How can small and medium eCommerce Brands in India Deliver Fast

Small and medium eCommerce brands often struggle when it comes to fast delivery. Well, we have the answer to it.

The Indian eCommerce industry is on an exceptional growth trajectory, especially since the surge in digital adoption after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It is estimated that the eCommerce sector is likely to reach USD 111.40 billion by 2025 from USD 46.20 billion in 2020, which indicates an annual growth of 19.24%. Retail experts foresee grocery to become one of the key pillars of growth predicted to reach USD 18.2 billion in 2024 from the USD 1.9 billion in 2019, expanding at a CAGR of 57%. In fact, the Indian online retail market is estimated to reach the USD 350 billion by 2030 from the current market, amounting to the USD 45 to 50 billion.

At the India Internet Day 2021, organized by TIE Delhi NCR, experts said that the number of online shoppers is expected to reach about 500-600 from 150 million shoppers in CY-2020. In recent years India has seen exponential digital advancement from the increase of smartphone purchases to the 5G rollout in the pipeline. According to the latest research, shipments of smartphones grew by 82% YoY to reach over 33 million units in Q2, 2021.

So, this massive growth in the eCommerce sector has encouraged many small and medium businesses or retailers to come forward in the market and start selling their products online. However, to survive and grow, they need to overcome the cut-throat competition and excel in their processes and operations to escape getting replaced by the eCommerce giants.

With the massive increase in the number of online shoppers, there is a significant rise in the competition among eCommerce retailers. Apart from this, there is also a major shift in consumer behavior and their expectations. Currently, one of the major demands of consumers is faster delivery and more delivery options. You also need to ensure that every order is delivered on time, every time. Let’s see what smaller and medium eCommerce retailers require for faster delivery to retain and grow their customer base:

Efficient Inventory Management. One of the most crucial steps towards faster order fulfillment is to manage inventory efficiently. It’s essential to be on top of the current market trends, follow demand forecasting and analysis as accurately as possible. To compete with the eCommerce giants, you need to have advanced tracking tools in place to monitor your inventory and provide real-time insight. You can also set up an automated inventory management workflow to focus on the other aspects of the business, such as customer service, fraud prevention, and merchandising.

Fulfillment Outsourcing. To thrive in this highly competitive market and expand your eCommerce retail brand, managing all the nuances of logistics operations with your in-house team is difficult. In that case, you need a dedicated team of logistics experts that might not be cost-effective until your turnover reaches a certain level. Once you outsource this crucial business function, you get enough time and resources to focus on your products and the other aspects of the business.

Regulatory compliance. Logistics providers handling food and grocery products need to comply with some food and grocery-related stringent rules and regulations of the country. Some guidelines laid down for refrigerated fulfillment have to be followed, or your business might face legal issues.

Selecting the Right 3PL Partner. The right 3PL partner can make or break your brand reputation, especially if there is an order fulfillment issue. The selection becomes a crucial process as it might risk your customer satisfaction. After all, your customers know your brand and not the 3PL. Some of the critical factors that you should evaluate carefully are the following:

Ensure that they understand your vision and align their operations to help you achieve your goals.

Verify their technological and infrastructural capability to help grow your business.

Check how adaptive they are in scalability to cater to the ever-changing needs of a high-demand eCommerce business.

Make sure to validate their return management system as it is crucial to maintain your customer satisfaction and be on top of the game.

Review the expertise, knowledge, experience of their team carefully for you to trust them with an essential function of your business as logistics.

Here comes XPDEL, a US-based high-tech provider of fulfillment and logistics services, serving you now in India as well. In a fiercely competitive market like India, where eCommerce giants are rapidly replacing retail and small businesses, XPDEL is on a mission to help smaller retailers succeed with eCommerce. Empowered with a strong network and advanced technological and infrastructural capability, we bring growth solutions to help you succeed. We solve your inventory, order fulfillment, and logistics needs by providing a complete solution from the order through delivery. Our live tracking and visibility result in an exceptional customer experience.

Conclusion:

In the end, it is a smart choice for you to partner with a 3PL provider to overcome competition and expand your business. However, selecting the right 3PL partner is quite crucial because, at the end of the day, it’s your reputation that is at stake. Hence, we urge you to weigh all the pros and cons of each 3PL service provider and then make a data-driven, informed decision to select the right partner to win the game. Beat the competition and get going!

