Purolator International Holiday Survey

Jericho, New York, November 30 – While more online consumers in the United States and Canada move up their holiday shopping to earlier in the season, a survey by Purolator International has found the majority in both countries are still willing to sacrifice delivery speed for their gift purchases in favor of a lower shipping cost. According to a survey of Canadian and U.S. shoppers conducted by Purolator International following the 2014 holiday shopping season, most shoppers chose extended delivery times for their online purchases — with a majority of Canadians (78%) and Americans (58%) typically opting for shipping that took four days or longer. This willingness to wait can be directly linked to cost. The survey found that 76% of Canadian customers who made an online purchase from a U.S.-based retailer, as well as 63% of U.S. online shoppers, identified shipping costs as very important in their purchasing and shipment decision.

According to a survey of Canadian and U.S. shoppers conducted by Purolator International following the 2014 holiday shopping season, most shoppers chose extended delivery times for their online purchases — with a majority of Canadians (78%) and Americans (58%) typically opting for shipping that took four days or longer.

This willingness to wait can be directly linked to cost. The survey found that 76% of Canadian customers who made an online purchase from a U.S.-based retailer, as well as 63% of U.S. online shoppers, identified shipping costs as very important in their purchasing and shipment decision.

“Cyber Monday provides online shoppers with a tremendous assortment of special offers and sales, and gives consumers the opportunity to shop early enough to attain the lowest possible shipping cost or even free shipping promotions from the retailer,” said John Costanzo, President of Purolator International, the United States-based subsidiary of Purolator Inc. and the leading provider of cross-border logistics between the U.S. and Canada.

Purolator International projects it will have a strong holiday season with Black Friday and Cyber Monday generating a significant number of deliveries from the U.S. to Canada. The company anticipates December 15, 16 and 17 as its peak delivery days, the bulk of that activity representing holiday purchases from the previous two weeks.

The study also revealed: 
• 55% of American online shoppers, and 65% of Canadian online shoppers will “very often” or “always” adjust   their delivery date to a longer period in order to obtain reduced cost; 
• Nearly half (49%) of Americans, and a majority (63%) of Canadians, decided against purchasing a holiday item because of high shipping costs.

Survey respondents in both countries were accepting of their national postal service to make the final delivery – with 62% Canadians and 60% Americans viewing this as a suitable alternative when the speed and visibility of a delivery isn’t a concern.

And despite all of the pre-holiday sales and Cyber Monday deals, it is the friends and families of procrastinators who may pay the price: 53% of Americans and 43% of Canadians surveyed decided against a holiday purchase last year because it would not be delivered in time.

About Purolator International, Inc. Purolator International is a subsidiary of Purolator Inc., Canada’s largest integrated freight, parcel and logistics solutions provider. Purolator International specializes in the air and surface forwarding of Express, Freight and Parcel shipments, customs brokerage, and fulfillment and delivery services to, from and within Canada. Purolator International has received numerous industry awards for its superior service and innovative solutions, including “100 Great Supply Chain Projects” by Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine, “Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners” list by Supply Chain Brain magazine, “Top 100 3PL Providers” by Inbound Logistics, and Logistics Management’s “Quest for Quality Award.” In addition to facilities throughout New York, Purolator International has locations in key U.S. markets including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Raleigh/Durham, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Saint Louis.

For more information about Purolator International, visit www.purolatorinternational.com