Omnichannel Retailing: Ship-from-Store (Local Delivery) with Shopify

In the ever-changing world of e-commerce, local delivery has emerged as a strategic solution that allows customers to buy products online and have them delivered quickly to their doorstep. Acting as a hybrid alternative to traditional carrier shipping and in-store shopping, local delivery has become increasingly important for both merchants and consumers. This is especially true considering rising shipping delays. In a recent survey of 124 retailers conducted by Retail Gazette and Amazon Shipping, 41% of respondents said ship from store was a futuristic delivery innovation that would make a good fit for their customer proposition, with only increased choice of delivery speeds ranking higher at 51%.  

Benefits of Embracing Local Delivery: 

For Businesses: 

1. Warehouse Optimisation: By embracing local delivery, businesses can streamline their warehouse operations by utilising existing store spaces to store inventory. This efficient use of space minimises the need for extensive warehouse facilities. 

2. Inventory Management: Stocking inventory in local stores effectively reduces the risk of products running out of stock, ensuring uninterrupted availability to meet customer demands. 

3. Enhanced Customer Experience: Local delivery eliminates the common frustrations associated with shipping delays and unpredictable costs, thereby elevating the overall customer experience. This creates customer satisfaction and loyalty. 
4. Revenue Boost: Shopify data shows that offering convenient ordering options such as local pickup and delivery has significant impacts on revenue. Independent retailers witness a 23% increase in online shopper spending and a 25% rise in cart size when such options are available. Moreover, customers who opt for local delivery receive conversion rates 13% higher than those who select traditional shipping methods. 

For Customers: 

1. Faster Shipping: With local delivery, you can receive your order much faster because the items are shipped from nearby locations. This minimises transit times and speeds up the delivery process. 

2. Cost Savings: Local delivery can help you save on shipping costs, especially if you're ordering from within your country. This saves you from additional expenses associated with international shipping and customs clearance. 

Navigating Logistics: 

1. Delivery Origins: Businesses must determine which store locations will offer local delivery and assess staffing requirements for efficient order fulfilment. Whether operating from a single location or multiple outlets, optimising delivery routes and resources is crucial. 

2. Delivery Radius: Establishing clear delivery zones based on postal codes or geographical proximity is essential. Balancing the delivery radius ensures optimal coverage while avoiding logistical constraints. 

3. Pricing Strategy: While consumers increasingly expect free shipping, businesses must carefully weigh the feasibility of offering complimentary local delivery against operational costs. Implementing minimum order values for free or discounted delivery can incentivise higher purchase volumes while offsetting delivery expenses. 

Setting up Local Delivery with Shopify: 

Shopify provides a seamless platform that enables businesses to integrate local delivery options into their e-commerce operations. By activating local delivery settings for each delivery location, businesses can offer customised delivery services to eligible customers within specified regions. Find out more about how to set this up.

How Can We Help: Enterprise Connect:

Stock Connect, a module within Enterprise Connect, helps businesses synchronise their inventory across multiple locations effortlessly. By automatically connecting and syncing inventory across multiple Shopify stores, Stock Connect provides a seamless solution for merchants who struggle to keep inventory levels synchronised, which can lead to overselling and ultimately disappoint their customers, potentially damaging their brand. 

Closing Thoughts: 

As e-commerce continues to evolve, businesses must embrace innovative fulfilment strategies like ship-from-store local delivery to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics. By leveraging local resources, optimising logistics, and prioritising customer convenience, businesses can unlock new avenues for growth and competitiveness in the digital marketplace. Get in contact with us to find out how we can help you.