Europe’s online shoppers warm to alternative delivery methods

The evidence that “alternative” delivery methods are growing in popularity continues to mount, as yet another study finds that European online consumers are warming to options like Click and collect and parcel lockers. The new report, “Europe B2C E-Commerce Delivery 2015” from Germany-based secondary market research company yStats.com, found that: “For the majority of online shoppers in European countries, delivery to their home or workplace is the most important B2C E-Commerce delivery option, but alternative options are becoming more and more popular.”

This is in line with the findings of other reports published recently – including those commissioned by Hermes and Pitney Bowes.

Turning to the specifics of which alternative methods are gaining most traction in different European countries, yStats.com said: “In the UK, over two thirds of online shoppers have already used click-and-collect services, while in France the most popular alternative option was delivery to a local shop. Germany led in the share of online shoppers using delivery to designated delivery lockers.”

The report also found that online consumers do responde to free delivery offers. Indeed, yStats.com claimed: “An overwhelming majority of online shoppers in countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany indicate that free shipping is one of the most important factors in their purchase decision.”

Speed of delivery was also an important factor and yStats.com found that “especially in Eastern Europe a significant share of online shoppers is willing to pay extra for faster delivery”.