Today’s savvy online shopper wants everything to be instant. Thanks to the “The Amazon Effect,” we live in an On-Demand Economy with buyers expecting flexible and speedy delivery now more than ever. One such way for merchants to offer this type of experience is through time slot delivery.
With time slot delivery, customers can pick a delivery date and time that suits their schedule. It’s like handing them convenience and control on a platter. Because time-sensitive delivery days like birthdays and anniversaries are constantly happening, time slot delivery will always be relevant to your customers.
What Are the Benefits of Time Slot Delivery?
- Extra Security – Time slot delivery offers an additional layer of security from those pesky porch pirates. Both sender and receiver get peace of mind and know exactly when their order will be shipped out and delivered.
- Customer Satisfaction – By giving customers control over their delivery, they know precisely when they will receive their goods. Thus, boosting customer satisfaction, confidence in your brand, and loyalty.
- Reduce Friction – Time slots also help reduce failed delivery attempts and business non-deliveries, resulting in significant savings and more efficiency.
Here’s how you can make time slot delivery go off without a hitch.
Advertise Shipping Cutoff Dates
According to a UPS survey, 17% of online shoppers make purchases based on delivery options. In fact, 45% are willing to shop with someone else if your delivery choices are unsatisfactory (too costly and too slow).
This number likely rises on special occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or other gift giving opportunities when buyers need an item on or by a specific date.
One way to stand out from your competitors? Advertise shipping cutoff dates around special occasions on your homepage or the product page.
Experiment
Test delivery options, and then test them some more. There’s a lot of room to optimize your e-commerce shipping strategy, and the first step is to try and find out what works best for you and your customers.
For example:
- Experiment with later same-day shipping or next-day delivery cut-off times
- Offer free shipping, and test out short lead times on best selling products
- Install a date and/or delivery time slot picker (calendar) at checkout
- Experiment with delivery methods, like using local couriers
Track your metrics
Even if you aren’t ready to experiment yet, giving your business a fulfillment process a report card is always a good idea.
If your e-commerce cart allows for it, track the percentage of your orders fulfilled on time and in full. Do this by comparing the delivery date requested by your customer to the actual receipt date.
If your business passes with flying colors, great. If your business fails the test, it’s time to go back to #2 and experiment.
Don’t Leave Customers Out of the Equation
Consider asking for feedback about your delivery and packaging to ensure your shipments arrive in the intended condition. Allowing your customers to choose delivery dates and time slots can increase conversions and create loyal customers who return for more.
Time Slot Management
Below is a table summing up different aspects of delivery time slots that can benefit your business.
| Time Slot Delivery Aspect | Description |
| Delivery Time Slots | Customers can pick a delivery date and time that suits their schedule. |
| Customers’ Expectations | Customers expect extra security, satisfaction, and reduced friction from time slot delivery. According to a UPS survey, 17% of online shoppers make purchases based on delivery options, and 45% are willing to shop with someone else if the delivery choices are unsatisfactory. |
| Advertise Shipping Cutoff Dates | Merchants are advised to advertise shipping cutoff dates around special occasions on the homepage or the product page. |
| Experiment with Delivery Options | Merchants are encouraged to test delivery options, offer free shipping, install a date and/or delivery time slot picker (calendar) at checkout, and experiment with delivery methods like using local couriers. |
| Track Metrics | It is recommended to track the percentage of orders fulfilled on time and in full. This is done by comparing the delivery date requested by the customer to the actual receipt date. |
| Customer Feedback | Businesses should ask for feedback about delivery and packaging to ensure shipments arrive in the intended condition. |
| ShipperHQ’s Enhanced Checkout | ShipperHQ provides options like time slot delivery, click & collect, and calendar date selection in their enhanced checkout experience for Magento 2 users. |
On Magento 2? You’re in luck.
Delivery Calendar and Timeslots in ShipperHQ’s Enhanced Checkout
ShipperHQ recently launched a new Enhanced Checkout for Magento 2 users.
As the only out-of-the-box shipping checkout solution, ShipperHQ’s Enhanced Checkout gives your buyers a personalized experience. This includes more convenience at checkout, with options like time slot delivery, click & collect, and calendar date selection.
Our Amazon-style checkout offers split shipping and provides you with advanced order details. You will see each order’s packaging specifications, shipping methods, and dispatch dates.
Want to Learn More About ShipperHQ’s Enhanced Checkout?
Book your demo today or contact our sales team to get access to this ultra-fast e-commerce checkout experience for Magento 2.
FAQs
How does the time slot delivery system handle high-demand periods or peak times?
The time slot delivery system handles high-demand periods or peak times through a combination of strategies such as advertising shipping cutoff dates and experimenting with delivery options like free shipping, late same-day shipping, and next-day delivery.
How does the time slot delivery method impact the cost structure of shipping?
The cost structure of shipping can be affected by time slot delivery in various ways. For instance, reducing failed delivery attempts and business non-deliveries could potentially lead to cost savings. However, the actual impact can vary depending on several factors, such as delivery routes, frequency, and demand.
How does time slot delivery reduce missed deliveries?
Time slot delivery reduces missed deliveries by providing a specific window during which the customer can expect their goods, thereby reducing the likelihood of absence during the delivery. This method also helps minimize failed delivery attempts, increasing efficiency.
Can time slot delivery reduce the overall cost of logistics?
Yes, time slot delivery can help reduce the overall cost of logistics by minimizing failed delivery attempts and business non-deliveries. This results in significant savings and more efficiency. However, the actual reduction would depend on various factors such as the implementation, market conditions, and delivery volume.
