As online shopping has become the norm, so have customer expectations. People no longer want to wait weeks for a parcel to arrive. When a customer places an order, there’s often an unspoken assumption: “I want it now.” For South African ecommerce businesses, offering same day delivery is quickly becoming a key differentiator – especially in competitive areas.
While same day delivery is a great option to offer, it’s not always straightforward. There are a few things to consider before adding it to your business – like how it works, where it’s available, and whether it actually fits your setup. In this blog, we break down what same day delivery really means, explore common misconceptions, challenges, and show how Bob Go helps make it simpler.
What is same day delivery? (and what it’s not)
Same day delivery refers to orders that are delivered on the same calendar day they are collected. This depends on whether the parcel is collected before a set cut-off time, which varies from one courier to another.
At Bob Go, we refer to this as the service level – the time period from when a parcel is collected from the sender to when it is delivered to the customer. Service level details generally vary between delivery partners. While “same day” sounds immediate, it’s important to understand that this doesn’t always mean your customer will get their order within a few hours.
Each courier has its own timing, area coverage and conditions. In many cases, deliveries are limited to main city centres and need to be booked early, usually before 09:00 or 10:30.
Why it matters for South African ecommerce
Customers in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are increasingly expecting quicker delivery options. For online businesses operating in these areas, offering same day delivery can set you apart from the competition.
Faster delivery increases customer satisfaction and can encourage repeat purchases. It shows customers that your business is efficient, reliable, and understands customer needs.
Is same day delivery right for your business?
While it may sound appealing to offer same day delivery, it’s important to assess whether it fits your operations. Ask yourself:
- Is your inventory ready to go at short notice?
- Do you have the capacity to fulfill orders quickly – aka before the cut-off time?
- Are your customers mostly based in areas supported by same day services?
- Are your products time-sensitive (last-minute gifts)
Remember, same day delivery is not a one-size-fits-all solution – and that’s perfectly fine. For some businesses, next-day or two-day delivery options are more sustainable and still competitive. It all comes down to what works best for your setup. If your operations aren’t geared for same day fulfillment just yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t deliver an excellent experience. Reliability, clear communication, and setting the right expectations go a long way in keeping customers happy, regardless of delivery speed.
How Bob Go makes same day delivery simple
Bob Go simplifies your entire delivery process by giving you access to a wide selection of courier partners that offer same day services – all through one easy-to-use dashboard. You can compare delivery options, view service levels and manage orders in real-time. Cut-off times are clearly displayed so you can plan around your customer commitments with confidence.
Having access to a variety of courier options means you can choose what works best based on your customer’s location, the urgency of the delivery and how your business operates day to day. Whether you’re delivering locally or between major cities, Bob Go makes it easier to find a suitable option that works best for you.
Couriers on Bob Go offering same day delivery include:
The Courier Guy: Offers Local Same Day Economy and Local Same Day Flyer. To qualify, collections must be requested before 10:30. Note: Same day delivery isn’t available if a truck is required.
SkyNet: Offers same day delivery from a main centre to local areas by 17:00, provided the parcel is collected before 09:00.
WumDrop: Provides on-demand delivery within 60 km of the collection point, on the same business day. Collection must be booked before 09:30 to qualify.
We also integrate with other trusted partners such as RAM, Internet Express, Fastway, Pargo and Bob Box, each offering different service levels depending on location and delivery type. For full details on service levels, read more here.
Final thoughts
Same day delivery is a powerful offering for businesses looking to stay competitive in South Africa’s growing ecommerce market. But it requires the right setup – not just speed, but clarity, planning and the right tools. Most importantly, it’s about building customer trust by setting clear expectations and delivering on them consistently. Make same day delivery work for your business with the tools and support offered by Bob
