Delays in shipping are one of the biggest problems that customers face. Even during difficult situations such as the pandemic or public holidays and even during economic downturns, people expect their parcels to be on their door fronts on time.
This is one of the biggest aspects of order that companies need to tackle. Businesses need to ensure that the shipping is done on time. They also need to ensure that the companies they are using for the shipping are very important. In this article, we have mentioned some of the common reasons for shipping delays and how companies can manage them. So, let’s jump right into the article.
4 Common Factors Contributing to Shipping Delay
There are many different factors that can cause issues with shipping and delays. Below, we have mentioned some of the common factors that can affect shipping and cause delays. So, let’s look at some of these factors.
Global Issues
One of the main factors that can cause shipping delays is global emergencies. There are many different global emergencies and issues that can happen, which will have a direct impact on shipping. Pandemics, wars, and other emergencies can cause massive upheavals in shipping and even in the company itself.
One of the biggest global emergencies is COVID-19. During this time, shipping was very difficult, and there were many massive delays. This is also the reason why many companies lost billions of dollars worth of business.
Another recent issue, which also caused many shipping delays, was the Canada Post Strike. This caused many parcels to stop and caused major delays in their delivery.
Supply Chain Disruption
Another reason for shipping delays is a delay in the supply chain. On many occasions, there can be a shortage of products, freight shipping, or even congestion in shipping. A small disruption in the supply chain can automatically affect all the other aspects of manufacturing and eventually cause delayed shipping.
Therefore, it is very important to have reliable people in the chain distribution. This will ensure that all the products you receive are on time and that the entire process goes smoothly.
Weather Anomalies
Weather also plays a crucial role in shipping. In most international shipping, the products are shipped by sea, and the weather must be clear for the ships to take off. Bad weather and natural disasters can negatively impact shipping. If the weather conditions are not good, visibility will decrease, and transportation will be delayed, causing your orders to be delayed as well.
National and International Holidays
Holidays are the days when no department works. Everyone takes off, temporarily stopping work. Many carriers and transportation services take off during national and international holidays, which means they won’t be picking up or swinging the orders.
It is also seen that during the holiday season when there is an increase in orders, it can also cause a shipping delay. Hence, it is always suggested that you do not order during the holidays if you want quick delivery.
How do Shipping Issues Impact Retailers and Customers?
Now that you know the different factors that can cause shipping delays. Below, we have mentioned some of the issues the shipping delays can cause.
For Retailers
Retailers and companies can massively impact the market because of shipping issues. When customers’ expectations for shipping are not met, it can cause a lot of problems. When customers receive their packages late, this will weaken their trust in the company. This means there will be fewer sales and fewer people coming to their website. This will reduce the profit and majorly impact the company’s operations.
Shipping delays can also impact demand forecasting and inventory management. The restocking of products and the manufacturing process will be delayed, causing issues in the company. Therefore, managing shipping is very important, even for retailers.
For Customers
When customers order something, they need it, and when they do not get it on time, it can cause frustration and annoyance. Many customers wait for their parcels and want to get it on time because they are paying for it. However, when expectations are not met, it can cause broken trust with companies.
This will also stop customers from shopping from a company that does not deliver orders in the promised time. Hence, customers easily move to another brand if their expectations regarding shipping are not met.
How to Handle Shipping Delays?
Shipping delays can harm businesses. This is why it is important for them to know the right strategies to prepare for them. Below, we have mentioned a few ways to handle shipping issues.
Offer Free Shipping
The first and most important thing you can do for your clients is offer them free shipping wherever you can. If the client faces a delay in shipping, then offer them free shipping the next time they order. This will be a gesture through which the clients will feel included and get to know that the brand cares about them. It is also seen when a company offers free shipping, and the customers are more cooperative even if there are delays in shipping.
Communicate with the Suppliers and Customers
Proper communication with suppliers and customers is very important. Talking to suppliers will allow you to learn about the entire process and where the order has reached. Then, you can talk to customers and provide them with the information you have collected. Keeping your customers in the loop can be very beneficial, as it will help them know where the parcel has reached and when they can expect it.
Provide Trackers to the Customers
Providing customers with the tracking ID can give them peace of mind. Even if there are shipping delays, at least the customers can see the estimated time when they will get the order. The visibility allows them to have a sense of security and helps them stay up to date with everything.
How to Avoid Shipping Delays in the Future?
Now that you know some of the shopping issues and the right ways to strategize when facing this problem, the following are some ways to avoid shipping delays.
Real-time Tracking
Having real-time tracking can ensure that everything is going smoothly. With real-time tracking, you can know if there are any delays, ensure that if there are any delays, you will know about them, and manage everything smoothly. Hence, real-time tracking is very beneficial.
Partnering with 3PL companies
Another thing you can do is partner with 3PL companies. They help with quick and reliable delivery, which allows the customers to stay happy and keep their trust in the company.
Mitigate Shipping Issues with NextSmartShip
When it comes to shipping delays, there are a lot of different things that you can do. But if you want a foolproof plan, then NextSmartShip is the perfect option for you. NextSmartShip is the best 3PL company that can help you with the entire situation. It will ensure that the whole shipping process is done very quickly and smoothly. Not only this, they also help with other logistics of the ordering process. Hence, this is an amazing company to partner with if you want to avoid any shipping delays.
Final Words
Shipping is one of the main things when it comes to ordering online. Customers expect that they will receive their orders as quickly as possible. However, there are many issues when it comes to shipping, and there can be many shipping delays. Hence, we hope this article was beneficial for you and that now you know some of the main things related to shipping delays. Also make sure to check NextSmartShip for the best shipping services.