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The Role That 3PL Companies in The US Play In Keeping Your Customers Satisfied:

Irrespective of whether you sell your buyable over the online platform or through offline stores and outlets, at the end of the day the customers remain the priority. They are the ones who basically create the market for you. Without them, a business would be as good as dead. 3PL companies or third-party logistics services act as the bridge between you and your customer, especially for online outlets. Ensuring quick order pickups and fast delivery would get quite difficult. By working behind the curtain, 3PL companies in USA play a significant part in keeping your customers happy.

Their contribution in this context is immense, and here’s why. 

Reduces workload and increases focus: If you have a business, you will know that warehousing and inventory management takes time. Supply chain development is also a tasking job. 3pl companies in the US take care of your logistics and transportation and saves you time. You can now focus on the other aspects of the business, like collaborations, expansions, or remodeling. 

Increased Efficiency: It is true that almost every business organization has an in-office team whose primary responsibility is to oversee logistics and supply chain management. 3PL companies USA help you increase the efficiency of your team. The professionals here have in-depth knowledge and profound experience in the field to provide you with the additional help you might need. 

Flexible Charges: Unlike many other industries, third-[party logistics centers and management agencies actually have a pretty impressive charge rate. They allow their clients to be flexible depending on the estimated order quantity. You can choose to hire them for specific seasons when your business is usually on the rise. Or you could go on an annual contract. 

Managing Orders: Order management covers a considerable chunk of your business structure. With advanced technology and professionals, 3PL companies efficiently track your orders and shipments along with effective handling of the inventory as well. 

Why Does the Location of The Fulfillment Centers Important?

With the rise of e-commerce and the rapidly changing economy, terms like fulfillment centers and order management have become a part of the common vocabulary. Fulfillment companies essentially offer storage, transportation, and delivery services to all brands with an online shopping portal. Their importance in the field of successful order fulfillment is of significant nature. And the most important aspect of these warehouse and storage units is their location. In fact, the whereabouts of a fulfillment center can become a primary source of growth for the business houses they cater to.

Read on to find out what makes the location of a warehousing and fulfillment center so crucial.

Transportation: Shifting the goods from the major manufacturing unit to the storage space and their delivery to the recipient’s address requires a strong transportation network. If your fulfillment service is positioned far from the main transportation channel, there is a surge in the overall expenses. Besides, the farther it is from the nearest airport, railway junctions, and ports, the longer it will take to successfully complete the order delivery. 

Availability of the workforce: No job can be finished on time without an efficient workforce. Any fulfillment service requires a considerable number of helping hands when it comes to sorting, order picking, and related processes. If the distance between your fulfillment center and the main hub of labor is too great, the chances of creating a strong staff base and pooling labor become thinner. 

Costs and Expenses:  Though the direct link is a little hard to find, the overall costs and expenses that you need to bear are closely related to the location of your distribution center. The estimated prices can increase massively if you do not take the location into consideration. Be it transportation or labor costs. The location affects the three most important aspects of setting up a fulfillment center.

The Role of Third-Party Logistics Providers in The Sphere of Online Order Completions:

In the present-day e-commerce scenario, there are certain terms that we often come across. Third party logistics providers are one such coinage that is integral to order fulfillment when it comes to online buying and selling. When you place an order, you know that the item will be delivered to the registered address by the time mentioned. But have you ever wondered where are goods stored or how they finally turn up at your doorstep without any delay? Well, if you are how 3pl management work or what role these thor-party outsourcing units play, read on to find out.

The Role of Third-Party Logistics Providers in Order Fulfillment:

As mentioned earlier, these companies are actually very crucial to the success of any business that permits online transactions. Cost reduction and inventory optimization are the two most important tasks that these companies take care of. However, there is more than they do.

Effectively tackling a large number of orders: 3 pls are designed such that they are equipped to handle a sudden rise in the number of orders, irrespective of whether they are coming in for storage or being sent out for delivery. Third-party logistics management relates to the measures that the top fulfillment centers in India take to ensure that no business is lost simply because the number of orders was too overwhelming for the team to handle!

Order Picking: The finished items are first stored in the warehouses before being dispatched. The process of selecting the orders to be shipped is termed order picking. The method that is followed while doing this can either be discreetly selecting one order at a time or the orders can be picked in a bulk. The technique implemented depends on the order volume and the types of items being sold.

Storage:  One of the most important roles that a 3PL fulfillment company plays is in the storage aspect. Proper storing units are vital for keeping the finished goods safe and far from any sort of damage.

What Are the Criteria for The Best Location of Warehouse and Fulfillment Centers in the USA?

Fulfillment centers play a key role in the order completion process of online shopping. Usually, the major manufacturing unit is pretty far from the recipient's address. That is why warehousing and fullfillment USA actively participates in order picking, shipping, and delivery. The location of the fulfillment company should be such that it can effectively lower the costs incurred during transportation as well as the time taken by the final delivery. If you are wondering how to go about selecting a site for your fulfillment and storage unit, you should consider the following factors and make a smart decision. 

