From Netflix to Next-Day Delivery: Why Convenience Is King in Ecommerce
Did you know that 57% of consumers now expect their online orders to arrive in just two days? In fact, more than half are even willing to pay extra for same-day or scheduled delivery! That’s how fast-paced and convenience-driven today’s shopping experience has become.
Think about it—whether it’s streaming a movie on Netflix in seconds or receiving an Amazon package in a few hours, instant access is the new norm. This shift, driven by industry giants like Amazon and Uber, has completely transformed consumer expectations and raised the stakes for every ecommerce business.
Now that every retailer places customer convenience at the top of its priority list, the question is: how can your brand do it better? Let’s find out.
Convenience Economy Is The New Standard: Can Your Brand Keep Up?
What was once a differentiator is now a requirement. Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services have transformed entertainment, eliminating trips to the video store by allowing instant access to movies and TV shows from home. Amazon did the same for retail, setting the expectation that anything you want should arrive at your door within days—or even hours.
The ability to shop effortlessly and receive fast, reliable delivery has become non-negotiable. Companies like Amazon have raised the bar with services like Prime, one-click checkout, and predictive analytics that anticipate customer needs before they even have time to enter a search term. Uber, Instacart, and DoorDash have reinforced this expectation, which has resulted in on-demand services becoming the norm. The demand for real-time tracking, simple payments, and hassle-free returns has reshaped ecommerce entirely.
The ShipStation report highlights how online shopping habits continue to evolve. While 46% of shoppers plan to visit physical stores more frequently in 2025, convenience remains a top priority in both online and offline retail. Consumers expect omnichannel flexibility—blending online and mobile browsing with in-store pickup, hassle-free returns, and ultra-fast shipping. The businesses that adapt to this new reality will be the ones that remain relevant.
Speed is important to shoppers, but so is control. Customers want the ability to schedule deliveries, modify orders on the fly, and choose fulfillment methods that fit their lifestyle. This expectation extends beyond retail, influencing industries like healthcare, food service, and even automotive sales. The brands creating a truly customer-centric shopping experience—one where buyers feel empowered rather than limited—will gain lasting loyalty.
Speed and Simplicity Are The Core Elements of Ecommerce Convenience
Fast, reliable delivery is now a competitive advantage. Our 2025 Benchmark Report confirms that 57% of shoppers expect their orders to arrive in two days. Bolstering that statistic, 55% of consumers are willing to pay extra for speed and predictability. Marketplace fulfillment services like Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) and Walmart Fulfillment Services have made it easier for brands to compete on delivery times. Third-party logistics (3PL) solutions like ShipStation further enable businesses to meet growing consumer expectations without building out massive in-house infrastructure.
But delivery is just one piece of the puzzle.
A pain-free checkout experience is equally important. One-click payments, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options, and pre-filled customer data speed up transactions and reduce abandoned carts. Brands investing in AI-driven product recommendations and real-time inventory management are creating hyper-personalized shopping experiences that keep customers coming back.
Returns also play a key role in customer retention. Shoppers now expect returns to be as easy as delivery. The ShipStation report highlights the rising demand for instant refunds and prepaid return labels. Brands that simplify this process—by offering multiple drop-off points, clear return policies, and automated refund processing—gain customer trust and long-term loyalty.
Some retailers are taking this a step further with innovations like “keep it” policies, where low-cost returns aren’t even required, or they issue instant store credit refunds. These conveniences reduce friction, make the purchase decision easier, and strengthen customer relationships.
4 Strategies Ecommerce Brands Can Implement To Meet the Convenience Standard
Pulling ahead in the convenience economy requires a multi-faceted approach. Your brand must rethink how it engages customers across channels, incorporate technology for efficiency, and strike a balance between speed and sustainability.
- Omnichannel shopping to create a unified customer experience: Consumers expect their shopping experience to be smooth across all touchpoints. Businesses that integrate in-store and online experiences—such as by offering curbside pickup and Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS)—create more flexibility for customers.
- AI to simplify and streamline personalization: AI-fueled recommendations increase conversions by offering shoppers exactly what they’re looking for. Real-time inventory insights prevent frustrating stockouts and improve fulfillment accuracy.
- Sustainability as a key revenue driver: As demand for faster delivery grows, so does consumer concern for its environmental impact. The ShipStation report highlights the rising interest in carbon-neutral shipping, reusable packaging, and local fulfillment centers as ways to offset speed with sustainability.
- Flexible delivery options to meet rising customer demands: Shoppers want choices. Offering scheduled deliveries, same-day options, and BOPIS allows brands to stay competitive.
What Can Brands Expect for The Future of Convenience in Ecommerce?
Looking ahead, instant access—and the consumer expectations that go along with it—will only continue to rise. AI-driven automation will play a larger role in predictive demand planning and last-mile logistics optimization. Companies will invest in technology that makes instant, frictionless shopping the standard. Fifteen-minute grocery deliveries and even drone shipping will undoubtedly become the norm.
The insights from the 2025 ShipStation Benchmark Report reinforce one truth: Ecommerce convenience is about both speed and removing obstacles at every stage of the customer journey. Brands that streamline checkout, offer flexible delivery choices, and simplify returns will be the ones that retain customers in an increasingly competitive market.
And as innovations like AI-powered virtual shopping assistants, automated fulfillment centers, and smart delivery lockers become mainstream, businesses that embrace these changes early will stay ahead of the curve. Convenience isn’t static—it evolves. The companies that evolve with it will define the future of ecommerce.
Position Your Brand To Flourish In An Evolving Market
Convenience is no longer optional—it’s the key to customer retention and ecommerce growth. Brands that prioritize speed, simplicity, and synergistic omnichannel experiences will gain a competitive edge.Now is the time to evaluate your convenience strategy. Are you meeting customer expectations at every touchpoint? How can technology help you remove friction from the shopping experience? Download the 2025 ShipStation Ecommerce Delivery Benchmark Report to uncover the latest consumer insights and take actionable steps toward optimizing your ecommerce convenience strategy.
