EBay has been competing with Amazon to be on top of the online retail world. The company has been pursuing to grow their e-retail, bridging the gap between online and brick-and-mortar stores. The key competent is to create a delivery system that can get online shoppers their products within hours.

EBay has announced in a Forbes report it will be launching a one-hour same-day delivery service. The service is is available via their mobile app--eBay Now. Through eBay Now, shoppers can place on order and have it in their hands within one-hour. Currently, only customers can download eBay Now within New York, San Jose and San Francisco. However, there are more US cities to come this summer to offer the service, including Chicago and Dallas. With the service roll-outs, eBay will be in a positive position for the holiday season.

The online giant has partnered with top retailers such as Macy's, Best Buy and Target, to provide the one-hour delivery service. EBay has eBay valets, which will go the nearest partner store, find the product you ordered online and deliver it to their customer. The report stated eBay is utilizing its' own valets to make their deliveries; however, as the service grows, eBay may have to partner with same-day couriers to successfully make the volume delivers needed. This service helps, not only eBay grow, but also the partners gain ground with retail sales as well.

What is very impressive regarding the new one-hour service is the cost of it. Shoppers will only pay a flat $5 delivery charge, which is a low cost for such a premium service. It appears the partnerships eBay has made with the brick-and-mortar retailers is reason this level of pricing can be made. The pricing is much less than utilizing a same-day courier, however, can it be sustained. The result will end up being a temporary low cost for shoppers, yet the price may increase in the future.

Online businesses such as eBay implementing a one-hour service confirms that the future of online retail will be directly linked with same-day delivery. Atlanta couriers like AQuickDelivery can assist any company to provide same-day delivery of online products and meet the increasing service demand. AQuickDelivery has the expertise to develop same-day delivery solutions on a national scale and help any retailer thrive online.

Reference: 5.7.13, Forbes, Clare O'Connor, Game On, Amazon! eBay Rolls Out One-Hour Delivery, Targeting The Web And Wal-Mart

Asda is making large investments into introducing same-day grocery delivery service in the UK per The Telegraph. The company announced this week it is has begun a $700m drive of investment capital into the same-day delivery initiative. Asda already offers what is called a Click-And-Collect Service and has plans to roll out the trial same-day delivery program in May with customers being able to collect their order from stores initially as well. This is the first stage, as the next phase of their business strategy is to open 12 stores in 2013. The initiative is designed to help push and grow their online business. It will create 2,500 jobs within the UK, which will be a boost for their economy as well.

The UK retailer is the second-largest food retailer in Britain. Asda has received a great response for their click-and-collect services within its' UK stores since 2012. “This year there will be more invested in digital than previous years, but we are still committed to opening stores", stated Andy Clarke, Asda Chief Executive. He further stated, “Stores will continue to be important, but I think the shape of stores will change dramatically over the next 10 years.” This type of food shopping service already exists with the company and they will double the amount of sites that provide the service to 200 this year.

They also opened a "drive-through" click-and-collect facility, which allowed customers to collect food and non-food orders by scanning their mobile phone, after which, the store clerk loaded the purchase into their cars. This is a very convenient service for customers and shows the difference mobile commerce is making in the way people shop. With same-day delivery, as easy a shoppers can pick up their orders, is how easy they can have their online orders delivered. Their click-and-collect program accounts for 50 pieces of Asda's non-food orders and 5 pieces of food orders.

Kieran Shanahan, home shopping director at Asda, stated, “I think it [click-and-collect] will be as big as home delivery in a few years. I don’t think it will take 15 years.” Wal-Mart know After Asda's high growth in 2012, the company knew it was on to something revolutionary for the grocery retail industry. With the backing of Wal-Mart, the company is well on its' way to great future success. There is no telling where same-day delivery will take them with Wal-Mart at the helm.

The world's largest retail giant is currently testing same-day delivery in a number of markets in the US, such as San Francisco and San Jose. From the new services ideas being implemented by Asda, this does indeed shows signs that grocery stores will have their share of utilizing same-day delivery. Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery are a viable option for grocery retailers to partner with and create online growth. This Atlanta courier can be used by Wal-Mart customers to pick up and delivery their online orders from the grocery store locations nationwide.

