As we all know, express delivery products can be divided into the following important nodes: domestic collection-export declaration-international flight shipment-foreign customs clearance-last mile delivery.
In overseas markets, the “last mile” is an important node and a key link in the fulfillment of products and services. So, in the “last mile” delivery scenario, what capabilities are still missing in the express delivery industry?
1. Unsure whether the customer is present
When delivering express, the seller must be present to sign in person, especially for some important items, which must be inspected by the buyer. In the absence of buyers, express delivery needs to wait, and waiting too long is likely to make other express delivery time longer, eventually leading to an adverse chain reaction.
For example, in residential areas and campuses, express delivery often encounters the situation where the buyer is not present, and it is difficult to deliver a package.
2. Buyers are relatively scattered
Buyers in the area should be relatively concentrated, so couriers can send more express within a certain period of time. If it is relatively scattered, then even if all customers are on site, the courier’s delivery time will be longer and the cost will be higher.
For example, rural areas are vast and sparsely populated, and the purchase frequency is lower than that in cities. If express delivery follows the logic of cities to layout outlets and transfer stations, the investment cost will be very high, even exceeding the affordability, so many express delivery companies are unwilling to invest.
3. Restrictions on household entry thresholds
For safety reasons, some companies and communities will prohibit couriers from entering, and at this time the couriers cannot deliver the goods in person.
Overall, the three practical situations of customer uncertainty, relatively scattered customers, and limited household entry thresholds make it difficult for couriers to deliver according to formal rules.
From a domestic perspective, Cainiao has solved these problems by developing small supermarkets, newsstands, and properties into franchised Cainiao stations, providing users with temporary packages, express delivery services, etc. At present, there are more than 70,000 such Cainiao stations across the country.
Therefore, the last mile of foreign express delivery can refer to the mature domestic model to develop the market. I hope the above sharing will be helpful to you.