The delivery service sector experienced remarkable growth in recent years. The development of e-commerce industries and the ubiquity of mobile devices has resulted in a surge in demand for quick, reliable, and affordable delivery services. Along with this, text messaging has emerged as a powerful communication tool for delivery service providers looking to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency for delivery services.
Customers actively using food ordering apps, online shopping sites, and other e-commerce platforms expect to receive updates about their orders via text message. SMS notifications for order confirmation, shipment tracking, and delivery ETA are now standard features for many online businesses. SMS delivery notifications offer several advantages over email or in-app notifications. SMS messages are typically delivered much faster than any other platform for customers. Time is money, and that’s especially true for businesses that rely on timely deliveries. You can save time and money by utilizing SMS messaging to keep track of the delivery process from beginning to end.
Why use SMS for Delivery Services?
SMS is an incredibly dependable form of communication with an open rate of 98%. With over 6 billion people owning a smartphone globally, the reach for your message is incredible. Within the multiple use cases within the logistics sector, there are five significant reasons your company should use SMS services.
Using SMS for delivery services is the most cost-efficient method of communicating transactional orders and delivery. Businesses may use API or integrate SMS platforms with CRM to completely automate ordering and delivery notifications.
Although open email rates are about 20-30%, SMS has a guaranteed delivery rate of 98%. Also, spam filters and email deliverability issues can affect whether an email is ever seen, but this isn’t the case with SMS.
Integrating SMS with your ordering software allows you to automate your order and delivery messaging, freeing up staff resources. SMS platforms also can send emails straight to a client’s mobile phone, so if you need to send a campaign without much notice, you can do it through your preferred medium.
Text messages are incredibly personal because they go straight to your customer’s mobile phone instead of email, which goes through a central server. SMS messages also reach the client immediately since most people have their phones on them at all times. Your target audience will be more likely to pay attention if you put in extra effort to personalize your material. For example, you can use consumer information such as their name, role, or company to create a customized campaign.
Learn more about What is SMS and its difference from MMS.
What are the uses of SMS for Delivery Services?
SMS is reliable, quick, and cost-effective. Businesses using text messaging as part of their operational communication center will see the results quickly and analyze them to improve services. The delivery and logistics sector has three main uses for text messaging.
1. Order Confirmation
SMS Order confirmation permits customers to confirm orders through SMS rapidly. Depending on the call-ending reason, you can automatically request a confirmation for an order from the customer via text. Order confirmations are also sent to customers after they purchase from online stores or through ordering applications on their mobile devices. Some examples of SMS order confirmation are shown below.
- Hi [Name]! Thank you for ordering at Bo’s Coffee. Our baristas are working on your drinks, and we will update you when it’s on the way.
- Hello [Name]! We have received your order and request for Cash on Delivery payment from [Shopping App]. We are happy to confirm that your order and request have been granted. We will update you on the shipping schedules of your parcel. Thank you!
2. Shipment Updates
Once customers complete their orders or purchase from e-commerce sites, they expect to receive shipping and delivery updates. Automated SMS updates for order statuses help keep customers in the loop, so they always know where their orders are. Here are some examples of shipping and delivery update SMS.
- Hello [Name]. Our team is excited to inform you that your [Shop Name] order #413123 has left our warehouse and is on its way to you! We expect it will be delivered within 2-3 business days. You may track your parcel through this link [Link].
- [Name], your order from [Restaurant Name] is on the way! Please expect to have it in 15-20 minutes. Thank you, and enjoy your food!
3. Delivery ETA
SMS enables you to stay in touch with your customer about essential updates, such as delays or changes in delivery time, so that they are always kept in the loop.
- Your order [Order Number] from [Online Shop] is almost ready! We are sorry for the delay and will do our best to deliver your order as soon as possible. Our new delivery time estimate is between 3-4 pm today. Thank you for being so patient!
- Hi [Name]. Your order [Order Number] from [Shop] has arrived at the local distribution center. The local courier will attempt to deliver your parcel anytime today. Please keep your lines open.
Who uses SMS Text Messages for Delivery Services?
