In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, swift delivery holds the key to happy customers and business success. In fact, a survey of over 80,000 e-commerce consumers in Southeast Asia found that reducing delivery times directly increases customer satisfaction rates.

That means the speed at which your products reach your customers can have a big impact on their decision to complete the purchase – and, ultimately, shape your brand’s reputation.

As an online seller, thriving in this competitive landscape means you need to think about practical and effective strategies to minimise shipping times and boost customer satisfaction. From using local distribution networks to harnessing the power of predictive analytics, there are several ways to speed up the delivery process.

Let’s take a look.

Use local distribution centres

For global e-commerce merchants, having inventory located close to your customers can significantly cut down shipping times. By storing your products in strategically placed warehouses, you’re not just cutting down on delivery distances, you’re also speeding up the time it takes for your customers to receive their orders.

Instead of your products travelling across countries or continents, they’re simply moving from a nearby distribution centre to your customer’s doorstep. Aside from the shorter distance, there’s also a lower risk of delays caused by long-distance transport issues such as customs hold-ups, transport strikes or ships becoming grounded.

Local distribution centres can offer you more flexibility in managing your inventory, too. If one of your products becomes a bestseller in a particular region, you can quickly move stock from other locations close by to meet the demand. This is much faster than having to ship products from a central warehouse in a different country.

Use predictive analytics

Predictive analytics is a sophisticated tool that uses data, algorithms and machine learning from a variety of sources to forecast future trends and behaviours. It looks at what’s happened in your business and the wider market, then uses that information to identify patterns and predict future outcomes.

For an e-commerce business, this might mean forecasting peak sale periods, predicting popular products in the upcoming season or even anticipating when sales will be slow.

When you know what’s likely to be in demand, you can manage your inventory more effectively. No more guesswork – just data-driven insights that help you to understand which items to stock up on so that they’ll sell well. You’ll be less likely to sell out of popular items, which will boost your bottom line, and won’t be left with excess stock of products.

But it’s not just about having the right items in stock. Predictive analytics also helps you work better with your suppliers. If you can forecast demand accurately, you can provide enough lead time to your suppliers so they’re ready to deliver what you need, when you need it.

This proactive approach means your stock is ready and waiting to be shipped as soon as orders come in, slashing the wait time from order to delivery.

Diversify your logistics providers

If you’re relying on just one shipping courier, it increases the risk of your business being vulnerable to unexpected delays, which will almost certainly result in unhappy customers.

Instead, consider working with multiple logistics providers so that you not only gain flexibility in your delivery options, but also create a safety net against unforeseen delays and ensure uninterrupted service.

Why diversify your logistics providers?

Geographical strengths

Different couriers have better connections and networks in specific regions or countries. While one might offer unbeatable speed in Southeast Asia, another could be your best bet for deliveries in Europe.

Cost-effective options

Different providers offer different pricing structures. Some might be cost-effective for standard, non-urgent deliveries, allowing you to pass these savings on to your customers. Others, while more expensive, could offer faster delivery times or handle special types of shipments better.

Backup plans

If one provider faces operational issues, having others as a backup option means that your deliveries continue seamlessly. This flexibility can be vital during peak seasons like Black Friday or Lunar New Year, when shipping volumes spike and the risk of delays increases.

Customer preferences

Different customers have different preferences. Some prioritise cost over speed, while others need their orders as quickly as possible. Having multiple shipping options can cater to various customer preferences.

Choose your shipping partners wisely

Your reputation can hinge on the service of your logistics provider, so it’s important to select a reliable shipping partner. If they’re consistently losing packages or facing delays, it reflects poorly on your brand. On the other hand, a courier that has a proven track record of reliability and speed can improve customer trust and ultimately, increase your sales.

Some companies, such as DHL, are specialists in handling high-value products, setting them apart from standard logistics services.

For WorldFirst customers, there's an added advantage to choosing DHL. We've teamed up with them to offer an exclusive 60% off a new DHL Express Business Account*. This offer will help you streamline your shipping process, so that your products reach the hands of your customers swiftly and safely.

Automate order processing

Being able to automate your order processing is a game-changer in e-commerce. Automation streamlines your operations from the moment an order is placed to when it’s ready for shipping. It handles your orders faster and more accurately, cutting down on the time it takes to get your products out the door.

With less manual input, there’s also a lower chance of making mistakes in order details and fewer delays in correcting these errors. When you’re in a peak season rush, you don’t have to worry about volumes or missed orders, either; your automation tools and software can handle it easily.

Don’t forget about last-mile delivery

The final leg of the delivery process, known as last-mile delivery, is where the true innovation is taking place. And it’s not surprising that e-commerce is driving the demand for better solutions.

While some technologies, such as drone deliveries, are still too much of a futuristic option for most retailers, other delivery methods have helped businesses deliver parcels more efficiently, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

For example, pick-up points and smart lockers reduce the pressure on delivery schedules because multiple deliveries can be made at once, to a single place. At the same time, customers can collect their purchases at their convenience and won’t have to wait impatiently for a parcel to arrive.

Local courier partnerships can also help to speed up deliveries. These partners will know the local area well and can navigate city streets better than larger delivery services.

Communicate with your customers

For many customers, the way you keep them updated on their shipping status can be just as important as the actual delivery speed. In fact, over 90% of e-commerce customer complaints in Southeast Asia are related to late deliveries or poor communication about the status of their deliveries. Consumers expect regular delivery notifications and updates, and are likely to rate their satisfaction one star (out of five) if they don’t receive them.

Delivery notifications can reduce the number of customer queries you get, as well as increase their trust in your brand. While no one wants to hear that their order is delayed, good communication can turn potential frustrations into a positive customer service experience.

Updates at every stage of the delivery process help maintain transparency, while in the case of delays, honesty is key.

How a World Account can help your business

Efficient delivery is key in e-commerce and the strategies we’ve discussed can help speed things up. But you can do even more to make deliveries a breeze.

As a WorldFirst customer, you’ll be able to benefit from our partnership with reputable logistics provider DHL and enjoy an exclusive 60% off a new DHL Express Business Account*. You’ll also enjoy the assurance of timely deliveries and end-to-end visibility of your shipments.

Fast deliveries aside, here’s how you can also improve customer satisfaction by working with us:

A World Account lets you open 10+ local currency accounts in minutes and connect to 100+ global marketplaces, so customers can pay you in their currency. This seamless transaction experience, combined with our competitive exchange rates and zero fees or ongoing costs, makes international business simpler and more cost-effective.

Don’t have an account yet? Discover the benefits, including integration with accounting software and the ability to pay suppliers in 40+ currencies across 130+ countries and regions, by opening an account today.

*The promotion period is from 1st October 2023 to 31st December 2024. Terms and conditions apply.