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The convenience and ease of the Amazon’s shopping experience is setting new industry standards for ecommerce. According to a recent study by ShipStation, 88% of consumers report that Amazon’s shipping options have raised their expectations for shipping speeds when shopping online with other brands. While most businesses do not have Amazon’s endless resources at their disposal, consumers still expect them to deliver first-rate shopping and delivery experiences.
Here are 4 ways you can compete with industry giants without incurring massive costs:
Shopping on Amazon is easy, regardless of your location, since Amazon has country-specific marketplaces available all over the world. You can buy from Amazon via its website, its apps (Amazon, PrimeNow), and by voice through Alexa. When logged into your Amazon account, buying is as simple as two clicks.
Offering your visitors a way to create an account can make the buying experience quicker and easier for returning customers. Auto-filling credit card, shipping, and billing information for buyers decreases barriers to purchase and makes customers more likely to buy again.
Amazon’s brand is universally recognized. As a result, it is one of the most trusted businesses in the world. Consumers associate the Amazon name with consistency, ease, and fast delivery. Brand consistency and recognition are important for obtaining a loyal customer base. There are relatively easy ways you can create a consistent brand experience while also increasing brand awareness:
One of the most significant advantages associated with Amazon is its super-fast shipping. Prime customers now get free, 1-day shipping. Shipping costs and speed are two of the most influential factors in a customer’s decision to purchase. The ShipStation study mentioned above showed that 70% of consumers prefer to wait longer for their package if they can avoid paying shipping costs. 68% are more likely to say the cost of shipping is “very important” compared to the speed of shipping.
While customers do expect an increase in shipping speed, they are still ultimately more sensitive to price than speed. However, offering an express shipping option is still important—even at an extra cost. 51% of consumers would pay for next-day shipping. And younger buyers are more likely to pay a premium for speed—65% of millennials are more likely to say they would rather pay and get their delivery faster.
Offering the fast, free shipping options that Amazon provides is out of reach for most businesses. However, there are ways you can cut fulfillment costs and give your customers options to satisfy these shipping expectations.
Amazon customers can return their orders easily and at no extra cost. This service adds to the credibility of Amazon’s brand because customers can make their purchases with a sense of security, knowing they can return most products if they aren’t satisfied with them. Offering customers an easy path to return orders is a good way to boost brand credibility and increase cart conversions.
Amazon offers endless resources to give customers the quickest and easiest e-commerce experience available. Solutions like ShipEngine that help businesses manage the shipping and returns process can help smaller businesses meet and even exceed new industry expectations. Improving shipping and fulfillment workflows can help you get packages out at Amazon-like speeds.
Discounted carrier rates can help you compete against the low shipping costs that huge corporations offer. Expectations for merchants will only increase, so make sure to stay up-to-date on any selling and shipping trends. Start solving shipping today with a free trial of ShipEngine.
ShipEngine APIs have powered more than 1 billion shipments for the fastest growing brands and logistics companies. Integrate once with ShipEngine — and enjoy access to hundreds of carriers and marketplaces around the world.