How Czech retailers and shop owners can start offering same-day delivery

Czech e-commerce sales reached CZK206 billion in 2025, growing by more than 6% year on year, according to Heureka Group and APEK. Delivery choice also matters: DHL's 2025 Czech shopper report found that 84% of online shoppers would abandon their basket if their preferred delivery option was unavailable. For local retailers, same-day delivery can add a useful option for customers who value speed and convenience.

Your shop is already close to the people it serves. Same-day delivery lets you turn that local presence into added convenience without rebuilding your whole business around logistics.

Why does same-day delivery matter for local Czech retailers now?

Fast delivery is no longer limited to large e-commerce players. Same-day delivery can be especially useful for groceries, flowers, pet supplies, pharmacy items and other purchases customers may want quickly. The aim is not to replace every delivery option, but to offer more choice when timing matters.

Local shops have something valuable: proximity and a relationship with the community around them. A same-day option gives existing customers another way to buy from you when they cannot visit in person, while helping new customers discover a convenient local alternative.

What do you need in place before you offer same-day delivery?

A focused pilot is often the easiest way to begin. Before you launch, make sure you have:

• Accurate stock visibility: Start with products you can keep reliably in stock, then expand the range as your process settles. This makes it easier for your team to pick orders confidently and give customers an accurate choice.

• A defined delivery zone: Begin with the neighbourhoods closest to your shop. A focused area makes delivery times and costs easier to manage while you learn what works for your customers.

• A courier solution: Choose between your own team, an on-demand courier network or a mix of the two. The right option should match your order volume, the level of control you want and your available capacity.

• Packaging suited to delivery: Choose packaging that protects products throughout the journey. Fragile, temperature-sensitive or perishable items may need extra protection beyond their usual shelf packaging.

Which delivery model fits your shop?

There is no single correct setup. The best fit depends on your order volume, margins, team capacity and the experience you want to give customers.

• Your own couriers: This can work well for shops with a focused delivery area and existing team capacity. You keep close control of the experience while planning for vehicles, scheduling, insurance and labour costs.

• On-demand courier platform: With Wolt Drive, you can offer delivery from your own webshop or app while our courier partners handle the last mile. You keep the customer journey in your own channel and pay per completed delivery.

• Marketplace listing: Listing your shop on the Wolt App helps you reach customers who are already browsing for local products, while our courier partners handle delivery.

You can also combine models, using your own team for some orders and an on-demand network when you need extra capacity. Our guide to the fast delivery advantage for retailers explains how local delivery can complement the service you already offer.

How can you handle substitutions and stock changes smoothly?

Retail stock can change quickly, especially when online and in-store customers shop from the same shelves. A clear substitution process helps your team respond consistently and keeps customers informed.

For orders placed through Wolt, our Substitutions feature lets you choose a suitable replacement in the Merchant App based on the customer's preferences. For orders from your own webshop, ask customers in advance whether they prefer a replacement, refund or quick contact. Clear choices make stock changes easier for everyone.

How do you keep same-day delivery profitable?

A simple view of costs and order value will help you build a same-day service that can grow sustainably. Track the full picture for each order:

• Delivery cost per order: Include labour, courier fees, packaging and route time so you understand the full cost of each delivery.

• Average basket size: Compare order value with delivery cost. A sensible minimum order value can help you keep the service sustainable.

• Delivery exceptions: Review redeliveries, refunds and customer support cases so you can spot patterns and improve the experience.

Our Analytics & Insights dashboard helps Wolt merchants review sales, average order value, popular items and operational performance. Use those insights to test where same-day delivery adds value. If you run promotions, start with a clear goal and review the results before expanding the offer.

How do you tell customers you now offer same-day delivery?

Help customers notice the new option in the places where they already shop. Add a banner to your webshop, a note at checkout and clear in-store signage. Your team can also mention delivery when a customer is buying something bulky or would simply find home delivery more convenient.

If you list your shop on Wolt, customers can discover it while browsing for local retailers. Clear product information, strong photos and accurate availability help them order with confidence.

Same-day delivery can be a natural extension of what local Czech shops already do well: serving nearby customers with care and convenience. Start with a focused offer, learn from each order and expand when the service is working well for both your customers and your business.