The Importance of Informed Delivery for E-commerce Businesses

Have you ever been excited to receive a package, only to find out later that it was delivered to the wrong address or stolen from your doorstep? For e-commerce businesses, this can lead to unhappy customers and lost sales. However, with informed delivery, these issues can be avoided.

Informed delivery is a free service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows customers to receive a digital preview of their incoming mail and packages. This includes images of the exterior of letter-sized mail and information on the expected delivery date and time.

Increased Customer Satisfaction

One of the biggest advantages of informed delivery is that it can lead to increased customer satisfaction. With the ability to track packages and receive updates on delivery, customers feel more in control of their purchases. They can plan to be home when a package is arriving or make arrangements for someone else to receive it. This can lead to fewer missed deliveries and happier customers.

Reduced Delivery Errors

Another benefit of informed delivery is that it can help reduce delivery errors. By providing real-time updates on the status of shipments, businesses can quickly identify and correct any issues that may arise. This includes lost or stolen packages, incorrect addresses, or delivery delays. By being proactive, businesses can reduce the chances of having dissatisfied customers.

Improved Marketing Opportunities

Informed delivery also presents an opportunity for businesses to improve their marketing efforts. USPS allows businesses to include a clickable image or message in their customers’ daily email notifications. This can lead to increased brand recognition and engagement with customers. Businesses can promote new products, offer discounts or coupons, and even ask for feedback.

Case Study: Birchbox

One e-commerce business that has seen success with informed delivery is Birchbox. The beauty subscription company used USPS’s Informed Delivery Interactive Campaigns to promote their limited edition boxes. They included a clickable image in their customers’ email notifications, leading to a 37% click-through rate and a 13% conversion rate. This not only increased sales but also improved customer engagement.

Conclusion

Informed delivery can provide advantages for e-commerce businesses, including increased customer satisfaction, reduced delivery errors, and improved marketing opportunities. By utilizing this service, businesses can streamline their shipping processes and ultimately improve their bottom line.