Packed and Ready to Go: 7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fulfillment Company

Millions of companies are out there providing products for customers. They offer a vast range of items for the public to enjoy, and they operate in a long list of market niches. Some operate mainly on a local basis whereas others send their wares around the world. No matter how large or small those companies are or what types of products they have to offer, they all have one thing in common: much of their success rests on satisfactory order fulfillment services.

For many businesses, outsourcing fulfillment services is much more suitable than trying to handle all the elements involved in-house. Companies like Your Logistics Corp. are here to help meet companies’ unique order fulfillment needs. They offer a selection of services for B2B and B2C companies and also provide tailored options to further meet the distinct needs of each of their clients. If you’re looking for an order fulfillment company, it’s important to understand exactly which aspects are most important for your business.

1) Packaging Solutions

One of the essential factors to consider when choosing an order fulfillment company is the types of packaging solutions it offers. Different products have varying packaging requirements. Some need food-grade packaging, some need custom marijuana packaging, while others require sturdy casings to protect them during shipping. You might even need to consider further security measures, depending on what it is you are shipping. If, for example, your customers need proof that their item has not been tampered with, you’ll want to make sure that security tape (forseglingstape) is included as part of the packaging. Be sure the fulfillment company you choose offers the type of packaging, and any additional things you may need, that meets your requirements.

2) Branding Alternatives

Your brand sends a message to customers. It tells them who you are and what you’re about. If your products bear your company’s logo, color scheme, and other distinguishing factors, they can help reinforce your brand among customers and spread the word about it to prospects. Find out if the fulfillment companies on your list allow for branding or if they simply toss everything into plain, generic boxes.

3) Warehouse Locations

The placement of order fulfilment companies is critical as well. You can often tell a lot about the size and quality of a fulfilment company based on the location and number of warehouses they have. Shape, for example, has fulfilment centres in the UK and the EU, and is the perfect partner if your business is in the fashion industry (you can click here to learn how to ship your clothes orders with Shape). If an order fulfilment company only has one or two branches that serve widespread areas, they could slow you down and greatly hamper your growth. On the other hand, if they are conveniently located in close proximity to your business, they can propel you in the right direction.

4) Delivery Speeds

Consumers aren’t interested in waiting weeks or months to receive their orders. In fact, recent reports show that they’re barely willing to wait more than four days. To keep your customers happy, you need a fulfillment company that can offer fast, efficient delivery services.

5) Affordable Pricing

Cost is another important factor to consider when choosing a fulfillment company. This is a significant expense for many businesses, and finding the best prices will greatly lower your operating costs. It’ll also give you an opportunity to pass some of the savings along to your customers. In addition to expecting their orders quickly, they want shipping fees to be as low as possible.

6) Use of Technology

Numerous technological advancements have been brought to packaging, shipping, and other aspects involved in order fulfillment. The right company for you is one that understands the technology that’s available to them and uses it to their fullest benefit as well as yours.

7) Managing Returns

Returns are inevitable in the world of order fulfillment. Managing them properly can help reduce costs, avoid unnecessary waste, and find out which customers are simply trying to take advantage of you among other benefits. Find out if the fulfillment companies you’re thinking of hiring are willing and able to offer returns management services to help take the load off of your shoulders.

In a Nutshell

If your company offers products to the public, order fulfillment is a major element of your daily operations. In some cases, it just doesn’t pay to have an entire in-house order fulfillment department and staff. Outsourcing may be the better option, but finding the right fulfillment company to meet your needs and expectations is the key to success.

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