How to optimize your “out for delivery” messages to boost engagement rates
It’s the message your customers have been waiting for with bated breath: “Out for delivery!”
But what do those three simple words really mean? And how can you make the most of this heightened stage of anticipation to drive even greater engagement with your shoppers?
In this piece, we’ll discuss how and why to send amazing “out for delivery” messages, and what you can do to optimize your order tracking campaigns to boost your customer satisfaction and retention rates.
What does “out for delivery” mean?
In ecommerce, “out for delivery” typically marks the final stage before a package arrives at a customer’s door.
It means that the parcel has been processed at the shopper’s local distribution center, and is currently on a delivery vehicle headed to the customer’s shipping address.The customer will generally receive an “out for delivery” notice the morning that the item is due to arrive, and can track its estimated ETA to within a window of several hours.
An “out for delivery” notification is a part of the “last mile” delivery process, which encompasses all of the logistics involved in the final leg of the logistics journey. Depending on the type of item, last-mile delivery may be handled by a large shipping carrier like USPS or UPS, or, for bulky items like furniture pieces, the item may be delivered from a local warehouse by a local courier service. When couriers are used, they may communicate with the customer by phone to confirm a more exact delivery time, rather than providing online tracking.
In either case, “out for delivery” notifications are an important part of your brand’s communication with your customers. It helps build confidence around your delivery process, and provides them with an alert so that they’ll know when to be home to receive the order, reducing the likelihood of lost or stolen packages.
Transactional touchpoints are your brand's way to boost loyalty and revenue
Curious what other touchpoints you can take advantage of? Check out our recent report!
Unlock all the insightsHow to uplevel your brand’s “out for delivery” communications
Did you know that transactional messages like “out for delivery” notifications have the highest open rates of any email campaign you’ll send to your customers? They average between 80% to 85%, dwarfing the average 20% to 25% open rate of your marketing messages.
So, knowing you have your customers’ undivided attention, why wouldn’t you capitalize on it?
If you’re like a lot of brands, you’ll just send a generic “out for delivery” message that includes a tracking link to the carrier’s site. Don’t do that, or you’ll simply be shutting out customers who are excited to reconnect with your brand.
Instead, you have an ideal opportunity to drive renewed customer engagement and increase conversions by using a branded tracking page that keeps your shoppers in your brand’s ecosystem. In addition to real-time delivery ETAs, your order tracking page can include elements like:
- Compelling design: Make your order tracking pages look like you. Include your logo, tagline, brand colors, and images that feature your products prominently. By recreating your brand’s culture on your order tracking pages, you’ll be able to deliver a consistent experience for your customers.
- Social and sign-up links: Help your shoppers stay connected to your brand even after they receive their order. Prominently spotlight your brand’s social media links, include an email sign-up form, and encourage your shoppers to sign up for SMS promotions around future deals and events.
- Shipping and returns FAQs: Give shoppers the information they need upfront, so they’ll be less likely to contact your customer support team for help. Include an FAQ block that includes links to key information, such as how to use the product, what to do if they can’t find their order, and how to make a return.
- Product recommendations: You know your shopper is about to unbox their product – so why not transform that excitement into more sales? By curating recommended product links (maybe with a special offer included), you may be able to entice shoppers to make another purchase immediately.
Designing thoughtful, on-brand order tracking pages can help you keep your shoppers excited throughout the delivery process, helping you enhance customer satisfaction and drive more recurring revenue.
Perfecting the post-purchase customer experience
“Out for delivery” may be the last stage of shipping, but it doesn’t have to be the last stop in your customer journey. By transforming a simple tracking update into a branded, engaging touchpoint, you’re not just reassuring customers about when their package will arrive – you’re deepening their relationship with your brand.
When you build order tracking status pages that reflect your brand identity, answer common questions, and showcase relevant offers, you turn passive anticipation into active engagement. That means higher customer satisfaction, fewer support tickets, and more opportunities for repeat purchases.
At Loop, we know the post-purchase experience is where long-term loyalty is won. We offer a suite of tools to enhance customer confidence in your brand throughout the shipping and delivery process. Delivery Promise, our tool for showcasing real-time shipping ETAs before the customer has placed an order, increases conversions by giving shoppers clarity around delivery timelines for any product they’re considering. Next, they can use Checkout+ to pay a small fee to guarantee a free and convenient return later. And in the event that they need to make a return, Loop provides a convenient, self-service platform where customers can effortlessly manage returns and exchanges.
By delivering transparency and convenience at every point in time – even before the shopper makes a purchase – you’ll be able to generate brand trust that helps you keep customers on your side.
Learn how to optimize your post-purchase customer journey. Get in touch today!
You're just scratching the surface
Be the first to get our freshest insights, data drops, product updates, and growth tips - straight to your inbox.
Retain more revenue with Loop today
With Loop, your brand can offer everything from returns, to tracking to shopper incentives and more. Even better? These features build your business.