Jul 14, 2023 | Blog
eCommerce shipping is a key link of the supply chain that can make or break your business. Think that’s a bit of an overstatement? Well, last-mile delivery is recorded as the most costly part of the order fulfillment process – it’s one of the most pressing logistical challenges. Plus, if order inaccuracies occur, and items are shipped to the wrong location, you’ll have to face the additional costs of returns and refunds.
This is why it’s so important to optimize the shipping process. You need to cut down labor costs, transit times, fuel costs, and establish a seamless workflow. Easier said than done, though, right?
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at how you can optimize the shipping process from different angles. Questions such as how much to charge your customers, what sort of hits your business should absorb, how to protect your own investment, and which data-driven tools to use, will be addressed and answered.
Jul 14, 2023 | Blog
Pick and pack fulfillment is a major part of your order processing and inventory management efforts. Improving your picking and packing process means improving your warehouse operations’ speed and accuracy. Better speed and order accuracy, in turn, leads to fewer returns and happier customers.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything about achieving business success with pick and pack fulfillment. Read on to learn more!
Here’s a breakdown of what you can look forward to while reading ShipHero’s Guide to Picking & Packing in an eCommerce Warehouse:
Jul 14, 2023 | Blog
If you’re about to take your eCommerce business to the next level, selecting the right 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) partner is an essential success factor. Not only do they help manage your day-to-day operations and fulfillment but having a reliable 3PL can also streamline customer service, reduce costs, and drive growth. We’ll outline key considerations so you can confidently choose a 3PL that meets all your unique needs!
3PL Partner Meaning
3PLs are the real MVPs of eCommerce. By leveraging 3PLs, merchants can offload a sizable portion of their supply chain management and never worry about fulfilling orders on time. With 3PLs handling everything from warehousing to order fulfillment and shipping coordination to retail distribution, exchanges, and returns, merchants can sit back and let their 3PL do all the heavy lifting. In the end, 3PL partners mean more time for merchants to focus on other areas of their business rather than managing their own warehouses or logistics.
How to Choose a 3PL Provider
3PL has revolutionized eCommerce, allowing businesses to choose the right 3PL partner and focus on maximizing sales rather than worrying about supply chain management. If you’re considering a 3PL partner for your business, be sure to weigh these factors on how to choose a 3PL provider that’s right for you!
Flexible and Feature-Rich Integrations
When you’re on the hunt for a 3PL, how do you decide which provider is the right fit? Capability is key: if your third-party provider doesn’t have the capacity and expertise to cover all your bases, from fulfillment services and reverse logistics to subscription box solutions, you may be in for a bumpy ride. Keep an eye peeled for providers offering flexibility and feature-rich integrations with your eCommerce platform – that way, as consumer demand continues to skyrocket, you can rest assured knowing you’ve picked a partner able to roll with the punches. With capability and scalability in spades, there won’t be any supply chain kinks that they can’t help you iron out!
Adapting to a Changing Market
When it comes to stability in the logistics industry, you deserve the best. That’s why it pays to look for a 3PL with a track record of adapting to a changing market – ensuring your business that potential innovations won’t rock their stability down the line. Plus, multiple locations allowing for shorter shipping times and increased national reach is a bonus – so you can have confidence that your supply chain needs are taken care of! An esteemed reputation for providing top-notch service is worth considering when it comes to peace of mind.
Communication and Trust
How do you ensure your 3PL has the best reputation around? Find a partner that knows the importance of making connections! It’s not just about happy customers – it’s about happy vendors, carriers, and employees. A great 3PL will take the time to understand your business needs, so communication is key here – make sure they take their engagement levels seriously and bring in their expertise. With a compatible culture and shared values, you can be sure they’ll exceed expectations every step of the way.
Safety First
When it comes to safety, what you should look for in a 3PL is the same thing you’d do when checking the brakes on a cart: check twice and confirm. Spot-check that your 3PL has the most up-to-date PCI, FDA, and DEA certifications and a HAZMAT Shipping Certification. After all, safety first!
Top-Tier Customer Experiences
With a third-party logistics provider, customer service and attention to detail often make or break the relationship. The good news is that experienced 3PLs will rise to the occasion to provide business solutions that leave you nodding your head in approval, like how easy it is to calculate savings and track delivery times. Plus, with omnichannel retail taking over the market, you’ll want to find a partner that knows how to navigate through these complexities and provide top-tier customer experiences. Look for someone with an impressive track record, a reusable approach, and expertise in handling similar operations.
