Order fulfillment is often seen by companies as a means to an end or, worse, as a necessary evil or basic utility. Shipping services are just another bill to be paid while the company tries to focus on other, more profitable matters, such as product development or marketing. This view does a disservice to both your company and your customers.
Product shipping and fulfillment can be a boon to your company and let it operate with ease in a global market. When businesses fully embrace the role of order fulfillment they have the potential to reap huge rewards. By seeing order fulfillment as an extension of your business and, more importantly, an integral part of the customer-company relationship, you can move beyond simple shipping and realize many additional benefits.
Beyond Packaging
One of the best and most obvious ways to begin turning order fulfillment into a key part of your business is to look at how your products are packaged. Packaging not only protects the products, but it advances your brand and guards your company’s reputation with the customer. No one thinks highly on items that are damaged during transit, and proper packaging is key to ensuring your goods reach their target safe and in top condition. While you shouldn’t cut corners on packaging to save money, there are a variety of low-cost options available to provide proper product protection. This can include changes in box design based on fragility of the product or it can focus on interior packaging options such as bubble wrap or Styrofoam. Your fulfillment shipping company likely knows more about the different packaging options that are available, so work with them to find the best choice.
Partnerships and Progress
Another important part of forming partnerships with your fulfillment shipping company is to have someone on staff responsible for working directly with the shipper. This lets you stay on top of changes in service rates, developments in shipping routes and transport options, and many other facets of the ever-changing order fulfillment landscape. Keeping up communication with your shipping company also gives a unique perspective on how your business fits into the global economy and how market trends can be best taken advantage of.
The Full Service Spectrum
The best shipping companies to partner with are those who have expanded into inventory management and fulfillment. With your order shipping company maintaining the warehouse, the bridge between order placement and order delivery gets even shorter. The best warehouses are those that come with inventory tracking and management programs along with flexibility in the space you can rent.
APS Fulfillment, Inc. is a specialist order shipping and fulfillment company based in Florida. We recognize the importance of proper packaging, shipping, and storage in keeping the wheels of business turning and are proud to work with our clients to ensure they have the best, most effective shipping service possible anywhere. If you require an order shipping company in Florida, contact APS Fulfillment, Inc. today.
