The ecommerce space is always evolving and changing. It’s important for businesses to offer customers a valuable retail experience, from the start of the buyers’ journey right up to the delivery of the product and beyond. In this guide, we’ll explain some of the biggest trends in ecommerce that we expect to see in 2024, along with why packaging and delivery matters.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) has had a massive impact across all industries at the start of 2023 and 2024, with AI selfies, AI chatbots and even AI music videos becoming a phenomenon globally. But, how is AI used in ecommerce?
AI can be used in ecommerce in a number of ways including:
- Chatbots: Chatbots can be used on websites to help customers to place orders, answer frequently asked questions and to explain processes like returns and refunds. Reducing the strain on your customer service team and streamlining the customer journey.
- Predicting buying patterns: Artificial intelligence can be used to monitor and predict the buying patterns of customers and help you to advise your stock levels.
- Route optimisation: Artificial intelligence can help predict when there will be heavier levels of traffic and also categorise delivery addresses to help ensure the delivery route is optimised and that deliveries are as efficient as possible.
- Fraud detection: Artificial intelligence technology can be harnessed to flag fraudulent activity such as the use of stolen bank details or the return of counterfeit products.
Omnichannel shopping
In 2024 customer experience is king and businesses need to adapt to support customers’ shopping habits.
Customers are looking for opportunities to shop as and when they want to, whether that is through social media, online shopping or in a physical outlet. Essentially customers expect more from their buying experience. They expect the purchasing process to be seamless and to have flexibility when it comes to payment and returns.
This can present a number of challenges for delivery and logistics. For example, omnichannel shopping involves fulfilling orders from different sources which can make deliveries more complex. It also means that delivery options need to be more flexible, this can be achieved by introducing same day delivery or click-and-collect.
More eco-friendly ecommerce
Customer demand has been leaning into sustainability trends for the last few years and we expect to see this increase in 2024. This might be by selling products that are eco-friendly, providing eco-friendly packaging and ensuring sustainable delivery services.
Selling eco friendly products
Selling eco-friendly products is one of the most impactful ways you can introduce sustainable practices into your ecommerce business. This might be by choosing products made from sustainable materials, made with energy efficient processes or that have a low carbon footprint.
Eco-friendly packaging
Consumers want to see businesses follow through with their eco-friendly promises to include eco-friendly packaging. We’ve all seen examples where customers have purchased greener products, only to be disappointed when the product arrives wrapped in plastic.
Eco friendly delivery
Energy-efficient delivery is an important way to increase sustainability across the supply chain. This can be done through a variety of different methods such as;
- Consolidating deliveries: Sharing deliveries can make the route more efficient, reducing the number of miles needed to travel.
- Using electric or hybrid delivery vehicles: Using more energy-efficient vehicles can help reduce carbon emissions.
- Choosing more energy efficient routes: Optimising routes using planning software can help not only streamline deliveries but, make them more energy efficient too.
How can Lesters help?
Our central location allows us to provide efficient delivery services including same-day and multi-drop delivery. We also provide eco-friendly packaging through our sister company Lesters Packaging. For more information get in touch with our helpful team today
