Levelling playing field with cost effective and smarter delivery options lets SMEs take on the larger online retailers
London, 3rd July 2017. Independent research commissioned by Shutl, the platform that gives people control over their deliveries, has found SME retailers to be positive about trading conditions during 2017 and into 2018. Of the 500 SME business owners surveyed, nearly two thirds felt their business would be in a stronger position by Spring 2018, with a third citing smarter and better delivery options for smaller sellers as key to that success.
73 per cent of those surveyed stated competition from larger online retailers as being the biggest threat to the success of their business in 2017/18, with the might and marketing power of bigger online brands representing a real threat to this group. Just under 3 in 5 (59 per cent) felt the spread of delivery or distribution networks gave larger retailers the biggest competitive edge. But 34 per cent felt smarter ecommerce technology, and better delivery options for SME retailers would help them compete more effectively.
Delivering better value with customer service was key to competing against the larger retailers, with over two thirds (70 per cent) believing the delivery of a more personalised customer service and a unique brand experience (62 per cent) would win out against the larger retailers, whose track record to date may have been poor.
Jason Tavaria, Head of Shutl commented: “The results of this survey point to buoyant SME retailers, who are increasingly using technology and smarter selling options to compete against the bigger retailers with larger budgets. Today delivery is no longer such a big USP. Carriers have become increasingly savvy about the SME group as a compelling audience, and in turn costs have reduced and technology is supporting an infrastructure that is dynamic and cost effective. Thus the continuing technological innovation to support SMEs is making it easier, and more cost effective for this group to compete.”
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Editors note: The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 500 SME managers and above who work within retail/wholesale in Great Britain in May-June 2017. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
About Shutl
Shutl is the new delivery service that makes online shipping easier for individuals and businesses of all sizes. A powerful platform aggregating availability across a network of delivery firms, offering comprehensive choice and flexible solutions that work around people’s needs.
The company provides a range of uncomplicated delivery options – from quick local deliveries in 90 minutes, to preferred time slots – at a cost that is comparative to standard delivery prices. With customer service all taken care of, businesses using Shutl can compete with the type of delivery service usually only offered by the huge e-commerce giants.
Individuals can book private deliveries with allocated time slots on via shutl.com then track deliveries on the Shutl app, with live updates on where packages are. The customer service teams are always on hand to assist with any orders and changes too.
Shutl. It’s Delivery Made Simple.
For more information, please contact:
Nicola Males
Vanilla PR
shutl@vanillapr.co.uk
07976 652491