In the fast-changing world of retail, same-day delivery was once a critical differentiator for businesses that wanted to stay competitive. But as we move into 2025, same-day delivery is table stakes — so much so that 96% of industry leaders in a 2024 Roadie ROI report say their companies have offered same-day services for over a year, while 63% have done so for three years or more.
Businesses must implement ultrafast delivery at scale to compete with megaretailers like Target, Walmart and Amazon. But can this be done in a way that’s cost-efficient for both the retailer and customers?
The solution for midsize retailers goes beyond traditional logistics providers. On-demand delivery platforms like Roadie can enable same-day delivery in 97% of the U.S., allowing retailers to minimize supply chain complexity and enhance competitiveness in virtually any U.S. market.
Instant gratification & same-day delivery
Consumers are primed to get what they want when they want it. They turn on the TV and binge an entire season of a show; they order a meal kit and need it on their doorstep by dinnertime; they need a new sofa delivered at a time that works for their busy schedules.
A recent industry analysis found that the global same-day delivery market has experienced explosive growth. It was valued at $9.90 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.6% from 2025 to 2030. This surge is driven not only by the proliferation of online shopping platforms but also by increasing consumer expectations for lightning-fast and convenient delivery options.
The major players setting the pace
In 2024, a few retail giants made significant strides in expanding their same-day delivery services. Walmart introduced early-morning delivery options, allowing customers to place orders as early as 6 a.m. for delivery within the hour. Amazon, meanwhile, announced plans to expand its same-day medication delivery to nearly half of the U.S. population by the end of 2025, adding pharmacy services sites in 20 cities. Additionally, Target introduced Target 360, an unlimited, free same-day delivery service for orders above $35, delivered in as little as an hour.
There’s no reason to believe that such efforts won’t continue into 2025, and these moves by industry leaders have set new standards for delivery speed and convenience.
The financial urgency for midsized retailers
The rapid expansion of same-day delivery services by the Amazons of the world creates a pressing need for midsized retail chains to implement their own solutions ASAP — or risk getting left behind by their outsized competitors. Consider these statistics from midsized enterprises in the 2024 Roadie ROI report:
- 80% of respondents said same-day delivery increased their revenue, and 30% saw an increase of more than 10%.
- 77% of industry leaders reported higher net new sales.
- 80% said they saw higher revenues per order, whether owing to charging same-day delivery fees, setting higher product prices to offset costs or establishing order minimums for same-day.
- Eight in 10 companies saw more repeat purchases as a result of offering same-day delivery.
- 66% of respondents said their conversion rate improved after adding same-day to their offerings.
- 80% reported higher customer satisfaction levels as a result of faster fulfillment.
Calculating the ROI of same-day delivery
It’s one thing to look at the conversion rates or net new sales of similar businesses. It’s another to track your own return on investment when implementing same-day fulfillment. “If you’re not looking at all the critical metrics, then you’re missing out on quality data that helps drive revenue margin and company longevity,” Roadie Cheif of Operations Dennis Moon noted in the report.
As a business, you must conduct your internal metrics review before and after same-day implementation. Key questions when determining how you’ll measure ROI include:
- What are the upfront and ongoing costs of implementing same-day delivery, whether infrastructure, labor or technology?
- Can we leverage existing resources or partnerships to reduce costs?
- What percentage of our customer base is likely to use same-day delivery?
- Will same-day delivery attract new customers or increase market share?
- Are there specific products or categories that would see a higher ROI from same-day delivery?
- How do our cart abandonment rates compare after implementing same-day delivery?
- What challenges could arise from scaling same-day delivery, and how would they impact profitability?
- Will offering same-day delivery enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty?
- How does offering this service fit into our long-term strategy and financial goals?
Giving your business a competitive edge
Very few businesses have the resources of a Target or a Walmart. But just because you’re not a megaretailer doesn’t mean your enterprise can’t dip into the same-day fulfillment pool.
Retail chains looking to master same-day delivery quickly and efficiently can turn to alternative delivery methods, including the Roadie network of more than 200,000 independent drivers.
Here’s how Roadie can help you differentiate your business with same-day delivery:
- Scalability. You can scale your delivery capabilities quickly and manifest deliveries online, via API and via select UPS systems.
- Flexibility. The same-day fulfillment model adapts easily to fluctuating demand, meaning you can meet customer needs during peak periods.
- No fleet maintenance. By using an existing independent driver network, delivery becomes more cost-effective than building an in-house delivery fleet or adding additional staff.
- Competitive pricing. Built-in features are designed to increase efficiency, like consolidation, routing and cross-docking for high volume businesses. All that means you can offer more competitive pricing for same-day delivery services.
- Real-time tracking. Both you and your customers can track deliveries in real-time, adding transparency and reducing anxiety about arrival times.
- Multiple delivery options. Unlike some traditional carriers, the Roadie network of independent drivers can handle just about any order, whether it’s oversized items, perishables or fragile goods.
- Seamless integration. Roadie integrates with e-commerce platforms and point-of-sale systems, streamlining your operations and reducing manual coordination.
- Big and bulky goods handling. Roadie enables you to easily deliver heavy, awkward or oversized items like furniture, appliances or home improvement products that don’t fit standard delivery services. Drivers show up with the right tools and vehicles for the delivery.
The time to act is now
Implementing same-day delivery is no longer a luxury for retail chains—it’s a necessity. Retailers who delay implementing same-day delivery risk falling behind in an increasingly fast-paced and customer-centric retail environment. By embracing this change and investing in robust same-day delivery solutions, you can position your operation for success in the evolving retail landscape of 2025 and beyond. The Roadie network of independent drivers spanning 29,000+ ZIP codes can help.
