Myths about an e-commerce fulfillment company

While fulfillment is an important process in the success of your e-commerce business, there are a few myths about an e-commerce fulfillment company that should be addressed well. These are:

1. Fulfillment centers are warehouses

It is a myth that fulfillment centers are all about warehousing. It is only an element of the complete package that a true fulfillment center will offer. They do not store your products for long, only as long as it is required to turn over and complete the order.

2. Fulfillment centers need to be located close to customers

One of the most common misconceptions about fulfillment centers is about their location. For example, fulfillment centers in Dallas will be catering to customers in Dallas only. This is not true. The location of the center should never be the basis of your decision to work with a fulfillment center. Rather, use data to analyze the performance of the center before deciding.

3. Going in for a fulfillment center in the countryside will help save money

This is another wrong concept that online merchants have. It is far from true. Choosing a fulfillment center in the middle of nowhere can only complicate matters because shipping and logistics costs will be too high.

4. Fulfillment is an easy process, and I can do it myself

While upfront, many online businesses assume that they can do a better and cheaper job, it is not so. You will need a fulfillment center to expand your business. Maybe not initially, but when your business starts to grow, you will have too many apples in one basket by choosing to fulfill orders all by yourself. The costs can also go up dramatically.

Conclusion

Before working with a USA fulfillment center, make sure that you dispel these myths and start your search process with an open mind.

How an e-commerce fulfillment company can prepare for delays

Studies establish that E-Commerce spending grew by 62.1% over the years. It is proof enough that E-Commerce has no intention of slowing down in 2021 either. This growing demand naturally exerts pressure on the entire supply chain and creates a domino effect of demand, beginning with raw materials to imports to shipping container availability. It may not be entirely unexpected, but the unexpected spike in demand has stretched the supply chain thin and has made way for massive backlogs worsened by limited air freight capacity.

Unpredictable days ahead

The massive influx of imports has been setting new records throughout the first half of 2021 based on consumer data. It may become common for delayed deliveries with shipping container shortages and unexpected dwell times in the coming months. The best practice for E-Commerce order fulfillment companies in such cases is to have a plan for handling inventory spikes through automated dock scheduling to avoid the risk of running into labor shortage to receive and put away inventory.

Having stock in hand

Supply chains have become more unpredictable and retailers depending on B2B fulfillment have to consider alternative solutions. Some retailers are ordering products two to three quarters in advance to ensure consistent supply. Some are resorting to adding suppliers for high-demand products, and some sellers expect their e-commerce fulfillment company to carry more inventory to avoid running out of stock situations and building relationships with other 3PLs.

 Know your warehouse data

Ensure that your WMS provides real-time inventory management and keeps your customers updated with their product status. Help customers forecast their inventory needs with consistent reporting of minimum and maximum inventory levels. Your 3PL warehouse may need to track and manage the stock data and keep your customer informed all the while. Warehouses need to keep a close eye on daily inventory levels, communicate transparently, and provide customers with updates for better procurement decisions.

 

With greater unpredictability in the supply chain, 3PLs can gain a loyal customer base by offering visibility, flexibility and consistent communication.

Finding the best 3PL for your eCommerce brand

A recent survey revealed that nearly 84% of consumers don't return to a brand if they experience even a single delayed delivery. The years you spend building your brand image and customer loyalty can get ruined with just one mistake in delivery. These mistakes may inadvertently affect your bottom line irreparably. Suppose there is one area you want to focus on to retain customers. In that case, it has to be developing your eCommerce delivery strategy with a reputable B2B fulfillment and e-commerce fulfillment company.

What online shoppers want

Dedicated studies show that shipping experiences are more valuable for customer retention. The consumers of today have a dozen destinations to buy from. With all the options available, customers have the upper hand in deciding what kind of experience they want to enjoy at the end of the day. Consumers do their homework in researching and comparing products beforehand, and this applies to shipping services too.

Fast shipping is key

Studies reveal that nearly 39% of online shoppers expect shipping made in two days to be complementary. The importance of shipping for E-Commerce brands is up now apparently more than ever. So do you know if your eCommerce delivery strategy is right for your customers?

The maximum number of days online consumers are willing to wait for an item has gone down to just 4.1. To meet these expectations, you should find an affordable 3PL that will fulfill your operations seamlessly.

Start with the basics

A successful online delivery takes the efforts of people process and technology. It begins with the online checkout process, payment provider, order management system, and how you pack and ship purchases. Start at the very beginning and make checking out of your app or website easier. Make sure that the right expected delivery date is displayed against the cart. Always go with a trustworthy and reliable payment provider. And then, when it comes to packaging, spare the effort to stand out from the rest of the brands online. Also, take into consideration packing products using sustainable materials.

3PL or third-party logistics is an e-Commerce order fulfillment partner that manages certain supply chain management areas. They can handle all your fulfillment needs and boost Your business's bottom line.

 

 

 

 

Best B2B Fulfillment centers

B2B fulfillment companies focus on fulfilling business to business orders. Their warehouses store a vast quantity of products, unlike fulfillment to direct customers. There are procedures that B2B centers have to adhere to. 

 

B2B e-commerce fulfillment company is very different from B2C companies. Here's how.

 

1) Large storage of goods: Goods have to be stored in large quantities if you are serving another business. Therefore, these centers have large warehouses and large storage units.

2) The pricing in B2B is more complicated. There are many levels of sales assistance that is required in B2B.

3) Shipping process is also complicated compared to direct customer delivery because of the large number of goods. 

 

The growth of technology has helped in processing orders swiftly and successfully. E-Commerce Order Fulfillment follows the below process for the successful processing of an order.

 

1) Once an order is received, the goods are reserved for that order. All orders are managed online. This online system has information regarding both orders received and shipments completed. It also has the payment processing information.

2) The fulfillment platform is a cloud-based one and much more advanced than the traditional ones. Online orders are executed swiftly and efficiently. 

3) All orders are tracked online. The online platform allows order tracking. All notifications are also updated online. 

4) Data analytics like order success, failure, late delivery is all recorded in the system. This data helps in the successful processing of future orders. This data also helps in learning and development. 

5) Order data collection also helps to plan inventory. It will help prevent wastage of goods and also help in the timely delivery of goods. 

 

 

In conclusion, there are many benefits of routing your business through a fulfillment center. You wouldn't need to have physical space to manage your goods. The fulfillment centers will also do packing and delivery.