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. The first thing you should do to deal with delays is to contact your customers and explain the reasons why they're not receiving their orders on time. While using emails or a dedicated response channel like Facebook Messenger are good options, making direct calls to your customers is a better option. 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. Partner with domestic suppliers

Working with famous suppliers who have warehouses in your target countries can help reduce delayed delivery because they can fulfill your orders. Working with suppliers who have warehouses in your target countries can help reduce delayed deliveries because they can fulfill your orders from the closest warehouses. This will help you avoid delivery delays and reduce the shipping times for your products.

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.

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Conclusion

You can save your store by putting customer retention practices in place to communicate and help your customer understand the problems and the solutions you offer. This will help reduce the negative effects of shipping delays on your business. Check out our Demo in order to learn more about the Delivery date Extension For Magento 2. 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.