Skip to content
Search AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.

Latest Stories

Free shipping still rules in e-commerce

Consumer survey reinforces the power of free shipping to increase sales, address last-mile costs.

boxes-3883980_640.jpg
DC Velocity Staff
By DC Velocity StaffMay 28, 2021
DC Velocity Staff
See Full Bio

Shoppers will spend more and wait longer for online purchases that offer free shipping, according to a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers, released earlier this month.

The survey by technology firm Inmar Intelligence reinforces the power of free shipping in an accelerated e-commerce environment and highlights a host of other consumer trends as the economy emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the survey, 78% of consumers are willing to buy more just to get free shipping, and a majority say they don’t mind waiting a few extra days to receive their items if free shipping is an option. The data also show the lengths consumers will go to receive free shipping, including picking up their order at a nearby grocery store, pharmacy, or Amazon locker-like setting—a practice that can help retailers cut back on last-mile delivery costs.

The survey also affirmed that consumers don’t want to pay to send things back: 62% said they are not willing to pay for shipping and handling of returns. Of those willing to cover the cost of returns, 64% said they would pay less than $10 to do so.

Other survey findings include:
  • 52% are willing to spend $25 to $50 in a single transaction if it means they will receive free shipping;
  • 85% of shoppers would be willing to pick up their packages at a local grocery store or pharmacy if it saved them the cost of shipping;
  • 79% expect free shipping when ordering apparel and home goods online;
  • 87% don’t mind waiting longer (five to seven days) to receive their purchase if it means they get free shipping, despite 48% who expect deliveries to arrive in two to three days.
“Over the past year, consumer behaviors and expectations when it comes to e-commerce have clearly shifted,” said Ken Bays, vice president of product development at Inmar Intelligence. “Consumers have an expectation of free shipping, but what’s surprising is the methods they’ll accept to receive that incentive. From the retailers’ perspective, consumers are willing to provide their own last mile, which allows retailers to come up with creative alternatives for fulfillment and reduce, sometimes remove, last-mile costs. It is a trend that is here to stay, and one that could be beneficial for all.”
Article
inmar intelligence
Article
inmar intelligence

Recent

An image of the cover page for the white paper "The threat of resiliency and sustainability in global supply chain management: Expectations for 2025."
Plan

CSCMP releases new white paper looking at potential supply chain impact of incoming Trump administration

minority woman with charts of business progress
Procure

Study: Inclusive procurement can fuel economic growth

More Stories

image of laptop against an orange background

Companies need to plan for top five supply chain risks of 2025

The five most likely supply chain events that will impact business operations this year include climate change/weather, geopolitical instability, cybercrime, rare metals/minerals, and the crackdown on forced labor, according to a report from supply chain risk analytics provider Everstream Analytics.

“The past year has been unprecedented, with extreme weather events, heightened geopolitical tension and cybercrime destabilizing supply chains throughout the world. Navigating this year’s looming risks to build a secure supply network has never been more critical,” Corey Rhodes, CEO of Everstream Analytics, said in the firm’s “2025 Annual Risk Report.”

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

aerial photo of port of Miami
Move

East and Gulf coast strike averted with 11th-hour agreement

cargo ships at port
Move

Strike threat lingers at ports as January 15 deadline nears

image of earth from space

Maersk offers 5 steps to make your supply chain “antifragile”

Companies worldwide faced waves of business disruptions throughout the past year, but as 2025 is predicted to be just as complex as 2024, global cargo carrier Maersk has listed five steps for making supply chains “antifragile.”

Maersk’s overall view of the coming year is that the global economy is expected to grow modestly, with the possibility of higher inflation caused by lingering supply chain issues, continued geopolitical tensions, and fiscal policies such as new tariffs. Geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions could threaten global stability, climate change action will continue to shape international cooperation, and the ongoing security issue in the Red Sea is expected to continue into 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. and China flags with a photo overlay of Ashray Lavsi

What happens to global supply chains if China attacks Taiwan?

For an island measuring a little less than 14,000 square miles (or about the size of Belgium), Taiwan plays a crucial role in global supply chains, making geopolitical concerns associated with it of keen interest to most major corporations.

Taiwan has essentially acted as an independent nation since 1949, when the nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek retreated to the island following the communist takeover of mainland China. Yet China has made no secret of the fact that it wants to bring Taiwan back under its authority—ambitions that were brought to the fore in October when China launched military drills that simulated an attack on the island.

Keep ReadingShow less

Six logistics trends to watch

As we look toward 2025, the logistics and transportation industry stands on the cusp of transformation. At the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), we’re committed to helping industry leaders navigate these changes with insight and strategy. Here are six trends that we believe will form the competitive landscape of tomorrow.

1. Digital transformation and data integration: Technology continues to reshape every facet of logistics. Advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are becoming increasingly integrated into supply chain operations, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and enabling proactive decision-making.

Keep ReadingShow less
attendees at the EDGE resource center

Attendees visit the CSCMP EDGE 2024 Resource Center.

Lean into your supply chain community

As I assume the role of Chair of the Board of Directors for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), I fondly reflect on the more than 10 years that I’ve had the privilege of being part of this extraordinary organization. I’ve seen firsthand the impact we have had on individuals, companies, and the entire supply chain profession.

CSCMP’s journey as an organization began back in 1963. It has since grown from a small, passionate community to the world’s premier association for supply chain professionals. Our mission—to connect, educate, and develop supply chain professionals throughout their careers—remains not only relevant, but vital in today’s world.

Keep ReadingShow less
Copyright ©2025.