Scale Without Breaking a Sweat
If you’re feeling cramped and think it might be time to upgrade your operations, outsourcing is an ideal option. You only need the perfect third-party logistics provider who can make scaling up a breeze. Your provider can help you address peak demand without investing in physical infrastructure and personnel. Don’t forget to ask them one crucial question: “What’s the maximum amount of scalability you offer?” That way, you’ll know just how easily they can pick, pack, and ship your goods should demand suddenly skyrocket.
Customized Solutions
Third-party logistics can help your business stand out by providing customized solutions tailored to your unique needs. Each provider will offer a unique blend of software integrations, postponement strategies, and tailored production techniques – so make sure you work with an experienced 3PL who can leverage these things. Once you kick off the process, you’ll be able to tap into cost savings while still providing excellent service.
Accuracy is Everything
When it comes to 3PL providers, there’s no room for inaccuracy. If your 3PL can’t keep its inventory and orders accurate, you’re in for a world of customer disappointment and not-so-fun losses. Make sure the 3PL partner you pick employs a robust Warehouse Management System that keeps order and inventory accuracy levels high. It’s worth all the effort to find the right provider because, in this business, accuracy is everything!
Respond Quickly and Effectively
Responding quickly and effectively when issues come up is a key factor of success for any company or individual. It can be the difference between a smooth-running operation and one that consistently trips up on large and small snags. Since no one can predict the future, understanding the importance of being responsive helps ensure that whatever comes your way is addressed in an efficient and timely fashion. Don’t leave your customers hanging – make responsiveness a priority! After all, how would you feel if you were constantly waiting around for answers?
Enterprise-Level Technology
In this ever-changing technological era, how do you choose the right 3PL provider for your business? Well, it’s simple: get yourself one that provides enterprise-level tech. Nothing says ‘sophistication’ quite like having a streamlined order-to-delivery process – and that’s exactly what advanced technology solutions can give you. And while you might not require such complex systems now, who knows how future-proof you’ll want your business to be in the near future? So don’t take any risks – ensure your 3PL has robust technology from the get-go!
How Much is a 3PL?
You don’t have to worry about how much a 3PL costs; in fact – it could save you money! Bulk ordering from the same vendor can save your bottom line with discounted rates. And who knows, if you’re persuasive enough, you might even command better terms for yourself. You won’t need to invest in warehousing and haulage tech, labor costs, and the like – 3PLs can do everything for you. That means no more spending money on expensive mistakes and worrying about how to handle logistics without help.
Powering the Best 3PLs in the Business
Taking your eCommerce business to the next level is no small feat and choosing your 3PL partner can be a make-or-break factor. Your 3PL can help you manage operations, streamline customer service, reduce costs, and drive growth, but how do you know they’re right for you? Well, that’s where due diligence comes in. Weigh out all the options mentioned in this blog, and don’t settle until you find one with enough experience and savvy to fuel your eCommerce rocket ship. When it comes to WMS, ShipHero has the goods. So, if ShipHero WMS powers your 3PL, rest assured that your business will be on its way to success in no time!
So, there you have it! If you want to learn more about all things 3PL, check out our guide here, which dives deeper into this fascinating world! These are just a few reasons why choosing the right 3PL is essential to your business success.
Jul 14, 2023 | Blog
3PL Myths and Misconceptions
There are some common myths and misconceptions when it comes to using a 3PL provider. Here are a few you may have heard:
Myth: “It’s too expensive to use a 3PL.”
In reality, using a 3PL can actually save your business money in the long run. A 3PL has economies of scale and can often negotiate better rates for things like warehousing and transportation. And by outsourcing logistics to a 3PL, you’ll have more time and resources to focus on growing your business, which can ultimately lead to more revenue.
Myth: “A 3PL will take over my business.”
A 3PL is there to support your business, not take it over. The idea is to work together to create a logistics solution that works for you. You’ll still be in control of your inventory and customer relationships.
Myth: “I’ll lose control of my inventory.”
When working with a 3PL, you’ll have access to real-time inventory data, giving you more control and visibility over your inventory than ever before. Plus, 3PLs often have advanced inventory management systems in place, which can help you keep track of your inventory and reduce the risk of stockouts.
Myth: “A 3PL can only handle basic logistics tasks.”
3PLs have a wide range of capabilities, and many offer a variety of services beyond just storage and transportation. For example, many 3PLs can also handle things like order fulfillment, reverse logistics, and even eCommerce integration.
Why Do Companies Choose to Work With a 3PL Provider?
