Online business is nothing without a logistical method the get their product delivered fast. This isn't just true for your average retail industry such as clothing and technology, but even for pet products. PetFlow.com realizes to climb higher in the world of e-commerce, they needed an order fulfillment partner and this is exactly what they put in motion.

PetFlow.com recently announced that they have partnered with Dotcom Distribution to assist in implementing an effective order fulfillment system. The new partnership comes in response to their increasing sales growth online, which currently PetFlow.com is one of the fastest online retailers nationwide. A core driver of the partnership is PetFlow.com's success of their "Spoiled Rotten" box subscription. The company has over 100 brands of pet products, such as pet foods, toys, and more.

Dotcom is a known logistics and order fulfillment provider Petflow.com felt was the best match for their order fulfillment needs. Joe Speiser, co-founder, PetFlow.com, state, “To scale our new monthly subscription-based program, we needed a logistics provider with a proven infrastructure to meet deadlines and provide exceptional customer experience. Dotcom Distribution enables us to assemble thousands of attractively packaged gifts in a short time and deliver them in a very tight window. Our customers love the quick turnaround time and reliable service, and look forward to a new box of goodies for their pets each month.”

PetFlow.com also thought Dotcom Distribution could provide the custom packaging services it was looking for. Dotcom does not only package products in standard ordinary boxes. The company offers shipping of products in designed gift boxes, just as if the customer prepared the packaging themselves, delivered right to the recipient's door. The gift boxes serve as a competitive advantage for their industry competitors. Dotcom President Maria Haggerty stated, “Our goal when building premium packages for clients like PetFlow.com is to extend the personality the brand maintains online to a fun and memorable delivery experience.”

Order fulfillment is a source for many online retailers to create and manage their overall costs. With transportation cost being between 25% to 35% of the product itself, it is crucial to have a shipping partner that delivers. Dotcom Distribution can deliver within 1-3 day delivery time frame. This is a timely service, however, many online companies are seeking same-day delivery of their products. Retail giants such as eBay, Wal-Mart, Macy's, and more are testing markets for same-day delivery.

Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can assist PetFlow.com and Dotcom Distribution have their product delivered. The Atlanta Courier is able to pick up anything from small packages to palletized freight fast. AQuickDelivery can also deliver any distance from any fulfillment center nationwide. AQuickDelivery is a viable partner for just-in-time inventory to local brick-and-mortar stores and can offer superior product return delivery services.

References: 3.21.13, Yahoo News, PR Web, PetFlow.com Selects Dotcom Distribution to Provide Fast Delivery and Premium Packaging

Many have been waiting and the final numbers are in for e-commerce sales during 2012. Online sales have continued to grow globally each year and experts were expecting 2012 to be no different. E-commerce sales increased by 16% in 2012 reported Internet Retailer via the US Department of Commerce. Sales for the year ended at $225.5 billion last year. This is up from 15.8% at $194.7 billion in 2011.

Also the Department of Commerce reported 5.2% of total retail spending occurred online in 2012. This is an increase from 4.7% in 2011. Forrester Research Inc. forecasted similar numbers early last year, stating e-commerce would total $226 billion.

The US Department of Commerce statistics are higher than ComScore Inc., which released their numbers last month at $182 billion for online sales in 2012. From their statistics, e-commerce still increased 15% from 2011. ComScore also stated tablet use increases 49% each year and will be the mobile device to watch for trends during 2013. IBM weighed in and stated consumers spent 15% more online in the fourth quarter last year than in 2011. This means online shopping is becoming more popular during the holiday season.

There is also increased online traffic for some retail giants. Amazon online traffic grew 3% in the fourth quarter at 115 million. Macy's online traffic grew 11% in the fourth quarter at 118 million. Fab.com, a flash-sale site, increased 329% year-over-year, which equated to almost 3 million more users in the fourth quarter. There certainly appears to be a trend that e-commerce is steadily growing and consumers are more comfortable shopping online.

With the increase of e-commerce, many online retailers are seeking to meet consumer demand to receive their products faster, especially during the holiday season. Large retailers such as Wal-Mart, eBay, Nordstrom's, Target, and more are testing same-day delivery for their e-commerce sales. Same-day delivery offers the component of online shopping customers are looking for.

