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

The global courier and delivery services industry has been relatively stagnant in recent years, particularly due to the global recession. IBISWorld had reported last year the industry will experience very slow growth for the coming years. However, the research giant is now seeing some great signs for the courier industry.

IBISWorld has issued an updated report of more future growth for the global courier and delivery services industry. IBISWorld is held as the nation's leading independent source of industry and market research. Over the next five years, the courier delivery services industry will strengthen and have steady growth. Growth was only 0.1% for the last five years. Sales are expected to rise 1.4% this year.

The research giant has found the core driver of the rising of the global courier and delivery services industry is the emergence of technology and e-commerce. There is increase in consumers are using the internet to conduct business, which is requiring a higher volume of goods to be transported via same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery. There is an increase in the demand for time-sensitive goods also.

The industry still deals with outside factors affecting growth. “Although Global business conditions have stabilized since, debt concerns in Europe and North America continue to dampen consumer and business sentiment," said IBISWorld Analyst Lauren Sear. The rise in fuel prices during the economic downturn, beginning in 2008, also still affects the courier industry, including profit margins. In spite of the challenges, e-commerce appears to be a new trend of business that will benefit the courier industry.

AQuickDelivery are helping businesses and individuals every day within e-commerce . The Atlanta courier is able to provide same-day delivery from small packages to palletized freight, on-time and fast! AQuickDelivery is a viable option to help companies expand their online business and implement a courier logistic solution to meet your online demand nationwide.

Reference: 1.14.13, Yahoo News, PR Web, Global Courier & Delivery Services Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld has Been Updated

With the economy moving on a slow upswing, companies have had to make certain changes to make it through the rough waters of recent years. Technology has positioned businesses to employ people from home, and the results show that it has worked in more ways than one.

The numbers speak for themselves. Work from home has surged to 41% in 10 years reported CNNMoney last week. 13.4 million Americans work from home now. The report highlighted not only the internet, but new technology such as at-home virtual meetings by Skype, has attributed to the ability for employees to work from home. "As communications and information technologies advance, we are seeing that workers are increasingly able to perform work at home," said Census Bureau analyst Peter Mateyka. Companies have found this to be a solution to the daily hovering operating costs. Government state jobs from home have increased 133% and federal jobs went up 88% between 2000 and 2010. The government, as many other companies, has sought to cut costs, which for it was real estate.

Working from home has advantages for the employee as well. There is nothing like being able to wake up in the morning and go right in the next room to work. This saves an abundance of time within the day. From getting dressed and grooming, to allocating time to drop the kids off at school, time can be less managed. There's also no traffic, which most people spend at least 2 weeks of their lives at traffic lights. The greatest traffic to experience working from home is a a child's toy car to cross over in the hallway. In addition, gas is now a major consideration for the average person, including job seekers. Working from home eliminates this expense and is a big plus for these types of jobs. Companies are understanding working from home is a win-win for itself and the employee.

If anyone the increase in working from home has helped is senior citizens. 1 out of 10 people over the age of 65 work from home. It is not only cost issue for the elderly, but a health issue to handle the demands of daily on-site work. One of the top assets of senior employees is their knowledge and experience. This extends their value in the workplace and work span, even if is on a consultative basis.

Technology has not only opened the doors for people to work for companies from home, but to start their own. Online business is on the rise, with a last year increase of 16%. Experts anticipate online sales growth in 2012 as well, even 15% to 17% during the coming holiday season. The average person can create a company online with minimal start-up costs. With the current unemployment rates, home-based businesses are being started today as a source of income, even if it is not the primary source.

If you do start a business from home, a courier is a viable option to assist you in beginning and maintaining delivery of your product. Courier services like AQuickDelivery can provide same-day delivery for a home-based business. We can be a transportation source to all of your customers and make sure you meet your delivery demands fast. This Atlanta courier has partnered with a number of home-based businesses in Georgia to have a competitive advantage and cut costs. We service over 1,500 clients and continue to grow. AQuickDelivery is the courier to call to make having a business from home easy. With little implementation time, a courier will be a great asset as your company maximizes on online business.