Companies choose to work with a 3PL provider despite the misconceptions surrounding the use of 3PL because it is often the most cost-effective solution for their needs. Not only can 3PLs negotiate better rates for warehousing and transportation, but they have also put in the money to develop a logistical infrastructure. While companies like Walmart might have the capacity to spend the cash required for such an infrastructure, many other companies do not. In addition to this, they are also logistics experts and can help you strategize the best approach for your business.
What Is a Reason for Using a 3PL Logistics Partner?
Let’s go back to Sarah who runs “Fashion Avenue”. Before using a logistics provider, her business was growing quickly, and she found herself spending more and more time on manual tasks. Despite her best efforts, she was struggling to keep up with the volume of orders and was frequently running out of stock. But her day-to-day changed when she decided to partner with a 3PL logistics provider. The 3PL provider was able to take over the handling of her inventory, packing, and shipping orders, and coordinating with carriers. This freed up Sarah’s time and resources, allowing her to focus on growing her business. Ultimately, picking a 3PL logistics provider saved Sarah both time and money. And it can do the same for your business as well.
What Is the Difference Between a 3PL Logistics Partner and a Broker?
A 3PL logistics partner is a comprehensive and integrated solution for your logistics needs, providing a wide range of services such as warehouse management, inventory control, transportation management, and other logistics services. They are a partner in your business and work closely with you to create a logistics strategy unique to your specific needs. On the other hand, a Broker is a middleman who connects shippers with carriers and other logistics providers. A broker is not responsible for the physical handling or storage of goods and typically provides less visibility and control over the logistics process.
What Industries Use 3PL Logistics Partners the Most?
3PL logistics partners are the go-to solution for many industries that require a full-service logistics provider. They rely on the expertise and resources this logistical partner has to offer. Industries such as e-commerce and retail, manufacturing and production, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, automotive, industrial and heavy machinery, fashion and apparel, and chemical and hazardous materials all extensively use 3PL logistics partners to manage their logistics operations.
How Do You Manage a 3PL Logistics Partner?
Managing a 3PL logistics partner effectively is crucial for a smooth and successful logistics operation. You should clearly communicate your logistics needs, goals, and expectations to the 3PL logistics partner, including setting performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) that both parties agree on. Performance should be continuously monitored against the agreed-upon metrics and SLAs, and regular data and reports requested to help measure performance, identify trends and make informed decisions.
How Can I Monitor My Third-Party Logistics Partner Performance?
Monitoring the performance of third-party logistics providers is critical to ensure that your logistics operations run smoothly and meet your business needs. So how do you monitor your 3PL partner’s performance?
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): For example, you might set an SLA that requires your 3PL partner to ship 95% of orders within 24 hours of receipt.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): For example, you might set a KPI to track the number of stockouts, the accuracy of orders, or the on-time delivery rate of your 3PL partner.
- Data and reporting: You could request a report that shows the number of orders shipped, the number of orders with errors, or the average time it takes to ship an order.
- Audits and inspections: These will help you identify issues and ensure the 3PL is following your agreed-upon procedures and standards.
Key Takeaways
Your business and your customers deserve the best. They depend on you to get their orders shipped on time and in one piece. Moving to a third-party logistics company for these needs allows you to keep your promises to those who buy your products. With this partnership, your orders can get there faster, with fewer mistakes, at a lower cost than if you were trying to achieve the same on your own. Meaning a 3PL solution is your ticket to keeping up with the competition!
eCommerce Integration With 3PL FAQs
How Do You Integrate With 3PL?
Integrating with a 3PL logistics provider is a process that requires clear communication, collaboration, and planning. Start by reviewing your logistics needs, goals, and expectations with the 3PL logistics partner, including setting performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) that both parties agree on. Have a plan which outlines the logistics processes and procedures and includes details such as inventory management, shipping, and returns. Finally, monitor the performance of the 3PL logistics partner against the agreed-upon metrics and SLAs, and look for opportunities for improvement.
What is 3PL in eCommerce?
A 3PL will handle the warehousing, shipping, and fulfillment of orders for an eCommerce business. This can include tasks such as receiving and storing inventory, picking and packing orders, and arranging for shipping and delivery. Using a 3PL provider can also help eCommerce businesses focus on their core business, such as product development, marketing, and customer service, instead of worrying about logistics operations.
