Australia Post has launched a new next-day delivery service ahead of its busy peak season.
Australia Post says the new service, Australia Post Metro, provides eligible retailers and their customers with speed and more certainty when they shop online.
The Australia Post Metro service has launched in metropolitan Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, and is planned to be expanded to new metropolitan geographies over the coming months.
Paul Graham, Australia Post Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director says the new service is a direct response to changing consumer needs with data suggesting that 68% of online shoppers are likely to abandon their shopping cart if they deem the delivery method too slow.
“We’ve been listening to our customers, and know they expect more certainty, simplicity and speed when ordering online. The Australia Post Metro service raises the bar for customers – prioritising next day delivery in metropolitan areas,” he said.
“We already have some of the country’s largest retailers using the Australia Post Metro service covering the lifestyle, fashion, beauty and FMCG space, with more retailers coming online every month. This new service provides a more agile, flexible delivery option as we head into our busiest time of year.
“To support this new service and ensure we meet the next-day delivery offering we have simplified our back-end systems to quickly identify the Australia Post Metro service orders, prioritising them for next day delivery. We have also been working in tandem with our retailers to ensure their distribution centres are set up to prioritise Australia Post Metro service orders.”
Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland has welcomed the new Australia Post Metro service as a boon for Australian consumers and retailers alike.
“As more Australians embrace the digital economy, it is essential postal services keep pace with their demands. Next-day delivery is a win-win for both retailers and consumers,” she said.
“It’s pleasing to see Australia Post launching this new Australia Post Metro product, and I look forward to seeing it expanded following the current trial.
Tony Carr, Myer’s Executive General Manager of Supply Chain, also welcomed the announcement, which he said will ensure faster online deliveries for its customers in the lead-up to Christmas.
“We know there is nothing more important than getting products to our customers in the quickest and most effective way, and our partnership with Australia Post, one of the most trusted organisations in the country, will ensure we continue to provide a leading online experience to our customers.”
“The Australia Post Metro service will be welcomed by Myer customers and will be particularly important to shoppers as we head into our busiest trading months of the year in the lead up to Christmas,” he said.
