Brands are accelerating same-day delivery plans. Survey reveals insights, opportunities | Roadie

The pandemic accelerated what was already record-breaking growth in e-commerce. Now orders are being picked, packed and delivered at a rate we didn’t expect for at least a few more years. 

And shoppers who asked, “Can I buy it online?” at the start of the pandemic are now asking, “How quickly can I get my order?” 

Consumers accustomed to near-instant gratification with Amazon are looking to other retailers to provide that same-day delivery speed. And if you can’t deliver quick enough, shoppers will look for another business that can.

In that spirit, more and more retailers are adding “get it today” to checkout options to win sales and retain customers.

To better understand how brands make decisions about delivery options, priorities and providers, Roadie partnered with studioID to survey more than 200 retail and supply chain leaders about topics ranging from the positive impact of same-day fulfillment on their business to what’s most important to them in a delivery partner. 

Three key themes came through in their responses. 

1. Customers expect same-day delivery, and they’re willing to pay for it.

Half of the retail and supply chain leaders surveyed said they offer or would offer same-day delivery because customers expect and demand it. 

Nearly two-thirds of them (64%) said they believed that more than 40% of shoppers would be willing to pay more for products with a same-day delivery option. 

And almost one-third of respondents (30%) said they believed the majority of shoppers — 61% or more — would do so.

2. Same-day delivery generates an immediate, positive impact on sales.

Respondents linked a number of positive outcomes to adopting same-day delivery in their businesses. They said it would help them: 

• Increase sales.
• Retain current customers.
• Attract new customers.
• Keep customers happy and satisfied.

3. Brands face challenges with last-mile delivery operations.

Even though brands see advantages to offering ultrafast delivery, they face challenges in the last mile. More than two out of five logistics executives reported concerns about rising transportation rates and inflation’s effect on goods and services.

Other issues mentioned most often include:

• Staffing challenges, including not having enough drivers. 
• Rising costs. 
• The need for real-time tracking technology. 
• Optimizing route planning. 
• Getting accurate demand assessments. 
• Supply chain issues. 
• Increasing reliability. 
• COVID-19 issues.

Crowdsourced delivery hits the mark

When asked what they value most in a last-mile delivery partner, leaders said reliability (46%), tracking (41%) and service (37%). Other priorities included network reach, on-time delivery record and the delivery provider’s reputation. 

That’s why two in five respondents recommended partnering with a crowdsourced delivery platform.

Roadie’s crowdsourced delivery platform lets you: 

• Reach 90% of U.S. households with same-day delivery, without the expense and hassle of building and maintaining your own delivery infrastructure.
• Scale up fast to respond to order surges and seasonal volume peaks. 
• Take advantage of an independent network of drivers with vehicles that can deliver orders of all sizes, even oversized items.
• Add crowdsourced delivery to existing delivery options, including company fleets and traditional carriers.
• Get customers up and running with same-day delivery in just a few weeks.
• Keep customers coming back for more with on-time delivery.

Roadie makes it easier for businesses of all sizes to launch same-day delivery. With the nation’s most flexible and scalable delivery solution, Roadie can help your business deliver any item, anytime, anywhere. 

Want to learn more? Check out our full survey report to discover how retail and supply chain leaders are responding to the need for ultrafast delivery.