Home delivery driving online sales

A recent study from Hermes courier delivery network found delivery companies are playing a vital role in driving online success for retailers, overcoming delivery cost and flexibility concerns with special programmes and incentives. The survey found many U.K. consumers switched to online shopping once retailers adopted simpler shipping and returns policies, developed with delivery companies.

The survey showed 16 percent of respondents said they did not want to pay for delivery fees and 17 percent did not feel comfortable submitting payment and personal information online. Further, 49 percent of consumers said the cost of delivery made online shopping more expensive than in-store purchases, and 42 percent were concerned they could lose money if a delivery got lost.

The survey also showed that more consumers would be open to online shopping if delivery options were more convenient. The data showed 61 percent of U.K. consumers would want their deliveries to be left with a neighbour, 51 percent would prefer it to be stored in a safe place if they are not home to receive it, and 30 percent do not appreciate having to pick up a missed delivery at a depot. To avoid missed deliveries, 93 percent of full-time workers would be interested in nighttime deliveries.

With the increase in home delivery options available to both online retailers and consumers, Mohammed Hussain, managing director of Mobilefun.co.uk, told Retail Gazette that it is the perfect time for U.K. retailers to expand to foreign markets.