A same-day Atlanta courier like AQuickDelivery can assist with retail deliveries and order fulfillment in Atlanta, as well as nationwide. This nationwide courier is able to develop a courier logistics solution that fits the online delivery needs of retailers. As e-commerce continues at this fast pace, an optimal delivery system by a same-day courier will be just what e-retailers need to compete in the years to come.

Reference: 2.15.13, Internet Retailer, Katie Deatsch, E-commerce grows 16% in 2012

Same-day delivery is not just an idea any longer, companies globally are striving to create a competitive advantage within the e-commerce industry. From China to the US, this delivery method is being sought after and being driven by online customer demand. It is true shoppers do desire their products to their front door faster, however, experts wonder is this the way retailers should go.

The question is being asked do customers really desire same-day delivery? Internet Retailer highlighted a report with sporting goods retailer Moosejaw Mountaineering. The company pursued to aggressively increase sales during the 2012 holiday season by offering same-day delivery to last-minute shoppers. The initiative did not generate a single order via same-day delivery online. There were several reasons for the failure, including they announced the service offer a few days before Christmas and a lack of heavy promotion. It also appears many shoppers aren't aware of same-day delivery because many online companies and retailers just do not offer it. As a result, consumers didn't even consider using it. There may or may not be good reason why many retailers do not offer it.

Some experts believe the success of same-day delivery is completely driven by the consumer and whether they have a free alternative. ShopRunner's Chief Strategy Officer Fiona Dias stated, “It’s a market need issue. If I desperately want something today, I can go to a store and not have to pay for shipping. A classic case is diapers—a product that you need there and then. As long as same-day shipping costs something, it’s going to limit the number of people willing to pay for that much speed, especially if there’s a free alternative called driving to the store."

The company many are watching is Amazon and their method of same-day delivery. “By holiday 2013, Amazon, in particular, will have dozens of new distribution centers a stone's throw away from major populations on the East and West Coasts,” Dias says. “More Amazon packages will arrive within one-to-two days, and unless store retailers start shipping from stores to nearby consumers, they will be disadvantaged in shipping speed versus Amazon and lose market share," said Dais. As a result, retail stores are beginning to strive for same-day delivery also. Another example highlighted in the report is eBay's same-day service called eBay Now. Introduced in 2012, eBay is began testing same-day delivery in San Francisco with retail giants like Wal-Mart, eBay, Nordstrom's, Target, and Macy's. They now have same-day delivery in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York. Delivery is $5 per order, with a minimum order of $25. Same-day delivery is as close as shoppers can get to actually going to a physical store and making the purchase themselves. If done effectively, it can result in the shopping advantages consumers want.

Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can assist any business create a successful delivery solution. This Atlanta courier is able to pick up anything from small packages to palletized freight fast! AQuickDelivery is an experienced, professional courier servicing over 1,500 clients, including Fortune 500 companies with courier logistic solutions. AQuickDelivery is a viable option for e-retailers to attract customers within their markets with same-day delivery and experience the growth they are looking for.

Reference: 1.25.13. Internet Retailer, Katie Deatsch, Do consumers want same-day shipping?

There is tremendous growth in the use of tablets and smartphones. Consumers are finding them so useful, even for shopping. The 2012 holiday shopping season is being predicted that this trend for mobile commerce is becoming more and more attractive as the weeks go by.

Internet Retailer recently reported some very interesting stats about the coming holiday season. 27% of smartphone and tablet owners will use their gadgets to conduct some level of holiday shopping this year. 70% will use them to do research online with their mobile devices before they actually make a trip to the store. 59% of owners will perform research while they are inside the store they are shopping at. Also, 58% will use their phones to shop, 58% will use their devices to redeem coupons and 48% to search for them.

Convenience is the biggest reason shoppers are using their tablets and smartphones to shop. "With mobile devices making many everyday tasks easier, shoppers are embracing them this holiday season. Not only will shoppers use them to make purchases and trim their to-buy lists, but the research they do on them will help them save time, make good buying decisions and ultimately, save money," says Jackie Warrick, President of CouponCabin.com, the company that took the poll. Shopping can now be accompanied by immediate research and locating great deals.

