home to receive your package, consider asking the retailer to leave it in a secure location, like a porch or a delivery locker.
Table: Comparison of Scheduled Delivery Options
| Option | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date-Specific | Customers choose the delivery date | Gives customers control over delivery schedule | May restrict availability of the online store |
| Time-Specific | Customers choose the delivery time | Gives customers control over delivery time | May be subject to delays or missed appointments |
| Recurring | Customers set a regular delivery schedule | Convenient for regularly needed items | Requires advanced planning |
| Same-day | Customers receive their orders the same day | Extremely fast delivery time | May be limited to specific regions |
Conclusion
In a world where time is of the essence, scheduled delivery provides an essential service for customers who want to control the delivery of their packages. With a range of options available, there’s something for everyone, whether you want to choose the date, the time, or set up a recurring delivery schedule. Scheduled delivery helps reduce anxiety and increases customer satisfaction, making it a win-win for everyone involved. So, the next time you’re waiting on a delivery, remember scheduled delivery as an option to better manage the anxiety!
References:
– Forbes. (2019, September 3). Customers Want Same-Day Delivery – Here’s How To Make It Happen. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/09/03/customers-want-same-day-delivery-heres-how-to-make-it-happen/?sh=616dbfe8258e
– Retail Customer Experience. (2021). What is Scheduled Delivery And Why Does It Matter? Retrieved from https://www.retailcustomerexperience.com/blogs/what-is-scheduled-delivery-and-why-does-it-matter/