Few things are as important to us as our furry friends, whether it’s the beloved family dog, a new kitten, an aquarium full of tropical fish or a pair of parakeets. In fact, owners love and value their pets so much that, in 2023 alone, they spent a whopping $147 billion on them. Whether they are purchasing kibble or cat toys, research shows that spending growth in this all-important industry could reach 7% annually by 2030.
As pet parents continue to seek out the best for their furry, feathery or scaly friends, one thing is clear: They want their treats, toys and food delivered quickly. For pet-focused retail chains, adding same-day delivery is no longer a luxury but a necessity. It’s all about balancing product quality and customer service with last-mile solutions that don’t cost the retailer in terms of delays, claims, damages and hidden fees.
By leveraging delivery solutions like Roadie, businesses can meet this growing demand for same-day, boost sales, create a more seamless customer experience and keep customers coming back for more.
Instant gratification in the pet care sphere
Whether it’s a bag of premium dog food, a new scratching post for a mischievous kitten or an emergency litter refill, pet owners expect quick and convenient service. And many of them don’t particularly want to lug that 50-pound bag of food out of the car and into their home.
In a world where groceries, gadgets or even furniture can arrive at a doorstep within hours, pet products are no exception. Retailers who adapt to this shift can capture a larger share of the market while fostering greater customer loyalty.
Winning loyalty from pet owners & their furry friends
Same-day delivery isn’t just about speed; it’s about creating an easy and enjoyable shopping experience. By offering a same-day solution that can deliver goods in as little as two hours, pet retailers can:
- Reduce stress for pet parents: Whether it’s a last-minute need, a forgotten item or a life-saving medication, same-day delivery provides peace of mind and convenience.
- Foster loyalty: Customers are more likely to stick with a retailer that consistently meets their needs.
- Differentiate from competitors: Stand out in a crowded market by offering a service that prioritizes convenience and customer satisfaction.
Implementing same-day delivery
Pet-focused retailers looking to deliver treats, tick medication or toys to customers’ homes can leverage on-demand options to provide personalized service. Tapping into the Roadie network of 200,000 independent drivers to fulfill orders enables retailers to easily handle fluctuating demand from pet owners across 29,000+ ZIP codes without the hassle of maintaining a large, in-house delivery fleet. This is all while keeping a handle on overhead costs and being able to provide on-demand delivery of everyday items like food and medications or specialty products, from birdcages to animal bedding.
Pet care stores that leverage the Roadie platform can not only get those orders out the door quickly and efficiently, but the easy-to-integrate solution enables a seamless white-labeled omnichannel experience for both the customer and the retailer. With the ability to fulfill orders in just a few clicks, pet care retailers can easily customize recipient notifications, and both parties can access the highest level of visibility thanks to real-time notifications and live tracking.
Successfully launching same-day
Better last-mile experiences can get pet care businesses closer to their business objectives. When rolling out a same-day delivery offering, it’s important to measure success in the following areas:
- Higher on-time delivery: The only thing worse than not being able to choose the delivery speed you need is choosing same-day and missing the window. When you choose solutions with a record of high OTD, customer satisfaction scores soar.
- Reach more customers: Fast delivery is no longer reserved for dense urban cores. Customers across urban, suburban, exurban and even rural towns expect fast deliveries from megaretailers like Amazon. Choose solutions that extend same-day to as many customers as possible.
- Balance cost and quality: Does the delivery price look too good to be true? It probably is. The last mile is the last touch with your customer, so ensure delivery prices are balanced with high on-time rates and low claims or damages. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying more for re-shipments.
Have customers who need same-day foods or medications, late-night orders or weekend deliveries? Once a customer places that order — no matter its shape, requirements or timing — Roadie allows you to make delivery easy all the way to the doorstep, including driver coordination and real-time tracking. This, in turn, allows the retailer to delight pet parents and enable owners to spoil their best friends.
As the pet industry continues to grow, so do customer expectations. By prioritizing same-day delivery through on-demand solutions, pet retailers will stay ahead of the curve and ensure their customers — human and pet — remain happy. Learn more about why furry friends give Roadie two paws up when it comes to keeping pet care retailers competitive in the marketplace and delivering delicious treats right to Rover’s doorstep.