Smartphones are being forecasted to account for 7% of all online purchases by 2016. With this surge of technology, retailers are sprinting to capitalize on meeting online shopping demand. Large retail giants like Wal-Mart, Macy's and eBay are just a few of the retailers that have committed to successfully performing same-day delivery for online shoppers, even this year. Consumers have always found the delivery time of what they buy has always been the core disadvantage of shopping online. Same-delivery is the final piece of the puzzle that will make m-commerce increase.

With the increase of smartphone use this holiday season, retailers will need to deliver those products to seal the deal. Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery are the best option for retailers to partner with to meet their mobile sales demand. With products being ordered so quickly, this Atlanta courier can help retailers fulfill their deliveries via same-day delivery fast! AQuickDelivery has created various courier solutions for a number of clients and can do the same for your company. Capitalize on online sales by using a courier for holiday shipping.

References: 11.5.12, Internet Retailer, Katie Deatsch, Many tablet and smartphone owners will be mobile holiday shoppers

We are already in November, right before the coming election, and retail stores are preparing for holidays. For physical retail chains, the shopping holiday season is the highest level of sales they experience for the entire year. They also make up for any quarterly losses. This holiday season is very critical and retail chains are gearing up to compete, even with companies online. Retail chains like Target, for example, will be matching Amazon's online prices. Other retail chains will be provide the attractive offers like this as well.

The National Retail Federation is predicting a 12% growth in online holiday sales. "M-commerce" is a big reason why. Technology advancements like the iPad and iPhone, are giving customers the convenience they need to essentially shop on the go. Where ever they are, they can instantly make a purchase. For the holidays, this means it simply takes the right deal to be spotted by the shopper and the sale by the retailer is made. Internet Retailer reported in an article regarding smartphones that of the owners that made an m-commerce purchase, 63% of them spent only $20 to $100. This could increase during the holiday season.

There are some factors that are weighing in experts say could impact consumer spending more online during the holidays. Along with a weak economy, Gas prices will have an impact, which are currently decreasing. AAA states the current national price average is $3.57 and expects it to continue to drop. This will be a plus for brick-and-mortar retail chains and small retail stores. Shoppers will be more apt to make the trip to the stores.

Shoppers are seeking convenience and with online business on the rise, retail chains are also engaging in business strategies to provide the same level of shopping experience. The most anticipated service retail chains are pursuing to offer is same-day delivery of their products. “Retailers who have figured out how to do same-day delivery and pickup, or inexpensive next day delivery and who can educate their customer bases on that, should finish the year more jolly than the rest,” said Brian Horakh, founder and CEO of E-Commerce Platform and Services company Zoovy.

Same-day delivery is another convenience point for retail chains and the company that can do it, can very well be the one that takes charge during the holidays. Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can help retail stores implement a delivery solution fit for their business. This Atlanta Courier can deliver your orders throughout Georgia and meet your customer demands. Whether a small retail store or retail chain, AQuickDelivery can deliver for you, creating the competitive advantage you need in the shopping months to come.

References: 10.25.12, Internet Retailer, Thad Reuter, Handicapping the holidays: price matching, gas prices and elections will influence sales; www.aaa.com

Couriers are called upon to pick up an array of different packages. From checks and keys, to clothes and palletized freight, same-day couriers do it all. There are even couriers in India that perform routine pick ups of breast milk! Yet, one of the most common questions customers have about courier services is do couriers pick up and deliver cash? Most couriers do not pick up and deliver cash for a few important reasons.

Theft—Theft becomes a big factor with couriers. This is true regarding theft from without, when drivers can get robbed. This is even true with theft from the driver themselves. It is wise to not put drivers in this type of situation, especially if it involves large sums of cash on hand.

Safety Hazard—Courier companies do not want to put their drivers in dangerous situations with carrying physical cash on hand. If the average person knew drivers pick up and deliver cash, they can put themselves in life-threatening situations. A courier can be involved in a drug deal and not even be aware of it.

Illegal Activity Deterrence—In contrast, the driver themselves can knowingly perform illegal activities such as drug trafficking under the premise of being a courier. An individual could potentially become a courier driver for the sole purpose and objective to conduct illegal activities.

