Online shopping flat rate delivery cost offers to surge ahead of Christmas rush, new survey finds

A new survey has found Christmas shoppers nationwide are being offered a dream shopping experience as retailers in all states change their online delivery pricing structures.

In great news for online shoppers, almost nine in 10 Australian retailers have made major updates to their shipping services, most of which offer more options for faster deliveries.

Competition has created a ripple effect throughout the industry and the changes look set to continue into 2025, with 82 per cent of retailers planning to offer customers even more shipping options in the new year.

The findings come from an independent survey of 203 Australian retailers, commissioned by CouriersPlease, and showed 88 per cent of online shoppers had been abandoning shopping carts at the online checkout, with 63 per cent blaming the high shipping costs.

Sweeping changes to increase interest in online shopping and delivery have been implemented after negative survey feedback found parcel theft was the number one issue for online shoppers.

To counteract the apprehension of shoppers around their goods going missing, the survey found that 87 per cent of retailers have worked hard to introduce new shipping rates and discounts, more immediate shipping and broader delivery options.

With shipping costs dependent on delivery location, regional shoppers were often charged higher shipping rates at the online checkout.

CouriersPlease chief executive Richard Thame said: “With such a high proportion of retailers having expanded their shipping options this year, shoppers can expect more choice than ever for getting their parcels delivered in a way that suits them this Christmas.”

“It’s also encouraging to see that retailer shipping strategies will continue to evolve next year, giving shoppers more flexibility and control over how they receive their orders.”

This year, 28 per cent of retailers switched to flat shipping rates, levelling the field no matter where the customer lives, with more than a quarter (29 per cent) planning to add flat rates next year according to the survey.

An equal 20 per cent of retailers also introduced bulk-rate shipping discounts and free shipping in some areas, though this often requires a minimum spend.

Thirty per cent of Australian retailers introduced same-day or next-day shipping, reflecting high shopper demand for immediate delivery.

More retailers have also been offering alternative delivery choices, allowing customers to receive parcels after hours when they are home, or redirect goods to secure collection points or a neighbour’s house.

Twenty-two per cent of retailers introduced after-hours shipping this year, while nine per cent added alternative delivery options.