– By Shailesh Kumar
In an age where convenience is key to customer acquisition, the logistics sector in India is undergoing a significant transformation. This change is fueled by the rising importance of same-day deliveries. Moving beyond the bustling urban cities in India, SSDs are now extending their reach to tier-II and tier-III cities, reshaping the way businesses and consumers approach e-commerce and Q-commerce.
Market Data Forecast predicts that the same-day delivery market in India is set to reach a staggering $10.12 billion by 2028. This projection is a testament to the immense potential and opportunities that lie ahead for businesses operating in this space.
Recent statistics highlight the shift in consumer expectations. According to Invespcro, a staggering 80 per cent of shoppers in India desire same-day shipping, with 61 per cent expressing the desire for even faster deliveries, within 1-3 hours of placing an order. This shows that consumers, regardless of their location, have come to expect rapid fulfillment.
India’s e-commerce sector has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. A key driver of this growth is the convenience factor offered by online shopping. Shoppers from all corners of the country are now turning to e-commerce platforms to fulfill their diverse needs, from clothing and electronics to groceries and more and as e-commerce penetrates deeper into the heart of India, the need for speedy deliveries continue to become paramount. Shoppers in tier-II and tier-III cities, like their urban counterparts, have grown accustomed to the instant gratification that online shopping can provide. They, too, expect their orders to arrive swiftly at their doorsteps. A survey by Invespcro reveals that 49 per cent of shoppers consider same-day delivery as a significant factor that makes them more inclined to shop online. This shows that SSD is crucial for customer acquisition and retention in this highly competitive e-commerce market.
In addition to this, Q-commerce that’s all about delivering products quickly—often within minutes is also witnessing exponential growth in India. Both startups and established players are vying for a piece of this pie. Q-commerce players have recognised that to thrive in this space, same-day deliveries are not just a feature but a central value proposition and the consumers are willing to open their wallets for faster deliveries! According to Conveyco, 41 per cent of consumers in India are willing to pay an extra charge for same-day delivery. Moreover, nearly a quarter of shoppers, about 24 per cent are willing to pay even more to receive their packages within a one-to-two-hour window of their choosing. This willingness to pay extra for convenience highlights the perceived value of expedited deliveries in the eyes of consumers.
Keeping this trend in mind, retailers in India are taking note of this shifting consumer landscape. Invespcro reports that more than 51 per cent of retailers already offer same-day delivery services, and a significant 65 per cent plan to implement such services within the next two years. This indicates that businesses recognize the need to adapt and stay competitive by meeting consumer demands for faster deliveries. Invespcro also highlights that over 50 per cent of retailers in India are already offering same-day delivery services.
For instance, Shiprocket, a leading logistics platform, found that 67 per cent of Indian consumers are willing to pay a premium for same-day delivery. This willingness to invest in faster delivery options demonstrates the extent to which consumers value their time and convenience, making same-day delivery a compelling proposition.
As per Shiprocket, the most sought-after categories for same-day deliveries include groceries, food, electronics, and fashion. This insight enables businesses to tailor their strategies to meet the specific demands of these sectors.
Same-day deliveries have evolved from a luxury to a necessity in the Indian e-commerce and q-commerce sector. In the era of instant gratification, same-day deliveries have emerged as a game-changer in the Indian market. The statistics and market insights prove the increasing importance of same-day deliveries, both as a driver of e-commerce growth and as a means of meeting consumer expectations. Businesses that can successfully implement and optimize same-day delivery services stand to gain a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
(Shailesh Kumar is the founder at CABT Logistics.)
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