Globally and significantly in Europe, purchasing habits and user preferences have changed rapidly over the last decade, and a high percentage of consumers now shop online. E-commerce or eCommerce generates a high demand for delivery services, and this makes carrying the logistics of each trade becomes more difficult and complicated.

And we are no longer in the times when fast service was what was most taken into account; recent statistics show that a good shipping experience is more important than ever. 

If an online business cannot meet the needs of users, then it is in serious trouble. We have seen online shops starting to further thrive since the pandemic.  Today we are going to briefly look at the evolution of logistics to e-commerce and how changes in user preferences will change the future of the sector.  

Evolution of logistics to e-commerce

The evolution of logistics has passed through different general phases until reaching what we know today:

• The 1970s: Replenishment of retail stores through direct deliveries from suppliers or wholesalers.

• In the 1980s: Retailers began to centralize deliveries through new distribution centers.

• The 1990s: Global sourcing (for non-food products) takes off, and many retailers develop import hubs.

• Starting in 2000: e-commerce begins to expand rapidly, leading the way in the establishment of electronic fulfillment distribution networks.

User preferences

With the rise of e-commerce, user preferences have become increasingly important in the parcel delivery market (formerly oriented to business). Currently, we have identified the services last mile as a critical differentiator in any e-commerce. The variety of delivery options and the perceived quality of the service are the main decision-making criteria for users and therefore, directly affect the success of the trade.

With this in mind, providers work tirelessly to offer the best possible user experience, especially by improving shipping times. In any case, the trend is that overnight or even instant delivery will continue to rise to 25 percent by 2025 and is likely to grow further, especially if service is extended to rural areas.

Having a user-friendly system is going to be a vital step. If you don’t already, eCommerce Search could assist you - allow your customers to find something quickly, without hassle. 

Changes in eCommerce in the future.

Pushed by shifts in user preferences, three delivery models are looming that will dominate the last mile shortly: autonomous cars with parcel lockers, bike messengers, and drones. Artificial intelligence is likely to pave the way too, and chatbots already have begun to be implemented. Still, they must become more intelligent to keep up with the demands of the public.

At the same time, public opinion has already begun to change; therefore, there is nothing to suggest that the transformation will not begin in the next decade. And it is no longer about being just the fastest, but about being able to deliver an order within the time and price that customers want and need. Conclusion? A negative shipping experience has and will have a significant impact: affecting brand image, customer loyalty, and potentially increasing costs.