Shipping delays cause lots of problems for online retailers. On average 6% to 12 packages are delayed. It increases to 30% during peak periods such as Christmas. Although you may find a way to deal with shipping delays, they can negatively impact your online store both new customers and existing ones. In this article, we will discuss the reason why shipping delays and how to deal with late deliveries.

What Causes Shipping Delays?

Shipping delays can damage the reputation of an Ecommerce store and break its customers’ trust. Here are some common reasons

1. Current Events

Global current events impact shipping if they prevent supply chains from operating. You can see it in the current global pandemic. Coronavirus shipping delays have been felt across the world, from China and Singapore to Italy, India, the UK, and the US. Because of the lockdowns, curfews, and other measures put in place by governments to help combat the disease. 

2. International vs. Domestic Shipping

The leading cause of international shipping delays is congestion in airports and bad weather. Customs issues can also hold up packages. Thus, it is important to ensure your customs paperwork for international shipments are properly and correctly filled in. Domestic shipping is also affected by construction, major roadblocks, traffic, and accidents. All shipments can also be delayed by failed delivery attempts, high volumes (especially around holiday and peak periods), and vehicle trouble.

3. Holidays

Holidays are a big reason for shipping delays. During his period, this industry often experiences huge spikes. Of course, the huge increase in shipment volumes can overwhelm couriers’ capacities. This can result in delays at a time when customers most want to have their packages arrive on time.

4. Supply Chain

Logistics is top the list of the reasons for delayed delivery. Because of lack of capacity to process orders or store goods, especially during holidays, peak eCommerce periods. It can occur if your shipping partners lack enough vehicles and workforce capacity. 

5. Customs

You will face some customs requirements when shipping internationally.  Unless all the required documents are attached and filled out correctly, customs may hold your package indefinitely or until the right information is presented. Partnering with reliable courier services that stay on top of customs documents can help you navigate customs delays. 

6. Incorrect Address

When a customer gives the wrong address or when the retailer fails to document the client’s order property, the delivery company doesn't have enough information to correctly deliver a package. This may result in shipping delays. So, make sure you’re correctly addressing your mail to avoid any problems with delivery.

How Can Shipping Delays Negatively Impact Your Business?

Delayed deliveries can negatively impact your business. Here are some essential metrics you should know to help put the cost of late deliveries into perspective.

• 69% of people who shop in your store again if their purchase is not on time are less likely to shop in your store again if their purchase is not delivered within two days of the promised delivery date.

• 17% of buyers will stop shopping with an eCommerce retailer after receiving a late delivery once; 55% will not shop with the retailer again after two to three late deliveries.

• It will cost you five to 25 times more to acquire a new customer than retain an existing one.

• Loyal customers are worth up to ten times as much as their first purchase, and a 5% customer retention increase can boost your profit by 25% to 95%.

See more 7 Things You Need To Consider For Ecommerce Shipping

6 Tips for Dealing With Shipping Delays

Although you try your best to streamline your business processes and shipping operation, delayed delivery will still. And your customer will see it as your problem and you may lose them to the competition unless you step in quickly to ease their frustration. Here are some tips you can use to deal with shipping delays.

1. Communicate with your customers

The first step you should do to deal with shipping delays is to communicate with your customer and explain the reason why they’re not receiving their package on time. Despite using emails or response channels like Facebook messenger is good option, making direct calls to your customers is a better option. It is your chance to offer a personalized solution to the problem, make your customer see your effort you have made to call them. You’ll be able to offer a personalized solution to the problem, and your customers will appreciate the extra effort you have made to call them. Discuss every detail of the order delays and give them an estimate of when to expect their package.

2. Offer free shipping

The free ship is a great option to help you lower your customer’s expectation for faster shipping. Because of free shipping, your customers won’t expect it on time. But in this case, you have to do your best to improve your shipping times and avoid any shipping delays. 

3. Shipment tracking

A shipping method that enables you and your customers to get tracking information in real-time can reduce the anxiety and frustration that comes with delays. Sharing the tracking number with your customers will enable them to check the shipping status themselves and see where their package is. Easyship gives you the ability to offer branded tracking pages that give your customer a 360-degree branded experience and easy tracking for their orders.

4. Collaborate with Local Suppliers

Engage with local suppliers and fulfillment centers to reduce reliance on international shipping. Local partnerships can significantly cut down transit times, avoid customs-related delays, and make your supply chain more resilient during disruptions.

5. Provide offers and discounts

You can offer gifts or coupon codes to your customers, it can help neutralize their frustrations. Although it costs money, it’s much cheaper than having bad reviews that can turn away many potential customers.

6. Streamline Supply Chain Operations

Optimize every step of your supply chain, from order processing to inventory management. Ensure smooth communication with logistics partners and invest in technology that automates and enhances shipping workflows. This approach helps mitigate delays and keeps operations running efficiently.

