How to generate more sales using contactless delivery

Contactless delivery offers a secure, convenient, and efficient solution for businesses and consumers alike. Its adoption can not only help you meet the changing demands of your customers but also drive your business growth. 

But how can you generate more sales using contactless delivery? Read this comprehensive guide and find out!

What is contactless delivery?

Contactless delivery is a method of delivering goods from a distribution location to your customer without any physical contact between people. This method has become a lifeline for businesses that have multiple delivery options, allowing them to continue operations while ensuring the health and safety of both their employees and customers. 

How does it benefit you as a business owner?

• It provides a safe and convenient option for customers to receive their orders.
• It shows that your business is able to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity.
• It increases customer satisfaction and promotes repeat business.

According to a recent study by McKinsey & Company, 75% of people using digital channels for the first time during the pandemic intend to continue doing so when things return to “normal”. This shows that the trend of contactless delivery is here to stay and will continue to be a vital part of the retail industry. [1]

How does contactless delivery work?

Photo source: Shutterstock

• Your customer starts the process by placing an order for anything – food, groceries, retail items, you name it. They opt for contactless delivery, a choice that should be clearly indicated in the order details. 
• Next, the order is prepared for delivery by the courier. This involves packaging the order appropriately and ensuring it’s ready for a contactless handoff. The courier must be equipped with the necessary technology to facilitate contactless delivery, such as a mobile application.
• The courier transports the order to the customer’s location and leaves it at a pre-designated spot, usually the customer’s doorstep. This ensures that there is no physical interaction between the courier and the customer.

Proof of delivery is very important in this process. The courier takes a picture of the delivered package in its location. This photo is then sent to the customer through the mobile application, giving the customer assurance that their order has been delivered and is ready for collection. 

Post-delivery, the customer receives automatic alerts and notifications reminding them to collect their order. This not only ensures that the package is not left unattended for too long, reducing the risk of theft or damage but also aids in maintaining customer satisfaction.

The importance of contactless delivery in today’s business environment

Let’s delve into the key benefits that make this delivery method so popular:

• Enhanced business agility
• Prioritizes public health by minimizing physical contact
• Eliminate the need for cash on delivery
• Building stronger customer bonds
• Prioritizing courier well-being

1. Enhanced business agility

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, adaptability is key. As a business owner, you need to be ready to pivot and adapt to external factors swiftly. One such adaptation that’s become vital for businesses is contactless delivery. It’s not just a trend, it’s a necessary shift that allows your business to continue serving customers safely and effectively, no matter what external circumstances, such as a pandemic, may be thrown your way. An exciting feature of this is the Innoship algorithm’s ability to customize delivery rules. Once rules are set, deliveries are allocated automatically, ensuring the best options in terms of cost and time.

2. Prioritizes public health by minimizing physical contact

Contactless delivery plays a significant role in curbing the virus spread, minimizing the risk of transmission between your delivery personnel and customers. It boosts customer confidence and trust in your business, knowing that you are taking steps to protect them.

3. Eliminate the need for cash on delivery

Another advantage of contactless delivery is the digitization of payment methods. With digital payments accompanying contactless deliveries, customers enjoy an added layer of convenience and safety. Cash transactions, often prone to theft or loss, are eliminated, speeding up the delivery process and providing customers with a seamless shopping experience.

4. Building stronger customer bonds

By offering this service, you are sending a clear message to your customers that their safety and convenience are your top priorities. This commitment can significantly enhance their overall experience, strengthening their relationship with your brand, and increasing the chance of repeat purchases.

5. Prioritizing courier well-being

Lastly, contactless delivery is not just about customer safety. It also ensures the safety of your delivery personnel. By minimizing their direct contact with customers, you contribute to their job satisfaction and retention, reducing turnover and associated costs.

How do businesses successfully implement contactless delivery?

Photo source: Shutterstock

Businesses like yours are successfully implementing contactless delivery, and you can do the same. Here’s how:

• It’s essential to keep your customers informed about their package’s delivery status. By leveraging technology, you can facilitate seamless communication between drivers and customers. Regular updates optimize the delivery process and improve customer satisfaction. In fact, 69% of consumers are less likely to shop with a retailer in the future if an item is not delivered within two days of the promised delivery date. [2]  
• Integrating advanced technology into your operations can revolutionize your logistics experience. It assists in managing fleet operations and stabilizing contactless delivery operations. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in managing omnichannel logistics. 
• Continuous improvement is key to the success of your contactless delivery service. Ensure you have a system in place to gather feedback from staff and customers. Constructive criticism should be welcomed and used to refine your service. 
• Integrating a platform like Innoship can foster collaboration across the supply chain ecosystem, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, carriers, and end-users in a seamless network. This collaboration breaks down traditional barriers and creates a responsive supply chain ecosystem that adapts to changes in demand and market dynamics. 

It’s clear that contactless delivery is a game changer in the e-commerce industry. It’s not just a trend, it’s a powerful strategy that’s here to stay. It’s a strategy that can propel your business forward, making it more competitive and successful. 

Start implementing contactless delivery in your business today and reap the rewards! It’s a win-win situation for both you and your customers.  

Sources

[1] Baig, Aamer, et al. “The COVID-19 Recovery Will Be Digital: A Plan for the First 90 Days.” McKinsey & Company, McKinsey & Company, 14 May 2020, www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-covid-19-recovery-will-be-digital-a-plan-for-the-first-90-days. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.

[2] Hughes, Doug. “The Impact of Late and Inaccurate Deliveries on Customer Loyalty.” Websitemagazine.com, Website Services, Inc., 12 Feb. 2023, www.websitemagazine.com/ecommerce/the-impact-of-late-and-inaccurate-deliveries-on-customer-loyalty. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.