WHAT IS DISPATCH?
Despatch is defined as “send off to a destination or for a purpose.”
In terms of fulfilment, despatch is the moment your package is handed over to your carrier for network injection and final mile services. Once your orders have been picked and packed, they are labelled and prepared for collection. This constitutes the despatch process.
The despatch speed can vary significantly depending on your 3PL partner. Cut-off times, for instance, can differ widely. Cut-off times denote the latest time in a day by which an order can be injected into a carrier’s network. The later the cut-off time, the more orders you can despatch in a day – an area where we excel.
Furthermore, despatch speed refers to the amount of time it typically takes for an order to be processed. With PaakPOD innovative system, orders are usually despatched within 28 minutes of receipt. Short order processing times and late cut-off times result in a higher service level for your customers.
WHAT BEING IN THE MIDDLE MEANS
Now that we have a basic understanding of the process, let’s envision what it might look like during a peak period, such as Black Friday.
Last year, the British public spent an impressive £8.57 billion over the Black Friday / Cyber Monday (BF/CM) weekend. That’s a considerable number of packages being dispatched simultaneously. According to our research, the average dispatch time offered by retailers falls between 12 pm and 2 pm.
If that’s your situation, it’s cause for concern.
Differentiate yourself from the crowd. Provide exceptional service to your customers when others are falling short. Doing so will create memorable, positive experiences for your customers and increase repeat business.
Starting in the middle of the pack rarely leads to victory. The most competitive teams strive for pole position because they understand the importance of timing.
If you’re in the middle, your orders will be lumped in with everyone else’s, making it even harder to stand out.
Good timing facilitates hassle-free fulfilment. Your final-mile services are secure and poised to deliver high-quality service to your customers. With numerous options available to consumers, grabbing attention has never been more challenging. Stand out from the crowd with swift service during peak periods.
Encourage your 3PL partner to extend cut-off times to keep your orders flowing smoothly. Your customers deserve the best possible service.
PEAK SALES, SERVICE SPEED & CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS.
83% of consumers prioritize fast delivery. According to our research, this translates to Next-Day Delivery for 53% of UK respondents and Pre-Noon Next Day for an additional 17%.
That’s a whopping 70% of respondents seeking some form of Next-Day Delivery. 70%!!!
By injecting your orders later than others, you ensure they enter the network ahead of the pack. Conversely, leaving half of your orders to be processed until the following day means your customers won’t receive the swift service they desire. Instead of arriving within 24 hours of order confirmation, delivery is more likely to take 48 to 72 hours to complete.
This is particularly relevant on Fridays. Couriers typically do not accept 3PL injections over the weekend as standard practice. This domino effect could mean that an order placed at 3 pm on Friday won’t be dispatched until Monday at 2 pm. Only then will the next-day service commence. This could result in a delivery window of 96 hours or longer for what was intended to be “fast service”—something your customer likely paid extra for.
All because your dispatch speed does not align with your service level.
ARE YOU BUILDING BRAND TRUST AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS WITH CUSTOMER RETENTION IN MIND?
With so much information available to retailers in our data-driven eCommerce world it seems obvious to say, but nevertheless,
USE ONE PEAK PERIOD TO LEARN FOR A BETTER NEXT ONE.
Consider this: the concentrated volume of business enables you to develop ideas, landing pages, and customer journeys within a relatively short timeframe. Analyze the data feedback, identify what works and what’s not worth your time. Utilize this information to position your store ahead of your next major push.
Boost sales, streamline processes, learn from past experiences, and repeat for each campaign.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Gain new business now by leveraging dispatch speed as your competitive edge.
Amaze your customers with swift service, impeccable standards, and watch the positive reviews flood in.