Everything You Need to Know About Procurement & 3PL Supplier Selection
Many companies make the decision to outsource their logistics services as it can relieve a lot of their responsibilities. Procurement departments have, for years, focused mainly on the bottom-line cost when it comes to finding a 3PL partner. However, the focus has since shifted to finding 3PL providers that can offer the best value—meaning that they combine great services with competitive pricing. Procurement & 3PL Selection You’ll be putting a lot of trust into the 3PL partner that you choose, so how can you make sure that you’re making the right (more…)
Reasons for e-Commerce Merchandise Returns
Did you know that there are some acceptable reasons for returns? There is a sweet spot of around 13% for the average e-commerce return rate, and it can actually lead to higher sales per customer. Unfortunately, if e-commerce product returns are high, it can mean a headache for your sales department. There are many reasons for e-commerce order returns, including the delivery of incorrect merchandise, customer behavior, damaged products, wardrobing, a delay in order fulfillment, and more. Here are some of the most common reasons for merchandise returns, and advice on how to reduce the return rate. (more…)
What’s the Difference Between Shipping and Mailing?
Traditional consumers may not realize there’s a difference between shipping and mailing, and maybe it's not something they're dying to know about. However, for those in the logistics industry, it’s a topic of interest. When searching for a logistics partner, how do you know what their services entail if they use the term “mailing” vs “shipping?” Is there even a difference to be noted? The short answer: is yes. To learn about the difference between these seemingly identical terms, keep on reading. (more…)
What Are the Benefits of Outsourcing Kitting Services?
Kitting services refer to the assembly of individual items into ready-to-ship packages. Many businesses choose to outsource kitting services for a variety of reasons. If you currently conduct your kitting and assembly services in-house and are thinking about outsourcing them, take a look at this list of the benefits of kitting outside your own company. (more…)
In-House Fulfillment vs. Outsourced Fulfillment Centers: Which One to Choose?
A fundamental element of your business involves the process of receiving products, packing, and shipping. Coordinating these tasks requires a considerable amount of effort, and mastering this system is the only way to provide a positive customer experience. The main question to ask yourself is whether you should manage the process with in-house fulfillment or outsourced fulfillment centers. Choosing In-House Fulfillment or Outsourced Fulfillment Centers Depending on the size, revenue, and manpower of your business, you may require extra help. Although there are benefits to keeping fulfillment under your roof, it can take time away from more important aspects of...
What Are the Disadvantages of Drop Shipping?
There are many things to consider when setting up an e-commerce business. Some of these include delivery arrangements, inventory and stock locations, and finding the most cost-effective and least time-consuming way to organize products. Although many companies use drop shipping for their e-commerce web sites, there are many disadvantages of drop shipping that you should be aware of. Here’s what you need to know about the risks of drop shipping. (more…)
How to Plan Inventory for Your e-Commerce Business
As the demands of e-commerce businesses grow, so do their needs for inventory management. To to learn more about the importance of inventory management and e-commerce inventory best practices, keep on reading. The Importance of Inventory Management for e-Commerce E-commerce is a rapidly growing industry, as online sales continue to increase at a steady pace. With the rising popularity of e-commerce sales, customers have come to expect a streamlined purchasing process similar to that of, or even more so, than it would be in-store. This means that businesses must be able to compete by efficiently serving customers online, offering cheap...
How to Develop a Winning Logistics Strategy
If you’re in the business of selling products, then you’re in the business of manufacturing, storing, and shipping products as well. That means as a business owner you need to have a logistics strategy in place that makes this process efficient and cost effective. Your logistics should be an asset, a tool your business uses to maximize profits and solidify your relationship with customers. Used incorrectly, however, it can be equally as detrimental to the operations of your organization. (more…)Why Is Omnichannel Fulfillment Important for e-Businesses?
Omnichannel refers to the various ways customers can interact with a brand, be it online, in store, through a mobile app, over the phone, or by mail. Many brands have been expanding their reach to include omnichannel methods to appeal to a wider audience, explaining their rapid increase in popularity. Omnichannel fulfillment is a similar concept, except that it focuses on technology integration, freight management, reverse logistics, and inventory control when it comes to fulfillment services. Why should you bother with omnichannel fulfillment services, and why is it important for your business? Just keep on reading. (more…)
What Is the Impact of e-Commerce in Reverse Logistics?
iStock.com/Pinkypills One of the biggest operational challenges today is reverse logistics in e-commerce. This is due to the volume and cost of processing product returns. The growth of returns is a result of the rise of e-commerce at the consumer level, as well as more and more brands offering free shipping. Because of this, retailers are realizing that they need to keep up with the growing number of product returns by improving their e-commerce reverse logistics. Here are some areas where e-commerce in reverse logistics is impacting businesses. (more…)
