Much public comment on servicing customers who buy online has focussed on the time taken to deliver these goods. A perception has formed that Internet shoppers are very demanding and require immediate fulfilment.

Recent research commissioned by Australia Post sheds some light on the expectations of home-based Internet shoppers:

• Very few Internet shoppers require same day or next day delivery for items ordered from Australian Internet sites.
• Internet shoppers would generally be quite satisfied with a broad choice of delivery speeds, particularly if savings can be made.
• Australia Post is already the leading deliverer of items purchased over the Internet, having delivered over 50% of last year's on-line orders.
• A very high proportion (93%) of Internet shoppers say they have confidence in Australia Post to deliver their Internet orders.