Study: Delivery time key for online shoppers

If you want better engagement and conversion numbers, take a hard look at delivery times and try to improve them. That's the word from new Dotcom Distribution which found that most online shoppers' (87%) purchase decisions are influenced by estimated delivery times.

by Kristina Knight

For nearly a decade experts have insisted that shipping times are key for shopper engagement, and that hasn't changed. According to Dotcom Distribution's new study, How Fast Delivery and Quality Packaging Drives Customer Loyalty, most shoppers say shipping speed is key to their decision making, and that 67% 'would pay more' to get same day delivery of items purchased online.

"E-commerce is taking over the retail market, so brands must ensure they take advantage of the opportunity to deliver the packages that customers expect in the most personal way. Fulfillment and a coveted unboxing experience is a huge part of that," said Maria Haggerty, CEO of Dotcom Distribution. "It's increasingly important to leverage customers as brand advocates. In e-commerce, retailers are learning what they have to do to encourage customer loyalty and increase positive reviews about their brands. As we've known, shipping, the pack-out experience and considering customer demands helps customers understand that brands care about them and what they want. Our study gives retailers better insight so they can achieve that."

Other interesting findings from the report include:

• 68% say branded packaging is more upscale than unbranded packaging
• 44% say branded packaging makes the product/brand seem 'worth the cost'
• 17% report branded packaging makes a brand relatable