The Extraordinary Power of Expedited Shipping to Deliver Customer Satisfaction

Have your customers got a need for speed?

It’s no secret that buyers want their products faster than ever. Statista found that 22% of shoppers will abandon their carts because of slow delivery times. Australia Post also revealed that 29% of shoppers expect deliveries to arrive faster than they did in 2019.

So how do you keep up with this demand? Expedited shipping is the answer.

While you might have seen this term before, you might be unfamiliar with the expedited delivery meaning. To learn more about its definition and how it can help scale your business, follow along as we explore all the benefits this service offers.

What is Expedited Delivery?

Standard shipping times can vary depending on factors such as the courier company, the collection point, the destination, and the chosen mode of transport. The term expedited shipping refers to ensuring a parcel reaches its destination in a shorter timeframe than this offering.

In some cases, it can be a matter of hours, and other times it might be days or weeks. But it will always be quicker than the standard delivery service.

How Does Expedited Shipping Work?

Expedited shipping prioritises shipments to reduce delivery times. When you choose this type of delivery, several factors come into play to ensure the package gets delivered faster. Some of them include:

• Priority Handling: Expedited shipments receive special treatment throughout the entire logistics process. From the moment your package is picked up to its final delivery, it is prioritised at every stage. This includes faster processing at sorting facilities, dedicated transportation resources, and prompt loading and unloading procedures.
• Optimised Routes: To expedite a shipment, the delivery path must be optimised to minimise transit times. Carriers use advanced logistics algorithms to determine the most efficient routes and modes of transportation for expedited packages. This ensures that your shipment takes the fastest and most direct path to its destination.
• Real-Time Tracking: When you book expedited shipping services, you can track your delivery with Interparcel from the moment it's collected, while the shipment is en route and when the delivery has been made. This level of transparency allows you to stay informed and provide accurate updates to your customers.

The Pros and Cons of Expedited Delivery

There are many advantages when using expedited shipping. But there are also some things to consider as well. Here are the pros and cons you need to know.

The Pros of Using Expedited Shipping

• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: With expedited shipping, you can meet and exceed your customers' expectations for fast and timely delivery. This boosts client satisfaction, leading to positive reviews, repeat purchases, and increased loyalty.
• Competitive Edge: In today's competitive ecommerce landscape, offering expedited shipping can set you apart from the competition. Your customers will appreciate the option to receive their orders quickly, which can be a deciding factor when choosing between you and your competitors.
• Reduced Cart Abandonment: Slow delivery times are a major cause of cart abandonment. You can minimise this issue and improve your conversion rates by offering expedited shipping. Customers are more likely to complete their purchase when they know they can receive their items swiftly.
• Flexibility and Choice: Expedited shipping services provide you with flexibility and choice in selecting the most suitable carrier for your shipments. It allows you to customise your shipping options based on the specific needs of your customers and your business.

The Cons of Using Expedited Shipping

• Higher Shipping Costs: Expedited shipping typically comes with higher shipping costs compared to other delivery options. It's essential to factor in these additional expenses when pricing your products and calculating profit margins.
• Limited Coverage: Depending on the courier provider and customer’s location, expedited shipping may not be available, especially if they are in remote or rural areas. Check the availability and reach of expedited services in the region before booking one.

How Does Expedited Shipping Help Your Business?

Providing expedited shipping can positively impact your growth and success. These are just some of the ways it can help you scale your ecommerce business.

Improved Customer Retention and Loyalty

Offering expedited shipping can provide a level of service that exceeds your shoppers’ expectations. It can lead to enhanced customer satisfaction, increased retention rates, and improved loyalty, as satisfied buyers are more likely to return to your store and recommend your business to others.

Increased Sales

The speed of delivery is a major factor for customers when shopping online. By providing expedited shipping options, you can capture those buyers who are willing to pay a premium for quick delivery, resulting in higher sales volumes and improved conversion rates.

Competitive Advantage

Staying ahead of the competition is crucial in today’s age. Offering expedited shipping gives you a competitive edge by providing a premium service that sets you apart from competitors offering only standard delivery options. This can help attract new customers and retain existing ones.

Positive Brand Image

Providing expedited shipping demonstrates your commitment to exceptional service. It showcases you care about customers’ needs. This type of positive brand image will enhance your reputation, foster trust, and encourage people to choose your business over others.

How to Find Expedited Shipping Services On Interparcel

You don’t need to Google expedited delivery options or bookmark a bunch of courier provider websites to find this type of service. With Interparcel, you can access a range of courier services on one centralised platform. Simply follow the steps below:

1. Sign up for a free Interparcel account.
2. Integrate your ecommerce platform or marketplace.
3. Click ‘Fetch Orders’ in the shipping manager to upload all your orders, or use a CSV file.
4. Click ‘Select Service’ and choose express, timed, or same-day delivery for access to all our different expedited shipping options.

Fast Shipping At Your Fingertips

Expedited shipping can improve customer satisfaction, increase sales and drive growth for your business. However, you need to weigh up the costs and ensure it’s available in your area and can get your parcel to where it needs to go.

The good news is that you can compare all your options with Interparcel. When you sign up for an account, you can import orders from your ecommerce platforms and marketplaces and manage them in one place. This makes it easy to compare rates from Australia’s largest selection of courier providers and fulfil your orders as quickly as possible. Rush over to this page and sign up for your free account now!