48-hour delivery in e-commerce: are you ready for the challenge?

Implementing a 48-hour delivery process in e-commerce can be a real challenge. Indeed, the ability to deliver products within the advertised timeframe requires well-oiled logistics. To achieve this, it is important to have a controlled stock management, and an efficient order preparation phase. It should of course allow limiting order errors in order to seek to improve the customer experience from one point in the chain to the next.

Raja reveals the keys to optimise the implementation of your 48-hour delivery process and ensure the quality of your services.

Implement an optimised storage and picking method

Well-functioning logistics is one of the keys to success for e-commerce. Increasing your order-picking rate is largely down to your logistics storage and picking method. Properly optimised, your storage method can allow you to :

• reduce picking time, and therefore increase the throughput of your warehouse;
• reduce the workload of order pickers through better warehouse organisation.

This organisation depends on the picking method implemented and therefore on your business. Your storage method is different if you opt for Pick And Pack, Put To Light, or Pick By Light operation.

Increase your warehouse throughput with the right equipment

The equipment in your warehouse has a high impact on your productivity. The more streamlined your picking and packing processes are, the better your productivity. To improve it, you need to equip your business with the right equipment, namely :

• Packing machines: these are essential to ensure that your goods are packed and protected. One of the indispensable tools is the cushioning machines. It generates paper padding, bubble padding, or air cushions according to your needs. To optimise time saving, equip your warehouse with wrapping machines, sealing machines or heat sealers.

• Handling equipment: this is a key element for your warehouse and should be chosen according to your activity and the weight of the goods to be transported. Hand trucks, transport trolleys, pallet trucks or forklift trucks make the work of your operators easier.

Choosing time-saving packaging

In order to deliver on your promise of delivery within 48 hours, the entire supply chain needs to be efficient, especially the packaging phase. One way to speed up the packing process is to opt for instant assembly cardboard boxes designed for quick and easy assembly.

Another time-saving product to integrate into your supply chain is theintegrated cushioning packaging. The cushioning system is included in the packaging, thus limiting the need for cushioning machines.

Packaging is the best way to protect your goods during transport. But it is also an important vector of the customer experience. In order to optimise it, make sure to care for the packaging and unboxing. Indeed, in e-commerce, your packaging is the first physical point of contact between your company and the customer. It is therefore crucial to implement a seamless packaging strategy.

Selecting the right carriers

The quality and speed of your services is not just about the actions implemented within the warehouse. The shopping experience is also dependent on receiving your package, especially if you want to opt for a 48-hour delivery. Here are some key criteria to help you choose your partner carriers :

• The delivery time: the carrier must provide you with guarantees of on-time delivery. Choose one offering home delivery within 48 hours, or express delivery to a relay point within 48 hours.
• The possibility of tracking the package: this is an important point to improve the customer experience. Both senders and recipients are thus informed about the delivery of the goods and the correct receipt.
• The personalisation of delivery dates and times: some carriers offer this option. It is particularly interesting to avoid the carrier to travel at times of absence, and recipients to wait for their package without knowing the exact time of delivery.
• The conditions of insurance of the carrier: pay attention to the insurance of the carrier, especially in case of loss or damage of your goods. This is especially important if you are shipping fragile or valuable products.

Communicate well about your delivery terms

The 48-hour delivery is a real e-commerce selling point. Customers want to receive their order quickly: so you put all the chances on your side to close the sale by offering a fast and quality service.

Don’t hesitate to communicate on your delivery conditions, and to highlight the 48-hour delivery on all your communication media, both print and digital. Also use the e-commerce ordering tunnel to inform your customers of this option.

Make your delivery solution an asset to your business by taking on the 48-hour delivery challenge. Take care of your supply chain from start to finish and optimise your customers’ experience by implementing quality, fast and efficient services.