7 Tips to Give your Customers a Great Delivery Experience

If you're running a growing business, you're likely spending significant money on third-party delivery companies. While this may offer convenience, it often comes at the expense of customer connection and brand control. By launching or improving your own in-house delivery system, you gain the ability to create memorable, personalized delivery experiences that not only reduce costs but also build lasting customer loyalty.

In today’s landscape, where giants like Amazon set high expectations, small businesses can still compete—just not necessarily on speed alone. With the right delivery practices and tools, your service can stand out by offering warmth, transparency, and professional care.

Table of Contents

• Small Business Delivery vs. Amazon: Leveling the Playing Field
• What Makes a Great Delivery Experience?
• 7 Tips for Providing Outstanding Deliveries
• Use EasyRoutes to Make Your Deliveries Great

‍

Small Business Delivery vs. Amazon: Leveling the Playing Field

Amazon has shaped what customers expect from delivery: same-day or next-day service, real-time tracking, and instant communication. Recent research indicates that 89% of U.S. online shoppers prefer Amazon primarily due to its speed and reliability.

That doesn’t mean smaller businesses can’t compete. In fact, your edge lies in personalization. By owning the delivery process, you can create a branded, humanized experience—something that major platforms often lack. When customers feel a personal connection with your brand, they’re more likely to return, spend more, and recommend your business to others.

‍

What Makes a Great Delivery Experience?

According to Salesforce’s State of the Connected Customer, customer expectations continue to rise:

• 76% expect brands to understand their needs
• 69% expect Amazon-level service from any company
• 62% are more likely to share bad experiences than good ones

This means your delivery process is not just logistical—it's experiential. A great delivery experience blends clear communication, trust, flexibility, and a personal touch. It's what turns a one-time buyer into a loyal advocate.

‍

7 Tips for Providing Outstanding Deliveries

1. Send Automated Customer Notifications

Automation is essential for keeping customers in the loop. Whether it’s confirming their order, providing an estimated delivery time, or alerting them that a package has arrived, timely updates reduce uncertainty and build trust.

According to data assembled by eRetailers, 77% of consumers have a more positive perception of businesses that send text updates. With tools like EasyRoutes, you can automatically trigger SMS or email updates at key stages—saving you time while reassuring your customers.

‍

2. Offer Contactless Delivery Options

The demand for safety and convenience continues post-pandemic. Contactless delivery isn’t just a health precaution—it’s an expectation. When paired with real-time tracking and photo proof of delivery, it gives customers confidence their items were securely received.

For drivers, contactless delivery can also streamline operations—no waiting at doors or knocking repeatedly. With EasyRoutes, drivers can upload delivery photos and status updates, and move on to their next stop quickly.

‍

3. Integrate Your E-Commerce and Delivery Technologies

Managing delivery manually may work for a few orders, but it’s not sustainable as you grow. Your e-commerce and delivery systems should work together to reduce errors, improve speed, and simplify customer interactions.

EasyRoutes integrates directly with Shopify, allowing your store orders to flow effortlessly into optimized delivery routes. This reduces administrative workload and enhances fulfillment efficiency—especially important when last-mile delivery accounts for over 40% of total delivery costs.

‍

4. Use Branded, Professional Delivery Vehicles

Your delivery vehicle is a moving advertisement and a symbol of trust. Customers are more comfortable receiving packages from a clearly marked, well-maintained vehicle—especially for high-value items or contactless delivery.

Clean, branded vans or cars project professionalism and reinforce your brand identity. If your business is sustainability-conscious, consider electric or hybrid vehicles to align your fleet with your values.

‍

5. Plan Routes Ahead of Time

Well-optimized routes save fuel, reduce wear and tear, and help you deliver faster. Even if you’re not offering same-day service, customers still want their orders delivered efficiently.

Route optimization tools like EasyRoutes use live traffic data, delivery windows, and order priorities to calculate the best routes. Businesses using route optimization regularly save up to 20% in fuel costs and complete more deliveries per day - an easy win-win for both businesses' bottom lines and the environment.

‍

6. Add a Handwritten Note

Digital systems run your operations, but human touches drive loyalty. A small thank-you note can make a big impression—especially for first-time buyers.

This personal gesture communicates appreciation and turns an ordinary delivery into a delightful one. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just sincere.

‍

7. Provide Free or Discounted Delivery Options

Delivery fees are often a deciding factor for customers. 53% of consumers say free shipping is one of the top considerations when choosing where to shop, according to research conducted by the National Retail Federation.

By managing deliveries in-house, you can offer competitive or bundled delivery options without eroding your profit margins. Even if free shipping isn’t feasible for every order, offering it above a certain cart value or to local customers can increase conversions.

‍

Use EasyRoutes to Make Your Deliveries Great

Today, delivery isn’t a side service—it’s an essential customer touchpoint. By managing your own local delivery, you create a branded, personalized experience that sets you apart from competitors and marketplaces alike.

EasyRoutes gives small businesses the tools to succeed with in-house delivery. Integrated directly with Shopify, it simplifies order tracking, automates customer notifications, and helps you optimize routes for faster, more efficient deliveries.

Explore EasyRoutes at Roundtrip.ai, or install it via the Shopify App Store to start your 14-day free trial and take your delivery experience to the next level.