Retail surgery: What are the considerations of delivery direct from store?

Dispatching stock from stores gives customers the option of receiving their items the same day and within tight time windows. “Today’s customers are more demanding and busier than they have ever been,” says CitySprint chief executive Patrick Gallagher. “Direct-from-store delivery can help some retailers meet their customers’ growing demands.” 

This method of delivery, however, requires careful thought. It is clearly different to dispatching from a central distribution centre and to collection from store. Without the right processes or a capable delivery partner, you could do more harm than good to your brand, says Gallagher.

While it may appear a simple adjustment on the surface, implementing a store-to-home delivery service requires retailers to introduce new processes. Capturing stock adjustments in real-time, packaging items accurately, printing appropriate paperwork and making changes to collection and delivery times all need to be considered.

Selecting the right carrier for your business is vital. “There are a number of criteria worth taking into consideration when choosing a delivery partner,” says Gallagher. “You should scrutinise their reach, delivery window capabilities and tracking processes.” Which criteria are important to you will depend on your business’ requirements.

Direct-from-store delivery is not for everyone and should run alongside other methods, but by putting the right processes in place, by using an intelligent integration platform and by working with a delivery partner with the experience to make it work, this concept can provide customers with a service that can add incremental value to your products.