News

MetaPack announces Delivery Excellence Research Results 2005

Online Retailers continue to offer little or no delivery choice

18 January 2005

Consumers shopping online with some of the UK's leading retailers can expect little or no choice when it comes to delivery options, according to new findings published by MetaPack, the leading provider of Delivery Management Solutions.

Less than 12% of retailers give their customers the chance to specify a day for delivery and just 20% provide a Saturday delivery option. Less than a third of the sites reviewed communicate any delivery information before the customer reaches the shopping basket, meaning that, in many cases, the customer is expected to enter personal information in advance of knowing when they will get their order or how much it will cost. 60% offer just one standard delivery option and a further twenty percent just two different options.

Commenting on the findings Patrick Wall, CEO of MetaPack, said: "Last year we saw customer concerns about delivery overtake security as the major reason why people don't buy online and this research confirms that their fears may well be well founded in many cases. This level of customer service would not be acceptable in-store and is certainly failing to meet customer expectations."

About MetaPack

MetaPack's technology enables retailers to significantly improve their home delivery proposition by employing a multi- carrier strategy that reduces cost, provides choice and improves customer satisfaction. MetaPack works with blue chip retailers including, Boots, B&Q, Comet, Dixons, John Lewis, Mothercare and Screwfix Information about MetaPack's products can be found at www.metapack.com.

About Patrick Wall

Patrick Wall is CEO and co-founder of MetaPack - the leading provider of Delivery Management Solutions. Patrick has been operations director for ICS, a national carrier delivering over 100 million items a year and a director of the specialist courier network Hays DX. He has worked with retail as a consultant with McKinsey and as a supplier with Cadbury Schweppes. Patrick has over 20 years experience in distribution operations, consulting, sales and marketing.