89% of consumers consider 1-2 day delivery as “fast.” This growing demand has pushed businesses to adopt quicker shipping options like next-day and same-day delivery to stay competitive. But how do you decide which one suits your business best?
Each delivery method has its perks and challenges, and the decision isn’t just about speed. It’s about aligning your shipping strategy with your operations, budget, and customer demands.
This guide will help you explore both options, understand their pros and cons, and decide which one fits your business goals best.
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Understanding Fast Shipping Options
What is Next-Day Delivery?
Next-day delivery ensures that orders placed by a specific cut-off time are delivered the following day. It’s a cost-effective solution, especially for e-commerce businesses catering to large markets. The demand for faster delivery has become a defining factor in online shopping decisions, as highlighted by an Amazon report. About 91% of e-commerce shoppers choose where to buy based on whether next-day delivery is available.
One example of a company offering next-day delivery for added convenience is FirstCry, an online store for newborn, baby, and kids' products in India. Orders placed before 6 PM are delivered the next business day, while orders after 6 PM arrive the day after. This service not only meets the needs of busy parents but also sets a high standard for customer satisfaction in the e-commerce space.
What is Same-Day Delivery?
Same-day delivery gets products to customers within hours of placing an order, making it a good shipping option for businesses catering to urgent needs or time-sensitive purchases, such as groceries, medical supplies, or last-minute gifts. This service is particularly beneficial for localised businesses that thrive on quick turnaround times, helping them stand out in competitive markets. In fact, 88% of customers are willing to pay for same-day delivery.
NowRx, an online pharmacy, raised $7 million through crowdfunding to offer same-day and even same-hour prescription delivery. Their CEO, Cary Breese, explained that the funding will help them grow their service to more areas and improve their technology. In an email to MobiHealthNews, he stated, "This crowdfunding round provides fantastic validation of the NowRx story and enables us to expand our on-demand pharmacy service to additional markets while advancing our core technology.”
This success highlights how meeting the demand for faster delivery can drive both customer satisfaction and business growth.
In short, same-day delivery is all about immediate fulfilment, while next-day delivery offers a quick turnaround for those who can wait just a bit longer. Both services enhance customer satisfaction but serve different needs based on urgency and timing.
Comparing Next-day Delivery and Same-day Delivery
Advantages of Next-Day Delivery
- Cost efficiency for businesses. Next-day delivery often costs less than same-day alternatives, making it ideal for businesses aiming to keep shipping expenses manageable. Couriers can consolidate multiple orders into a single route, reducing overall logistics costs.
- Broader reach. Next-day services enable businesses to cater to customers across wider geographic areas, including suburbs and smaller towns. For example, ASOS, a popular clothing brand, offers next-day shipping to certain areas of mainland US. This flexibility not only increases their customer service but also their market potential.
- Supporting inventory management. A next-day model provides businesses with a buffer to organise stock effectively. It’s especially beneficial for companies selling products in high demand but with fluctuating stock availability.
Advantages of Same-Day Delivery
- Meeting urgent customer needs. For items like groceries, medical supplies, or last-minute gifts, same-day shipping is invaluable. Customers feel cared for when their urgent needs are prioritised.
- Increased sales. According to Supply Chain Dive, 80% of respondents report a boost in revenue thanks to same-day delivery. For nearly two-thirds, revenue increased by 6% or more, while around 30% saw an even larger growth of over 10%. This shows how offering same-day delivery can directly drive sales, making it a powerful tool for businesses looking to improve conversions and grow their revenue.
- Competitive edge in urban markets. Same-day delivery thrives in densely populated cities where customers expect rapid service. Offering this option sets businesses apart from competitors who rely on slower methods.
- Reinforcing trust with premium service. Same-day delivery is often seen as a premium offering, enhancing the brand image. Customers associate quick service with reliability, boosting trust and credibility. For instance, Amazon, a major retail corporation, offers same-day delivery to its Amazon Prime members in select locations. To use this service, they simply need to meet the minimum order value for eligible items, enabling fast delivery on millions of products. This service not only adds value but also strengthens customer loyalty by offering a convenient, premium experience.
How do I place Same-Day and Next-Day Delivery orders?
How to Book Same-Day Delivery
- Visit the Borzo website.
- In the upper right corner, click on Order Delivery. An order form will appear.
- From the four available services, select Deliver Now to book your same-day delivery.
- Fill out the order form with details such as weight, address, and the sender's and recipient's phone numbers. You can also specify what you are sending.
- Choose your preferred payment method: Cash or UPI/QR, Card, Wallet.
- Submit your order to complete the booking.
How to Book Next-Day Delivery
- Visit the Borzo website.
- In the upper right corner, click on Order Delivery. An order form will appear.
- From the four available services, choose Schedule to book your next-day delivery.
- Fill out the order form with the necessary details, focusing on the Depart and Arrival sections. For Depart, select Today, so the courier can pick up the item on the day of booking. Then, pick Tomorrow for the delivery date. Alternatively, if needed, you can schedule the pick-up for the next day as well, giving you more flexibility based on your requirements.
- Choose your preferred payment method: Cash, UPI/QR, Card, or Wallet.
- Submit your order to confirm the booking.
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Business
Both same-day and next-day deliveries are excellent options, offering convenience and showing customers you value their time. But choosing the right one depends on your specific business needs. Here’s how you can narrow it down:
- What are your customers’ expectations? Do your customers value speed above all else, or are they content waiting a day if it lowers costs? Customer preferences should always guide your delivery strategy.
- How far do you need to deliver? Same-day delivery is better suited for local deliveries within a limited radius, while next-day delivery works well for reaching customers in wider geographic areas.
- What’s the nature of your products? If you deal in perishable products like groceries or medical supplies, same-day delivery might be non-negotiable. For non-urgent deliveries, next-day delivery may be sufficient.
- Do you have the infrastructure to handle fast fulfilment? Evaluate whether your current systems, inventory management, and courier partnerships can handle the demands of quick deliveries.
Ultimately, your choice hinges on balancing what your customers want with what your business can handle. If you're still unsure, reach out to our team for guidance on choosing the best shipping options for your business.
Fast Shipping FAQ
What industries can benefit most from next-day delivery?
According to RetailX USA Growth 2000 report, leading the adoption are cosmetics (68%) and DIY & trade (61%) industries, where fast delivery caters to immediate needs. Sports & leisure (57%) and jewellery (56%) also benefit, offering fast access to products for events and activities. Flowers & gifts (49%) rely on next-day delivery to meet time-sensitive occasions.
Other sectors like consumer electronics (43%) and homeware (32%) show lower adoption, but next-day delivery still offers a competitive edge. This trend highlights how businesses tailor fast shipping to meet customer expectations and maintain a strong market presence.
How can small businesses afford same-day shipping?
Small businesses often face challenges with limited budgets and small teams, making it tough to handle fast delivery on their own. However, partnering with local courier services can make things much easier and more affordable. With Borzo, you can save up to 40% by choosing the By End of Day service, where you place your order by 4 PM and get it delivered by 9 PM, providing an affordable way to offer faster delivery.
What are some affordable alternatives to same-day and next-day delivery?
If same-day and next-day delivery are out of your budget, you can consider economy shipping or even in-store pickup to cut costs. Working with local couriers or consolidating multiple orders into one shipment can also help keep expenses low.
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