When customers place ecommerce orders, the last thing they want is an unhappy surprise. Shipping delays and stockouts lead to frustration and disappointment, especially when logistical problems impact time-sensitive purchases, such as special occasion gifts, event tickets or prescription medications.
The letdown customers experience when their orders don’t arrive on time, or at all, results in uncertainty and distrust that’s difficult — if not impossible — to remedy. Retailers can expect that customers will turn to other vendors; once this happens, they’ve lost both the sale and the customer’s trust and loyalty.