It was reported in the Hindustan Times of India last week that a courier employee was robbed of 20 lakh in broad daylight. Sanjay Thakur was on his way delivering money to a businessman and was briefly kidnapped. He was forced into a car by three unidentified individuals and they took him away. The men attempted to take the money from Thakur and after resistance, they attacked him, causing bleeding and injury to his hands. Thankfully, he was let out of car without major harm.

Oddly enough, police are also questioning Thakur and whether he was actually involved in the robbery himself. The report stated, “The police are also checking Thakur’s antecdents to ascertain if he had any role in the robbery, as it was surprising that a person could be forced into a vehicle in a crowded area like Cotton Exchange, said the police official, requesting anonymity.”

Courier services like AQuickDelivery, care about the safety of their clients and drivers. AQuickDelivery operates under strict guidelines of no cash pick ups to ensure complete safety and avoidance of all such illegal activities. This Atlanta courier can meet all of your courier needs, without any interferece with the safety and secure protection of your package. You can have peace of mind with AQuickDelivery.

Reference: 9.6.12, Hindustan Times, HT Correspondent-Courier firm employee robbed of Rs. 20 lakh at LT Marg

The unemployment rate has changed slowly in the US this year. Many are wondering where are the jobs. Online business has eliminated some jobs by making them obsolete, however, can it create jobs for a change? With last year’s increase of online sales of over 15%, e-commerce is creating a market of jobs in the same-day delivery sector. Brick-and-mortar retailers such as Macy’s and Target for example, want to capitalize on online shopping.

The same product can be sold online multiple times within the same timeframe it would have taken that same shopper to hop in their car and drive to Macy’s to buy it. What that equates to is an instantaneous need to deliver that product to that customer who bought it online from their iPad at Starbucks.

That is job creation.

Even online giants are on the wave of same-day delivery. EBay reported they are currently testing markets in San Francisco to perform this type of service with companies like Target, Wal-Green’s, Best Buy, and more. With so many large corporations diving in, they will employ thousands to make their same-day delivery systems work. The former employee of a printing company, where sales weren’t doing well because of electronic data and online communications, now can work as a delivery agent.

“All this time wasted on menial tasks makes society less productive, when so many who needs jobs could do these things instead. It would be a win-win” said Co-inventor and CEO Mark B. Barron of Consumeron. The new company is on the launching pad of same-day delivery as well, yet on a different level. Their personal assistant on-demand delivery service allows a consumer to utilize real-time video inspection of what a consumeron delivery agent picks up for them. The consumer will be able to actually see what they are buying.

Technology has come far and is evolving to a point where it can begin to benefit us more. Jobs do not have to be eliminated, just changed to meet the current online demand. The convenience of online shopping helps businesses sell, which in turn, lowers operating costs. As a result, the funding brick-and-mortar retailers spend daily on their operating costs can now be put in the job seeker’s wallet.

Courier services like AQuickDelivery can be a courier that helps you grow your online business and create jobs while you do it. We have over 1,500 clients throughout the country and our list is getter bigger every day. With the evolution of same-day delivery, AQuickDelivery can employ pick up agents, either male or female, and assist families in these challenging economic times. E-commerce is definitely headed in the right direction and jobs will certainly follow.

Reference: 9.6.12, Jessie Prashar, Mobile Telepresence Adds Fuel To The Race For Same-Day Delivery

The price of gas has been a bit of a roll-a-coaster this summer. Just when there appeared to be some daylight, prices have made a pivotal turn. As we head into the middle of August, gas prices are now at an average of $3.67 per gallon in the US per the AAA. This is $.29 more than a month ago, when it appeared gas prices would level off for the months to come. The price of oil has increased $6 per barrel for three days straight this week reported the Washington Post.

Some states are experiencing an even higher gas price average according to the AAA daily fuel gauge. For example, Michigan has an average gas price of $3.94. California's average was already at $3.98 per gallon, however, is forecasted to eclipse the $4 mark after yesterday's refinery disaster. A fire damaged one of the nation's largest oil refineries and will hinder gas production for some weeks. California does not have the capability of replacing the gas with imports easily, therefore, making it probable for a large short-term spike of price increases.