What Are eCommerce Integrations?
eCommerce integrations refer to the connections and links established between an eCommerce platform and other software systems or tools used to manage and run an online business. These integrations can help automate and streamline business processes. Here are a few examples of eCommerce integrations:
- Payment gateways: PayPal, Stripe, Square
- Shipping and logistics: FedEx, UPS, DHL
- Inventory management: ShipHero, TradeGecko, Stitch Labs, Brightpearl
- Marketing automation: Klaviyo, Constant Contact
- Accounting and finance: QuickBooks, Xero, Zoho Books
- Customer relationship management (CRM): Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive
- Dropshipping integrations: Oberlo, AliExpress, Spocket
Jul 14, 2023 | Blog
The secret to success with any eCommerce business is to keep your customers happy. Rapid order fulfillment, free shipping, and excellent customer service are some of the best ways to do that. When determining an eCommerce business plan, many fail to factor in (or underestimate) product returns.
Returns are a necessary evil for any eCommerce business, and if you don’t handle them properly, they could swiftly break you. Frequent returns negatively impact your profit margins but also destroy conversion rates, bring down customer loyalty, and threaten the survival of your business as a whole. Developing and enforcing a strong returns policy is a must if you want your business to be successful. Counteracting return fraud should also be a focus to further prevent lost profits.
In this article, we’ll cover the ways in which your return policy impacts sales and how to change your policy to benefit your business. We’ll also cover some of the best eCommerce return practices to make sure that returns don’t ruin your business.
How Do eCommerce Returns Affect Your Profitability?
To a certain degree, keeping your customers happy is about transparency. Customer expectations in the world of online shopping are high considering they can switch to a competitor’s site or Amazon in just a few seconds.
The customer experience in today’s world is critical to success. Your customers want to know that the products they are purchasing are of the highest quality and they are getting the best value for their money. Customers want to know their order will be processed quickly and efficiently and that they can contact customer service with questions or concerns, which will be resolved in a timely manner. They also want to know what your return policy is upfront, before clicking “buy”.
Your eCommerce return policy affects your business more than you may realize. According to research, about 67% of online shoppers will check a company’s return policy before buying. What do customers like and dislike about return policies? Let’s take a look:
- About 80% of consumers surveyed expect free returns.
- Only 25% of online merchants offer free returns.
- Over 83% of consumers read a company’s return policy before buying.
- About 71% of customers decide not to purchase when restocking fees are charged for returns.
As an eCommerce business owner, you need to account for all variables when it comes to profitability. While it might cost your company money to offer free returns, doing so could, in turn, boost your sales. In fact, customers are twice as likely to make a large purchase (over $1,000) online if free returns are offered.
To give you an example of what a good return policy can do for your business, consider the Zappos model. They were the first eCommerce retailer to offer a 365-day, free two-way shipping, and returns policy. What’s more, the free return shipping policy allowed customers to return their shoes for any reason. This was absolutely unheard of in 1999.
According to Zappos’ VP of Services and Operations, the company’s best customers have the highest return rates (up to 50% of everything they purchase) but they also spend the most money which makes them the company’s most profitable customers. At first glance, it may sound like their return policy is hurting business but, over time, those loyal customers end up spending more, which offsets their returns.
Simply put, a lenient return policy (when properly executed) can make a huge difference for your business and for your profit margins by creating a more loyal customer base.
What Really Drives Returns?
In order to improve your returns policy, you first need to gain a better understanding of who is returning your goods and why. Here are some of the most common reasons for returns:
- Damaged Goods – Items arrive at the customer’s door having been damaged prior to or during the shipping process.
- Mis-Delivered or Undelivered Goods – Items fail to arrive at the desired destination.
- Malfunctioning Goods – Items arrive at the desired location but do not work properly.
- Gift Returns – Items are received as gifts and returned by the giftee if they don’t want the product.
- Exchanges – Items are exchanged for another item.
- Inaccurate Description – Items received are not as described, either in terms of size or style.
- Changed Mind – The customer simply changed their mind about the product.
In addition to identifying why certain items are being returned, it is also helpful to develop customer profiles to determine who is making the most returns and how to prevent it from damaging your business. For example, some customers intentionally take advantage of lenient return policies by purchasing items to wear once and have no intention of keeping them after. There are also others who order multiple sizes and options for the sole purpose of trying them on at home.
Having developed a better understanding of your customer base and the most common reasons for returns, you can now work on developing a stronger return policy.
Tips for Developing a Hassle-free Returns Policy
Now you understand that the majority of customers will check a company’s return policy before making a purchase. It is also important to note that nearly 50% of customers will continue buying from a company if they have a hassle-free return policy. So, how do you create a return policy that improves your profit margins while also retaining your customers?
