Consumer expectations are changing due to the recent spike in online shopping activity. Now, parcel pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) network Hubbed reveals Australian online shoppers are seeking more convenience in their parcel deliveries.
Hubbed research found that 54 per cent of online shoppers want retailers to deliver parcels to after-hours location hubs.
The survey findings were released in tandem with the launch of Hubbed’s Click & Collect ecommerce plugins, which enable retailers to give consumers a choice to have their parcels delivered to more than 2,000 collection points directly from their shopping carts. These include BP service stations, 7-Eleven outlets and other convenience stores, major retail chains such as Repco and National Storage, as well local newsagents and pharmacies―many of which are open 24 hours, seven days a week.
The survey found that click and collect is among the top three retailer offerings that would motivate consumers to shop more online (chosen by 54 per cent of respondents). Free shipping would motivate 74 per cent of Australians to shop online more often, and improved website experience with more in-depth descriptions, images or videos of products would motivate 54 per cent to shop more online.
The survey also found that 53 per cent of Aussies want retailers to improve their loyalty programs, 51 per cent want honest product reviews on their websites, and 50 per cent would like their shipments consolidated into a single delivery, rather than have one order dispatched in multiple shipments.
Additionally, 49 per cent of respondents would like online retailers to include free samples in their deliveries, 46 per cent would prefer free returns and 45 per cent would like delivery packaging improved―all to help them shop online more in the current climate.
In Australia, online shopping is predicted to account for 15 per cent of total retail spend by the end of 2020 compared with 16 to 18 per cent by 2025, as was expected before the outbreak of Covid-19.
With retailers experiencing strong online demand, it comes with an inevitable increase in consumer expectations for a more seamless and convenient delivery experience. The Hubbed Click & Collect plugins enable retailers to meet increasing consumer delivery expectations by giving consumers greater control and flexibility of deliveries, with access to collection points that are open 24/7 and offer parking.
“Hubbed is thrilled to announce its own click and collect service,” CEO and founder of Hubbed, David McLean, says.
“We are not surprised with the survey results, as they are about the growing demand of click and collect within our network. By providing our plugins to the major ecommerce platforms, we can now extend our click and collect services directly to online merchants.
“For consumers, providing them with more choice, convenience and control in the collection of their parcels through secure, 24/7 and extended hours locations will be a significant differentiator for them when deciding where to purchase.”