References: 4.29.13, The Telegraph, Asda plans same-day delivery service in £700m UK investment drive

Amid many financial issues, The US Postal Service has been desiring to have the freedom to run itself as an actual company, instead of government agency. This would afford the mailing giant the ability to make financially wise decisions that would cause its' profitability to become better. The mail giant had it sights on discontinuing Saturday deliver service, however, it appears that will not happen just yet.

The US Postal Service has announced it will continue performing Saturday deliveries for now reported CNNMoney. Saturday delivery service has been a congressional mandate since the 1980's. This was one reason the board of the company decided to stay with Saturday deliveries. Considering the financial challenges the USPS, the government also weighed in on the decision by keeping the Saturday delivery mandate. The USPS thought Congress was going to do away with the mandate, however, they did not. Instead, Congress decided to assist by implementing a funding measure to keep the company afloat.

The USPS Board did respond to the decision put forth by Congress this week. "Although disappointed with this Congressional action, the Board will follow the law and has directed the Postal Service to delay implementation of its new delivery schedule until legislation is passed that provides the Postal Service with the authority to implement a financially appropriate and responsible delivery schedule," stated the board. The US Postal Service has announced this past February it will end Saturday delivery service of first class mail in August. The company plans involved stopping delivery and collection of other types of mail, however, it would continue performing package deliveries.

Unless legislation is passed by Congress, Saturday service will probably be around for a while. The Post Office stated ending Saturday deliveries would have saved the company $2 billion per year. At one point, the USPS was losing $25 million per day. 22,500 jobs would have been affected by the big change. Keeping jobs could have been a factor in Congress's decision.

The root cause of the current state of the Postal Service is its' government mandate to prefund health benefits for future retirees, which amounts to $5.5 billion due each year. The company defaulted on $11 billion and hit the ceiling on their US Treasury $15 billion credit limit. They could no longer wait on the government and moved forward to stop Saturday deliveries. This again will become an issue of meeting their financial obligations this coming October.

The US Postal Service is seeking other ways to generate growth. The mailing company is currently testing same-day delivery via Metro Post in San Francisco in hopes to gain ground in another service market. It is no secret same-day delivery is a viable option that customers desire and it works. In the event Saturday deliveries ends, Atlanta same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can assist individuals and businesses make their Saturday mail deliveries. The Buckhead courier offers same-day delivery mail solutions from small packages to palletized freight fast., even for Saturday deliveries.

Reference: 2.10.13, CNN Money, Jennifer Liberto, Postal Service backs off plan to stop Saturday delivery

Online sales have continued to grow globally each year for many retailers and Nordstrom's is one of those companies. Their numbers for 2012 proved that Nordstrom's is on the fast track of online success. Nordstrom's reported for the fiscal year ending last month for 2012, the retail giant gained a 37% increase of online sales. They enjoyed e-commerce sales of $1.3 billion last year. This is up from $948.9 million in fiscal year 2011. Its' total 2012 sales increased by 12.1% to $11.76 billion, which is up from $10.49 billion the previous year. One of the great statistics Nordstrom's found is that e-commerce represented 27.6% of their total sales growth last year.

Along with last year's business strategy to improve information technology infrastructure, web and mobile experience, and expanding online merchandise selection, Nordstrom's attributes its' success to the building of rack outlet stores. An efficient order fulfillment system is crucial to online sales. The more physical locations Nordstrom's has, the better equipped it is to handle online order fulfillment. “We've improved the speed of fulfillment and delivery and we provided early access online to our anniversary sale,” Blake Nordstrom stated.

E-commerce sales increased by 16% in 2012 reported the US Department of Commerce. Mobile devices played a role in the increase and have played a role in the Nordstroms's e-commerce growth. “On an average day, more than 100,000 unique customers access Nordstrom on a mobile device, with nearly twice that amount during the holidays,” said Nordstrom. With the increase of e-commerce, many brick-and-mortar retailers are seeking to meet consumer demand to receive their products faster. Large retailers like Nordstrom's see same-day delivery as a viable option that online shoppers are looking for.