References: 10.4.12, CNNMoney, Emily Fox, Work from home soars 41% in 10 years

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 ride is finally over and shoppers have marched into 2012 with their holiday packages.  Online sales had it's greatest year ever, reaching upwards of a 15% increase.  However, reports are showing many of those packages those same shoppers ordered online, they are not going to keep.

Report from Yahoo News on Tuesday, returns are expected to hit all-time highs beginning January 3.  UPS stated in the report they will handle over 550,000 package returns that day.  They will also be handling returns of the same volume on others days of the first week of the new year as well.   "This will definitely be the busiest year for returns," said UPS marketing director Ken Burkeen.  Retailers will handle millions of returns this first week of the new year.

The return rate, although great, is an indicator of the growth of e-commerce.  Customers have begun to gain more confidence in online shopping and using tech tools such as ipads and smartphones to do it.  Mr. Burkeen also stated overall returns relative to percentage of sales is lower, which is due to companies making their websites more shopper friendly.  Therefore, companies are putting a greater emphasis on selling online.

In spite of the the high returns expected this week, the positive news is that online business is taking a greater role in selling and can be taken as a serious component to grow your business.  With nationwide couriers likeAQuickDelivery, the logistics component of delivering the very products purchased online can be made quickly and cost-effectively.  A company, whether a product delivery or return, know they can compete, even with the largest of companies online.

1/3/12, Yahoo News/Reuters, Phil Wahba and Alistair Barr, Returns of online holiday gifts to hit record

More money per person is spent on health care in the USA than in any other nation in the world, and a greater percentage of total income in the nation is spent on health care in the USA than in any United Nations member state except for East Timor.   Medical supplies are a necessity no matter where we go, yet especially in our country.  It is one of the products that cater to the health and well-being of humanity.  Therefore, where ever you find most people, in some form or fashion, you will find medical supplies.  When they are needed, lives depend on it and they are needed fast.  Even with medical products, an effective supply chain is needed and a courier could very well be the delivery choice for you.

Medical supplies range from people to even pets.  The business aspect of medical supplies is being effected by technology and in regards to health care, the supply chain in this industry has to be fast, trusted, and reliable.  Here are some ways a courier can help your supply chain: 

• Same-Day Deliveries - A courier has the expertise of delivering same-day, which otherwise, many companies do not focus on this type of service within their operations. Within a supply chain, it becomes a viable option to choose a courier to meet the needs of their customers.

• Just-In-Time Inventory Assistance - Inventory hold time is key in supply chain management. Many companies are beginning to view couriers as a partner to help just-in-time inventory practices. A courier can lower inventory on hand, therefore, lowering overall warehousing costs. Some couriers can even warehouse themselves.

• Time-Sensitive Products - Medical products such as blood samples, medical supplies, or temperature-sensitive items can be delivered by a courier. Time is not an issue with a courier. 

• Courier Diversity - Couriers can help at any point of your supply chain. Whether it is the manufacturer or the end user, a courier can get your product there. They are diverse and flexible enough to change as your business changes.

• Price Advantages Through Cost Savings - Partner with a courier within your supply chain will affect your price of your product. As a result, you can have competitive pricing in your respective market, which may be competitive already. A courier can help you gain a price advantage.

In 2011, is the courier industry changing?  This is a probably a question that many couriers are asking right now.  Businesses and customers are inquiring about this question as well.  No matter what industry it is, the way the entire world is doing business is changing.  This is no different for a courier.  Yes, it is changing and unless you change with it, you will not be able to be a successful courier. 

The advancement of technology has had a major impact on the courier industry.  Even to the point where the impact has caused the courier industry to never be the same.  More items that couriers would normally pick up for clients are changing.  The once high in demand documents that needed to be picked up asap, businesses are submitting these same documents via e-mail or online.  This use to be the bulk of courier business, yet now it is changing.

Inspite of the changes, the courier industry will experience growth.  One reason for the growth is due to the economy and businesses' pursuit to cut their costs.  They are changing, converting more into online business and less physical operation locations.  This means all they primarily need is to transport their product or car parts from one source to another, or directly to their end customer.  Even home businesses are using this practice.  A courier is becoming in high demand to assist in these types of efforts.  As a result, the courier industry, although business decreases in one sect, grows in another. 

