Does My Small e-Commerce Business Need 3PL Services?
So, you have a small startup e-commerce company and you’ve been handling the fulfillment on your own. Now things are starting to pick up and you can’t seem to keep up anymore—but is it the right time to hire a 3PL e-commerce fulfillment company? E-commerce fulfillment companies can provide you with all the supply chain services you need to keep up with your orders, but is it worth outsources these services? Would you be better off investing in a supply chain of your own, and handling all e-commerce fulfillment services in-house? If your company is small and still in its...
Why Should You Visit Your Potential 3PL Partner?
E-commerce fulfillment companies can provide businesses with many great benefits along every aspect of the supply chain. Since seeing is believing, there are several reasons why visiting your third (3rd) party fulfillment partner is a good idea. You may be visiting manufacturing sites and branches on a regular basis, but it is also important to visit your third-party logistics 3PL partners. Why is this important? Here are a few reasons why you should consider visiting your 3PL providers. (more…)
Why Should Companies Consider a 3PL Warehouse?
All businesses are different and in different stages of growth. But do you know what the one thing most companies have in common is? They can all benefit from using 3PL warehousing services. There’s the misconception that only those who can’t afford their own warehouse opt for 3PL warehousing and distribution, but that’s not the case at all. Companies that use 3PL partners, regardless of whether they can afford their own warehousing services are not, can reap the benefits of scalable services and vast resources. Still on the fence about a 3PL partner? Check out all the benefits of using...
What Services Can a Third-Party Logistics Company Offer Your Business?
If you want to improve your supply chain processes, you should consider working with a third-party logistics company. These companies work as an all-in-one solution for every aspect of the chain, from assembly to picking and packing, to warehousing, to distribution, and to shipping. Their services will bring you many benefits and advantages so you can maximize profitability. Here are some of the services available that will help you achieve the success you desire. Domestic and International Logistics By working with a flexible 3PL provider, you will be able to better manage all kinds of logistics regardless of size, weight,...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…)
