Incentive schemes for attended home delivery services

Abstract

Many companies with consumer direct service models, especially grocery delivery services, have found that home delivery poses an enormous logistical challenge because of the unpredictability of demand coupled with strict delivery windows and low profit margin products. In this paper, we examine the use of incentives to influence consumer behavior to reduce delivery costs. We propose optimization models for two forms of incentives and demonstrate their value and impact through simulation studies. We conclude with a presentation of insights resulting from our efforts. © 2006 INFORMS.