Comparing the Different Types of Warehouses
Warehouses may seem like a simple, straightforward concept, but they actually include a variety of different types of warehouses that all have their own niche. The type of warehousing that’s right for you depends on your specific industry, location, and needs. From private warehousing, distribution centers, and climate-controlled warehouses, there’s an option to suit every business. To learn more about the types of warehouses and figure out which one is right for you, keep on reading. Distribution Center Distribution centers are warehouses where storing products is a very temporary activity. These types of warehouses are a point in the supply...
What Is the Importance of Labeling in the Warehouse?
Warehouses can be places where piles of packed or loose products occupy space in a disorganized manner. It can be a challenge to identify what products are out of the mess, and this is one reason why proper organization is so important. Warehouse labeling systems virtually eliminate this problem by making sure products are easily identified and managed during the shipping process. It also ensures customers receive the item they ordered and not the wrong item in mislabelled packaging. The approach to warehouse rack or shelf labeling is customized to each business as there are different types. Here are the...
Reducing Costs by Integrating Packaging with Distribution Operations
Packaging is an ordeal in itself, and one that most retailers choose to leave to a capable third party. But the cost of packaging needs to be taken into serious consideration, including seasonal packaging price increases, which can drive costs up significantly. And for small businesses, even slight increases in costs can have large implications. (more…)How to Reduce the Cost of Supply Chain
One way to increase the profits of your company is to reduce supply chain costs. While you want to maintain high-quality products and services, there are certain areas that you can look to in order to cut back on e-commerce supply chain costs. These areas include but aren’t limited to: warehouse space, inventory stock, transportation modes, and order processing. If you’re looking for some supply chain cost saving ideas, consider these thirteen useful tips: (more…)
What Is the Difference between a 3PL and Freight Forwarding?
There are many terms in logistics that can be easily confused if you’re new to the industry. Third-party logistics (3PL) companies and freight forwarding services are two terms that may seem to be interchangeable but are completely different in the world of logistics. Importing and exporting are key components of many businesses, and it’s important to know the difference between 3PL services vs. freight forwarding in order to make the best choice for your company. Keep on reading to find out about freight forwarders and 3PL providers in logistics so that you can make an informed decision. (more…)
How to Determine the Average Cost of Shipping and Handling
If you’re wondering how to figure out shipping and handling costs for your products, there are some important factors to consider. Product type, weight, dimensions, handling time and cost, customer location, and competition should all be considered before determining your average cost of shipping. Finding a middle ground between charging what benefits your business—and pleases the customers—is the mark you should strive for. Additionally, there are different ways to charge for shipping, and some may be more suitable to your target customers than others. (more…)
How to Speed Up Order Fulfillment
Whether you’re looking for a fulfillment company or are a fulfillment company looking to improve your procedures, there’s one thing you need to know: fast order fulfillment can make all the difference for your business. You can spend a ton of money on marketing and advertising, but the fact is that if customers are unhappy with your service, then your business won’t do well. The widespread use of social media has made it extremely easy for consumers to connect with each other, and give suggestions on who has not only the best products, but the best customer service. The faster...
Dealing with Common Errors in Product Fulfillment
In product fulfillment, failures can and will happen. While they may be impossible to predict, some are more common than others and can be easily prepared for. Be Thorough Many product fulfillment businesses think having an e-fulfillment service means nothing can go wrong, but the online aspects of a business are just as prone to error as the offline ones. (more…)
How to Improve the e-Commerce Customer’s Shipping Experience
Technology has allowed for dramatic improvements in e-commerce business and enhancements to supply chains and logistics have improved delivery performance for the big-box retailers like Walmart and Amazon. This has caused customers to begin wanting—and in some cases, expecting—a larger number of services when they engage in e-commerce. Meeting these expectations and desires is an excellent way to improve the e-commerce shipping experience, but understanding what to do and how can be tricky. This guide will break down some of the more common expectations among the modern customer, and then offer some e-commerce shipping best practices to help you develop...Drawbacks of Cross Docking
To understand the disadvantages of cross docking, it is important to firstly understand the purpose of the procedure. Cross docking takes products directly from a supplier or manufacturing plant to a customer or retail chain with little to no handling or storage time. Cross docking involves receiving products through an inbound dock, sorting and screening their end destinations, and then moving the products across the dock to the outbound transportation dock in a distribution terminal. Although cross docking saves warehouse real estate, reduces labor costs, and gets products to the customers faster, there are several disadvantages that wise retailers should...