Rent and Payable Taxes: Renting a space large enough to accommodate large orders and storage units is not very common. The amount charged also varies from city to city. On the other hand, the tax rates are also heavily dependent on the state that you are in. Comparing the rents charged and the tax calculation is pretty effective during the selection period.

Proximity to airports, ports, roads, and railways: Since transportation of the finished goods is one of the top priorities of the fulfillment companies, how close your chosen location is to the airport or the main connecting roads is a crucial factor. If the warehouse unit is too far off from the major transport hubs, the expenses increase, which can lead to financial issues. 

Availability of Labor: You need a sizeable workforce to ensure that all the work gets done without a glitch. So, one of the chief criteria for choosing allocation is the availability of easy and cheap labor. While setting up a unit for warehousing and fulfillment USA, keep in mind that the easier it is to get a strong staff, the simpler the work gets. 

The Market: Lastly, areas with a higher population density are equivalent to a prosperous market. This means, before you take the final call, it is advised that you consider the customer base and choose a site that can offer you more in terms of business and finances!

Factors You Should Consider Before Selecting the Right Fulfillment Service for Your Company

With the advancement in technology, the internet is the biggest market today. And any company, whether a start-up or a veteran, knows the importance of eCommerce in the present era. That being said, there are certain aspects of ecommerce fulfillment that require expert supervision and control. Warehousing and storage of the finished products along with their shipment and delivery are some of the key roles that a fulfillment logistics company performs. These agencies are not directly related to the main brand or the manufacturers but are responsible for the smooth completion of any online order. There are a bunch of different organizations that provide the retailers with all-around fulfillment services which makes choosing the right partner a tricky task. So, before you select your logistics fulfillment company, ensure that you remember the following points.

Factors A Business Establishment Must Be Aware of Before selecting The Order Fulfillment Company:

There is no rule that works for all industries. The type of fulfillment services that benefits an online kid’s store might not work well for a clothing line. Therefore, considering some factors before taking the plunge is always a smart idea.

Order Volume: The order requirements of the fulfillment agencies vary and are a clear indicator of which business would suit the particular company best. For jewelry stores and brands selling designer watches, only a few items get sold every month. Thus, choosing a fulfillment service that sets the minimum limit on a quarterly or on a yearly basis is more suited for concerned order volume. On the other hand, virtual sites selling in bulk, like groceries or pharmaceutical companies are seen to function better with units that set a monthly order volume limit. 

Inventory Assortment: An order gets picked either singly or in a bulk from the warehouse and this inventory management is a crucial factor. For the best results, one might optimize the order picking and choosing a logistic fulfillment service depending on the same.

Delivery and Return: The delivery should be on time and there should be easy return policies that make the entire process of purchase smooth and grant maximum customer satisfaction. Your fulfillment service should also prioritize these facets.

The Three Stages That Are Integral to The Success of The Logistics Fulfillment Companies

Warehouse services essentially refer to the storage facilities where the manufactured goods are kept before being shipped off to the address where it is to be delivered. 3PL service providers in India provide this storage facility to the different brands and companies that are selling their products online. These third-party fulfillment services play a very crucial role in the process of order completion. There are several steps that must be followed while setting up the warehousing facilities that ecommerce fulfillment services India offer their clients. If you are interested in how this industry runs, read on to find out the different stages of setting up third-party warehouse and storage units. 

The Setting Up: The very first step a logistic fulfillment company takes is to set up the criteria for the particular unit in question. During the set-up period, the parent company gives a detailed report regarding the inventory, logistics, and the details of the business so the fulfillment unit can keep up with the flow of goods and merchandise that are coming in and going out for the final delivery. 

Manpower: Most such logistics and fulfillment units require a team of experts who are experienced in record keeping and documentation. A large number of the staff gets engaged with the receiving and the sending out of the goods. Their responsibilities include sorting, labeling, and dispatching the items to the correct address. Thus, the team-building stage is crucial for the success of the logistics fulfillment company. 

The Storage of The Goods: The third factor or phase of the third-party logistics companies in the actual storing unit. The right design and planning are vital for storing the goods such that no damage comes to them during this period. Depending on the necessity and the requirement, the storage units should have shelves, bins, trays, pallets, and any other form of installation required for keeping the goods safe. 

Where Can I Find the Best Fulfillment Centers in the USA?

