Do online shoppers really want same-day delivery? New research by an Australian parcel collection network reveals just one third of shoppers collect their parcels the day they are ready for pick up.

The data was derived from more than 2 million parcel collections across the Hubbed network of over 2000 locations. It showed that just 36 per cent of online shoppers picked up their parcels on the day they were delivered to the collection points. Nearly half (47 per cent) of shoppers collected their parcels two to four days after arriving at a collection location, and 17 per cent waited five or more days to collect their parcels. Hubbed’s full collection network data and PUDO eBook, which includes breakdowns across States and cities and an exploration of the changing habits of customers towards parcel collection, can be found here: https://landingpage.hubbed.com/collection-points-and-the-last-mile-in-australia

CEO and Founder of Hubbed David McLean says: “Our findings suggest that the majority of our collection customers do not consider same-day deliveries a priority. Instead, we think most shoppers choose same-day delivery as more of a guarantee that the delivery will arrive. They seem to also view collection points as a means of storing their parcels securely until they are ready to collect them at a time that suits them. This is extremely helpful for retailers, some of whom have been prioritising same-day delivery services which whilst important should be supported with a convenient click and collect network.”

Collection data from Hubbed’s network of collection locations, which include 7-Eleven stores, BP service stations, Pack and Send, Repco and independent retail outlets, found that after-hours parcel collection is popular, with 45 per cent of individuals opting to pick up parcels from 3pm onwards. This suggests consumers regard after-hours collection as a convenient time to pick up parcels that fits into their schedule and lifestyle.

Across some States and Territories, the most popular collection times were largely on par with the national trend. In the Northern Territory, the largest proportion of parcels (21 per cent) were picked up at 6pm, while in WA, 15 per cent of consumers collected parcels at 7pm. In the ACT, 16 per cent of consumers prefer to pick up parcels at 4pm, while 15 per cent of Tasmanians collect deliveries at 5pm. In WA, 15 per cent of consumers collect parcels from a collection point at 7pm, while South Australians and Queenslanders prefer to pick up parcels at 5pm, at 14 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, an equal 12 per cent of those in NSW and Victoria prefer to collect parcels at 4pm.

While the results reveal there is little difference across weekdays for parcel collection, Saturday is starting to grow in popularity: parcel collections grew to 8 per cent in 2020, from 5 per cent in 2019.

David adds: “While online shopping will continue to grow, Australians are seeking options for secure, reliable and sustainable parcel collection close to home.  Online retailers can utilise collection points as a click and collect offering for customers. Hubbed’s network of more than 2000 locations Australia-wide allow customers to collect parcels from convenient locations, many of which are open 24/7, offer parking and are free from queues. The service reassures consumers that their parcels are held in a secure, local storefront until they are ready to collect.”

Hubbed’s full collection network data and PUDO eBook can be found here: https://landingpage.hubbed.com/collection-points-and-the-last-mile-in-australia