The economies of several countries is having a lot to do with the price increase. The weak economy of Europe and the slow economies of the US and China, are all having impacts on oil. All are pushing to strengthen their respective economies, yet at the same time, inform the Middle East of higher demand. As demand increases, so does the price per barrel. Also, the war on Syria is affecting oil prices as well. "Weeks of violence in Syria have some concerned about a regional conflict", said Tradition Energy Broker and Analyst Gene McGillian.

Gas appears to continue to fluctuate for the remainder of the year. With these issues looming ahead, businesses will have to keep a watch on their own transportation costs. One delivery alternative for companies to using their own fleet and employees in many areas is to use a courier. Atlanta Courier services such as AQuickDelivery can make your local same-day delivery in Atlanta at a lower cost because of route optimizations and transportation expertise. It may indeed make sense to use couriers because of the overall operation efficiency and speed they can offer to your business.

References: 8.8.12, Washington Post/Associated Press-Oil slips after gaining for 3 straight days; gas prices nearly $3.65 per gallon; AAA Daily Fuel Gauge

Remember earlier this year when everyone was expecting gasoline to be $5 a gallon or more? That hasn’t happened, and gasoline actually hit a low price point of $3.33 on July 2, according to a CNN report. That same report shows that the average price of gasoline has gone up 10 cents in the last two weeks. People are starting to wonder if the worldwide issues that are affecting the oil supply are going to make that $5 number a reality.

Courier services are more sensitive than most to the change in prices. Businesses and, more importantly, families depend on the profits that won’t be there if spending on fuel increases dramatically. It can make or break a business, and hearing about big increases in price is never good.

All things considered, however, it’s unlikely that the super expensive gasoline prices will come to pass. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s short-term outlook predicts that gas will be at an average of $3.39 for the 3^rd quarter of 2012. That’s hardly the $5 we feared at the beginning of the year. The overall outlook for the entire year is good as well. The EIA thinks the average price for all of 2012 will be around $3.49, which is much better than 2011 when it was $3.53 on average. The outlook is even better for 2013, with the prediction coming in at $3.28 per gallon.

So the outlook is much better than it seemed at the beginning of the year. The outlook is just a prediction, however, so there could be circumstances that change things slightly. There could be big changes as well, but the kinds of catastrophic events that cause big swings usually take precedent over any concerns about gasoline prices.

The numbers are looking good, but that doesn’t mean delivery services like AQuickDelivery will not be working hard to minimize fuel costs. The green movement is slipping into every area in life, and the courier business is no different. Gas mileage is going up, innovations are happening on a daily basis, and the future is looking promising regardless of the price on a barrel of crude.

Author’s bio: Ryan is a guest author and shipping expert. He helps people find yacht shipping and courier services. 

The courier industry has had its' share of challenges over the last 4 years since the economic collapse. Before 2008, thousands of businesses had couriers apart of their daily operation and the industry was flooded with demand. Now in 2012, the industry still has signs of growth and success. IBISWorld, the largest provider of industry information in the US, released their research report of the Global Courier and Delivery Services Industry.

The research giant reported the courier industry is steady growing. From the IBISWorld findings the growth is slow at 0.1%, but it is projected to be steady for the next 5 years reaching $188.5 billion. The industry was weakened in 2009 after the economic collapse and has yet to achieve that level of business volume since.

One reason for the slow growth is the cost of gas, which in turn causes courier prices to increase. At the same time, e-commerce is increasing as well and more customers appear to want what they buy faster. The report also stated the demand for high-end, time sensitive goods will increase within the coming years. More companies will also begin to utilize air transportation to assure timely, same-day deliveries. Therefore, the courier market will continue to be sought after.

Companies, home-based businesses, and even individuals want same-day delivery of their products. Large global couriers like Fedex and UPS provide courier services, however, same-day deliveries is not their cost-effective nitch. As transportation evolves, delivery options will need to be more than just next-day with a hefty price tag. The courier and delivery services industry will have to grow for more growth.

It will be up to the couriers themselves to seek how they can cause their industry to obtain faster growth. With so much delivery service innovation, from Target store pickup by AQuickDelivery, to part distribution services by courier services such as A-1 Express, the industry can integrate their services into today's business trends and models.