Sorted by Topic: Supply Chain Management
6 Things You Need To Know About e-Commerce Shipping and Fulfilment
The rise in e-Commerce businesses has put extra emphasis on convenience when shopping, as well as consumers wanting a variety of shipping options.
This, coupled with the fact that in today’s digital world people, expect results almost instantly, means that consumers have come to expect a certain level of service from e-Commerce businesses.
Plus, the ability to order online and receive goods quickly can influence buyer’s decisions. It can also boost sales and create a loyal customer base.
This is why it is very much in the interest of any e-Commerce business to perfect the shipping and fulfilment process. And that’s where we come in.
In this guide, we’re going to look at six important things you should know about e-Commerce shipping and fulfilment to help your business succeed this year.
(more…)Why Your Retail Supply Chain Needs a Digital Transformation
Nearly 60% consumers are now willing to switch to a competitor with quicker and cheaper shipping.
Consumers are comparing their shipping options ahead of purchasing. They’re asking, “Can I find a better deal somewhere else?”
And it’s not enough to just win the sale at check out— you also have to deliver as promised. A negative shipping experience can have irreparable damage. 83% of consumers are less likely to re-purchase from a retailer after a negative delivery or shipping experience. And, about a third of consumers will leave a bad review or post on social media about it.
But, a lot of sellers still struggle to meet consumer delivery expectations. 95% of companies have experienced delays or bottlenecks in their order fulfillment operations in the last year [2019]. 45% faced issues with order picking and processing, while 37% struggled with inventory management.
(more…)What is Distributed Order Management (DOM) and Why Does It Matter for Retailers?
(This article was last published on April 21, 2017. We’ve updated it for accuracy and completeness.)
Today’s consumers want to interact and buy from your brand across different offline and online channels. No matter where they buy, they want that experience to be friction-less and intuitive. Consumers will even pick a favorable experience over shopping for the lowest price or top-quality product.
This puts a lot of pressure on merchants to create a seamless experience. You have to be strategic and thoughtful to ensure your systems and processes support customer expectations.
When it comes to order management and delivery, many retailers are turning to distributed order management (DOM) to achieve just that. The challenge? Distributed order management is a dynamic change from traditional order management. It can be difficult for merchants to make the necessary changes to support.
But, those who do it right can gain a competitive advantage and better serve their customers.
(more…)Looking for a 3PL? Ask These 6 Questions to Find The Perfect Partner
(This is a guest post from our friends over at ShipStation, leading web-based shipping solution that helps ecommerce retailers import, organize, and ship orders quickly and easily—wherever you sell, however you ship)
According to ShipStation’s latest Last Touch report, 83% of consumers are less likely to re-purchase from a retailer after a negative delivery or shipping experience.
With more customers shopping online than ever before, it is even more important to ensure your products are being shipped effectively and in a timely manner. Sometimes that means outsourcing and hiring a 3PL, or Third Party Logistics provider. 3PL’s are a great way to scale your business because they take part or all of your shipping processes in their own warehouse so you can focus on other business operations.
Finding the right 3PL is extremely important since they are your customer’s last touch with your brand, which can ultimately make or break their satisfaction. There are many things to consider when searching for a 3PL to meet your needs.
(more…)What Is a 3PL and Why Are They Important to Retailers?
(This article was last published on May 12, 2016. It has been updated for accuracy and completeness.)
Providing a good delivery experience can determine whether a customer buys from you again or not.
According to ShipStation’s latest report, 83% of consumers are less likely to re-purchase from a retailer after a negative delivery or shipping experience.
Unfortunately, a lot of online sellers struggle with delivery, causing their business to suffer. But, building and managing your own logistics network is challenging, as it’s expensive and time-consuming.
To meet customer expectations and protect their bottom lines, merchants are partnering with 3PLs to outsource their fulfillment needs. In the years to come, 3PLs will be critical to competing online and growing your business.
Shopify Plus reported that demand for 3PLs is set to nearly double to $408 billion in the first half of this decade.
So, what is a 3PL exactly? What role can they play in your business? And, how to do pick the right one to partner with?
(more…)
