Drones Deliver Instant Gratification

33% of consumers* are interested in having their ecommerce purchases delivered by drone. Getting packages faster—ideally in an hour or less—is the biggest attraction. Shoppers are also intrigued by the promise of reduced shipping fees and the potential to receive packages wherever they are. Buyers are more comfortable with drones delivering books, CDs, and DVDs than more expensive items.

Retailers — especially Amazon — are aggressively pursuing drone delivery. They see drones as a way to make 1 hour delivery a reality for the masses. Currently, Amazon’s 1 hour delivery service covers just 15% of the US population. With drones, they could increase that to 50%. What’s more, drones can significantly reduce shipping costs, the #1 reason consumers abandon online shopping carts

Amazon is testing its drone program, dubbed Amazon Prime Air, in Canada. Its current capabilities are quite limited. The drones fly very short distances and only carry packages of 5 lbs or less.

Consumers, retailers, and manufacturers are excited about the potential of drones. The FAA is less enthused. They are proceeding very cautiously, and only recently gave the green light for Amazon to run a small test.

What are the implications for your business?

• How will mass access to 1 hour delivery change how consumers view your product/service?

For help developing powerful digital strategies that work, compelling marketing strategies that drive results, strategic plans that deliver growth, or new products that consumers love, contact Brandology at 925-417-2253 or Maura@Brandology.com.

Sources: Business Insider 2015, Internet Retailer 2015, PR Newswire 2015, Techcrunch 2015

* Full disclosure. The survey referenced was done in the UK. But, even though they say tomato funny and mix up the letters in the word, “theater,” I think Britons’ attitudes towards drones are probably close to Americans’.