30 Supplier Delivery Time Statistics for eCommerce Stores

Data-driven insights revealing how delivery performance shapes customer loyalty, conversion rates, and long-term ecommerce success

Supplier delivery times directly determine whether customers complete purchases or abandon their carts for competitors. With 81% of global shoppers ready to abandon their cart without preferred delivery options, understanding and optimizing these metrics is non-negotiable. eCommerce brands using Opensend Connect gain the ability to identify high-intent visitors and communicate delivery expectations before potential customers leave, turning logistics performance into a competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways

• Delivery times have improved dramatically – Average ecommerce delivery dropped from 6.5 days in 2020 to 3.7 days in November 2024, a 43% improvement
• Late deliveries destroy loyalty – 69% of shoppers are less likely to return after experiencing a late delivery
• Trust in delivery providers is critical – 73% of global shoppers won't buy if they don't trust the delivery provider
• Free shipping drives purchasing decisions – 90% of consumers say free delivery is the best incentive to shop online
• Real-time tracking is essential – 88% of consumers consider real-time delivery tracking critical for a positive experience
• On-time delivery boosts retention – Consistent on-time deliveries increase customer loyalty by up to 25%

Understanding the Impact of Supplier Delivery Times on Your eCommerce Business

1. Average ecommerce delivery time dropped 27% year-over-year

Average eCommerce delivery time decreased to 3.7 days in November 2024, marking a 27% improvement compared to November 2023. This acceleration reflects industry-wide investments in logistics optimization and supplier relationships, setting new competitive benchmarks for retailers.

2. Delivery times improved 33% over two years

The 33% improvement from 2022 to November 2024 demonstrates the sustained progress in supply chain efficiency across the industry. Retailers who fail to match these improvements risk losing significant market share to faster competitors who meet evolving customer expectations.

3. Average U.S. delivery now takes 2.47 days

As of 2025, the average U.S. eCommerce delivery takes just 2.47 days, setting a new baseline for customer expectations nationwide. This benchmark represents the minimum performance standard that competitive retailers must achieve to remain relevant in today's fast-paced market.

4. Delivery times collapsed from 6.5 days in 2020

In 2020, delivery times for U.S. digital purchases averaged 6.5 days. The dramatic 43% improvement since then reflects pandemic-driven investments in fulfillment infrastructure that permanently raised industry standards and customer expectations for rapid delivery service.

5. 69% of shoppers won't return after a late delivery

A single late delivery causes 69% of shoppers to become less likely to shop with that retailer again. This statistic underscores how supplier performance directly impacts customer retention strategies and the long-term profitability of eCommerce operations.

6. On-time deliveries boost loyalty by 25%

Retailers with consistent on-time delivery performance increase customer loyalty by up to 25%. This loyalty translates directly to higher customer lifetime value, reduced customer acquisition costs, and more predictable revenue streams for growing eCommerce businesses.

7. 63% switch retailers after slow shipping

When shipping takes longer than two days, 63% of consumers choose a different retailer for future purchases. This switching behavior makes delivery speed a direct revenue driver, as customers actively seek out faster alternatives when their expectations aren't met.

Key Metrics: How to Measure and Track Supplier Delivery Performance

8. On-time delivery performance holds at 84%

Industry-wide on-time delivery remained at 84%, indicating substantial room for improvement. Retailers who exceed this benchmark gain significant competitive differentiation and can use superior performance as a key marketing advantage in their customer communications.

9. Only 45% of retailers meet speed expectations

Just 45% of digital retailers consistently meet delivery speed expectations, presenting a significant opportunity. Brands that can outperform this standard position themselves in the top tier of customer experience, capturing market share from slower competitors.

10. 74% of orders arrive within four days

Currently, 74% of online orders arrive within four days of purchase. Tracking this metric against your supplier performance helps identify partners who consistently underperform industry standards, enabling data-driven decisions about supplier relationships and logistics partnerships.

11. 48% of North American orders take 3-4 days

Nearly half of online orders to North America take 3-4 days to deliver, establishing the regional performance baseline. Understanding these geographic variations enables retailers to set appropriate customer expectations based on delivery location and optimize regional fulfillment strategies.

