Jan 28, 2022 | newsroom
Following the successful rollout in November 2021 for Fulfillment Clients, ShipHero is happy to announce that PostHero with Klaviyo, is now available to U.S. Software Clients. PostHero with Klaviyo tracks all the post-shipment events that are important to customers. It also gives ShipHero’s clients clearer insight into their shipping carrier performance and delivery stats. PostHero with Klaviyo is currently available to ShipHero Fulfillment Clients and Software Clients with brand accounts in the U.S.
This type of direct integration will help to raise the profile of ShipHero’s Software Clients by offering them the same transparency of their bigger rivals. It is also a huge benefit to customer satisfaction as details about package progress and delivery estimates can be better communicated.
More Insight with Klaviyo
PostHero already tracks packages across select U.S. carriers and provides insight by giving you the tools you need to truly understand your fulfillment process, even after the package has left the warehouse.
The Klaviyo integration brings all the power of Klaviyo’s workflows to ShipHero’s software. U.S. brand accounts can take advantage of Klaviyo’s workflows to trigger certain events depending on the status of a package. PostHero with Klaviyo for Software brand accounts will also provide an easy-to-read dashboard. This dashboard will display data on packages at certain steps in the fulfillment pipeline.
PostHero with Klaviyo:
- Tracks packages across U.S. carriers.
- Helps identify growth opportunities in shipping.
- Helps clients recognize and address fulfillment gaps.
More Visibility for Increased Success
The dashboard within ShipHero will provide insights like average transit time. This data can even be parsed at the state or carrier level. Currently, the available filters on the dashboard are:
- Carrier
- Date
- State
- Store
- Warehouse
The PostHero dashboard will also show any problematic orders, including those that are stuck, lost or delayed. Stuck (or lost) is defined as orders that were shipped, but not delivered, and there has been no update from the carrier in two business days. Delayed is defined as orders that were shipped 7 business days ago and were not delivered; but there has been a carrier update within the last two business days.
This insight gives ShipHero’s U.S. Software Clients more data that helps them further streamline and improve their shipment processes. And it lets them know which carriers perform the best for them and their customers.
“So many things can affect delivery,” Aaron Rubin, ShipHero’s Founder & CEO said. “It’s important to give our clients the ability to see as much as possible into that process. PostHero with Klaviyo provides powerful data that all eCommerce brands need.”
The Klaviyo integration with PostHero is available for ShipHero’s U.S. clients. PostHero currently supports USPS, UPS, FedEx, Endicia and Shippo.
For further details regarding the Klaviyo integration and how it can positively impact your eCommerce business, current ShipHero Clients should reach out to Client Support, HERE.
About ShipHero
ShipHero is a US based, leading provider of cloud-based eCommerce fulfillment solutions that gives online retailers and third-party logistics providers the tools to ship more efficiently anywhere in the world. With more than 5,000 customers located around the globe, ShipHero offers online retailers a suite of services ranging from warehouse management software to outsourced fulfillment as a service. Some notable customers include Mars, Universal Music Group and Canadian Tire. Additionally, ShipHero is the official fulfillment network partner for Shopify, and is rapidly scaling a network of warehouses throughout the US to meet the growing demands of today’s online retailers.
Jan 31, 2022 | newsroom
Handling retail returns — especially e-commerce returns — in a way that keeps unwanted goods out of the waste cycle and able to be repurchased again quickly is a tough problem to solve. So tough that retailers often prefer to dodge the issue altogether, telling shoppers to keep unwanted items even after receiving a refund.
But the process of handling returns — known as “reverse logistics” — also presents a massive opportunity. AlixPartners estimates the value of all the refunds for stuff that actually stayed with consumers will total up to $4.4 billion across the retail industry. And Tony Sciarrota, president of the Reverse Logistics Association, says annual US returned merchandise could be valued as high as $500 billion.
With a problem that large, tech startups are certain to rush in.
Rear More at Business Insider
Feb 11, 2022 | Blog
By: Aaron Rubin, Founder & CEO of ShipHero
At ShipHero, our teams are constantly looking for ways to make our clients’ lives easier. Often this results in us tweaking our software or streamlining some internal processes. But even more frequently, it means finding and partnering with other organizations with the same goal.
