CitySprint, the UK’s leading same day distribution company, this week launches On the dot, its innovative new consumer-focused delivery offering that allows customers to specify a one-hour delivery window for their delivery.
On the dot is designed to give consumers the control, convenience and simplicity they expect in today’s on-demand, omnichannel culture by providing delivery on their terms, rather than the carrier’s. The new service is being launched in London ahead of a wider roll-out across the country. It will allow small and independent retailers to benefit from delivery service normally reserved for bigger players, while giving Londoners convenient access to their favourite boutique stores at a time that suits them.
Shoppers can shop locally over the phone or in-store, or they can arrange for collection of their Click & Collect orders directly from store collection points and specify a one-hour delivery slot via www.onthedot.co.uk and an upcoming app. Retailers will soon be able to use an open API to integrate the service directly into their website or EPOS system for online and in-store purchases, allowing customers to use the service without leaving the retailer’s homepage.
The service provides a point-to-point service that allows the customer to specify a delivery hour, ensuring they don’t have to waste time waiting around waiting for purchases. On the dot offers customers complete peace of mind, providing SMS and email updates, in addition to live GPS tracking of their parcel. The service also guarantees that if a delivery misses the chosen one-hour window, the customer’s next delivery is free.
Patrick Gallagher, CEO, CitySprint commented: “Anyone in the industry will tell you that consumer convenience is the most important consideration in online retail. In fact, it is an increasing point of difference. On the dot helps consumers build a unique retail experience around their own needs and gives retailers an opportunity to offer the ultimate convenience to their customers.
“According to IMRG, online delivery failure is expected to have cost retailers, carriers and consumers £473m in 2014 and retailers are risking considerable brand damage. On the dot allows retailers to protect their reputation and build customer loyalty by giving customers time to focus on the things that really matter to them.”
To launch the new service and underline its convenience, CitySprint has unveiled new YouGov research showing what Londoners would do if given an hour of their time back to enjoy the city. This shows that the three perfect hours in the capital according to its residents are;
1. Soaking up the city (30%) by the Thames and waterways (40%) – with the Queen
2. Socialising (25%) in a city centre environment (24%) – with Boris
3. Being cultural (22%) in a green space (19%) – with Prince Harry
Free time is clearly a precious commodity for the capital’s residents; on average, the longest Londoners have waited around at home to receive a delivery is a shocking eight and a half hours.
The results from the survey have been illustrated on a digital map of London, entitled “The Londoner’s London”, and CitySprint will be taking the word to the streets of the capital with a series of marketing promotions and activities.