12. Only 7% achieve same-day or next-day delivery

Just 7% of North American orders achieve same-day or next-day delivery, highlighting the premium value of speed optimization. Retailers who can increase this percentage gain substantial competitive advantages, particularly for time-sensitive products and urgent customer needs.

Analyzing Your Supplier Delivery Data: Uncovering Bottlenecks and Opportunities

13. Consumer complaints about delays dropped 8%

Consumer complaints about delays have decreased 8% since 2022, reflecting improved supply chain visibility and proactive management. This improvement demonstrates the value of investing in tracking systems and customer communication strategies that prevent dissatisfaction.

14. Carrier diversification increased by 5%

Shippers increased carrier usage by 5% between October and November 2024, demonstrating the strategic shift toward redundancy. This diversification protects retailers against single-carrier failures and provides leverage in rate negotiations while ensuring consistent service quality.

15. Two additional carriers per account since 2021

Carrier diversification has risen by two carriers per account since 2021, providing retailers with more negotiating leverage and backup options. This trend reflects lessons learned during pandemic-era supply chain disruptions and represents smart risk management.

16. Last-mile delivery represents 53% of shipping costs

Last-mile delivery costs represented 53% of the total cost of shipping in 2023, making it the primary target for optimization efforts. Understanding this cost distribution helps retailers focus improvement initiatives where they'll have the greatest financial impact.

17. Last-mile costs increased 29.3% in five years

The relative cost of last-mile delivery increased 29.3% in five years, creating significant pressure on profit margins. This escalation forces retailers to carefully balance speed expectations with sustainable pricing strategies that maintain customer satisfaction without destroying profitability.

Strategies to Optimize Supplier Delivery Times and Enhance Customer Experience

18. 40% expect 2-3 day delivery windows

A more moderate 40% of U.S. consumers expect delivery within 2-3 days, allowing some flexibility for standard shipping options. This segment represents customers who value reliability and accuracy over pure speed, creating opportunities for free shipping offers.

19. 90% will wait 2-3 days to avoid shipping costs

90% of consumers will wait 2-3 days for delivery to avoid shipping costs, revealing a critical opportunity for free shipping strategies. This statistic demonstrates that well-communicated delivery timelines can effectively offset customer demand for instant gratification.

20. 81% of cross-border deliveries complete within 14 days

For international operations, 81% of cross-border purchases are delivered within 14 days, setting clear expectations for global suppliers. Understanding international delivery standards helps retailers communicate realistic timelines for cross-border orders and manage customer expectations.

21. Only 5% of orders take longer than a week

Just 5% of North American orders take longer than a week for delivery, making extended delays unacceptable to most customers. This statistic establishes the outer boundary of acceptable performance, beyond which customer satisfaction plummets and negative reviews become likely.

The Role of Data and Identity Resolution in Streamlining Order Fulfillment

22. 73% won't buy without trusted delivery provider

73% of global shoppers won't buy from an online retailer if they don't trust the delivery provider. Building this trust requires consistent communication powered by accurate customer data and transparent tracking capabilities throughout the delivery journey.

23. 75% won't buy without trusted returns provider

Similarly, 75% of global shoppers won't buy if they don't trust the returns provider, extending trust requirements beyond initial delivery. This demonstrates that the complete post-purchase experience, including reverse logistics, fundamentally shapes purchasing decisions.

24. 40% expect orders exactly when promised

Precision matters: 40% of global shoppers expect to receive orders exactly when promised, requiring accurate forecasting and communication. Meeting these expectations demands sophisticated identity resolution capabilities to deliver consistent updates across all customer touchpoints.

Proactive Communication: Managing Customer Expectations Around Delivery Times

25. 92% consider delivery windows when deciding to buy

92% of consumers consider delivery windows when choosing to buy, making upfront communication essential for conversion optimization. Transparent delivery information displayed during the shopping experience directly influences purchase decisions and reduces cart abandonment.

26. 88% find real-time tracking critical

88% find real-time tracking critical for a positive customer experience. Proactive delivery updates prevent customer anxiety, reduce support inquiries, and build trust throughout the post-purchase journey, creating opportunities for repeat purchases.

