eBay has pulled the plug on its eBay Now same-day delivery pilot programs, but is still exploring solutions that fit better with its 25 million sellers. Here’s a look at this weeks’ news, commentary and events that shaped the direct-to-customer world… and more.
eBay has shut down its eBay Now same-day delivery service, as well as a pilot local delivery service in Brooklyn, NY, as expected growth never materialized.
eBay said 83 businesses – including online merchants as well as retailers with physical stores – have joined its eBay Local pilot program in Brooklyn, NY., offering a range of delivery options, including $5 same-day and in-store pickup, to consumers through eBay’s website and mobile apps.
The Brooklyn trial is taking place as the company shifts the focus of Amazon Local more toward its core marketplace sellers, with less emphasis on major retailers.
Multichannel Merchant talks to BI Intelligence senior analyst Cooper Smith about why he estimates U.S. same-day delivery sales will pass $4 billion by 2018.
eBay has acquired U.K.-based same-day delivery courier service Shutl, and will use the acquisition to boost its eBay Now to 25 markets by the end of 2014. Financial terms of the Oct. 22 deal have not been disclosed.
Local shopping service eBay Now, which already delivers products to consumers from local retailers in the San Francisco, San Jose and New York City markets, has expanded its reach in those areas.
Same-day fulfillment continues to capture the attention of retailers, whether direct delivery to the customer or in-store pickup. Unlike a few months ago, retailers now have more same-day options to evaluate and test, including both in-house and outsourced approaches.