Turn being local into a competitive advantage with last-mile logistics

The three keys to ecommerce success: localization, localization, localization.

There's no place like home.  We may live in a world economy and a global marketplace, but countless consumers would much rather keep it local.  Three-fifths (60%) of shoppers would rather buy from a company based in the same country, even when shopping online.

Many global ecommerce vendors wisely localize their offering. This makes it harder for consumers to identify which brand and retailers are truly based in the same country. Being "native" is a competitive advantage. But when it comes to communicating such credentials to consumers, vendors really need to go the extra mile.

Delivery management software holds the keys to unlocking localization.

You’re local and you know it. Make that clear to customers

Shoppers need to know when they are buying locally.  But just telling them isn't enough.  Lots of global companies look and feel like domestic players.  Showcase your credentials by spelling out your story.  Talk about the company's history and its commitment to your country.  Include names and pictures of your key team members, your offices, and any local causes you support.  In all of this, don't forget the basics.  Make sure your contact info and company details are clear and easy to find.

Use trusted, local delivery companies

The Finns have favorite carriers.  So do the Swedes and the Spanish.  The Brits, Germans and French all have their national preferences too.  Make sure you use the carriers that are recognized and popular in your market.  And make it obvious at checkout that these carriers are available.  Using the carriers’ logos aids recognition and can further increase conversions.

Build trust with delivery updates

The ability to track an order is a must for 84% of shoppers. Regular delivery updates are also another chance to brag about being local. Give the customer the chance to see that their delivery is traveling to them from a local depot. Weaving the right messages into these communications can help promote other locally relevant products or services.

Crystal-clear returns: the right returns policy boosts revenues

There are many advantages to offering a clear returns policy.  To start with, 84% of online shoppers always check the returns policy before shopping. So failing to make your position clear puts sales at risk.  But it's also a great chance to promote your local credentials.  List the address of local warehouses and head office.  If you have physical stores as well as an online offer, give people the chance to take their returns there.  You might even be able to sell them something else in the process.

Increasing trust with locally-preferred payment options

As with delivery options, each country tends to have its favoured method of payment.  Even in today's digital world, some 58% of shoppers are still nervous about online payments and the risk of fraud.  Promoting that they can pay through using services they recognize and trust will keep people clicking the buy button.

Highlight your community ties

Do you support a local charity?  Do you work with other local businesses?  If you do anything that shows how embedded you are in the life of your country, make sure you tell your shoppers.  Consumers are growing increasingly cynical to brands’ claims.  The more you can emphasize your authentic connection, the better.

In a world that is increasingly remote, connection is key.  Emphasizing local links helps strengthen trust between brand and consumer.  This, in turn, can lead to greater customer loyalty, increased conversions and more repeat purchases.

In all of this, deliveries are crucial. Shoppers need to choose the carriers they trust at checkout. They want to hear from the company during delivery. And given their trust in domestic vendors, they expect any issues with deliveries or returns to be well handled by a local team.

Learn more about how nShift can help you build the best delivery experience.

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