WayPoint Logistics: The Last Mile Advantage
what can the last mile advantage do for you?
So I bet you're wondering why everyone is talking about leveraging their last mile advantage, you've probably heard buzz words like "3PL", "LMD"(Last Mile Delivery), "Last Mile Advantage" and wondered what all the buzz was about, and if there was any noteworthy substance to these overused industry terms.
In this post, I will break down the four primary reason significant retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and other top retailers with loyal consumers, use the last mile advantage to gain a stranglehold on their respective markets.
LMD is first and foremost about brand loyalty if a retailer can control the quality of their service from door to door and beyond, it becomes much easier for them to build a sterling reputation and thus gaining loyal repeat business from their happy customers.
For this reason alone Amazon, Wayfair, and other top retailers have invested hundreds of millions of dollars into their supply chain strategies and partnerships.
At this point, you may be asking yourself how much a "Last Mile Advantage" plays into this scenario. You would probably be surprised to find out that it's a leading influencing factor when it comes to customers repeat business probability.
1.) Faster Fulfillment, Happier More Loyal Customers.
Let's face it; no one likes to wait, at least not for too long. And in a world of Uber and Netflix who could blame us?
With the rise of on-demand or same-day delivery services being offered by substantial market shareholders in the retail space, the importance of the Last Mile Delivery industry has never been in higher demand or poised for unprecedented growth.
2.) Flexibility & Trackability
Last Mile Delivery service providers are more flexible than the big boys like UPS, and FedEx. 3PL logistics providers maintain a high level of flexibility for many reasons; the most prominent being that added versatility gives them a competitive edge in their respective markets.
LMD service providers are usually more willing to accommodate special needs, like delivery confirmation, signature capture, product assembly, as well as product removal and replacement. By adding service, sets to their door-to-door customer experience, large retailers, and product vendors can guarantee a more granular level of customer service and support.
This added level of quality service and visibility usually translates to a more positive customer experience and in turn a more loyal customer base.
3.) White-Glove Service
It's a unique name, for an exceptional service. Some online, or mail-order retailers are selling items that their customers not only need to be delivered, but they also need installed, assembled or set-up in some fashion.
With millennials quickly becoming the primary market segment for a majority of the products and services offered for delivery online. A "Do-It-Now," and "Do-It-For-Me" buying culture is quickly emerging.
Last Mile Delivery providers are filling the gaps in the traditional logistics industries to capitalize on these newly developing markets.
4.) Tomorrows Last Mile
While the emerging markets suggest that customers want faster product delivery and fulfillment, they are often not willing to spend more for this feature.
This realization has caused the juggernauts of online industry to offer other services to mask the cost of shipping. Amazon Prime is an excellent example of this with their added prime video and prime music platforms for prime memberships.
Meanwhile, other retailers such as Wayfair have offered last mile delivery as part of their core service set and even provide their customers free shipping on all their orders.
These market trends suggest an ever-growing relationship between the 3PL markets and the technology sectors. Infusing new service offerings and funding into 3PL and related industries.
In conclusion, the Last Mile Advantage is one that should not be underestimated for any business who relies on shipping as the final contact with their valuable and appreciating customers.
If you are looking to increase customer loyalty and satisfaction, or have any questions at all about what Last Mile Delivery can do for your business, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly and professional staff here at WayPoint Logistics!
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To contact our team regarding your business needs, fill out our online form or call WayPoint Logistics at 309.661.3744 today.