E-tailers are encouraged to offer customers flexible delivery options for successful first-time delivery

E-tailers need to be prepared for record volumes of online orders this month and next, as newly released delivery data reveals that Aussies are increasingly doing their Christmas shopping online. Deliveries around the holiday period have experienced a 10 per cent year-on-year growth.

Data from CouriersPlease (CP) indicates, that there was an increase of 1.6 million items delivered each period – a 10 per cent growth in total volumes from 1 October to 24 December 2016 and 2017.

CP expects its 2018 peak period to be bigger than 2017. In August, planning began to prepare for the peak season by creating specific teams in each State to manage and review processes and performance from the previous year, implement necessary changes, and map out a direction for successful, first-time deliveries.

To ensure e-tailers are prepared for the busiest period of the year, CP’s Chief Operating Officer, Hoy-Yen Hooper, says e-tailers should plan early for Christmas and encourage their customers to take advantage of flexible delivery options during the peak season.

“It’s important that retailers have a plan in place during the busiest time of year, to cope with the significant increase in orders and deliveries. This is also the busiest time of year for shoppers, who often won’t be at home to accept their parcels. We encourage retailers to offer their shoppers flexible delivery options to ensure successful first-time deliveries and cut down the time taken to receive parcels if they know they won’t be home.”

For more information about CouriersPlease visit: https://www.couriersplease.com.au/tools/track

For more information on Christmas and to keep up to date with the latest news, please visit https://www.retail.org.au/christmas-predictions/