Businesses of all sizes in various industries use SMS text messaging services for their delivery needs. In recent years, the rapid growth of eCommerce has made SMS a necessary part of the delivery and logistics process for many businesses. Brands that use SMS can ask their subscribers what they like and don’t like about products. It helps brands to improve their offerings and keep customers happy.
Doordash is the perfect solution for those who want restaurant food without having to leave their homes. By using SMS, Doordash quickly and efficiently communicates with its drivers, dispatch, and customers. Dashers and customers are given masked phone numbers, so exchanging personal information is unnecessary. It also guarantees that orders will be delivered to the right people every time. Not only does Doordash use SMS lead alerts to help convert interest into sales, but they also rely on them to track orders and provide real-time customer service.
Instacart is an online grocery delivery service that partners with various stores in the United States and Canada, such as Costco, CVS, and Petco. Instacart shoppers use the app to receive orders from customers who need groceries delivered ASAP. Once an order is placed, a shopper is notified via SMS and can claim the order if available. After the order is complete, the customer receives an SMS notification with a link to rate their experience and leave feedback for the shopper. It allows Instacart to monitor the quality of service and ensure that shoppers meet customer expectations.
Amazon Prime Now is a same-day delivery service that promises to deliver orders within two hours. Customers can order anything from groceries to electronics and deliver them to their doorsteps. Amazon Prime Now uses SMS to send customers real-time updates on the status of their orders. Customers also track their orders in real-time, so they know when their items will arrive. This level of transparency and communication keeps customers returning to Amazon Prime Now.
What are the Benefits of using SMS for Delivery Services?
Businesses that use SMS text messaging services enjoy significant benefits for their delivery and logistics needs. SMS is a fast and efficient way to communicate with customers, drivers, and dispatch. It leads to improved customer satisfaction rates as customers are kept in the loop about the status of their orders. Here are five significant benefits of using SMS for delivery services.
SMS Has High Open Rate – SMS order notifications boast an open rate of over 98%. By sending text messages, you can be sure that your customers stay updated throughout the ordering and delivery process.
SMS is Quick – Since customers hand over money and wait for news about their order, SMS is the ideal communication tool because most texts get read within 5 minutes. Plus, your customers will appreciate the quick updates!
SMS is Personal – By sending SMS updates for orders, you show your customers that you care, which will, in turn, build trust and loyalty. This way of staying updated also gives eCommerce businesses a more personal touch with each transaction – similar to shopping in-store.
SMS integrates well with eCommerce – A growing number of your customers are using smartphones to purchase items. Therefore, it only makes sense to communicate with them through a more smartphone-friendly method.
SMS Works Even without Internet – SMS is a great way to reach people who may not have internet access or are trying to conserve their battery life.
What are some Examples of Successful SMS for Delivery Services?
SMS for delivery services are perfect for keeping customers up-to-date on their orders, whether confirming the order, letting them know when it ships, or updating them on package delivery. Plus, they’re great for handling online returns. Here are some examples of successful templates that you can use for every situation.
Order Confirmation
- Dear [Customer Name], thank you for your recent purchase from [Business Name]! We have received order no. 349832 and will send you a text message once it has shipped.
- Hey [Customer Name], Thanks for shopping with [Company Name]! We just received your order, and we are processing it now. You will be notified when your order ships.
- Thank you for placing a delivery order at Mario’s! We are hard preparing your feast, which will be delivered in the next half hour to 45 minutes. You’ll get a notification from us as soon as it leaves the kitchen.
Order Shipment Templates
- Good news! Your [Business Name] order has been shipped. Follow your shipment’s progress here: [URL]
- Hi [Customer Name], your [Brand Name and Item] order has shipped! Use the tracking link below to find out when it will arrive: [URL] We estimate 5-7 business days.
- Your purchase from [Company Name] has been shipped. You can track your order by clicking the link below: [URL]
Order Out for Delivery Templates
- Hi [Customer Name], Your order from [Online Store] will be delivered today! Get ready to work out in style.
- [Customer Name], your order from [Business Name] is on its way and will arrive today between 1-3 pm. Someone will need to be home to sign for the delivery. Let us know if you have questions – we’re happy to help! Thanks for being a loyal customer!
- You’re nearly there! Your order from [Online Store] is on the way and should arrive by 10 pm tonight. You can track its progress here: [URL]. Enjoy your purchase!