Nordstrom's also began testing same-day delivery last year, showing their online products could be delivered within hours. For just $15, online customers can have their product delivered the same day. Any orders placed after 1pm, however, are delivered the following day. In the future, the company plans to allocate about $925 million to e-commerce and technology including initiatives to improve e-commerce delivery and fulfillment and other areas.

A same-day courier like AQuickDelivery can assist e-retailers grow their online sales nationwide. This nationwide courier is able to develop a courier logistics solution that fits the online delivery needs of retailers. Nordstrom's has even utilized the Atlanta Courier to help with various same-day deliveries to meet the needs of their customers. As e-commerce continues to grow worldwide, an optimal delivery system by a same-day courier will be just what e-retailers need to excel in the future.

Reference: 2.28.13, Internet Retailer, Katie Deatsch, The web represents nearly 28% of 2012 sales growth for Nordstrom

Gas prices appeared to be under control late last year, even declining. We began to see a upward spike in the recent months and it continues to climb. Experts are now concerned about gas prices affecting what the US economy has been yearning for the most--recovery.

CNBC News has reported gas prices have risen to a national average of almost $3.75 per gallon and could affect the US economic recovery. The AAA has showned gas prices have risen for a consecutive 32 days. Known oil producer, Brent Crude Oil, hit its' highest in nine months at $119.17. The US economy currently is facing issues such as payroll taxes and budget cuts, while higher gas prices simply adds more fire to the flame.

Analysts reported there are reasons for the recent increase of gas prices. One reason is the geopolitical tensions in high oil producing countries such as Iran. Also, recent US natural disasters has resulted in oil supply shortages, which pushes up gas prices. The economy has been experiencing a slow recovery process. With only a 0.1% increase in retail sales in January and the contraction of the labor market in the last quarter, the US economy may be affected greatly by current gas prices.

Oil production shortages is another main cause of higher gas prices and could result in even eclipsing the $5 per gallon mark. This is due to the temporary closure of key oil refineries within the US, which causes the shortages. In the report, John Kilduff, Again Capital partner, stated $5 per gallon "is a real possibility. This is partly being driven by the lost refinery capacity of about one million barrels per day...that's a lot." Kilduff stated oil giant Hess's closure of a key refinery hub in New Jersey in January as a major factor that has caused gas prices to soar. "It's one of about eight refineries that have announced closure. Now the East Coast is heavily reliant on [gas] imports when it used to be self-sufficient," said Kilduff.

Gas prices have soared in a number of cities throughout the US above the current national average of $3.77. For the inland states, California leads the way with an average of $4.20 per gallon. Hawaii currently has the highest state average at $4.32 per gallon. New York has surpassed $4 per gallon also. Connecticutt and Washington DC has reached over the $3.98 per gallon mark.

Inspite of current gas prices, consumers and businesses can cut their transportation costs by using same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery. Couriers are a viable option instead of using their own fleet and employees. Even with gas prices, this Atlanta courier can perform same-day deliveries at a lower cost because of route optimization and transportation expertise. AQuickDelivery can create a courier logistics solution specific to your same-day delivery needs. A courier can help keep your product prices down and not be affected by the higher gas prices.

Reference: 2.21.13, Yahoo News/CNBC, Javier E David, Recovery Killer? Gas Prices Barrel Toward $4 a Gallon

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?

Christmas has passed and retailers were looking to have a bright holiday sales season this year. With the success of Black Friday and Thanksgiving having a record of four $1 billion days of sales, it certainly appeared as if we were heading for a sales record. The sales numbers are in, and it was far from the results retailers expected.

Yahoo News via Associated Press reported that holiday sales grew at the weakest pace since 2008, which was one of the deepest years of the US recession. Holiday sales grew only 0.7 percent for the two months before Christmas. Sales were expected to grow 3 to 4 percent this year. In 2011, sales went up by 4 to 5 percent. Even in the mist of the 2008 recession, sales still grew 2 to 3 percent. The shopping season started with a blaze this year, from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday. Marshal Cohen, chief research analyst at NPD Incorporated stated, "A lot of the Christmas spirit was left behind way back in Black Friday weekend. We had one reason after another for consumers to say, 'I'm going to stick to my list and not go beyond it.'" After this period, shoppers closed their wallets.

