Outsourcing your e-commerce order fulfillment process is one of the best things you can do. There are many factors that should be considered so that your system works faster and brings you more profit. Inventory management, packaging, and the shipping process, are roles an outsourced third-party logistics (3PL) company can perform far better, and at a more affordable price, than you on your own. Here are some important factors your e-commerce fulfillment company should consider for better success in the future.
Technology
E-commerce order fulfillment centers can benefit from working with a 3PL provider, as they can provide technology solutions that bring visibility and functionality. These solutions help your business run more effectively and efficiently. Two types of technology used for these processes include flexible Order Management Systems (PMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). These are the keys to your success. Make sure to evaluate the systems to make sure that they meet the requirements of your omnichannel strategy. Ask yourself questions like these: Does the 3PL company provide consistent consumer experience, and improve order accuracy at the same time? Are the efficient with processing orders?
Shipping Flexibility
Today’s e-commerce world is all about the consumer. As the need to meet the customer’s needs increases over time, you need to make sure that your 3PL provider is flexible when it comes to shipping options. They need to meet the current and future demands of your customers, by providing a variety of shipping options. They should provide both domestic and international delivery options, that work with consumer needs. Customers desire instant gratification when they spend money on your products, so, you should aim to find a balance between the most affordable shipping method per individual package, meeting the customer’s desired delivery times, and saving money on shipping charges.
Receiving of Initial Inventory
Third-party logistics partners can load all of your product information into their inventory system. From this point, you can send them any inventory of product that you would like them to prepare at their facility. The 3PL company will follow procedure and adequately fill product orders. Most of these companies use inventory management systems and forecasting, that allows them to determine the proper inventory levels that need to be maintained at the warehouse. When you are about to receive your initial inventory, the 3PL will inspect the product for damage, to make sure there are no damages or defects.
Printed Invoice or Packing Slip
A packing slip or printed invoice that reveals all the items ordered, operates as a helpful checklist to verify and pull orders. Printed invoices are more detailed out of the two, as it also includes prices. This is a great tool that helps you organize your product orders, and make sure that there are no discrepancies.
Returns and Exchange Processes
Returns might sound like a terrifying concept, but if you have a small percentage of returns it can actually be good for your business. By addressing your customers’ concerns by sending them a replacement product within a reasonable time, you can build trust with them, so that they will continue to buy from you again in the future. Your 3PL partner should provide a standard return policy, so that customers are aware of what are the acceptable reasons for a replaced product, and what reasons are not. Customers will usually fight to return orders, regardless of the issue, so you need to ensure that your 3PL partner can handle these situations, and that your bottom line can absorb the return, or the loss of the customer.
Outsource Your e-Commerce Fulfillment with Lean Supply Solutions
After considering these factors, it may be a good idea to speak with a reliable and reputable 3PL to discuss your approach and get more information. A 3PL can help you manage your operations so you can focus on making your business and brand more accessible to your online shoppers. If you’re looking for the right company to partner with, Lean Supply Solutions is the answer. We arise to the challenge of meeting our clients’ needs through our services which include product fulfillment, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, warehouse pick-and-pack, and order fulfillment. Lean Supply Solutions is able to offer consistent, accurate, and quality results. To learn more about outsourcing to our 3PL distribution team, or to ask any questions, contact us at 905-482-2590.
