When you’re new to the business – you might have a great idea for e-commerce, for example, and then discover that it actually works out – you might find yourself struggling with logistical needs. When your orders are picking up and you find yourself spending too much time trying to get the orders out to the customers, then it’s time you start thinking about consulting the professionals. The answer is a fulfilment service. If you’re in doubt and wonder what such a company can do for you, then this one’s for you: here’s a step by step explanation of what a fulfilment service can do for your business.
Understanding what we’re talking about
A fulfilment company receives, processes, and delivers orders to the customer according to both your and the customer’s needs. That’s the basic definition. A fulfilment service does things for you according to your specifications. More importantly, the fulfilment service does things with experience and professionalism that you may not have or may not be able to acquire in the near future.
Receiving
Receiving items is not as easy as it seems; you need to take care of several things. Here are just some of them:
- Counting the number of items and ensuring they match the order
- Inspecting inventory for damaged items
- Adding it to inventory control and other documentation
- Applying specific indications (such as bar codes, etc.)
Storage
Some items need to be stored in specific ways (for example, items that need cool storage). Others should not be stacked on top of each other. And what about insurance against fire, burglary, and so on? Storage needs to be thought through.
Getting the orders
Receive the order, locate the item, package it correctly, send it out – it’s a whole process.
Moving it out
Are you sure the item will be shipped to the right customer?
What about returns?
Customer service is very important, and you need to be sure that you are able to handle dissatisfied customers in a manner that is appropriate.
If your business is growing, you’ll soon find out how important it is to have professionals take care of your logistical needs – you need to rely on them unless you have enough capital, enough time, and enough managerial skills to stick through the whole learning curve. Here’s what’s really special about the order fulfilment service: you’re able to concentrate on what is really important to you: growing your business, one day at a time, without having to worry about things that people more qualified than you can do much better. It’s about avoiding headaches, and it’s about focusing your energy on what you do best. It’s about striving for success.
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