Experts state a number of events have caused consumers to not spend as much this year as in years' past. One of the events is the uncertainty of the economy and the fiscal cliff, which appears is coming. With the tax increases, people are preparing for the worst and probably opted to not spend as much as they normally would. Also, Storm Sandy put the northeast region of the country in the position to tighten their spending in order to handle their recovery expenditures. Lastly, the devastation of the Newtown shooting really took its' toll, and instead of thinking about shopping, many Americans were and still are grieving from the horrific event.

Time will tell whether consumer spending will rise in 2013. The report stated 70 percent of our economic activity depends on it. Many companies are seeking different avenues by which to attract customers to increase spending. One direction companies are turning to is to increase growth in the online retail sector of their business. If it's challenging to get consumers out of the house, retailers can make shopping more attractive while at home via online. Retail giants like Wal-Mart, eBay, Nordstrom's, and Macy's are pursuing to offer customers same-day delivery of the products they order online. Same-day delivery is as close as shoppers can get to actually physically going to brick-and-mortar stores, which saves time and money.

Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can assist any online business that is striving for higher sales. The Atlanta courier is able to pick up anything from small packages to palletized freight. AQuickDelivery is an experienced, professional courier with the ability to deliver on-time and fast! From daily big box pick-ups to store returns, AQuickDelivery is a viable option to help companies expand their own driving fleet and implement a courier logistic solution to meet online demand nationwide.

Reference: 12.25.12. Yahoo News/Associated Press, Daniel Wagner, US holiday retail sales growth weakest since 2008

From Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, electronic retailers like Best Buy were happy at the pace of holiday sales. The recession appeared to be on an upward swing, however, it doesn't appear the flame lasted. Best Buy appears to be awaiting holiday sales figures they did not expect. Morningstar retail analyst R.J. Hottovy stated in a MPR News report that Best Buy will be disappointed with low sales this holiday season. "It really has not been a great holiday season for them in our mind.

Certainly, we have seen a continuation of a lot of the same trends that have put pressure on the fundamentals in recent periods, namely a lot of people shifting their consumer electronics purchases online", stated Hottovy. He stated Best Buy stores that were open 14 months had a 4 percent decline in sales. Amid aggressively pursuing sales growth through price matching and discounts, the company could suffer with low profits. Best Buy will be releasing their holiday sales results this coming month.

Their low holiday sales is no different from the overall holiday sales numbers for the retail industry as a whole. The Associated Press has already reported holiday sales increased only 0.7 percent, which is much lower than expected. Retailers and experts agreed holiday sales would go up at least by 3 to 4 percent, especially with the 4-day shopping explosion during Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Retailers experienced 4 days of $1 billion in sales. Even in 2011, still in the recession, retailers experienced a growth of 4 to 5 percent. Many are attributing the plummet of sales due to the uncertainty of the economy and the looming fiscal cliff this coming January.

Best Buy had high hopes, especially after stellar results on Cyber Monday. Experian Marketing released Bestbuy.com was the third most visited online retail site that Monday. They were good for Best Buy, however, were in no comparison to Wal-Mart and Amazon. The company has made a number of changes, even in leadership, to turn the ship around. Online retail sales continue to grow and is worth Best Buy pursuing different strategies like same-day delivery to achieve better results.

Retail giants like Wal-Mart and Amazon have begun to offer faster deliver of their products online. Wal-Mart currently provides same-day delivery in various cities and is testing the new service in San Francisco. Amazon Lockers are becoming more known, allowing their customers to have their online purchases delivered to these locations for pick up. Macy's and Target are also testing same-day delivery to capture some of the online market.

Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery can assist online companies by offering the attractive delivery services shoppers want. From small packages to palletized freight, this Marietta courier can create courier logistic solutions that fit your business. Same-day delivery can be a huge advantage, even for Best Buy.

References: 12.24.12, MPR News, Martin Moylan, Best Buy reaps disappointing holiday sales; 12.26.12. Associated Press, US retailers report weakest holiday sales since 2008

Barnes & Noble is the internet's largest bookstore. They are one of the companies we go to for the latest in books and e-book technology, such as the Nook. Their Nook sales doubled over the Black Friday extended weekend. They are having their share of holiday sales this season and are showing how they are getting their products shipped.

