Sendcloud: Such a peak has never been seen before

Online sales during the period around Black Friday and Cyber Monday are expected to increase package deliveries by as much as 140% this month as shoppers remain indoors during the second UK lockdown, according to research undertaken by e-commerce shipping platform Sendcloud.

With new lockdown measures resulting in non-essential shops closing their doors, the online shopping period is predicted to exceed the recorded amount of parcels delivered within the first ‘Corona Peak’ earlier in the year by more than 20%. On average British shoppers ordered 2.9 products more during the first lockdown, which is set to further skyrocket as consumers get prepared for Christmas.

The latest research predicts this year’s peak shopping season to be the busiest period on record, as a combination of COVID-19 restrictions and Black Friday discounts, with the number of packages being ordered in Europe already 21% higher compared to this time last year.

Weekly growth in shipping volumes are significantly increasing from the start of November onwards, in the build up to Singles’ Day on 11 November, with volumes expected to increase by around 76% at its peak as a result of Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts.

The company calls for consumers to be patient, taking adjusted delivery times into account, and suggests online retailers increase their logistic capacity by working with multiple shipping carriers and switching to alternative carriers if parcel networks become congested.

37% of British consumers said they would not order from an online store again if the package arrived later than expected, while more than two-thirds (67%) of UK consumers experienced delays during the first UK Coronavirus peak. However, the pandemic has made consumers more patient with the average maximum amount of days they are willing to wait for standard delivery has increased to up to 6.7 days.

The company also highlighted that more than half of consumers (54%) will return bought items when they’re not satisfied with them, and that the busy Christmas period will likely see that number increase.

Speaking on the results, Rob van den Heuvel, CEO, Sendcloud, said: “We’re predicting demand and online sales around the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period will skyrocket as consumers gear up for Christmas and are unable to shop in highstreet stores. Online retailers need to prepare themselves for this busy period, and we’re advising they work with multiple carriers so that they’re able to switch to alternative shipping networks if supply chains become congested.

“Such a peak has never been seen before, so both online retailers and consumers have to take into account that delivery times may take longer than expected. And, with the government calling for us to stay at home, it is important we act responsibly and help retailers, carriers and postal services to manage this peak.

“Track & trace is the perfect solution to help retailers communicate clearly about the expected delivery time. By communicating clearly when customers can expect a parcel, retailers can ensure that products are delivered right at the first delivery attempt – avoiding unnecessary congestion in the parcel network and delivery points and smoothen the whole shipping process.”