The US couriers and local delivery services industry generated a revenue of $165.1 billion in 2023. As transactions and connections span the globe, the need to move products from one point to another quickly and cost-effectively becomes essential. After all, retail eCommerce (with worldwide sales of 6.3 billion US dollars in 2023) would not exist without delivery services.
Any industry that wants to sustain its growth has to be on board the innovation train. The delivery service giants of the world too must look towards new technologies with the potential to increase their reach, efficacy, and conversion rates.
Among those technologies, especially in the marketing domain, is one that distinctly stands out – Inbox Commerce.
This article explores Inbox Commerce – what it is capable of, and how it can particularly benefit the delivery service industry.
What is Inbox Commerce?
Inbox Commerce refers to a technology that allows businesses to market products/services, innovatively engage with customers, and conduct transactions right inside RCS messages, WhatsApp messages, and AMP-powered emails.
This approach simplifies the customer experience and makes their interaction convenient like never before. Users can effortlessly search, select, and buy products/services within messages and emails – no more redirects to sites and apps. They can also carry out other activities like filling out forms, redeeming discounts, leaving reviews, etc., without leaving the inbox.
Messages empowered with Inbox Commerce let users experience website or app-like functions without visiting a website or app.
The success of Inbox Commerce is the result of three technologies – RCS (Rich Communication Services), WhatsApp Business, and AMP for email. Together, they form the foundation of Inbox Commerce and have become the most influential tech combo for innovative marketing and unprecedented conversion.
Here are a few use cases that show how Inbox Commerce can drive sustainable growth for the delivery service industry:
Simplify consignment booking via AMP emails
If an individual or business wants to book a shipping service (local, national, or international), they no longer have to make calls or write emails. They can just open their email inbox.
The dynamic features of AMP emails make it possible for customers to book the delivery date, time, and location within the inbox in minutes. They do not have to visit the delivery brand’s website or app. Delivery services businesses can offer the slots calendar, pricing, schedules, route options, and more to customers within an AMP email body, where they can click, select, and book.
No website redirects. No friction. No lead leakage. Only reduced bounce rates.
Offer logistics details via WhatsApp Business
When the item is fragile or exceptionally valuable, the customer may want to know all the specifics of the delivery mechanism. Make it easy for them to ask questions and clarify their doubts via a WhatsApp message.
Potential customers can text customer service on WhatsApp, as they would their friends, family, and acquaintances. Users can ask questions, receive detailed itinerary, and even check the live transit/delivery status of their consignments. Customers can also communicate directly via video calls through WhatsApp to clarify questions face-to-face.
By providing real-time information via a popular and easy medium such as WhatsApp, delivery service companies can demonstrate their commitment to customer convenience.
Do personalized walkthroughs using RCS
Clients who have to make a significant investment for large-scale, recurring orders may want to learn details of the services they will be getting. Information like cost breakdowns, details of the transportation pipeline, expected delivery dates, and so on will be very important for them. In the case of local delivery, they might want to know the last-mile information on the route and frequency of deliveries in a day.
You can disseminate such complex information quickly through RCS conversations. Sales agents can share pricing structure documents, warehouse locations, itineraries, tracking points, etc.
Enable real-time tracking via AMP emails
With Inbox Commerce users no longer need an app to track their packages or deliveries. They can open an AMP email from the delivery service and follow the delivery. The email can also include a live counter that shows how much time is left before the package arrives at the destination.
Take a moment to consider the convenience this will add to the client’s interaction with the brand. There is nothing to download, just an email to click on. The same email keeps getting updated with live information every time the customer opens it!
Help potential customers identify warehouses via WhatsApp
If customers want to look for warehouses closest to them (perhaps because they would prefer to do an in-person drop/pickup), they can send a message to the brand’s WhatsApp channel. An automated reply can send a detailed map, marking out warehouse locations for customers to explore.
The customer can also ask specific questions about the warehouse in which their package will be stored or delivered from with just a text message on WhatsApp. Live agents and chatbots on WhatsApp simplify end-to-end interaction and make tracking easier for the brand and the user.
Provide step-by-step relocation assistance through RCS messages
Relocation, especially international relocation, is usually quite an ordeal. You can make customers’ lives easier by virtually holding their hands through RCS messages.
Strive to go beyond the usual services – packing, loading, and transporting. Give people visual updates of their items in transit (send a picture with geographic details every few hours) to offer an engaging and exciting experience.
You can even send your relocating customers information about their new destination. A shipping service can send listings such as local restaurants, grocery stores, banks, laundry services, meal delivery services, etc. Customers may not immediately use these establishments, but they will definitely appreciate that their shipping service cares enough to give some insights into their new city.
Inbox Commerce helps you connect better with users
Give your business an edge by making the shipping/delivery process convenient, simple, and transparent through Inbox Commerce. Spare your customers the hassle of downloading another app or clicking through multiple web pages to understand and book your services.
Meet customers where they are – in their SMS, WhatsApp, and email inboxes. Go the extra mile and provide an instant, effortless experience when they opt for you.
Delivery service brands can accomplish this through the technological innovation of Inbox Commerce. Not only does it provide unprecedented convenience for customers, but the novel experience also draws attention, creates interest, and drives engagement.
If you’re ready to leverage Inbox Commerce, contact us. Let’s talk about leaving the competition behind with innovative marketing. Understand how you can benefit from our expertise and experience.
Serving over 6,500 customers across 40 countries, Netcore delivers over one billion inbox experiences every day – including 500 million emails and 700 million push notifications. Netcore’s AI is trained on 25 billion+ interactions from 1,300+ eCommerce stores, making it an invaluable asset for global brands.