See more: How to use Magento Delivery Date Extension

How CMSMART Can Help Address Shipping Delays

Shipping delays are a critical challenge for eCommerce businesses, but CMSMART provides tailored solutions to mitigate these issues and enhance operational efficiency. Leveraging its advanced tools and expert services, CMSMART enables businesses to streamline their logistics, enhance customer satisfaction, and maintain a competitive edge.

1. Delivery Management Extensions

CMSMART’s Delivery Date Extension for Magento 2 allows businesses to offer customers flexible delivery options, ensuring clarity and convenience. By enabling customers to choose delivery dates, businesses can reduce the chances of failed attempts and align shipping schedules with courier availability, minimizing delays.

2. Real-Time Tracking Features

CMSMART integrates real-time tracking tools into eCommerce platforms, providing businesses and customers with up-to-date shipment information. This transparency reduces customer anxiety and support requests while offering businesses insights into delivery bottlenecks, enabling proactive resolution of issues.

3. Advanced Order and Inventory Management

CMSMART’s solutions include sophisticated order processing and inventory management systems that automate workflows, reducing errors and processing times. By optimizing stock levels and ensuring orders are dispatched promptly, businesses can prevent delays caused by logistical inefficiencies.

4. Localization and Domestic Supplier Partnerships

Through its Product Designer Tool and customization solutions, CMSMART enables businesses to work with local suppliers for production and fulfillment. This strategy minimizes reliance on international shipping, mitigating delays caused by customs or long transit times, especially during peak seasons.

5. Seamless API Integration

CMSMART specializes in integrating APIs with logistics partners to automate order updates, shipment notifications, and tracking information. This automation not only speeds up shipping processes but also ensures seamless communication between your store, couriers, and customers.

6. Peak Season Preparedness

CMSMART’s consultancy services include analyzing your business's shipping patterns and preparing your operations for peak demand periods, such as holidays. By identifying vulnerabilities and implementing scalable solutions, businesses can handle increased order volumes without compromising delivery timelines.

7. Customer Retention Solutions

Shipping delays can damage customer relationships, but CMSMART offers strategies to mitigate this impact. From automated compensation features, like issuing vouchers or discounts for delayed shipments, to tools for personalized customer communication, CMSMART helps businesses retain their customer base even in challenging situations.

8. Comprehensive Support and Custom Development

CMSMART acts as a strategic partner by providing ongoing support and custom development tailored to your business’s unique needs. Whether it’s developing specialized shipping workflows, enhancing your supply chain capabilities, or resolving operational bottlenecks, CMSMART ensures your eCommerce operations remain efficient and customer-focused.

9. Scalability and Long-Term Growth

CMSMART’s eCommerce solutions are designed to grow with your business. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, CMSMART offers scalable tools and services that adapt to your expanding logistics needs, ensuring your operations remain smooth and reliable as order volumes increase.

By integrating CMSMART’s innovative tools and expert consultancy into your business operations, you can not only overcome the challenges of shipping delays but also build a robust and efficient logistics system. With CMSMART as your partner, you can safeguard customer loyalty, boost operational efficiency, and achieve sustained business growth.

No more Shipping Delays

While shipping delays may be unavoidable at times, businesses can minimize their impact through proactive strategies and customer-focused solutions. By clearly communicating with customers, leveraging local suppliers, and enhancing operational efficiencies, businesses can turn challenges into opportunities to build stronger relationships with their audience. This will help reduce the negative effects of shipping delays on your business. For a more robust solution, consider integrating advanced tools like  Delivery date Extension For Magento 2 to enhance delivery accuracy and provide a seamless customer experience.Check out our Demo here. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and discuss your problem. We will definitely get back to you and make your shipping experience better.

Rose Helen

Shop Owner

Rose Helen is a highly accomplished Ecommerce Project Consultant with a strong background in managing and guiding successful e-commerce projects. With her exceptional expertise and strategic mindset, she helps businesses achieve their goals in the digital marketplace.
With years of experience, Rose Helen possesses an in-depth understanding of e-commerce platforms, technologies, and best practices. She works closely with clients to analyze their needs, develop tailored strategies, and execute effective project plans that drive growth and success.
As an Ecommerce Project Consultant, Rose Helen excels at overseeing project lifecycles, from inception to completion. She ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with the highest level of quality. Her exceptional project management skills enable her to effectively communicate with stakeholders, manage resources, and mitigate risks throughout the project journey.
Rose Helen is a strategic thinker who leverages her extensive knowledge to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation. She provides valuable insights and recommendations to optimize e-commerce processes, enhance user experiences, and increase online sales.
With her strong communication and collaboration skills, Rose Helen builds strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders. She fosters a collaborative environment, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with business objectives.
Beyond her technical expertise, Rose Helen is dedicated to delivering exceptional client service. She goes above and beyond to understand her clients' unique requirements and provide them with personalized solutions that drive tangible results. Her commitment to client success is evident in her approach and the long-term relationships she builds.
Rose Helen's passion for e-commerce, coupled with her extensive experience and project management skills, makes her a valuable asset for organizations looking to thrive in the digital landscape. With her guidance, businesses can navigate the complexities of e-commerce projects and achieve their objectives with confidence and success.