Every now and then, we discuss a plethora of features that are quintessential for an eCommerce brand to have or display on their websites to ensure an exceptional customer experience. From perfecting the product pages to streamlining the checkout process, the list is quite exhaustive. However, talking to many eCommerce experts, we’ve realised that while these factors do play a critical role in ensuring successful deliveries, many minor features like estimated delivery dates must also be given much weight.
At GoKwik, we believe that displaying an estimated delivery date (EDD) on the checkout panel stands out as a particularly powerful tool. This seemingly simple feature can significantly impact customer satisfaction, trust, and overall sales. Hence, offer EDD as a prominent feature for our partner merchant brands to leverage.
In this blog, we will explore the numerous advantages of offering an estimated delivery date on the checkout panel for eCommerce brands.
What Do You Mean By Estimated Delivery Date In eCommerce? How Do eCommerce Brands Calculate Estimated Delivery Date? Advantages Of Estimated Delivery Date On Checkout Panel Enhancing Customer Satisfaction Boosting Conversion Rates Improving Operational Efficiency Building Brand Loyalty Adapting to Consumer Expectations Estimated Delivery Date Feature By GoKwik
An estimated delivery date (EDD) refers to the projected date when a customer's order is expected to be delivered at their specified delivery address. This date is typically displayed on the checkout panel or order confirmation page and is calculated based on several factors, including:
While most eCommerce brands display different shipping options and dates, estimated delivery date gives shoppers a more precise time of arrival based on both order and warehouse location.
In an ideal scenario, eCommerce brands calculate EDD by leveraging an automated system that considers a series of factors mentioned above. Here’s a simplified process:
For example, if an order takes 2 days to process and the chosen shipping method takes 3-5 days for delivery, the estimated delivery date might be set as 5-7 days from the order date.
By providing a clear timeline for delivery, customers can plan their schedules accordingly. This is particularly important for time-sensitive purchases, such as gifts or essential items.
Transparency in delivery expectations builds trust between the customer and the brand. When customers see that the brand is upfront about delivery times, they are more likely to feel confident in their purchase.
Clear communication about delivery dates can significantly reduce the number of enquiries related to order status. This not only improves the customer experience but also eases the burden on customer service teams.
When customers see that their order will arrive within a reasonable timeframe, they are more likely to complete the purchase. This is especially true for new customers who may be wary of delivery times.
In a competitive market, offering an EDD can set an eCommerce brand apart from others that do not provide this information. Customers often compare delivery times before making a purchase decision.
For certain products, knowing that an item will arrive quickly can spur impulse purchases. For example, if a customer knows they can receive a desired item within a couple of days, they may be more inclined to buy it immediately.
Accurate delivery estimates require precise inventory tracking. This encourages eCommerce brands to maintain up-to-date inventory systems, reducing the chances of stockouts or overstocking.
Providing accurate delivery dates often involves optimising shipping processes. This can lead to more efficient use of resources, such as selecting the most reliable shipping partners and routes.
Collecting data on estimated and actual delivery times allows brands to analyze their logistics performance. This data can be used to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement, ultimately leading to more accurate delivery estimates and better overall efficiency.
Customers appreciate consistency. When a brand reliably meets its delivery promises, customers are more likely to trust the brand for future purchases.
Happy customers are likely to share their positive experiences with friends and family, or leave favourable reviews online. This word-of-mouth marketing is invaluable for building a strong brand reputation.
Providing a seamless and reliable delivery experience can significantly improve customer retention rates. Loyal customers who have had consistently good experiences are less likely to switch to competitors.
Giants like Amazon have set a high bar for delivery expectations. To compete, eCommerce brands need to offer similar levels of service, including clear delivery timelines.
With the rise of mobile shopping, consumers expect to get all the information they need quickly and easily. Displaying an estimated delivery date prominently on the checkout panel meets this need and enhances the mobile shopping experience.
For eCommerce brands that ship internationally, providing estimated delivery dates is crucial. It helps manage the expectations of customers in different countries who may be unfamiliar with local shipping times.
GoKwik’s Estimated Delivery Date feature enables eCommerce brands to display an estimated date of delivery as well as time for each shipping method on the checkout panel itself to ensure transparency, reduce customer anxiety, build brand loyalty, and increase conversions.
boAt, one of the fastest-growing audio & wearables brands in India, leverages Gokwik’s EDD feature among 600 other eCommerce brands. Once a shopper adds items to their cart, proceeds to checkout and selects an address, boAt automatically shows an estimated delivery date on the right-hand side of the checkout panel. This date is populated based on the shopper’s location, its own logistics partner’s delivery network and other critical parameters.
If a shopper adds multiple items to their cart, GoKwik enables boAt to showcase the earliest delivery date and time to increase customer satisfaction level. Below is the screenshot for better understanding.
Offering an estimated delivery date on the checkout panel provides a multitude of benefits for eCommerce brands as well as keeps shopper anxiety at bay. This feature is also a powerful tool in the competitive world of today’s online retail. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, providing clear and accurate delivery information will remain a key factor in achieving eCommerce success. Brands that invest in such essential features are well-positioned to meet the demands of modern shoppers and thrive in the digital marketplace.
