Standard shipping vs express shipping: which one to choose? A simple question that has not so simple answer. You first need to have a fair understanding of what these options actually mean and how they differ from each other. Only then it is possible to make a sound decision when it comes to choosing the right option for your business.
We will address the following questions in this blog:
- What is Standard shipping?
- What is Express shipping?
- Standard shipping vs express shipping: What’s the difference?
- Standard shipping vs express shipping: Which one to choose?
But before that,
Why Should You Care?
We live in the age of convenience. All of us are spoiled for choices thanks to the wide array of options available just at the touch of our fingertips. And, shipping is no different.
Customers have grown accustomed to:
- Free shipping
- Fast shipping
- Overnight shipping
- 2-day delivery
- 1-day delivery
- Same day delivery
While e-commerce giants like Amazon can easily offer several kinds of options and still cover their profits, most other businesses are unable to do so. However, you can do more with less. All you have to do is make the right choices. Especially when it comes to choosing between standard shipping vs express shipping. We are here to help you do just that.
What is Standard Shipping?
Standard shipping is the delivery option that does not require any special provisions such as overnight delivery. It is usually done using surface couriers. Orders are mostly processed in one day and need around three to five business days to reach their location. It may take longer if the destination is more remote.
Standard shipping is ideal for small businesses and is usually cost-effective. The mode of transportation is mostly by road. You and your customers both get a tracking option that helps one monitor the product in real-time.
Standard shipping is also known as regular shipping or ground shipping. If you want to save money while still meeting customer expectations, this is the shipping option for you. We’ll get into this more when we talk about standard shipping vs express shipping and how to choose between the two.
What is Express Shipping?
When speed is more important than delivery time, express shipping is used. Normally, this special service is delivered by air.
Express shipping, also called expedited shipping, is used to deliver time-sensitive items or meet tight deadlines. It will cost you more, but it has benefits. There are times when this is the better and more necessary option. Again, we’ll go over this in more detail later to help you decide between standard shipping vs express shipping.
The products are delivered within 24 to 72 hours. Furthermore, express shipping is backed by a money-back guarantee. As a result, if the parcel does not arrive at its destination within a certain amount of time, you can submit a claim for reimbursement.
Under express shipping, you can provide a variety of shipping options. The delivery speed will depend on that. Same-day delivery, overnight delivery, two-day shipping, and such.
Standard Shipping vs Express Shipping: What’s the Difference?
We gave you a general idea of what each of these shipping options implies. Now let’s look at the differences between standard shipping vs express shipping.
Delivery Time
Standard shipping takes three to eight business days. The time limit may reduce or exceed depending on the location.
Express shipping usually takes one or two days.
Shipping Cost
Express shipping costs more than standard shipping. Because air freight services are used, the price is higher. Standard shipping, on the other hand, is usually done by road or sea, which is less expensive than air transpiration.
Dispatch
When orders are shipped via express delivery, they are processed more quickly and dispatched from the warehouses earlier. Meanwhile, when it comes to standard delivery, there are no time constraints. As a result, it’s possible that orders will take longer to ship.
Standard Shipping vs Express Shipping: Which One to Choose?
Both options have their pros and cons. Standard shipping is usually preferred by small and medium-sized businesses because it is more cost-effective and allows you to keep your profit margin.
Although this is a sensible option, express shipping is sometimes a better option, particularly for time-sensitive products.
Choose standard shipping when you’d rather go slow and steady. Yes, fast deliveries are great, but affordability still wins the race. Customers are more likely to wait rather than pay a higher price.
Unlike express shipping, standard delivery allows you to offer discounted rates, free shipping, and other exciting offers without drawing down your profit margins. Express shipping is still possible if you’re willing to take a few losses. Otherwise, you’d have to charge your customers more, which might turn them off. Customers care more about shipping costs than delivery speed, according to some studies.
That isn’t always the case, though. Customers are willing to pay more at certain times and for certain products. In fact, thanks to Amazon, free and fast shipping has become the norm rather than the exception.
That is why, in order to keep customers, it is still necessary to offer express delivery options.
Prioritize time-sensitive products that may require expedited delivery. This includes the following:
- Food
- Medicine
- Pet supplies
- Personal hygiene products
- Electronics
- Gift items
Express shipping will provide instant gratification and a better customer experience. The result, of course, is a higher rate of customer retention.
Now when it comes to standard shipping vs express shipping, which one is better? The better option is the one that is best for you. When you want to offer exciting deals but don’t have a lot of money, standard shipping is ideal. When products are time-sensitive and customers prefer it, express shipping is desirable.
How Can Parceldeck Help You?
Parceldeck is a logistics aggregator. We can help with making the entire delivery process easier and more convenient. Whether you’re shipping your product standard or express, you have a variety of courier options to choose from. We make the entire process quick and easy for you while offering the most reasonable rates in the industry.
Shipping comes with a set of challenges. Know more about it on the blog Shipping Challenges and their best Solutions for E-commerce in India.