Effective delivery management bridges the gap between your store, couriers, and customers, consolidating everything into one streamlined system.
This isn’t just a “nice-to-have”, it’s essential to keep up with competitors – especially global giants who can afford to sweeten the deal with free shipping.
Take control of your shipping processes with delivery management software like Zappy.
We’ve seen businesses slash their shipping admin time by as much as 75%, freeing up valuable hours to focus on growth. Sign-up now to get started.
Better e-commerce delivery management has never been more crucial for NZ businesses
Compared to just a few years ago, running an online store in 2025 is a whole different ball game.
- Shoppers are savvier
- Competition is relentless
But the right delivery management approach means you can absolutely keep up – and even outshine the giants – even if you're a small business.
Let's look at the main challenges (and how to solve them) below.
Customer expectations are through the roof
Did you know that 91% of consumers actively track their packages, with 39% tracking once a day and 19% tracking multiple times daily?
Today’s shoppers demand more than fast and cheap shipping.
They want:
- Real-time tracking so they’re never in the dark
- Flexible delivery options that fit their availability
- Instant updates when anything changes
These figures highlight how critical it is to provide accurate, real-time updates to meet modern shopper expectations.
They're comparing your service to the likes of global giants, and if your delivery experience doesn’t meet the mark, they’ll quickly take their business elsewhere.
How to solve it: Modern delivery management systems keep your customers informed and in control at every stage. From branded tracking to automated updates, every interaction is a chance to build trust and loyalty.
The big players are throwing their weight around
Major retailers are offering next-day delivery, free shipping on everything, and fancy tracking apps.
They can afford to absorb shipping costs and splash out on custom delivery systems, leveraging rewards and communities to compound brand exposure.
For smaller businesses, this might feel like an impossible standard to match – but the right tools give you a chance of levelling the playing field.
How to solve it: Delivery management platforms give you access to the same courier networks as the big players, along with competitive rates and tracking updates that big brands use, empowering you to optimise costs and offer high-quality options without overextending your resources.
Growth brings inventory headaches
Scaling is exciting – until your operations start to buckle under the pressure. Juggling inventory across locations, matching couriers to delivery zones, and managing spikes in demand can leave you overwhelmed.
What worked for 10 orders a day doesn't cut it for 100. Saving a few minutes across each order quickly compounds to massive efficiencies and cost savings.
How to solve it: Integrated delivery and inventory systems automate stock updates, streamline courier assignments, and ensure you’re always a step ahead. With fewer spreadsheets and more insights, you can focus on growth without chaos.
International shipping is a big step up
Going global unlocks incredible opportunities, but it also introduces complexities like customs, carrier coordination, and country-specific rules.
A single misstep can lead to delays, frustrated customers, and costly mistakes.
How to solve it: The right delivery management software handles customs documentation, calculates international fees, and tracks parcels across carriers, turning global shipping into a seamless process for you and your customers.
One delivery mistake can cost you a customer forever
A poor delivery experience has a significant impact on customer retention. 85% of online shoppers say that a poor delivery experience would stop them from ordering from that store again.
Whether it’s a late delivery, inaccurate tracking, or a lost parcel, small errors can have big consequences.
How to solve it: Tools like automated address validation, error-proof workflows, and quick issue resolution features keep mistakes to a minimum. And when something does go wrong, having systems in place to act fast makes all the difference in retaining trust.
Zappy’s delivery management software helps you tackle e-commerce shipping challenges and growing pains
We just went through a mountain of e-commerce headaches you could do without. But trust us – delivery management software can help with all of it.
Here's how modern delivery management solutions are making life easier for Kiwi businesses.
Keep customers in the loop and in control
Automated updates and real-time tracking take the guesswork out of delivery for your customers.
They can follow their orders every step of the way, schedule deliveries that work for them, and enjoy an experience that feels seamless and personalised.
Offer the same couriers as big players
Zappy connects you to leading domestic and international courier networks like Post Haste, NZ Post, and Aramaex – at competitive negotiated rates that allow you to offer affordable and flexible shipping options.
Seeing all the options side by side is great because you can switch carriers when it suits you, and you always have a backup plan.
Reduce inventory management headaches
Your delivery software should play nice with your e-commerce platform from day one – whether that's Shopify, WooCommerce, or even auction sites like TradeMe.
Zappy’s delivery software integrates with almost any e-commerce platform, keeping everything in sync without endless spreadsheets or manual data entry.
Modern systems sync inventory and shipping data in real-time, flagging low stock, matching the best couriers to specific order dimensions, and keeping everything running smoothly even as you scale.
Simplify global shipping
Zappy lowers the barrier to entry for e-commerce stores to go global.
Automated customs forms, accurate fee calculations, and real-time tracking mean your international customers get the same seamless experience as your local ones.
Keep mistakes to a minimum
Sometimes mistakes are inevitable, especially when you’re scaling. But with Zappy, you minimise the costly errors that cost you return customers.
From address validation to automated workflows, Zappy brings more accuracy and gives you more time back in your day. And if an issue does arise, Zappy’s local customer service team have got your back – we’re just a phone call away.
Reports that help you focus on what matters
Your system should show you exactly what's working and what isn't.
How long are deliveries taking? Which shipping methods are eating into your profits? Where are the hold-ups?
Modern delivery management systems like Zappy help you spot trends early, so you can solve problems or double down on what’s working well.
Zappy makes shipping a reason for customers to choose your business
Shipping isn’t just logistics, it’s an opportunity to have a competitive edge. With Zappy, Kiwi businesses of all sizes are turning shipping from a pain point into a strength, delivering seamless experiences that keep customers coming back.
Jump on board with Zappy – you'll see why so many NZ businesses reckon we're the right solution for stress-free shipping!