Many companies are becoming more multi-channel, meaning they no longer rely on brick-and-mortar business as their main source of income. Instead, they tap in to the vast e-commerce market and cater to the needs of online shoppers. However, with e-commerce, the issue of delivery is key to customer satisfaction and business success.

While consumers have relaxed their need for fast delivery, it remains one of their top five priorities. As a business, providing same-day delivery sets you apart from many of your competitors. This guide offers an overview of this unique model.

What Is Same-Day Delivery?

Same-day delivery means the customer places an order and receives it on that same day. This approach means structuring your logistics in a way that it can meet the high-speed demands of this delivery model, whether that’s strategically placing distribution centers and stores within the region you wish to provide same-day delivery service or sourcing locally.

You may have also heard of same-day shipping, an entirely different model. How does same-day shipping work? The customer places an order, which is shipped on that same day, but the delivery may take longer depending on the vendor’s terms.

Here are the key differences:

• Same-day delivery: The order is shipped and delivered on the same day.
• Same-day shipping: The order is shipped the day it’s placed, but delivery varies.

Benefits of Same-Day Delivery

Why should you consider incorporating a same-day delivery strategy into your logistics? Is the pressure to deliver faster worth it? Here are some of the powerful, long-term benefits of same-day delivery:

• Improves customer satisfaction: Customers have evolving expectations, and same-day delivery caters to their need for shopping and receiving items urgently. Providing this time-sensitive model alongside other regular delivery options sets you apart as reliable and customer-centric.
• Increases sales: Many customers want their items delivered faster, and some are even willing to pay a premium price to avoid shipping delays. These customers are likely to bypass a business if it doesn’t offer fast delivery. Including a same-day model gives you access to this customer base.
• Offers cost savings: While a same-day delivery system is costly to set up, it has a high potential for cost savings in the long run. Once you streamline your supply chain and move inventory faster, you can significantly lower storage and fuel costs while maintaining efficiency.
• Creates customer convenience: There will always be last-minute shoppers, especially during seasonal peaks. A same-day delivery service is ideal for these customers, allowing unparalleled convenience and improving the retail experience. Offering this level of convenience often leads to repeat customers.
• Encourages impulse buying: Many online shoppers practice impulse buying. With extended delivery times, customers are likely to change their minds about buying or cancel already purchased orders. Same-day delivery navigates these obstacles by enticing customers with rapid time frames. Customers are likely to make instant purchases as they know they’ll have their items before the day ends.

Challenges of Same-Day Delivery

Same-day delivery offers many benefits that can help you future-proof your business. However, this approach comes with obstacles you’ll need to consider and overcome to make the service effective and sustainable. Here are the key same-day delivery challenges to consider:

1. Coordination Difficulties

With same-day delivery, you have mere hours to organize everything and ensure the items arrive at customers’ doorsteps. Coordinating inventory efforts, from ensuring availability and packaging the right products to arranging pickups, is already complex without considering dispatch and timely transportation. Any inefficiency in your coordination process could derail your same-day service.

As a solution, you can streamline coordination by taking advantage of advanced technologies to improve visibility and automate tedious processes. If you’ve implemented strategic warehouse or distribution centers, working with a last-mile delivery partner can be key to strengthening your same-day delivery model.

2. Cost Considerations

Same-day delivery is often expensive initially until you streamline your processes. That’s because you must invest in specialized systems and infrastructure that help you deliver faster.

You can offset operational costs associated with labor and fuel by automating repetitive tasks and creating a reliable route optimization strategy. For other expenses resulting from the tight delivery window, you may introduce a tiered pricing model or only provide same-day delivery in specific locations.

3. Insufficient Route Planning

The time-sensitive nature of same-day delivery makes it challenging to manage route planning. Delivery complications, such as order cancellation and unforeseen delays, make traditional manual dispatching and routing inefficient. You’ll need a solution that can accommodate the speed and agility.

Investing in a dynamic route optimization system allows you to automate route planning based on real-time movements. You’ll also need to train your logistics team on how to respond to changes and communicate with dispatch.

4. High Customer Expectations

Managing customer expectations with same-day delivery can be challenging. You have a tight schedule to follow, and customers may anticipate flawless delivery regardless. To promote customer satisfaction, open support channels, and provide tracking updates and delivery time estimates. You can also issue a disclaimer upfront regarding possible mishaps.

5. Increased Order Volumes

Handling increased order volumes, especially around seasonal events, can quickly exhaust your capacity to deliver. To meet high seasonal demands, you need a flexible system with reliable infrastructure that can scale to accommodate customer needs. That means investing in scalable technologies that can handle high-order volumes on short notice. You may also need a flexible staffing model and backup third-party service providers for peak times.

Why Choose ExpressIt?

You don’t need to come up with effective same-day delivery strategies if you don’t have the capabilities yet. Delivery is already challenging, and advanced models like same-day and custom delivery services can stretch your resources thin, leading to inefficiencies. Partnering with an expert in the industry for comprehensive B2B solutions can make a significant difference.

At ExpressIt, we have diverse fleets and a trained team specializing in fast commercial turnarounds. We’re always on top of evolving industry developments and rely on emerging technologies and innovations to offer dependable outcomes. You can trust us to move your inventory within a timeline that works for you. We can also strengthen your same-day process by taking the tedious work out of your hands and delivering your items to their final destination.

Invest in Same-Day Delivery With ExpressIt

To fully benefit from same-day delivery, you want to minimize the downsides as much as possible. One of the easiest ways to bypass the costly infrastructure and diversify your delivery options is to work with a reputable third-party logistics partner like ExpressIt.

We’ve mastered the complexities of time-sensitive deliveries and will work side-by-side with you to provide a customized solution that matches your unique business needs. Complete our online form to request a quote or talk to a logistics expert!