AQuickDelivery is changing right along with the industry.  We pride ourselves on utilizing technology on the highest level to produce the highest service results.  We are customer-focused, Atlanta logistical experts, and we provide quality service to our customers.  AQuickDelivery is the recognized leading provider of same-day transportation and distribution services in Georgia.  In addition to the highest level of professional customer support, we have the best communications and information management technology available, including on-line ordering, tracking and reporting tools as well. You will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that you are doing business with an established company with over 7 successful years to it's credit.  Let AQuickDelivery be the courier that changes with you!  Call AQuickDelivery at 404-888-9999 today!

In 2010, Mayor Kasim Reed released a plan for Atlanta to go green and make it one of the "greenest" cities in the United States.  The goal is to make the city more competitive against peers like Seattle, Chicago and New York, which have "cutting-edge" policies on green building, electric vehicle infrastructure and pedestrian-only zones, and to improve quality of life.  Emory University dedicates more than half of their campus as protected green space, employs green construction, pursues local and sustainably grown food to serve on campus, and fosters alternative transportation methods including the private shuttle system Cliff and Bike Emory.  The Coca-Cola Recycling LLC has an array of Green Initiatives, such as consumer recycling centers, Earth Day News and educating students on recycling.  These are just some examples of many institutions, businesses, and even the City of Atlanta itself, are going Green.

With the environmental challenges we face today, such as paper usage and clean air, we must begin to make a difference.  AQuickDelivery has decided to do our part and become an Atlanta Green Courier.  We aren't just focused on delivering a package, but also how safe we can deliver it.  AQuickDelivery will remain on the cutting-edge and current on worldwide "green" business practices.  As a green courier, AQuickDelivery is dedicated to the following:

• Provide bike and walking messenger services when possible.
• Provide paperless, mail free courier transactions, such as e-billing and debit/credit card payments.
• Our inter-office culture is one that reduces, recycles, and reuses office supplies. 
• We have carbon neutralization practices.
• We partner with companies with green house emission reduction programs and green initiatives.
• Our order e-confirmations have "green" statements to encourage customers to go green and think before they print to save trees!
• Utilize automated signature capturing, which reduces daily paper usage and long-term document storage. 

Today's business world has changed over the recent years.  What has contributed largely to this change has been the world economy, online business, and global trade.   The world economy has caused businesses to think smarter with their expenditures.  Most large and small companies have settled on improving their business in other ways than building new physical locations.  More and more businesses that once had only store locations, now have a different type of location--an online store.  Companies now focus on online business growth because of its' lower costs and global trade abilities.  Even an individual can start an online business and service the world at their finger tips.  As a result, starting a business is easier.  Handling inventory is easier.  Managing your costs is easier.  The business world has changed and companies are taking advantage of it.  

With this in mind, the usage of courier services to do business is growing worldwide.  There is more online business being done then ever before and they are utilizing courier services.  Per the IDC, between 34.3 million and 36.6 million U.S. households have active home offices and these numbers are growing substantially.  These businesses are using couriers to keep their costs down.  It contributes to time management of their business.  Courier services are being viewed as a fast option as well. 

Businesses today have also focused on short and local deliveries being done be couriers.  Generally, transportation makes up 25-35% of the cost of a product.  Whether companies have warehouses or individuals are keeping inventory right from home, they need their goods to be transported on a daily basis.  They need it done as quick as possible.  They want to focus their time on being in the office, not out of it.  As a result, when weighed, a courier delivery service many times is being viewed as more cost-effective overall.

There indeed is global growth in the courier industry.  AQuickDelivery can help you in the growth of your business.  Whether you are a large company or need delivers made from your home, we want to be your courier of choice in the Atlanta area.  We are recognized as the area's leading provider of Atlanta same-day transportation and Atlanta scheduled courier services in Georgia.  We deliver and we deliver fast!  From our headquarters in Atlanta, AQuickDelivery manages the transportation, distribution and logistics for a rapidly expanding list of well over 1500 active clients, including many Fortune 500 companies with operations throughout the United States.  In today's business world, choosing a courier can help your business.  Call 404-888-9999 today!