Here are some simple tips to help you develop a strong return policy that wins over customers while keeping return rates low:
Offer Returns in a Specific Time Window
Your customers want to know that if they aren’t satisfied, they’ll be able to return the item easily. For example, if you sell footwear, your return policy can state that all shoes can be returned within 30 days if they’re still in good condition.
Keep your Return Policy Clear and Concise
A clear return policy makes it easy for customers to understand which products can be returned and which can’t. If you have products that have a separate return policy, be sure to list them on the product page so customers are aware of any special return policies.
Make your Policy Easy to Find
Your customer shouldn’t have to search for it. A strong return policy should show that you stand behind your product to instill confidence in your business to build trust with the consumer.
Never Copy a Return Policy from Another Company
You should personalize your return policy to your business and products. While there are templates available to help you craft a return policy, they’re meant to be customized to your brand’s unique return policy.
Try to Keep the Language Light
Avoid phrases like “you must” and “you are required to.” You want your returns process to be easy, not scary.
Set Clear Expectations
Some customers expect immediate refunds or a gift card when returning a product. Your return policy should list out the steps involved during the return process so they know how it all works. Make it clear whether you offer an exchange for returned products or if you provide store credit or a full refund.
The bane of any online retailer’s return policy is deciding between full refunds or store credit. While there is no one clear answer as to which one to choose, we recommend surveying your customers to see what they’d prefer.
Provide Specific Return & Exchange Instructions
Tell the customer whether they need to use the original packaging or if they can use their own. Tell them if they need to include the order slip and if they can print a return label online.
Educate your Staff
If they understand the return policy, they can communicate it to your customers quickly and efficiently. If your staff is confused about the returns policy, it could lead to negative interactions with customers when they try to return products.
No company is perfect but having a strong returns policy will prevent returns from destroying your business. Even with a strong policy, however, you should be prepared to take a hit now and again. If you make a mistake with shipping or packaging, you may be forced to eat the cost yourself for the sake of keeping your customer happy. Unlike physical stores, customers can’t just walk in and return a product at no cost to you. Always keep the customer and your long-term bottom line in mind.
What About Reverse Logistics?
The term reverse logistics is sometimes used interchangeably with returns, but they are not quite the same. Technically speaking, reverse logistics refers to monitoring the life-cycle of a product after it arrives at the customer’s door. This includes the ways the product can be reused, how it should be disposed of, and other ways to create value with an expired product – it also involves the return of products from the end consumer back to the manufacturer.
In order to develop a reverse logistics procedure, you need to first think about the different stages a product goes through during a return. First, you’ll need to consider the physical shipping of the returned product – how you will get it from the customer back to the warehouse. Next, you may need to test the returned item to identify existing flaws and document any problems. Then, you’ll need to repair, recycle, or restock the item.
To help you get a better understanding of the reverse logistics portion of your company’s supply chain, there are four key analytics to consider:
- Volume – Take a look at which products are being returned most often – if it’s a large volume of the same products, you may need to consider a recall or making changes to your production.
- Percent of Sales – What percent of your net sales is lost to returns and how many of the returned items can be reincorporated back into your inventory?
- Product Condition – See if you can identify a pattern of failure or malfunction to determine what is going wrong with the product and what condition it is in when it is returned.
- Financial Value – Are the returned products able to be recycled or resold? Think about ways to use returned items to minimize the blow to your profit margins.
Once you’ve gathered this information, you can gain a deeper understanding of your company’s reverse logistics and use that information to optimize your workflow. Improving the efficiency of your reverse logistics system provides numerous benefits, including the following:
Reduction in related costs
When you plan ahead for returns and implement a system to ensure that orders are fulfilled correctly, you can minimize related costs for administration, shipping, quality assurance, tech support, etc.
Faster processing
By implementing a reverse logistics system, you can increase the speed with which orders and returns are processed which keeps your customers happy.
Improved customer retention
A poor return policy can prevent a customer from coming back, but a strong policy instills confidence in the brand and makes customers more likely to purchase again, even after you’ve made a mistake.
Recoup your losses
By using a reverse logistics system to gather data on returns, sellers can decide how best to use returned products to reduce losses. You could fix and restock the product, scrap it for parts, or repurpose it in another market.
Final Thoughts
Handling returns in a quick and efficient manner is the key to keeping your customers happy. With a strong returns policy, you can minimize the damage caused by shipping errors, manufacturing defects, and other issues that necessitate a customer return. When your customers feel like they can trust your company to correct errors in a timely manner, they will be more likely to become repeat customers.
