Express shipping has become an essential component of eCommerce businesses both in Australia and globally. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, offering fast and reliable shipping options has become a key competitive advantage.
Research indicates that 66% of consumers will abandon their purchase if delivery is slow, and an overwhelming 97% will leave their carts behind if shipping costs are too high.
In light of these statistics, understanding the intricacies of express shipping and how to best leverage its benefits can provide a crucial edge in today's market.
What is Express Shipping?
Express shipping represents an expedited delivery service designed to streamline the shipping process, ensuring that packages reach their destinations considerably faster than standard shipping methods.
So, what does express shipping do? This service prioritises speed and efficiency, often ensuring next-day or two-day delivery, and even same-day delivery, depending on the distance and logistical constraints.
For brands, express shipping offers:
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Consumers love fast delivery, which can boost their satisfaction and loyalty.
- Competitive Edge: Offering express shipping alongside the standard shipping methods can set a brand apart from competitors.
- Increased Sales: Customers are more likely to be repeat customers from businesses who can offer quick delivery options.
But it also allow customers to gain:
- Quick Access to Products: Customers receive their purchases faster, enhancing their shopping experience.
- Convenience: Express shipping caters to urgent needs, making it ideal for last-minute gifts or essential items.
- Reliability: Typically, express shipping services are more reliable and come with better tracking options.
While express shipping significantly reduces delivery time compared to standard shipping, it also usually comes at a higher cost due to the expedited nature of the service. Knowing how to balance when and how to offer express shipping will then be vital to keeping your business afloat while keeping your customers happy.
Standard Shipping vs Express Shipping
Choosing between express and standard shipping depends on the specific needs of your business and your customers. By offering both shipping options, you can cater to a wider range of customer preferences and ensure that your customers can choose the shipping method that best suits their needs, whether they need a package urgently or prefer to save on shipping costs.
Express shipping is ideal for customers who:
- Prioritise speed and are willing to pay a premium for rapid delivery
- Have urgent orders
- Have high-value items
- Value prompt service
On the other hand, standard shipping are more suitable for customers who:
- Prefer a more cost-effective solution
- Have non-urgent deliveries
- Budget-conscious customers who want low shipping costs
To further explore the difference between the two, let’s dive deeper into the four key factors where the they diverge:
1. Speed and delivery time
Express shipping prioritises speed, often promising next-day or even same-day delivery, while standard shipping typically takes longer, with delivery times ranging from a few days to over a week, depending on the destination.
Cost
The expedited nature of express shipping comes with higher costs as carriers charge more for the faster processing and transportation required to meet tight deadlines.Standard shipping, on the other hand, is generally more affordable, as the lower cost reflects the longer delivery time and less urgent handling.
Reliability and tracking
Express shipments often come with enhanced tracking capabilities, providing real-time updates and greater peace of mind for both the sender and recipient. This high level of service ensures that packages are less likely to be delayed or lost.While standard shipping also offers tracking, it may not be as detailed or frequent as that provided with express shipping. However, it still provides sufficient visibility for most deliveries.
Suitability
Express shipping is best suited for time-sensitive items, such as perishable goods, important documents, or last-minute gifts as compared to standard shipping where customers are willing to wait a bit longer for their purchases to arrive.Customers are more likely to choose a retailer that offers flexible delivery options tailored to their specific requirements. Clear communication about the benefits and costs associated with each shipping option can also help manage customer expectations, reducing the likelihood of cart abandonment and increasing overall satisfaction.
Costs of Express Shipping
When looking into express shipping, one of the most critical factors to look at is shipping costs. These costs can vary widely based on several key factors, such as:
- Distance: Longer distances generally incur higher shipping costs.
- Weight and Dimensions: Heavier and larger packages cost more to ship express.
- Speed: Faster delivery options are usually more expensive.
- Carrier: Different carriers have varying pricing structures and fees.
As a business, you’ll need to consider these factors when offering express shipping to ensure you’re providing competitive rates while maintaining profitability. Additionally, you should communicate clearly with your customers about shipping costs to manage expectations.
Express Shipping in Australia
For eCommerce businesses operating in Australia, there are several express shipping options available in the market that you can take advantage of to cater to your customers’ different needs and preferences.
