UK shoppers want fast and flexible deliveries
British consumers are demanding both more flexibility and faster delivery times from online retailers and delivery couriers, according to new research from Whistl. The Whistl study found that a third of UK shoppers are “still happy to receive their orders within two to three days” and over a quarter are willing to wait a week to receive their shopping. However, 12% must have their purchases by the next day and 7% “want same day delivery and nothing else”.
According to Whistl: “Women are happier, 91 hours on average, to wait longer for their deliveries compared to 89 hours for men. Those under 24 are the most impatient, with only 16% saying they were happy to wait a week for delivery, compared to 38% of over 65s.”
The study revealed some interesting regional variations.
“London is all about instant deliveries with 10% looking for same day delivery, opposed to Belfast and Dublin not caring about same day delivery at all,” said Whistl. “Overall Birmingham, closely followed by London and Liverpool, are the most impatient, with the lowest average expected delivery of 3.3 days. Compared to the most relaxed city, Nottingham, where they are willing to wait an average of 4.7 days for a delivery.”
Melanie Darvall, Director of Marketing & Communications at Whistl, said: “With the rise of online shopping we are seeing a greater demand for same and next day delivery to fit in with the lifestyle needs of consumers. This is driving a fundamental change in the speed and flexibility of services from delivery providers and they will have to continue to evolve to satisfy retailers who must respond to their customer’s needs.”
Of course, it is no great surprise that people prefer their parcels to be delivered quickly and that they would like the delivery window to fit in with their own schedules. But the big questions are: are they prepared to pay for the extra convenience and/or speed; and will the availability of more delivery options influence their buying decisions?
More information about the Whistl research is available at: http://www.whistl.co.uk/news/brits-spend-over-3-billion-on-impulse-buys-every-month/
