Consumer electronics distributors and and IT vendors are among several businesses that are calling for greater innovation in domestic shipping systems to meet a significant shift in customer expectations towards tracked, easy and affordable shipping.

According to a new report by eBay/PayPal and Australia Post, further investment in domestic shipping infrastructure is needed to enable continued ecommerce growth in Australia.

The main driver for eBay sellers when choosing a shipping partner is reliability of delivery service, the report says. Some 34 percent of respondents, who altogether ship an average of 482 items each year, listed this as their top priority, followed closely by shipping rates (31 percent).

Deborah Sharkey, eBay veep, said, “Consumers want greater certainty when it comes to buying items online. They want the confidence that their purchases will arrive reliably, ensuring they have a seamless online shopping experience. Reliability of delivery, customer service and tracked shipping are all critical ecommerce enablers that drive buyer confidence.”

Since July last year, Australia Post has seen parcel deliveries grow at almost 13 per cent over the previous year.

Over the last 18 months, OzPost has introduced a number of products and services claimed to make shipping easier and, in many cases, cheaper.