Order Delivered Templates
- Hello [Customer Name], your order has been delivered. If you don’t want to receive any more notifications like this one, reply STOP.
- Hey [Customer Name], great news! Your order from [Business Name] has been delivered. If you have any questions about plant care, reply to this text.
- Hello [Customer Name], your order from Farmer Produce has arrived! We would love to know how you enjoyed your purchase. Please let us know by rating it on a scale of 1-5 in this text. Reply “STOP” if you wish to unsubscribe from future notifications.
Return Started Templates
- Hi [Customer Name], we’re sorry that you didn’t like your purchase from [Business Name]. Your order no. 23043 is being processed for a return as we speak. If you need help with instructions on sending us your return, click here: [URL]. Let us know if you have any other questions by replying to this text.”
- Hi [Customer Name], we’re sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your purchase. We’ll do whatever it takes to make it right, so please return order no—49853 within 30 days using our prepaid shipping label. Let us know if you have any questions or need assistance.
- Hi [Customer Name], thank you for your return request for order no—64390 from OfficeMax. Please ship your order via FedEx with the provided pre-paid label to complete your return. We will update you when we have processed your return.
Returned Processed Templates
- Hi, [Customer Name]! Your order return no. 56983 is on its way. It should arrive at our warehouse within 5-7 business days. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us by replying to this text message. We’ll be more than happy to help!
- Hi [Customer Name], We’ve received your return, and we’re processing your refund as you read this. If you’d like to place a new order, let us know. We would be happy to give you personalized recommendations from our product experts.
- Your return is currently being processed. Check the status of your return: [URL]
Refund Issued Templates
- Your return is now processed. A refund of $68.30 has been sent to your original payment method. Please let us know through this text message platform if you have any questions.
- Hello [Customer Name, thank you for returning your purchase. We have processed your refund, and you should receive it within 5-10 business days via your original payment method. Thank you for shopping with us!
- Hello [Customer Name], this is Tim from [Business name]. Your refund has been processed, and you should receive it within the next week. Thank you for your understanding!
How to start SMS Text Messages for Delivery Services?
The steps to start using SMS text message for your delivery services is accessible and achievable with the help of an SMS platform like JookSMS.
The first step is to sign up for an SMS marketing platform that offers SMS notifications for delivery services. You must explore and compare these platforms’ features before deciding the best for your business.
Second, sign up and create an account with your chosen SMS messaging platform. After you have logged in, you will be able to access the various features that the platform offers.
Third, create a contact list of your customers who opt-in to receive SMS notifications for their deliveries. You can add contacts manually or import them from a file. You may also integrate your SMS platform with your CRM to automatically add new contacts who opt-in to your SMS notifications.
Fourth, create an SMS template for your delivery notifications. You can personalize your templates with the recipient’s name and other information. Test your template before sending it to your contact list to ensure it works correctly.
Fifth, send your SMS delivery notification to your contact list. You can send your SMS messages manually or schedule them to be sent automatically.
Lastly, track the performance of your SMS delivery notifications. Check your open and click rates to see how your customers respond to your notifications. You can also A/B test different templates to see which ones perform better.
Are SMS Templates effective for Delivery Services?
Yes. SMS templates are effective for delivery services because they help you save time and ensure that your messages are consistent. With an SMS template, you can create a message once and reuse it whenever you need to send a delivery notification. It saves you time to focus on other aspects of your business. Additionally, an SMS template ensures that your messages are consistent and professional. It builds customer trust and helps you create a positive brand image.
Is it expensive to use SMS for Delivery Services?
No. SMS for delivery services is a cost-effective way to communicate with your customers. With an SMS platform like JookSMS, you can send messages starting at just $0.003 per message. It makes SMS for delivery services an affordable way to improve customer service.
Is the use of SMS for Delivery Services considered SMS Marketing?
Yes. SMS for delivery services is considered SMS marketing because it involves using transactional text messages to interact with customers. SMS marketing is a powerful way to improve customer loyalty and engagement. Additionally, SMS marketing can help you increase sales and grow your business. Understanding more about What is SMS Marketing will help you explore potential strategies to serve your customers better and fuel your business growth.