European parcel delivery and e-commerce solutions provider Geopost has released its inaugural 2B Recipient Barometer, highlighting the importance of reliable and flexible delivery services for SMEs in a difficult economic environment.
According to the barometer, 86% of SMEs think delivery is essential for the success of their activity, with 44% underlining that the overall impact of good delivery services on their business is ‘very high’. On the contrary, a missed delivery may lead to financial loss of sales, damaged reputation and, for large companies, affect the whole supply chain, according to Geopost.
Supplier must-haves
As a result, delivery is among the top concerns for businesses and is intrinsically linked to the choice of supplier. The barometer showed that concerns about delivery can prevent companies from selecting a supplier as much as price and quality can – 27% consider that working with a trustworthy carrier is critical when choosing a supplier.
Safe handling and quick problem solving are also must-haves for SMEs and large companies when selecting a delivery provider, with 75% stating reliable tracking as essential. Knowing the delivery driver is also important to 77% of the companies asked, as it is likely to bring engagement and business efficiencies.
Driver of business success
Carmen Cureu, group market research director at Geopost, said, “With a robust methodology that includes extensive data collection from key European markets, our first 2B Recipient Barometer 2024 clearly highlights a significant trend: SMEs are increasingly recognizing delivery as a key driver of business success. In a fast-evolving and competitive landscape, businesses are turning to reliable, timely, and responsive delivery services to meet the growing expectations of their customers.
“The barometer shows that while overall satisfaction with delivery services remains high, SMEs are seeking more from their logistics partners. As cross-border sourcing becomes increasingly central to business strategies, the Geopost 2B Recipient barometer serves as a strategic guide for companies looking to navigate this expanding market and stay ahead in both the B2B and B2C sectors.”
Discover more key takeaways from the 2B Recipient Barometer here.