According to new data.

Online retailers need to be prepared for record volumes of online orders this month and next, as newly released delivery data reveals that Australian consumers are increasingly doing their Christmas shopping online.

Deliveries around the holiday period have experienced a 10% year-on-year growth, according to findings from CouriersPlease (CP), which delivered nearly 18 million parcels in 2017 alone and has a network of more than 700 franchisees throughout Australia.

CP’s peak delivery data from 1 October to 24 December 2016 and 2017 reveals that there was an increase of 1.6 million items delivered each period – a 10% growth in total volumes.

To ensure retailers are prepared for the busiest period of the year, CP chief operating officer, Hoy-Yen Hooper, says they should plan early for Christmas and encourage customers to take advantage of flexible delivery options during the peak season.

“It’s important that retailers have a plan in place during the busiest time of year, to cope with the significant increase in orders and deliveries. This is also the busiest time of year for shoppers, who often won’t be at home to accept their parcels.

“We encourage retailers to offer their shoppers flexible delivery options to ensure successful first-time deliveries and cut down the time taken to receive parcels if they know they won’t be home.

“CP offers a range of delivery choices, including POPStations and POPShops, which are secure, local drop-off and collection points that allow customers and businesses to conveniently send or collect their parcels. Customers can also choose the Authority to Leave option, where the driver will find a safe spot to leave the item at the original delivery address, minimising the chances of missing out on successfully delivering at the first attempt.”