Retail
change is moving at such a fast pace that keeping a handle on what is important
can be difficult but delivery services keep rising to the top of customer
considerations and market traders are not immune to the change.
"If
you don't offer a delivery option, somebody else will"
We
have written many times here about how customer convenience is a prime
consideration for retailers looking to capture sales. We have quickly
transitioned from customers doing their own deliveries (i.e. picking up their
goods during shopping trips) to retailers, both online and in store, taking on
that responsibility. Purchase decisions change dramatically when the customer
realises he or she doesn't have to buy right now, but can organise delivery to
their homes later. The point here of course is that if your business doesn't
offer a delivery service, somebody else will.
The
cutting edge of delivery services involves fast and easy transactions with
retailers like Amazon moving quickly to next day, same day, and two-hour city
deliveries. Amazon is aiming for delivery within the hour via drone for every
customer. According to the ABC, 23% of Australians are prepared to pay a
premium for same day delivery. Online purchases are growing dramatically and
delivery services are meeting the challenge. Who would have thought that
delivering fragile cartons of wine to your door would become so common?
Customers are clearly becoming used to delivery as a viable option for just
about any purchase.
The
big advantage that retailers used to have was immediacy – if you wanted your
purchase within a reasonable time frame then you had to go to a store to pick it
up. That line is now very blurred. As market traders grapple with maintaining
their relevance in the fast moving retail industry, delivery services may just
be a key factor. What delivery services does your market business offer?
Australia
Post have positioned themselves as a key player in parcel delivery and they are
visiting our market this coming Thursday at the Engagement Hub on Queen St. at
3:30pm. This is one meeting that maybe you shouldn't miss.