Optimise your large item deliveries from your store

Store-based delivery is no longer limited to small parcels. The growing demand for large items such as furniture or appliances has led retailers to rethink their delivery strategies. This evolution brings many challenges for you as a retailer. In this article, we will explore the challenges of delivering large items from your store and the innovative solutions available to you.

The challenges of delivering large items

Delivering large items from your store presents certain challenges that can affect customer satisfaction and the efficiency of your business. Among the main challenges you may face are:

• Delivery times: Customers expect fast and reliable deliveries. Delays can lead to dissatisfaction and a loss of trust from your customers.
• High delivery costs: Delivering large items can be expensive due to transport fees and additional logistics required to handle bulky goods.
• Managing returns: Returns of large items can be complex and costly to handle. You need an effective returns strategy to meet customer expectations for after-sales service. We have dedicated a full article to this topic previously: Returns management: 7 tips to turn it into an opportunity
• Logistical issues: Planning last-mile delivery, from the distribution centre to the customer's home, can be complex. Coordination with carriers and managing time slots are essential for a positive customer experience.
• Customer experience: It doesn't end at the point of purchase. Customers expect a fast, simple and hassle-free delivery. Delays or incidents during delivery can damage your brand's reputation. So how can you ensure a positive customer experience from start to finish?

Delivery solutions for large items

To better manage the delivery of large items from your store, here are some practical solutions:

• Collaboration with individuals: Adopt a co-transport approach by collaborating with individuals who are heading in the same direction as the desired delivery location. This method can reduce delivery costs and improve route efficiency.
• Use of technological solutions: Invest in advanced technological solutions such as real-time delivery tracking and inventory management for optimal logistics planning.
• Efficient returns management: Implement a simplified and responsive returns process to quickly handle returns of large items and ensure customer satisfaction.

Environmental impact and sustainable initiatives

Delivering large items can have a significant environmental impact due to the use of delivery vehicles and associated CO2 emissions. To adopt a more sustainable approach:

• Favour green mobility: Transporting large items can have a significant environmental impact. Retailers should take steps to reduce their carbon footprint, such as using electric vehicles and adopting sustainable delivery practices.
• Route optimisation: Plan delivery routes intelligently to reduce distances travelled and limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Strategies to improve large item delivery

• Personalised delivery: Offering personalised delivery options, such as the ability to choose a delivery time slot, can improve the customer experience. With Cocolis, you can ship all your customers' orders from your shop thanks to our network of co-transporters available 7 days a week throughout France.
• Proactive communication: Transparent communication with customers about delivery times can build trust. By being in direct contact with the co-transporter, a relationship is created and guarantees a personalised and secure experience.

Delivering large items from your store is a complex challenge. By combining smart delivery strategies, sustainable options and transparent communication, it is possible to offer your customers an exceptional delivery experience. At Cocolis, we offer an innovative "last mile" solution that helps reduce your logistics costs and encourages a sustainable approach to large item deliveries.

Feel free to contact us to learn more about our solution and improve your delivery management.