ACS has launched new guidance for retailers in the convenience sector who are looking to provide home delivery for customers.
More convenience retailers are looking at home delivery as an option to reach local customers that are self-isolating or otherwise unable to travel to their local shop. This new guidance details what retailers should consider when starting a home delivery service.
The guidance covers the following areas:
- How to take an order
- How to take payment
- How to operate a collection service
- How to manage data security
- Age restricted products
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops are already going above and beyond to ensure that they can get products out to local customers that need them most. Our guidance is intended to reassure retailers that home delivery doesn’t need to be complicated, and can make a real difference in those local communities where customers aren’t able to get into store.”
Figures from the 2019 Local Shop Report show that 12% of convenience retailers have some form of home delivery service, although it is anticipated that this will increase significantly in the coming weeks and months.
The guidance has been designed in consultation with Surrey/Bucks Trading Standards and Woking Borough Council, who work with ACS on its existing Assured Advice scheme.
The guidance is available here: https://www.acs.org.uk/advice/home-delivery-retailers, alongside other downloadable posters and materials for retailers.
