eCommerce Shipping Trends for 2022

2021 was the year of survival for most businesses, but this year is all about growth. And with 86% of people saying that they will continue to shop more online after the pandemic, eCommerce businesses need to be ready. The key to reaching your growth targets in 2022 will involve paying close attention to the latest trends within the eCommerce industry and adapting your business to cater for them in a way that works for you and your customers.

Some key trends highlighted in this blog are:

• A Rise in eCommerce International Shipping
• Collaborations Between Retailers
• Sustainable Shipping
• New Delivery Options

1. A Rise in eCommerce International Shipping

Being stuck in lockdown meant many people resorted to online shopping with their newly disposable income; 57% of shoppers made purchases from across their borders. This has triggered a growing demand in international courier services, with clothing and footwear being a key category of choice for many across the UK, US, Germany, and Australia. eCommerce businesses need to start gearing up for a worldwide audience to cater to new markets, ensure smooth deliveries and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

2.Collaborations Between Retailers

The continued growth of huge businesses such as Amazon has made it very difficult for other retailers to compete when it comes to shipping and logistics. This is only getting more challenging with the latest offering from the eCommerce giant for same-day grocery deliveries, thus encouraging alliances between retailers in an effort to become stronger together. Through shared resources, smaller businesses can meet the growing demands of their digital buyers.

3.Sustainable Shipping

As customers become increasingly conscious of how their shopping habits are affecting the environment, eCommerce businesses need to show that they are making the appropriate changes to reduce their carbon footprint. If there are any additional costs attached to choosing a low-emission delivery option, around 47% of shoppers stated they would pay £1 or more, while 26% said they would be happy to pay £2 or more for sustainable options at checkout.

4.New Delivery Options

One of the top priorities for eCommerce businesses should be to constantly try and make the complete shopping experience smooth for customers. With 56% of people ranking delivery options at checkout as the most important factor, it is vital to study where your business stands when it comes to giving customers various, convenient options.

What alternative delivery methods can you offer?

• Click and collect: With buyers’ daily schedules, click & collect offers a flexible and safe way they can get their parcels whilst on the go at a time of their choice.
• Parcel lockers: This not only avoids parcels being left unattended outside, but also helps cut emissions. 64% of buyers said they would be willing to walk, with one in five willing to walk up to 5km, to collect parcels if it made the delivery process more sustainable.
• Delivery slots: Giving customers the choice to pick their own delivery slots adds a personal touch to their shopping experience and ensures you are working towards a time that suits them best.
• Rescheduled deliveries: The option to reschedule deliveries provides a fully flexible service to your customers and is something that will help your business stand out from competitors.