IMRG to launch IDIS Gold Standard in April
Etail industry body IMRG is to launch the IDIS Gold Standard, a benchmark for delivery excellence that will reassure consumers of the merchants’ ability to get delivery right, in April.
Delivery will continue to be a major challenge for the industry, says the association in a report on its first members’ meeting, held on 4 Feburary. “IMRG’s own latest intelligence reveals the damage that failed first-time deliveries is having on the industry, which is estimated to cost £785 million a year.”
As well as delivery, other themes at the meeting included how to offer consumers a truly seamless cross-channel experience.
“Consumer demand will dominate 2010,” says IMRG. “As they become more accustomed to shopping online, customers are expecting a single view of multi-channel brands. They want to be able to buy or reserve online and collect in-store, return goods to stores and experience the same service, price and promotions however and wherever they shop.”
“Bringing all these elements together behind the scenes will prove to be the next great challenge for e-retail,” it adds. “But for those who get it right, there are rich rewards.”
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2 Comments »
Hi Sarah
So what exactly is the Gold Standard? I’ve checked the IMRG website and nothing explaining what it will be, which is strange as i would have expected some info to raise awareness ahead of an April launch.
They already have the IDIS charter to which you have to sign-up to be able to display the IDIS logo and be listed on IMRG as an approved retailer.
So how much further does the new standard go?
thanks
james
Hi James, my name is Andrew Starkey and I have been developing the Gold Standard with IMRG. To answer your questions, the IDIS Charter provides a firm foundation for improving home delivery but we have established that more needs to be done and the IDIS Gold Standard will now offer 16 benchmark standards for retailers to check themselves against. Any that can meet this level will be entitled to display the IDIS GOLD icon which signifies that that it enables the probability of 100% delivery success for every type of product it sells and for every delivery scenario IF the customer selects the most appropriate service option.
Over 40% of online shoppers now look for delivery information and reassurance BEFORE they start to browse a site so this will allow consumers to see who is really good at getting product to them when they want it and retailers will be able to differentiate themselves accordingly.
The reason you have not seen detail on the IMRG website is because we aim to launch in April and the early mentions are to start to stimulate interest and awareness – It seems to be working.
Hope this helps
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