Barnes and Noble is reported to be shipping millions of gifts this holiday season throughout the US. CNN Money showed via video how the company is doing it. They company has a 1.1 million-square foot facility in Monroe, New Jersey that is shipping this vast number of packages. This facility replaced a combined five distribution centers, which totaled 1.2 million square feet. This facility is very high tech, utilizing the latest state-of-the art equipment to make their packages move. They also display how they offer gift wrapping for the Nook. Customers can have their Nook wrapped with a personalized card to the recipient and shipped out, ready to be opened for Christmas. Barnes & Noble also has a number of distribution facilities they are shipping their packages from.

The book giant did experienced some losses in the second quarter this year with their Nook division, ultimately due to Amazon and Google. Both of their competitors do not have brick-and-mortar locations, however, they are their leading competition online. Amazon and even other e-retailers such as eBay, are seeking how they can get their products delivered faster. EBay is currently testing markets for same-day delivery. Barnes & Noble also offers free same-day delivery in Manhattan, New York. With more and more shopping being done online, companies will have to keep up with the customer demand for a better delivery experience.

Barnes & Noble appears to be continually positioning itself to compete. They offer free shipping for their members in 3 days or less and non-members for orders of $25 or more. Even with the capacity to make ready millions of gifts per day, they will need to effectively deliver their products to their retail stores and end customers to grab the holiday shoppers. It is ideal especially for local shipments and return deliveries.

Courier services like AQuickDelivery are able to create courier logistic solutions to support their order fulfillment during the holiday season. From small packages to palletized freight, the Atlanta courier successfully provides same-day delivery to over 1,500 clients, including Fortune 500 Companies nationwide. Regardless of the number of packages you have to deliver, AQuickDelivery can quickly implement a delivery system and help your company grow.

Reference: 12.18.12, CNN Money, How Barnes & Noble Ships Millions of Gifts

The courier industry is demanded across the globe, yet it also is used illegally regarding drug trafficking. Whether cash or the drugs themselves, this is not a recommended line of work. The Huffington Post reported an alleged drug courier lost $20,000 in drug money while performing a delivery. Thirty year-old Demarco Alonzo Thomas was captured for money laundering and racketeering. The way Mr. Thomas was captured has baffled many.

Demarco had flown from North Carolina and had landed at the Tucson International Airport. In fear that the drug cartel would kill him for the money loss, he asked the police to write him an excuse note concerning why he doesn't have the money. The note essentially asked the police to show the drug cartel a phony receipt that they had seized the money instead. The police officer declined and arrested Mr. Thomas. After seizing the courier, the police found $17,000 in a pair of his pants and over $3000 in his wallet.

Demarco was use to making drug money deliveries on a consistent basis, getting paid $1,000 per courier run. It appears he was tempted to steal and he decided to do it. Now, Mr. Thomas finds himself in a life-threatening position when he is released from jail. Many people become drug couriers globally because they are poor.

Couriers put themselves in harm's way when they opt to engage in this type of work. In 2011, there was a highly publicized execution of three Filipino drug couriers caught in China for drug trafficking. It was stated best by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierd, "The nation sympathized with the families of the condemned, sharing their sense of looming loss. We sympathize with these families now. Their deaths are a vivid lesson in the tragic toll the drug trade takes on entire families".

A courier transports many things, from small packages to palletized freight. One thing most couriers should not transport is physical cash or drugs. A driver can get involved in all types of activities unawares, specifically drug dealing. Same-day couriers like AQuickDelivery assures our customers we do not participate in any drug trafficking, cash transporting, or any other illegal courier activities. This Atlanta courier carefully screens and manages their driver fleet. Every customer can be assured their packages will be safe, protected and secure.

Reference: 12.6.12, Huffington Post, Demarco Alonzo Thomas Loses $20,000 In Drug Money; Asks Police For Written Excuse; 3.3.11, www.abs-cbn news.com, 3 Filipino drug couriers executed in China