Same Day vs Next Day Delivery: What’s the Difference? (Infographic)

The convenience of modern day living has made instant gratification prevalent, or the pleasurable or emotional feeling brought upon by fulfilling a desire or goal immediately. In the context of commerce, it’s synonymous with completing an order within a day or two, and that should also include delivery.

Both traditional and e-commerce companies have started including next-day and same-day deliveries to their shipping options, and for a good reason. Consumers have a different take on shopping today. If they can do it in no time, shipping of the item should be the same. They want their orders right then and there—may it be due to instant gratification or just a basic, immediate need.

But what are next-day and same-day deliveries? Despite the apparent difference from their names alone, many customers actually interchange or mistake one for the other. To avoid these mix-ups, it’s best first to define what each means.

Next-day shipping means that orders will reach the customer the next day after the courier collects it from the retailer for delivery. It is also called overnight delivery; recipients can expect the parcel a day or two—but not more than that—after they placed the order.

Same-day shipping, meanwhile, is the courier sending out the item within 24 hours after the order has been placed to its intended recipient. This is obviously a quicker option and is often done when the parcel is perishable or time-sensitive.

To further know the differences between same-day vs next-day deliveries, look into the three “C’s of shipping”.

Cut-off Time

Cut-off time is crucial for the retailer. Orders must be placed before this specific time to qualify for either same-day or next-day delivery. Both options have different cut-off times; these are put in place because retailers need to prepare the packages for immediate distribution while couriers need enough time and workforce to deliver within the permissible time.

Collection Time

Collection time is the time of the day wherein the courier picks up the items to deliver from the retailer or the warehouse and is usually hours after the cut-off time. Before collection, the retailer should have completed prepping the packages. The courier will then load those onto their delivery vehicles for deployment.

Cost

The last “C” is perhaps the most important. The requirements for both next-day and same-day shipment are substantial, and the cost will determine if a retailer is willing to pay courier services for next-day and/or same-day shipping options. Keep in mind that buyers are technically shouldering the cost through shipping fees.

Speaking of the buyers, the choice of whether to have their order immediately or to wait for it ultimately lands on them. Businesses who want to meet their goals fast, meanwhile, should consider offering these options.

Remember that the more often you leave your customers happy and satisfied, the faster you can find success, and the simple way to do that is to offer faster shipping options than the standard. This infographic further delves into the essential differences between next-day and same-day deliveries.