27. 73% want to track orders throughout delivery

The majority of customers—73% of consumers—want to track orders throughout delivery, not just at shipping and arrival milestones. Providing granular visibility into the delivery journey satisfies customer curiosity and demonstrates operational transparency that builds brand loyalty.

28. 96% use tracking when available

When delivery tracking is available, 96% of consumers use it actively throughout the delivery process. Providing this capability is no longer optional—it's an expected feature that customers use to plan their schedules and ensure they're available for delivery.

29. 43% check tracked orders daily

Nearly half of customers—43% of consumers—check their tracked orders every day until delivery, creating multiple engagement touchpoints. These repeated visits represent valuable opportunities for cross-selling, providing delivery updates via email marketing, and reinforcing brand presence.

30. 62% value accuracy over speed

62% of consumers find an accurate estimated delivery date more important than fast shipping, prioritizing reliability over raw speed. This insight suggests that clear, honest communication about realistic delivery timelines outperforms aggressive promises that create disappointment when unmet.

The Competitive Edge: How Optimized Delivery Times Drive eCommerce Growth

Delivery performance directly impacts every stage of the customer journey, from initial purchase decisions to long-term loyalty. Retailers who excel at delivery create sustainable competitive advantages that compound over time through increased customer retention, positive word-of-mouth marketing, and reduced acquisition costs.

Free Delivery as a Growth Lever

The data clearly demonstrates that free delivery isn't just a customer preference—it's a fundamental purchase driver. 90% of consumers cite free delivery as the best incentive to shop online, while 77% report that free delivery offers directly increase their likelihood to purchase.

Understanding how to balance delivery costs with customer expectations separates growing eCommerce businesses from struggling ones. The 90% of consumers willing to wait 2-3 days to avoid shipping fees reveals the opportunity: retailers can offset delivery costs through minimum order thresholds while still meeting customer expectations.

Addressing Cart Abandonment Through Delivery Optimization

Cart abandonment remains one of the most significant revenue leaks in eCommerce, and delivery concerns drive much of this behavior. By optimizing supplier delivery times and communicating expectations clearly, retailers can recover substantial lost revenue and convert more browsers into buyers.

Ensuring Compliance and Trust in Your Delivery Data and Customer Interactions

Building trust requires both delivery performance and data protection. Opensend protects all customer data with end-to-end encryption and complies with CAN-SPAM and CCPA regulations, ensuring your delivery communications maintain customer confidence while meeting legal requirements.

Retailers leveraging first-party data for delivery communication outperform those relying on third-party sources, as customers respond better to personalized messages from brands they've engaged with directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are supplier delivery times so critical for eCommerce stores?

Supplier delivery times directly impact customer acquisition and retention. With 69% of shoppers less likely to return after a late delivery and 63% switching retailers when shipping takes longer than two days, delivery performance is a primary driver of business success. The 73% of shoppers who won't buy without a trusted delivery provider underscore how logistics directly impacts revenue.

What specific metrics should I track to evaluate my suppliers' delivery performance?

Focus on on-time delivery rate (industry average 84%), average transit time (2.47 days for U.S. deliveries), and percentage of orders delivered within four days (74% industry standard). Track last-mile costs as a percentage of total shipping costs (53%) and customer complaint rates to identify underperforming suppliers.

How can Opensend's solutions help improve communication and customer experience related to order delivery?

Opensend Connect identifies high-intent website visitors, enabling proactive delivery communication before purchase decisions are made. Opensend Reconnect unifies customer identities across devices, ensuring delivery updates reach customers through their preferred channels. With 92% of consumers considering delivery windows when deciding to buy, consistent cross-device communication is essential.

What are common challenges in optimizing delivery times, and how can they be overcome?

The primary challenge is balancing speed with cost—last-mile delivery costs increased 29.3% in five years. Solutions include carrier diversification (up two carriers per account since 2021), offering free delivery with minimum order thresholds (90% will wait 2-3 days to avoid fees), and setting accurate expectations (62% value accuracy over speed).

How does data privacy apply to sharing customer information for delivery and post-purchase communication?

Customer delivery data requires the same protection as any personal information. Opensend complies with U.S. laws including CAN-SPAM and CCPA, using end-to-end encryption for all data processing. With 75% of shoppers unwilling to buy without trusting the returns provider, data security directly impacts purchase confidence.