Category Archives: Order Fulfillment

Here’s a fact that many retail companies already know or will soon figure out: the success of your order management and fulfillment process is a key to determining the success of your company. A bit bold? Not when you consider the complexity of omnichannel delivery paired with the expectations of customers in markets which are largely global. Getting an order from point A to point B seems as straightforward as you can get, but with outdated systems, a lack of transparency throughout the process, and an overall delivery operation that doesn’t utilize the tools and technology available to effectively track...

Perfect order fulfillment has a very specific meaning. It refers to any order that is made on time, with complete and accurate documentation, and no delivery damage. While straightforward in concept, it is not always easy to accomplish. Outdated processes, slow responses to sudden shifts in demand, limited visibility on aspects of the supply chain, trouble managing supply chain risks, and difficulty reacting to unexpected developments are just some of the ways perfect order fulfillment can be disrupted. Imperfect order fulfillment is more than an annoyance for the customer. It creates very real labor costs for additional shipping, replacement products,...

Since customers are generally lost or gained through an order fulfillment service, it can be nerve wracking to outsource your business’s fulfillment shipping to another company. But having a third party manage your company’s fulfillment service can be the best thing for you to take your business to the next level. To optimize this service, the key is to find an established order fulfillment company that already has the ideal system in place. (more…)

Order fulfillment is often seen by companies as a means to an end or, worse, as a necessary evil or basic utility. Shipping services are just another bill to be paid while the company tries to focus on other, more profitable matters, such as product development or marketing. This view does a disservice to both your company and your customers. (more…)

Long Way from Home These days, you see a lot of businesses going local, either because of certain constraints or commitment to the local economy. The local option is also very appealing to the consumer public, and can bring great success to many new businesses. But what about the long-distance options? Going local is good, but there are options for those who wish to seek fortune internationally. (more…)

Uncertainty Principles In the end, we can know only so much. That’s why when we try something new, we often don’t know what the end result will be. While we can certainly expect a certain result, we’ll never know for sure what will happen until it does. There’s nothing wrong with this, especially if you work in product fulfillment. In fact, it’s likely a good thing that you understand that not everything you do for your business will be successful. There will be failures, and you will have to do a lot of learning from your mistakes. (more…)

Between Woods and Water Before you hit the road in product fulfillment, know why you are going out. Are you seeking to connect with new logistics companies, or are you going to a convention to meet other pros? Many travel writers claim that travel must have a purpose, and for product fulfillment, it’s no different. Actually, all attempts at third-party fulfillment need a reason. It’s not all about meeting with likeminded pros; you might also be scouting new tools, like new digital marketing or order fulfillment systems. (more…)

Best Intentions If you have a religious background, you’ve probably read up on temptation. While it’s a compelling feeling, it’s also what many claim drives people to do bad things, and the results are often dangerous, criminal, or both. Religion aside, it’s worthwhile to consider temptation from a professional perspective. We’ve often seen cases of successful businesspersons who either made a bad choice or attempted some terrible scheme, only to find themselves ruined and humiliated. (more…)

There You Go There’s the kids’ sports practice, then home for dinner—but only after you finish that online course component—and, time permitting, you have to stop and get ice cream and watch that football game you recorded. And that’s just a typical day. Can you predict it? Probably not completely, especially if you’re a professional in your field with a family to care for. (more…)

Hard to Find You may have often heard “back in the day” speeches from your elders. While these tales may be a bit far-fetched and/or exaggerated, they may inadvertently mention products or services that were not readily available at the time: music fans ordering albums only available overseas, guitarists in the UK paying sailors money to bring back an electric guitar from the U.S., and even famous novels and films being smuggled into countries where they were banned or not on the market due to legal issues. (more…)