Some of the major players in the express shipping market include:
Australia Post: Known for its Express Post service, offering next-business-day delivery within the Express Post network.
DHL Express: Provides international express shipping with extensive global reach and fast delivery times.
FedEx Express: Offers reliable express shipping services both domestically and internationally.
Toll Priority: Known for its comprehensive express services across Australia, catering to both businesses and individuals.
Each of these carriers offers various express shipping solutions tailored to different requirements. To offer what best suits your customers’ preferences, you’ll need to dig deep into which carrier can help you find the right balance between speed and costs.
Express Shipping FAQs
1. How much does express shipping cost?
The cost of express shipping varies based on factors such as distance, weight and dimensions of the package, speed of delivery, and the carrier used. It is generally more expensive than standard shipping.
There are, however, competitive shipping rates available in the market when you partner with 3PL service providers like SKUTOPIA for last mile delivery services, where express delivery costs start from $5.62.
2. How long does express shipping take?
Express shipping typically takes 1-2 business days, but some services may offer same-day delivery depending on the location and carrier.
3. Is express shipping available for international deliveries?
Yes, many carriers offer express shipping options for international deliveries, though delivery times and costs will vary based on the destination country and customs processes.
4. Can I track my express shipment?
Yes, most express shipping services provide detailed tracking information, allowing you to monitor the progress of your shipment in real-time.
SKUTOPIA’s partnership with GoPeople for same day deliveries, for example, allows customers to track shipments and have a direct communication with delivery drivers for more efficient delivery experiences.
5. What if my express shipment is delayed?
If your express shipment is delayed, contact the carrier’s customer service for assistance. Many carriers offer guarantees and may provide refunds or credits if the delivery does not meet the promised timeframe.
6. Are there size and weight limits for express shipping?
Yes, each carrier has specific size and weight limits for express shipments. Check with the carrier for their guidelines to ensure your package meets their requirements.
7. How do I choose the best carrier for express shipping?
Choosing the best carrier depends on factors such as delivery speed, cost, reliability, and your specific shipping needs. Comparing services and reading customer reviews can help you make an informed decision.
Or you can also get last mile delivery solutions from SKUTOPIA where you can have access to a wide range of delivery courier services and choose which among them best suits every delivery.
8. Can I use express shipping for all types of products?
While express shipping can be used for most products, some items such as hazardous materials, perishables, or oversized items may have restrictions or require special handling. Check with the carrier for specific guidelines.
9. Is express shipping worth the extra cost?
Express shipping is worth the extra cost if you need a fast delivery, have urgent or time-sensitive shipments, or want to enhance customer satisfaction with quicker service. Assessing the needs of your business and customers will help determine if it’s a worthwhile investment.
Express Shipping with SKUTOPIA
To make it easier than ever for businesses to offer this service, SKUTOPIA’s express shipping services are designed to meet the growing demand for speed with an integrated carrier list, providing flexibility and efficiency in delivery options.
With our last mile delivery solutions, you don’t need to find the right balance and stick with it for all your deliveries – you can choose among a wide array of carriers and easily pick what’s best for every delivery.
Our last mile delivery solutions ensure you’re not only offering speed, but also high-quality last mile experience:
- Personalised delivery experience: By providing multiple carrier options, we help businesses personalise and maximise their last-mile delivery experience, boosting brand presence and customer satisfaction.
- Cost-effective shipping: Our partnership with multiple carriers also allows us to offer the most competitive rates available in the market.
- Strategic location: Located in Sydney, SKUTOPIA is strategically positioned to offer rapid access to major transportation networks. This advantage significantly reduces transit times, making it feasible to meet the tight deadlines associated with express shipping in Australia.
- Scalability: Whether you are a small business experiencing growth or a larger enterprise dealing with peak season demands, SKUTOPIA's facilities can scale according to your needs. This adaptability ensures that you can keep your express shipping service standards even during the most demanding times.
- Visibility and control: Our same day delivery service partnership with GoPeople allows brands to offer customers live order tracking, further enhancing customer satisfaction.
By enhancing your delivery capabilities, you can keep up with the fast-paced demands of today's consumers. But to do that, you need the right partner to help you get access to the solutions you need to scale.
Let SKUTOPIA help you navigate the future of eCommerce with precision and speed. Partner with us today.
