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Explore what additional benefits MCSS can bring beyond just rate shopping
For many, September means going back to school. And back-to-school is an exciting time for not only parents (talk about the dog days of summer!), but also for some supply chain and logistics professionals who are now dealing with heightened demand for their products and services.
Most importantly, for nearly all shipping executives, back-to-school is the lead-up to peak shipping season. This is the time that brands must set themselves up for success. Putting plans in place to efficiently deliver a higher volume of shipments while still meeting customer expectations is crucial.
Though rate shopping has become a staple tool for many enterprise-level businesses, it’s important to note that it can offer benefits beyond just price comparisons. Let’s take a closer look at how multi-carrier shipping software with advanced parcel rate shopping technology can enhance the overall customer experience (CX).
Evolving Customer Expectations
Today’s shoppers have high expectations. They demand not only competitive prices but also a seamless and exceptional delivery experience. The numbers tell a compelling story of these expectations:
Your Competition is Raising the Bar
According to a Digital Commerce 360 survey, shopper satisfaction for online deliveries is at peak levels, staying strong year over year. Online shoppers are highly satisfied with the deliveries of their online orders. In fact, just over 75% of shoppers rate their deliveries over the past six months at least an eight out of 10. Just 15% of scores were in the six to seven above-average zone, while only 8% came in at a five or below.
Rise in Same-Day or Next-Day Delivery Expectations
That same survey notes that same-day delivery is becoming a more important factor for online shoppers. This is especially true given Amazon’s competency in this area. While only 7% said they abandoned orders when same-day delivery was not available, it’s essential to monitor these options to understand the competitive landscape. This enables businesses to pivot as needed to accommodate changing customer desires.
Impact of Delivery Delays on Cart Abandonment
Modern shoppers are known to be particularly sensitive to delivery delays. And overall, shipping dates matter – this survey showed that 29% of shoppers abandoned an order because it would not arrive in time. It also revealed shoppers abandoned if delivery would be too slow (20%) or the delivery date was unclear (12%). These statistics underscore the importance of meeting promised delivery windows.
Customer Loyalty Linked to Delivery Experience
Research shows that 85% of online shoppers wouldn’t re-order from an online retailer after a bad delivery experience. By improving the post-purchase experience, retailers are providing a positive delivery experience. This not only boosts short-term sales, but also builds brand loyalty, secures long-term repeat customers and a supportive customer base. As a result, this lowers customer acquisition costs and drives profitability.
Meeting these increased customer expectations requires more than just competitive pricing on shipments. Brands must take a holistic approach to supply chain management, where the CX is just as important as the cost. This is where multi-carrier shipping software plays a crucial role.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software: A Comprehensive Logistics Solution
Multi-carrier shipping software (MCSS) is a comprehensive solution that has benefits going beyond just rate shopping. While comparing carrier rates is a crucial component of managing your transportation spend, multi-carrier shipping software offers much more.
At its core, MCSS empowers businesses to compare carrier rates, enabling them to choose cost-effective shipping options that meet customer delivery dates. However, the true strength of MCSS lies in its ability to provide a multifaceted solution to logistics problems. Automated decision-making capabilities allow brands to optimize every aspect of their shipping operations – from omnichannel fulfillment strategies to complex carrier compliance requirements. By executing the carrier selection for a specific shipment based on information from other parts of the Enterprise Software Stack (OMS, WMS, and ERP), multi-carrier software serves as a guiding hand throughout the supply chain.
Another key feature of MCSS is its adaptability. As we hinted at above, advanced MCSS solutions can seamlessly integrate with existing systems, making it a valuable addition to your technological infrastructure. This adaptability extends to the varying needs of different industries and departments within your organization. Whether you are in retail, manufacturing, third-party logistics or healthcare industries, multi-carrier shipping software can be tailored to suit your specific requirements. MCSS becomes a versatile tool that aligns your entire organization’s efforts toward achieving logistics excellence during any shipping season.
Another key of elite multi-carrier shipping solutions is the ability to incorporate real-time information to ensure accuracy in your rate shopping. During the back-to-school and even peak season, demand can fluctuate rapidly, and carrier availability is likely to change. MCSS solutions that include business rules, carrier conditions, and special offers are implemented with real-time data sets to continuously evaluate multiple carrier options based on various factors, including price, delivery time, and service quality. This ensures that brands can adapt quickly to changing circumstances and automate decision-making to select the most suitable carriers for each shipment.
For example, if you receive a call from a carrier that they are unable to pick up a delivery due to weather conditions, MCSS can instantly identify an alternative carrier. This agility is vital during peak seasons. [Discover Advanced Date Shopping to account for considerations like carrier holidays, last trailer pulls, and more.]
Elevated Delivery Experiences with MCSS
The bottom line – rate shopping is no longer just about finding the cheapest option. In busy seasons like back-to-school and peak season, consumers want timely deliveries and a positive customer experience. Multi-carrier shipping software steps up to the challenge, offering advanced functionalities and adaptability.
As you gear up for the elevated demand – whether with the back-to-school rush or peak shipping season, consider the value that an industry-leading multi-carrier software like ProShip can bring to your supply chain. It’s not just about cost savings; it’s about meeting and exceeding customer expectations, enhancing your reputation, and gaining a competitive edge.
At ProShip, we understand the complexities of increased demand and the importance of delivering on your shipping promises. ProShip’s automated multi-carrier shipping software is designed to optimize your supply chain, enhance the customer experience, and help you find efficiencies during the busiest times of the year. Learn more about how we can support your peak season logistics by scheduling a demo today.