 A rapid increase in e-commerce has led to an urgent need for fulfillment centers all across The United States of America. Since the USA is one of the leading nations in terms of commercial growth, there are several fulfillment centers here that cater to the different online brands and shopping sites. Some of the best fulfilment warehouse USA are nestled along the coastlines. This is because one of the primary responsibilities of any fulfillment and warehousing unit includes shipping, and the closer you are to the say, the simpler it gets. 

The top distribution centers pay special attention to the location of the storage centers as it directly affects transportation costs and other subsidiary activities. If you are wondering where the maximum number of the centers of fullfillment USA is located, here’s a list of the cities that you should look into. 

Atlanta: Atalanta houses the busiest airport on American soil. The proximity to the airport makes transportation cheaper and reduces the time taken to complete the delivery. Atlanta is also known for its fast-growing population, which makes up for a great market in this area. 

Chicago: It is no surprise that Chicago features on this list. Located very close to Springfield, the capital of Illinois, Chicago has a booming population, making this city one of the biggest markets in the whole continent. The interstate railroads and well-maintained highways are great for safe and quick transportation of goods.

Los Angeles: the long beach area in Los Angeles is the home to the second biggest metropolitan in the United States of America. That, and its proximity to the sea, makes Los Angeles perfect for Warehouses and fulfillment centers. 

Philadelphia: Philadelphia is the home of some of the biggest industrial set-ups and is a place of work for many. The expanding economy also ensures a boom in business which is why Philadelphia is one of the most coveted cities in terms of fulfillment centers and warehouses. 

What are the advantages of reaching out to an eCommerce shipping company?

There are three major benefits of outsourcing consumer order fulfilment tasks to a 3PL e-commerce fulfilment company. A fulfilment company helps business to manage their inventories in the best way possible. 

Usually, the presence of an order fulfilment software that’s advanced and updated can help businesses to gain valuable insights via high-quality data. Ecommerce sellers can now access their inventory easily with the help of cloud-based technologies, real-time and accurate visibility features, custom reporting, batch optimization and tracking, and so on. 

 

An e-commerce shipping company helps to enhance the consumer experience with the help of better shipping options. Now, companies can rely on secured packaging options along with better order returns and tracking. 

 

Ultimately, it helps to improve consumer experiences. Businesses can dispatch goods to consumers in real-time and at low costs. It simplifies the return processes for consumers while equipping them with real-time delivery updates. 

 

Now, businesses can ship demanded products to consumers quickly- which helps to improve consumer satisfaction. 

 

As a result, businesses will have the time to focus on their expansion and growth. Businesses can now meet the demand for new products, promotional products, or even seasonal products. Ecommerce businesses can also facilitate international shipping. Wondering how to choose one of the best 3pl ecommerce fulfilment companies?

 

When choosing an ecommerce shipping company, you should consider the functions carried out by them. These companies are capable of carrying out fulfilment processes such as warehousing, inventory management, shipping, and so on. 

 

Some of the major functions carried out by an ecommerce fulfillment company are as follows:

• Receiving and managing inventory
• Generating lists of products that are to be picked up. These orders are picked up from an inventory storage house once an order is placed and received.
• Assembling kits and items
• Packing boxes
• Labelling different shipments
• Shipping products to the doorstep of consumers
•  Handling and process return. 

3 Step Guide to Choosing the Right Third Party Logistics Provider for Your Company

Third party logistics providers play a huge role in the successful order management and delivery when it comes to eCommerce and online transactions. A supply chain incorporates different factors like packaging the manufactured items to prevent damages, warehousing and storing of the goods, and shipping them to the correct locations. All these aspects are integral to 3PL management and require special attention. Besides, every brand or company has some of their personal issues to take care of as well. In such a situation selecting the right 3rd party logistics service for handling the order fulfillment of your company requires special attention. Read on to find out the key points that you should consider before partnering up with 3pl and order fulfillment agencies.

Inhouse decisions: The very first step is to jot down your logistical requirements and be clear about what are your priorities and expectations. You must also outline which responsibilities you want the company to take up directly, rather than depending on the fulfillment agencies.

A special team: It is better to have in-house experts work closely during and after the 3PL selection process. Having experts to help you out means that your team will ensure that all the prerequisites and necessities are fulfilled by the selected 3rd party logistics company. Rather than creating the team handling the supply chain after the partnership has been confirmed, having the members on the board from the get-go can yield better results.

Research and shortlisting: Once you have your end set with a clear-cut objective and a functional team to take care of the same, the next step is to complete your research. Go through as many sources as possible to understand how your short-listed 3PL and order fulfillment centers work. Though it does not seem very practical, asking around in your close circles can be of huge help in this context.