Daraz unites 5 logistics partners to ensure timely nationwide delivery across Pakistan this 11.11

Discounts play a crucial role in retailers' promotional strategies to boost sales. In fact, three out of four U.S. online shoppers considered discounts a significant factor in their purchasing decisions in 2023.

Traditionally, retailers would hold seasonal sales to sell off inventory and make room for new products.

Brands are beginning to understand that sales are not only meant for clearing out inventory but also serve as effective tools for boosting conversions. Consequently, sales events are transforming into mutually beneficial experiences that both customers and brands look forward to throughout the year

Sales not only lead to increased profits for businesses and lower prices for customers, but they also play a significant role in boosting the economy. The modern economic model relies heavily on consumer spending, and sales are a major driver of that spending. Additionally, sales events often lead to a surge in economic activity and create job opportunities, further benefiting the economy. But how exactly do brands ensure their sales are attractive for consumers?

What is the main factor that attracts customers?

Consumers appreciate getting good value for their money, which is why promotions are essential for boosting revenue. For example, discounts can reduce cart abandonment. When customers are presented with a special deal, they are more likely to complete their purchase. Additionally, discounts motivate users to explore new brands.

How has the e-commerce industry contributed to the increasing number of sales?

The e-commerce industry in Pakistan, led by the marketplace Daraz, stands out by offering hassle-free shopping and access to a diverse range of products. During major sales events, Daraz strategically expands its offerings by securing exclusive assortment with the most competitive pricing and enhancing delivery capabilities to meet surging demand. By bringing established brands and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) together on one platform, Daraz not only maximizes customer retention but also provides a unique space for businesses to thrive. Their site-wide sales offer customers seamless access to numerous brands and competing products, creating a dynamic marketplace. For sellers, these large-scale sales provide a chance to enhance their offerings and boost market share.

While mega sales present unparalleled opportunities for growth, they also pose significant challenges for e-commerce platforms like Daraz, particularly in fulfilling millions of orders within tight timeframes. Meeting these demands requires adopting industry best practices, including leveraging big data and refining operational strategies to ensure a seamless customer experience. For instance, Daraz uses data-driven strategies to personalize the shopping experience, recommending products based on users' browsing history and displaying relevant products during searches.

Visible improvements in the customer interface are essential, but equally critical are robust backend operations. Daraz’s operations encompass efficient supply chain management, precise inventory control, and consistent fulfilment and logistics practices. Since the operations team is the key touchpoint between customers and the company, they bear the responsibility of delivering a superior experience for both customers and sellers. Though transactions occur online, each product embarks on a complex journey from the first mile to the last mile. During high-demand periods, such as sales events, managing this intricate delivery process becomes particularly challenging, highlighting the importance of Daraz's operational excellence in meeting customer expectations.

How does the South Asian e-commerce giant prepare for 11.11?

In Pakistan, Daraz, part of the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, leads the e-commerce industry. With 11.11 approaching, its operations team is focused on key sale-related functions to deliver an exceptional customer and seller experience. The planning department, working with sales forecasts from the commercial team, ensures capacity is scaled appropriately. To support sellers lacking logistics infrastructure, Daraz manages their operations, emphasizing strong logistics capabilities during the campaign period. This is facilitated through Daraz’s in-house logistics platform, Daraz Express (DEX), while other needs are met through partnerships with third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and logistics marketplace partners (LMPs).

Daraz Pakistan’s Chief Operating Officer Ahmed Tanveer highlights Daraz’s use of flexible mechanisms to optimize its nationwide delivery process. With a reach extending from Karachi to Azad Kashmir, Daraz has strengthened its logistics network through partnerships with five 3PL providers for this 11.11, ensuring it can meet high demand and deliver orders efficiently.

How is Daraz contributing to the enhancement of customer experience quality?

Ahmed Tanveer emphasizes that Daraz is committed to enhancing the customer experience by focusing on three key principles: offering the best prices, providing a wide assortment of products, and ensuring a seamless return and refund process. By collaborating closely with sellers and brands, Daraz guarantees competitive prices across all product categories. To meet the growing demand for free shipping, the company partners with sellers and logistics providers to make many products eligible for this service—benefiting customers while also boosting logistics efficiency.

Recognizing that a major concern for online shoppers is the ease of returning products, Daraz has extended its return window from 7 to 14 days and offers convenient home pickups in over 10 cities across Pakistan. This approach aims to make the online shopping experience as trustworthy and hassle-free as offline purchasing.

Conclusively, e-commerce and logistics industries are at the forefront of mega sales throughout the globe. Therefore, it falls upon them to optimize their operations in order to provide extraordinary customer and seller experience. Ultimately, maneuvering through operational challenges during a busy time by working on strategic solutions and setting contingency plans in motion will assist companies, consumers and the economy to benefit mutually.