FedEx Express (FedEx) continues to boost its e-commerce offering as it announced a new feature for its package delivery service in Hong Kong.
"FedEx recognizes that for the increasing number of consumers shopping online, the ultimate sense of assurance comes from knowing that their package has been delivered to their door," it said in a statement. "That is why FedEx is launching Picture Proof of Delivery (PPOD) for express residential deliveries."
Increased B2C e-commerce in Asia Pacific
FedEx said this will be available in Hong Kong and other markets within the Asia Pacific region, where signatures upon delivery are not required.
The global logistics firm noted that it is the first international carrier in Hong Kong to offer Picture Proof of Delivery.
"The service is another step in the company's continued efforts to digitize its services and improve the customer experience while supporting e-commerce growth in the region," it said.
FedEx said that with the B2C e-commerce market growing by 12.5% in Asia Pacific this year, residential deliveries are on the rise.
"A simple photograph brings peace of mind to e-commerce merchants and consumers," FedEx said, noting that despite the parcel tracking, there's still uncertainty on whether the package has actually been delivered.
Starting in November 2022, customers in Hong Kong and New Zealand who choose the "no-signature-required" delivery option benefit from an additional service feature whereby they can receive a photo showing the exact location of their package once it's delivered to their doorstep, by tracking their package on the FedEx website.
Rollout in more APAC countries by 2023
FedEx said the service will subsequently be rolled out in other Asia Pacific markets in 2023.
"Consumers are now reporting that over half of their spending is going online which means that e-commerce has become truly mainstream," said Kawal Preet, president of the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) at FedEx Express.
"We are working rapidly to find ways to innovate digitally across our operations. This will help to differentiate our service offerings and deliver an enhanced end-to-end customer experience."
Anthony Leung, managing director, FedEx Express Hong Kong and Macau, noted that the introduction of Picture Proof of Delivery also demonstrates FedEx's commitment to providing enhanced visibility and convenience to its customers.
Leung noted that based on FedEx's latest research, Hong Kong consumers have been increasing their demand for an accurate and mobile-friendly parcel tracking experience when shopping online.
"By providing visual confirmation once the package arrives, we're giving extra peace of mind, boosting consumer confidence in making future purchases which ultimately also benefits e-tailers," Leung added.
FedEx noted that it has been strengthening its e-commerce offerings for e-merchants and consumers. Most recently, with the launch of FedEx integrated WhatsApp, into its e-commerce delivery solution FedEx Delivery Manager International.
The global logistics firm has also expanded its international, day-definite, e-commerce shipping service to cover 14 markets in the AMEA region including Australia, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, mainland China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