One of our newest integration partners is Pipe17. And we’re thrilled with the level of connectivity and customization that Pipe17 can pass along to ShipHero Software clients.
Why Pipe17?
One of our primary reasons for partnering with Pipe17 is that their entire business was designed to help and grow eCommerce businesses. Pipe17 started from the foundation that connecting all the programs you need to run a successful, digital-first business shouldn’t be a chore.
This falls in line with ShipHero’s overriding goal to make it easy to ship eCommerce. We want our clients to see the value in having streamlined processes, custom workflows and a partner that understands what they need.
Pipe17 also brings crucial connections to our clients that ShipHero didn’t have before now. We’re excited to give our clients the advantage of connecting platforms such as QuickBooks or NetSuite with ShipHero via Pipe17. The more of your systems that work with and “talk” to each other, the more streamlined your operation will be.
An Omnichannel Leader
Another of Pipe17’s strengths is their ability to help eCommerce businesses get the most out of omnichannel selling. This notion of selling across channels while maintaining the same level of customer satisfaction and also meeting the new fulfillment demands of in-store pickup and curbside delivery are only going to expand in 2022.
Pipe17 works with WMS platforms like ShipHero to help clients define specific rules for shipments, certain products or particular marketplaces. It’s easier than ever to designate these different orders for a variety of fulfillment options – including dropshipping, buy online, pick-up in store or warehouse fulfillment. Pipe17 leverages a client’s network of warehouses, current SKU availability and location to make the smartest fulfillment plan possible. For details on how Pipe17 supports ShipHero Fulfillment clients, click here.
ShipHero is aware of the importance of omnichannel selling, especially as vaccination rates rise and bring customers back to storefronts. This led to more customers doing multi-platform buying – often starting a purchase on mobile and finishing it online to then go pick it up in store. Any tools that can make this omnichannel process easier to navigate is a huge benefit to our eCommerce clients. And it’s just another reason why our partnership with Pipe17 is so important. For more details on how Pipe17 supports ShipHero SaaS clients, click here.
More Data = Better Insights
We learned early at ShipHero that having a full, 360-degree view of your warehouse and shipping operations gives clients the benefit to make smarter decisions, improve processes and encourage innovation.
So, imagine the possibilities with even more data at the fingertips of clients? By adding in Pipe17 integrations with finance and ERPs, there are even more ways for clients to parse the data and view the overall picture of their warehouse’s performance and find more ways to improve.
And because Pipe17 is all about no fuss, no muss integrations, setting up these connections is easier than ever.
Conclusion
All of this data helps clients to scale their businesses at a rate they’re comfortable with and gives them the insight to know it’ll be successful. Growing your business is the most important thing, and both Pipe17 and ShipHero can help you do it.
Schedule a meeting today with our experts to learn more about our WMS built for eCommerce brands & 3PLs looking to run their best warehouse and how ShipHero works to ensure that organizations invest in the solutions that match their needs, to improve productivity, revenue, and success.
Click HERE to Schedule a Meeting Today
Aaron Rubin, Founder & CEO
ShipHero
About the author: Aaron Rubin is the Founder & CEO of ShipHero. He is responsible for planning and executing the overall vision and strategy of the organization. Rubin’s greatest strengths are leadership, change management, strategic planning and a passion for progression. He is known for having his finger on the pulse of ShipHero’s major initiatives, his entrepreneurial spirit, and keen business acumen. His leadership of ShipHero is grounded in providing excellent customer service that drives improved business operations. His passion for ShipHero comes from the culture and his ability to have an impact on the lives of employees, customers, partners, and investors.
Follow Aaron on Twitter & LinkedIn.
Feb 11, 2022 | newsroom
Welcome to the January monthly roundup of the supply chain tech industry where I’ll be providing quick tidbits and links about recent logistech news around companies, supply chain, trends, and innovation.
