And how to avoid them..

 

How long are customers willing to wait for delivery after ordering one of your products online? The answer is not long at all. Indeed, customers already experience the joy of owning a product from the moment they complete the transaction process. The longer they need to wait to receive their order, the more frustrated they become. Regardless of the quality of your products, delivery delays can significantly affect the reputation of your business. Even quality products are unlikely to compensate for the frustration experienced as a result of delays. In other words, the more you make your customers wait, the less likely they are to purchase again from your brand. 

 

Unfortunately, we can only blame eCommerce giant Amazon for setting unrealistic delivery times. With same-day delivery options, it’s no wonder that customers grow impatient within a couple of days. Transparent communication can be crucial before and after transactions to keep your customers onboard. The sooner they know what to expect in terms of delivery times, the sooner they can prepare for it. Businesses also must work hard to remove unnecessary challenges that can affect the delivery deadline. 

 

 

#1. You don’t track your inventory story

 

As far as your customers are concerned, the item is already theirs once the transaction has been initiated and completed, even if they have not received it yet. Therefore, many find it infuriated when they have to wait several days before receiving information that the item they have ordered is not available anymore. Such issues arise when your inventory system isn’t suited to track real-time orders and update the stock accordingly. As a result, customers see online that the item is still in stock even when it’s long been sold. 

 

Ineffective stock tracking solutions can not only lead to delays in eCommerce processes, but they also damage your reputation. Customers are less likely to order from your brand again as they feel they don’t know which items are available. 

 

#2. Your delivery strategy is ineffective

 

Arranging for a quick, secure, and effective delivery strategy is no easy task. Indeed, when your parcels need to travel a long distance, you need to work with a specialist logistics company to optimize the whole process. Otherwise, delays are likely to occur through ineffective scheduling, unnecessary steps and stops, and time-demanding processing. 

From a customer’s perspective, poor logistics can lead to:

• Lost parcels or parcels sent on the wrong route
• Absence of delivery tracking 
• Tracking information showing the parcel has not moved in days

 

Customers may not feel confident in ordering again. 

 

#3. Your order processing is too slow

 

Sometimes, your delivery process is fast enough, but customers must wait several days before sending their orders. Ultimately, when your website informs customers about 48 hours delivery times — an increasingly popular schedule for most small eCommerce businesses —, they naturally assume they will receive their orders within two days of completing the transaction. Most customers expect eCommerce companies to process and pack orders rapidly. Unfortunately, manual processes can significantly slow down shipping and affect customer satisfaction. Implementing automated processing can save precious time during packing. It can also prevent costly human errors and help employees become more productive and effective in warehouse and shipping roles. 

 

#4. You don’t account for international shipping

 

When you choose to target international customers, you need to offer them a fair and accurate deadline for their delivery. A website that promotes 48 hours delivery only to inform international customers after order that the deadline doesn’t apply to them faces negative repercussions. 

 

International shipping can require additional time. While most customers are willing to be patient, they also expect adequate shipping solutions in place. They are not prepared to wait for several weeks when national deliveries only take a few days. Additionally, they are disappointed by companies that fail to prepare for customs checks. Customers face high costs and frustration when parcels are held for an extended period at customs because of inadequate documentation and paperwork. 

 

 

#5. You don’t check addresses

 

Postal addresses differ all around the world. In some countries, such as Ireland, zip codes are uncommon except in large cities like Dublin. Otherwise, addresses may lack the usual information. 

Other countries have different standards. Indeed, European addresses, for example, vary from U.S. addresses. Unfortunately, your customers may struggle to receive parcels if your shipping solution only recognizes one postal standard. Therefore, it can be helpful to use postal validation solutions that can guarantee shipping addresses are correct or provide suggestions when necessary. 

 

In a world where buyers are impatient, no company can afford to waste time in delivery. Your customers are not prepared to forgive delivery delays that could easily be avoided through adequate planning.