Shipping and Order Fulfillment Top Tips and More News
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Grab your coffee, it’s time for another Tuesday Top Tips edition! This week we’re talking 3PLs — it’s a nice add-on after last Tuesday’s international shipping advice. And shipping might be an important part of your small business equation — especially after receiving so much Amazon expansion news last Friday! It looks like a boost in eCommerce sales is coming our way…
Today’s news is 680 words and takes 3 minutes to read.
If you’re an eCommerce seller looking for ways to streamline your business operations and cut down on shipping costs, working with a third-party logistics provider (3PL) could be the perfect solution.
A 3PL is a company that provides outsourced logistics and fulfillment services to businesses. By partnering with a 3PL, eCommerce sellers can save time and money, and focus on growing their business.
In this article, we’ll discuss five essential tips for eCommerce sellers to optimize their 3PLs.
3PL Market Revenue Statistics
First things first, it wouldn’t be Webretailer Tips without statistics to back us up.
According to the information provided by Statista, the revenue generated in the US 3PL market from 2010 to 2021 has been growing immensely since 2010. In 2021, the revenue skyrocketed from 231.5 billion US dollars in 2020 to 347.9 billion US dollars. In comparison to previous years, when the revenue was growing slowly and steadily, 2021 was a very good year for third-party logistics companies.
In conclusion, as an eCommerce seller, you should certainly consider introducing 3PLs into your business, in order to stay in the game. With that said, let’s get into the top tips.
3PLs Top Tips
Tip #1: Choose the Right 3PL for Your Business
Not all 3PLs will have what you’re looking for, and it’s important to find a provider that meets your specific business needs. Some 3PLs specialize in specific industries, such as food or medical products, while others may be better suited for small businesses.
When choosing a 3PL, consider factors such as location, pricing, shipping speed, and customer service. It’s also important to ensure that your 3PL can integrate with your eCommerce platform and provide real-time inventory tracking.
Tip #2: Streamline Your Order Fulfillment Process
One of the biggest advantages of working with a 3PL is that they handle order fulfillment on your behalf. However, to ensure a smooth process, it’s important to provide accurate and timely information to your 3PL. This includes product information, order volume, and shipping details. By streamlining your order fulfillment process, you can minimize errors and delays, and improve customer satisfaction.
Tip #3: Communicate Regularly with Your 3PL
Communication is key to a successful partnership with your 3PL. Make sure to establish a clear line of communication from the start, and schedule regular check-ins to discuss any issues or concerns. This can help you identify and resolve problems before they escalate, and ensure that your 3PL is meeting your expectations.
| Recommendation Check out what to ask 3PLs in this article! |
Tip #4: Monitor Your 3PL’s Performance
To ensure that your 3PL is delivering the best possible service, it’s important to monitor their performance regularly. This includes tracking shipping times, order accuracy, and customer feedback. By monitoring your 3PL’s performance, you can identify areas for improvement and work with your provider to address any issues.
Tip #5: Optimize Your Inventory Management
Effective inventory management is crucial for eCommerce sellers, and working with a 3PL can help you optimize this process. By outsourcing your inventory management to your 3PL, you can ensure that you always have the right products in stock, without the need for costly warehousing space. Additionally, your 3PL can help you manage inventory across multiple sales channels, such as your website, Amazon, and eBay.
In Conclusion
Working with a 3PL can be a game-changer for eCommerce sellers looking to streamline their operations and cut down on shipping costs. By following these five essential tips, you can optimize your 3PL partnership and take your business to the next level!
Also in the news
- Retailers struggle to predict demand. Rappler.
- Etsy beats revenue expectations. Charged Retail.
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