End of speed worship: What are the new standards of e-commerce logistics in 2025?

After a decade dominated by the acceleration of delivery times, consumer priorities are changing. Speed, long differentiating, is no longer the main engine of choosing an e-commerce service. Two expectations emerge with force: Flexibility and transparency.

This tilting is not limited to a simple evolution of preferences. It redraws the entire logistical value chain, impacting stock management, optimization of the last kilometer and the relationship between brands and their customers. Today, the challenge is no longer only to deliver quickly, but to deliver At the right time, in the right place, with suitable options and total visibility on the process.

The end of the worship of speed: from frantic race to control of flows

For years, the acceleration of delivery times has been the main differentiation lever. From 2020 to 2023, the average delivery time to the United States has increased from 6.6 days to 4.2 dayssupported by massive investments in logistics infrastructure. However, this logic reaches its limits.

From now on, 90 % of consumers say they are ready to wait two to three days to receive their order, provided that delivery is free and reliable. This tolerance, which seemed to be unthinkable a few years ago, translates a deep change. The promise of ultra-rapidity is no longer enough to convince, and when it is not held, it generates more frustration than a slightly elongated but respected time.

This reversal is explained by two dynamics. On the one hand, the generalization of Amazon Prime type subscriptions has gradually trivialized fast and free delivery, reducing its differentiating effect. On the other hand, the outbreak of logistics costs-transport, storage, labor-this model less and less sustainable. Retailers must now arbitrate between profitability and customer satisfaction, by finding a balance between cost control and service quality.

Flexibility: meet new expectations of consumers

The boom in e-commerce has profoundly changed the relationship of consumers to logistics. Beyond speed, these are delivery and return options which now influence the purchasing decision.

One of the most significant markers of this evolution is the rise of Lockers and withdrawal points. Long considered as secondary solutions, these alternatives are increasingly attracting. When they are well integrated into the customer route, they allow Avoid delivery failures, optimize the costs of the last kilometer and streamline logistics flows. It is no coincidence that big brands like Walmart and Decathlon develop these large -scale infrastructures.

Other key trend: Delivery on defined time slot. Today, 70 % of urban consumers want to be able to plan precisely the reception of their package. No longer imposing a default choice, but allowing the customer to adapt delivery to his schedule, becomes a differentiating criterion. This approach, still marginal a few years ago, is now at the heart of the strategies of major players in the sector.

Finally, the policies of Simplified feedback are an essential standard. 65 % of buyers give up a purchase if the return policy is deemed too restrictive. Zalando and Asos, pioneers of the “Try & Return”, proved that this approach could be a conversion accelerator. But it imposes major logistical challenges: optimize feedback flows without exploding costs, pooling the deposit points and limiting the rate of non -demandable products. Increasingly, brands favor inter-signs agreements to reduce this friction, a movement that should still accelerate.

Transparency: a strategic lever for customer satisfaction

If the speed of delivery loses importance, visibility on the process becomes essential. An order whose follow -up is opaque or imprecise is a source of frustration and dissatisfaction. 50 % of consumers regularly consult the status of their orderAnd 85 % accept a delay provided that it is anticipated and communicated upstream.

The stake, for retailers and carriers, is to provide clear information, in real time, and easily accessible. The opacity of deadlines or the absence of proactive notifications are no longer acceptable. Shopify and Fedex have integrated advanced solutions that allow you to send precise updates and anticipate delays.

But transparency is not limited to tracking. It also concerns clarity of commitments. A delivery announced in six days and respected generates more satisfaction than a promise in 48 hours not held. Consumer expectations have rationalized : They no longer necessarily want to be delivered as quickly as possible, but they require that we are speaking.

Towards a redesign of the logistics model

These mutations oblige retailers and logisticians to rethink their approach. Optimization is no longer based solely on speed, but on better management of flows, options and costs.

THE micro-fulfillment centerslocated near the consumption basins, make it possible to accelerate deadlines without multiplying regional warehouses. Coupled with toolsartificial intelligencethey facilitate real -time adaptation of delivery routes.

The model of “Free shipping”long essential, is also questioned. Some brands are testing hybrid strategies where fast delivery remains paying, while more economical and slower options are encouraged via commercial incentives.

The objective: Gradually educate consumers to more sustainable arbitrations, by favoring solutions that optimize both experience and profitability.

Tracking notification solution:

• • WELCOMETRACK

Logistics solutions:

• • Ouidrop develops relay points notably robotic food
  • NGX Robotics offers robotic solutions for logistical players
  • Pathway is developing a real -time analysis platform that optimizes logistical flows by identifying the network’s key points, strategic routes and anomalies via machine learning, while integrating GPS and historical data to create a digital network of the network.
  • Savoye is a supplier of logistics and automation solutions for warehouses and distribution centers. Their offer includes automated storage systems, warehouse management software (WMS) and order preparation solutions.
  • Kardinal is an optimization platform for delivery of the last kilometer
  • LivingPackets offers packaging solutions for specific sectors, luxury, art, fragile products
  • Convlio offers logistics services and transport of works of art
  • Biotraq is a startup specializing in monitoring and monitoring the cold chain for sensitive products.
  • Hive is an expedition service provider
  • Delipop: a universal network entirely automated with withdrawal points for food e-commerce. It is fully shared – in the service of several retailers brands.
  • Pickmus: transforms the neighbors into local and social withdrawal points, offering a post-purchase experience, by connecting local communities for a more practical parcel distribution.

Return product:

• • Baback offers a solution for the automated management of exchanges and returns on Shopify, thus facilitating the management of returns and exchanges for traders
  • Reverse.io offers a solution for the management of returns and repairs

Second hand, circular economy:

• • Lizee: Logistics and services solution managed for the second hand
  • FAUME: Technological and logistical solution in white label intended for brands wishing to launch their second -hand offer.