In-person retailers are experiencing a decrease in sales while their e-commerce counterparts continue to grow swiftly. According to Forbes, last year saw a staggering uptick in e-commerce sales due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With this growing number of online purchases, fulfilling orders is getting increasingly difficult.
The logical answer to this problem is to use a fulfillment center. These centers are a means of outsourcing shipping and warehouse needs for online retailers. If you are a business owner, here is what you need to know before you choose a fulfillment center.
Your E-commerce Business Goals
Every business owner has a quality standard they would like to reach. Knowing what areas of your fulfillment process need improvement is crucial for growth. Assess the problems and set the goals to improve them.
Are you seeing poor customer feedback, returns, or order inaccuracy? The right fulfillment center can remedy this immediately. The following assessments will help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
Reputability of the Fulfillment Center
Top of the line prompt customer service is essential for any e-commerce business. If a package is lost, damaged, or late your customers deserve timely and satisfactory answers. Being able to thoroughly and quickly communicate with your chosen fulfillment center is the primary way to make this possible.
The first correspondence you have with a fulfillment center should be like an interview. Evaluate how prompt they are with their replies, how knowledgeable they are, and if they show interest in your business. How they treat you before you become a client is a direct indicator of how they will treat you once you do.
What the Fulfillment Center Offers
When interviewing a potential fulfillment center, find out what accommodations they offer. Things can change overnight for a growing online retailer. A fulfillment center that can keep up with the fast pace of it all is a must.
Rapid increases in orders or significant changes in stock could leave smaller-scale fulfillment centers in disarray. Ask them what their experience is with last-minute changes and how they operate. Depending on the size and growth rate of your store, consider a larger-scale fulfillment center.
If Your Standards Align
The number one question you should ask yourself when choosing a fulfillment center is if your standards align. Do you have the same standards for quality control? That can mean a multitude of things for different businesses. In the world of e-commerce, this means timely shipping, order accuracy, proper packing, and outstanding customer service.
It is also crucial to consider if your values align. Some e-commerce brands promote an environmentally friendly message. If you are the owner of one of these brands, ensure that the fulfillment center carries the same values.
If you find yourself having to stress a single one of these things to a fulfillment center business, it is best to move on. Never compromise quality and sufficiency for price. You and your customers deserve the best the industry has to offer.
Take your e-commerce business to the next level and use a fulfillment center. Overflo is a family-owned business here to help with all of your fulfillment, warehousing, distribution, and logistics needs.
Contact us for more information and a free quote at (800) 626-061600 or at overflo.com, the place for space!