Mar 28, 2022 | newsroom
In the wake of the supply chain crisis, warehouses across the globe are being squeezed by demand to store more goods than there is space, and to ship out products faster than their people can keep up.
The pandemic had a ripple effect on the supply chain: Demand for packaged goods soared while supply was constrained by factory shutdowns, shipping costs quadrupled, hundreds of thousands of containers were stranded and in warehouses, vacancy rates dipped below 4% while rents rose.
Read more at Protocol
Apr 13, 2022 | newsroom
Everything is bigger in Texas, so it makes sense that ecommerce warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment have become commonplace in the Lone Star state. Not only is there an incredible amount of space for fulfillment companies to set up warehouses in Texas, but the state has its benefits when it comes to taxes and real estate costs. If you’re looking for the best fulfillment centers in Texas, this is the place for you, as we outline the top 5 fulfillment companies in Texas cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston.
Ecommerce fulfillment involves storage, picking, packing, shipping, and even smaller, intricate details like branded packaging inserts. During our research of fulfillment centers in Texas, we took all of this into account. We also factored in elements like pricing, extra fees, additional warehouses, and processing times.
Read more at Ecommerce Platforms
Apr 13, 2022 | newsroom
When you’re searching for a third-party US fulfillment center, location is key. The position of your inventory impacts your shipping costs, delivery times, return rates, customer satisfaction, acquisition rates, and scalability.
Along with the right location, your fulfillment partner needs to have services and pricing that align with your business needs.
Read more at Fit Small Business
Apr 25, 2022 | newsroom
High-volume ecommerce companies use inventory management systems not only to avoid product shortages but also to streamline and optimize their entire order fulfillment process.
Centralizing your inventory and order data is especially important for companies that sell across multiple online and offline channels, utilize multiple warehouses, or depend on kitting—bundling multiple items, often from multiple locations, which are sold and shipped as a single product.
Shopify has recognized ShipHero as one of the top inventory management systems on the market, ready to get your brand’s fulfillment on track in time for peak season.
Read more at Shopify.
May 13, 2022 | Blog
The past few years have permanently changed the way customers shop and interact with brands. With so many purchases happening online, brick and mortar storefronts have had to take a fresh look at their role in the retail cycle.
By providing options like BOPIS and employing omnichannel marketing, brands have found a way to leverage their physical storefronts for a better customer experience.
Brick-and-mortar adaptation
Despite the sudden rise of online shopping, most buying still takes place at physical locations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, eCommerce only made up roughly 13% of all retail purchases at the height of the pandemic.
Rather than commit fully to one side or the other, brands have adapted their brick-and-mortar locations to work hand-in-hand with online stores. The new prominence of eCommerce can be leveraged and integrated into the shopping experience to create a more convenient buying option for customers. One of the key strategies retailers have employed is the “buy online, pickup in-store” model, or BOPIS.
Advantages of BOPIS
BOPIS allows customers to make a purchase from their computer or smartphone and set a pickup time that is most convenient for them.
Rather than manage two separate sales avenues, this approach helps integrate digital and real-world retail spaces to support each other. The sudden popularity of BOPIS might have come from necessity, but it has proven advantages for retailers in the long term.
Customer Convenience
For businesses with an existing brick and mortar location, BOPIS bridges the gap between stores and their digital platforms while providing a competitive advantage. These days, customers expect their online orders to arrive in a matter of days, if not quicker. Most stores can’t guarantee such speedy delivery, and BOPIS provides another avenue for customer convenience.
The ability to offer expedited shipping is challenging from a logistics point of view, but with an established brick-and mortar location, the process can be much easier. By connecting the digital and physical sides of your business, your brand can provide a seamless shopping experience that won’t put additional strain on your shipping process.
Easier Fulfillment
Speaking of the shipping process, BOPIS could even reduce the demand on your warehouse staff. Customers that are eager to get their orders quickly might be more inclined to pick up the item themselves.
This could reduce the amount of output required by your warehouse, helping avoid expensive shipping bottlenecks and carrier delays when order activity picks up.
