E-commerce and delivery: the EU parcel market with particular emphasis on e-commerce
E-commerce and delivery: the EU parcel market with particular emphasis on e-commerce
Background
In 2013, the Digital Agenda for Europe identified e-commerce as a main driver for growth and set out clear objectives for facilitating its development across Europe. Earlier studies indicated that significant obstacles to increased e-commerce (particularly cross-border) lie in the delivery of the goods ordered online.
Situation
Against this background, the Commission issued a call for a study on the state of play of the EU parcel market with particular emphasis on e-commerce. The study analyses how delivery of products bought online can be improved to increase the amount of domestic and cross-border e-commerce in Europe. Improving delivery services is an important driver to enhance e-commerce.
Our approach
The study had two main objectives.
The first was to gain a better understanding of the problem of delivery performance compared to users' needs and their level of satisfaction with e-commerce.
The second was to identify and recommend potential actions to improve the performance of e-commerce driven delivery.
Our team analysed how delivery of products bought online can be improved to increase the amount of domestic and cross-border e-commerce in Europe. The project utilised data from four different sources and stakeholders including e-shoppers, e-retailers, national regulatory bodies, and the delivery operators themselves. As part of our analysis, we conducted two online surveys: one for e-shoppers in six different representative countries, and one for e-retailers throughout the European Union.
Main conclusions
The study outlines 20 market solutions and suggests 17 policy solutions to minimise the delivery-related barriers to e-commerce and improve e-commerce throughout the EU. The results of our study have been used to inform the European Commission in its further work on promoting e-commerce and creating a single market for e-commerce deliveries.
contact us
Click below to read more about our Postal & Delivery service.
Related work
PostNord AB
Strategies for future postal operators: From letters to logistics
Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications
Effects of changing the USO in Norway
Iceland Post
Report on USO net costs in Iceland
European Commission
Main Developments in the Postal Sector 2013-2016
Bundesverband E-Commerce und Versandhandel (Bevh)