Inventory management
As online orders continue to increase, brick-and-mortar stores can even double as extra inventory space. In an effort to shorten delivery times, some brands have begun converting existing storefront to curb-side-pickup locations. These facilities are redesigned as storage centers that prioritize order fulfillment, rather than in-store shopping.
As inventory shortages continue to pose challenges for eCommerce brands, real-world locations have become extremely valuable for anyone looking to simplify last-mile logistics.
In-Store Activity
Not only does a BOPIS option make things easier for the customer, but the added incentive to visit a brick and mortar location could boost foot traffic through the store.
Getting more customers through the door via BOPIS could lead to additional in-store sales, while fostering a better, real-world connection with customers.
How to Implement BOPIS
Integrating a pickup option is an important step to take, but it isn’t as easy as adding a button to your online store. Let’s take a look at some of the considerations you should make before you implement this strategy.
Visibility
One of the major challenges in implementing BOPIS is syncing up online inventory with your actual store. Shoppers expect the products available online to be in-stock at the store nearest to them, so introducing BOPIS without an inventory management strategy could cause confusion down the road.
Merging BOPIS into your retail cycle can be made much easier with a dependable warehouse management software. By getting instant inventory alerts and automating stock updates for your online store, you can be sure your customers are able to make purchases without an issue.
Clear Customer Support
As the owner of a brick-and-mortar location, “pickup in-store” might sound pretty straightforward, but customers won’t be as familiar with your store’s layout. It’s essential to provide customers with instructions on where exactly to go when picking up an order.
By explaining the process at the point of purchase and posting clear signage in the store, you can avoid unnecessary confusion and customer frustration when they choose the BOPIS option.
Omnichannel
One of the key strategies brands have adopted to maximize the potential of their brick-and-mortar locations is known as omnichannel. Omnichannel is an approach to marketing that allows customers to access products on any digital platform or on any device in addition to their physical storefronts.
For example, while some eCommerce brands might offer a product on their website only, omnichannel gives customers the chance to find products and complete purchases via social media, smartphone apps, or at the store’s physical location. This approach helps foster the connection with customers by providing the option to purchase products in the way that they prefer.
Conclusion
Some might see brick-and-mortar stores as a relic of the past, as eCommerce emerges as the first buying choice for a growing number of customers. However, an established storefront can be a powerful tool when working in conjunction with your digital platforms.
By adapting to the current market and providing options like BOPIS and curb-side pickup, brands can leverage their real-world locations to provide a much more efficient consumer experience.
If you’re looking for a partner to help connect your online store and maximize your brand’s shipping potential, contact the Software Experts at ShipHero today.
Click HERE to Schedule a Meeting Today
Aaron Rubin, Founder & CEO
ShipHero
About the author: Aaron Rubin is the Founder & CEO of ShipHero. He is responsible for planning and executing the overall vision and strategy of the organization. Rubin’s greatest strengths are leadership, change management, strategic planning and a passion for progression. He is known for having his finger on the pulse of ShipHero’s major initiatives, his entrepreneurial spirit, and keen business acumen. His leadership of ShipHero is grounded in providing excellent customer service that drives improved business operations. His passion for ShipHero comes from the culture and his ability to have an impact on the lives of employees, customers, partners, and investors.
Follow Aaron on Twitter & LinkedIn.
May 20, 2022 | Blog
eCommerce might be more popular than ever, but the industry is still relatively young. That means plenty of changes are underway as brands continue adapting to the future of retail.
Recent retail trends have skewed toward making supply chain unpredictability more manageable. Nearly every eCommerce brand has had to navigate surging orders, carrier delays or warehouse bottlenecks in recent years. By implementing new shipping strategies and investing in the latest fulfillment technology, brands have settled into the new normal and are better positioned for the future of retail.
Same-Day Delivery Strategies
Keeping up with the competition is tricky in a fast-paced market like eCommerce. Major brands have shifted customer expectations to the point that same-day or next-day delivery is thought of as the norm.
Solving this problem might sound expensive, but with a few relatively minor adjustments to your brand’s fulfillment process, you can cut costs while providing a speedy delivery option.
Flexible supply chain
One of the most prominent retail industry trends has been brands prioritizing a flexible supply chain, or the ability to quickly adapt to a changing logistics environment. Traditional warehouses that operated under the same conditions for years before the onset of COVID-19 were caught off guard when the workload for carriers, warehouse staff and product suppliers suddenly changed.
Avoiding these bottlenecks is essential for maintaining a base of happy customers, leading to new strategies in fulfillment. Curb-side pickup, for example, emerged as a means of relieving some of the pressure on warehouse staff by having customers pick up orders from the warehouse or storefront themselves. With a lower output requirement, warehouse workers can maintain a steady output without the threat of overwhelming fulfillment requirements.
Automated Warehouse Technology
An important piece of the flexible supply chain puzzle is technology. Whether it’s wearable tech that tracks warehouse progress, customizable robotics or warehouse management software, retail in 2022 is turning to innovation as a shipping solution.
In a retail environment that can sometimes be volatile, cutting costs and staying efficient is essential. Modern fulfillment software solutions can optimize inventory management, suggest pick and pack strategies and provide real-time carrier rates.
Smart warehouse technologies have also gained momentum as a retail trend in 2022. Modern wearable technology tracks packages throughout a facility, while allowing warehouse staff to complete multiple tasks from a single location. Other tools like automated label printers or intelligent conveyor systems help cut down on the errors that come with the manual picking process, reducing costly misships or product returns.
Social Sales Channels
Social commerce is one of the fastest growing retail channels in 2022, turning Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin into the latest battleground for online retailers.
In addition to opening your products to more potential customers, social media fosters the interactive aspect of your eCommerce store. By interacting with your products online before making a purchase, customers get a deeper connection with your brand. With a level of trust and familiarity between the buyer and seller, customers are able to make informed purchases and are more likely to return in the future.
Let’s take a look at some emerging interactive retail trends that can help provide a rich customer experience.
Livestream Shopping
Livestream shopping is when customers view a live video of someone else interacting with a product before deciding on a purchase. While they’re commonly featured on social media platforms, livestream shopping can be hosted via webinars or direct video calls with customers.
Unboxing videos, for example, are a popular form of livestream marketing where brands send streamers products and have them open the packages live. The audience then gets to see the host’s unfiltered reaction to the item, giving them an authentic review of the product’s pros and cons. By providing a link to the product on the stream’s page, customers can immediately decide whether to place an order.
Livestream shopping can also be utilized to showcase a brick-and-mortar store. Having a host walk through the aisles of a store or warehouse can give customers an idea for what to expect when they show up in-person. If an exciting new line of products comes in, featuring them through an Instagram or Facebook live stream can help drum up interest and advertise what your brand has to offer.
AR & VR Shopping
Virtual reality and augmented reality, or VR and AR, is a rising media technology that has a lot of online retail potential. According to Zion Market Research, the augmented reality market is expected to grow to $128 billion by 2028.
The immersive and highly interactive environment that AR provides lends itself to eCommerce. Customers can try on clothing, interact with products or even test drive vehicles with this technology. Ikea was one of the first major brands to adopt augmented reality with their Ikea Place App, which allows customers to view how pieces of furniture would look in their existing room before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Online retail might be going through significant changes, but that opens up the potential for new and creative strategies that cut costs on fulfillment while generating new customers.
If you’re looking for a partner to help modernize your warehouse and help scale your brand, contact the Software Experts at ShipHero today.
Click HERE to Schedule a Meeting Today
Aaron Rubin, Founder & CEO
ShipHero
About the author: Aaron Rubin is the Founder & CEO of ShipHero. He is responsible for planning and executing the overall vision and strategy of the organization. Rubin’s greatest strengths are leadership, change management, strategic planning and a passion for progression. He is known for having his finger on the pulse of ShipHero’s major initiatives, his entrepreneurial spirit, and keen business acumen. His leadership of ShipHero is grounded in providing excellent customer service that drives improved business operations. His passion for ShipHero comes from the culture and his ability to have an impact on the lives of employees, customers, partners, and investors.
Follow Aaron on Twitter & LinkedIn.
