eCommerce fulfillment refers to all the processes it takes to get an order delivered to a customer from the moment the purchase has been made online until it arrives at the customer’s doorstep. These stages include storing and receiving inventory, processing orders, picking and packing items, and shipping the items off to the customer’s destination. While some businesses manage the fulfillment process in-house, many eCommerce businesses often complete their fulfillment through third-party logistics providers (3PL) or a combination of both.
ehouse offers complete end-to-end fulfillment services that enable any eCommerce retailer to streamline their business and meet customer expectations. With professional standards, high-end fulfillment centers, and built-in tools, your orders will be effortlessly picked and packed, and ready to ship. When working with a 3PL provider such as ehouse, all the monotonous and hard work is done on your behalf, letting you focus on what actually matters, growth and success.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of eCommerce fulfillment services, the different types of fulfillment available to businesses, and the key considerations businesses make when choosing an eCommerce fulfillment solution.
Why is eCommerce fulfillment important?
An exceptional fulfillment model is crucial for any eCommerce business that operates online and has a direct influence on eCommerce conversion and revenue. It can be the difference between an online retailer with increased sales and a happy customer database or one with low customer loyalty and a poor online reputation. The eCommerce fulfillment process begins the moment an order has been placed on your eCommerce store and is a lot more than just processing the order and ensuring it is delivered on time. Fulfillment is about providing a positive customer experience and making your business stand out from others. When eCommerce fulfillment isn’t done correctly, it often results in setbacks that can harm your eCommerce business and lower your sales. By fine-tuning your fulfillment process, you will keep your customers happy, develop your brand and encourage stable growth.
The different types of eCommerce fulfillment services
There are several types of fulfillment services available to eCommerce businesses. The type of fulfillment service that a business chooses depends on several factors, including the size of the business, the number of orders processed, the location of the customers, and the type of products being sold. Here are some of the most common types of fulfillment services:
- In-House Fulfillment- In-house fulfillment is when a business handles the fulfillment process itself. This means that the business has its own warehouse, staff, and shipping services. When fulfillment is completed in-house, retailers can purchase packing materials at attractive prices from ehouse and complete the packaging on their own. In-house fulfillment is suitable for small businesses that have a low volume of orders, a functioning logistics network, or sell products with complicated packing and shipping requirements
- Third-Party Fulfillment: 3PL fulfillment is when a business outsources its fulfillment process to a third-party logistics provider. The logistics provider will handle the products' storage, packing, and shipping. 3PL eCommerce fulfillment is suitable for businesses with a high volume of orders or does not have the resources to handle the fulfillment process themselves.
- Dropshipping: Dropshipping is when a retailer does not hold any inventory; instead, the supplier ships the product directly to the customer. The business only pays for the product once it has been sold. Dropshipping is suitable for businesses that do not want to hold any inventory or have limited funds.
Key Considerations When Choosing an eCommerce Fulfillment Solution
When a customer purchases from your online store, they expect it to arrive on time and in the best possible condition. By outsourcing fulfillment to a 3PL fulfillment service, you are increasing your chances of reaching these expectations. Still, choosing the right 3PL solution is the key to building a strong, loyal, and happy customer network. When choosing an eCommerce fulfillment solution, businesses should keep several key considerations in mind. These considerations include:
- Cost - The cost of the fulfillment service is an essential consideration for any business. The cost includes storage, pick and pack, and shipping fees. Businesses should choose a cost-effective fulfillment solution that fits within their budget.
- Location - The location of the fulfillment center is one of the most important things to keep in mind when making this decision. The closer the fulfillment center is to the customer, the faster the shipping time will be. Businesses should choose a fulfillment solution with multiple fulfillment centers in strategic locations to ensure fast and efficient shipping.
- Scalability - As a business grows, the volume of orders will increase. Therefore, it is essential to choose a fulfillment solution that can scale with the business is essential. The fulfillment solution should be able to handle a high volume of orders without any issues.
- Technology: The type of technology the fulfillment center uses is also an important consideration. Businesses should choose a fulfillment solution with robust inventory, order, and shipping management systems. The technology should be easy to use and integrate with the eCommerce platform. The effective tracking of movement and availability of products helps businesses avoid stockouts, overselling, and delays in order fulfillment, ensuring a positive customer experience.
To wrap it up, eCommerce fulfillment services play a critical role in the success of any online business. Choosing the right fulfillment solution is crucial for any eCommerce business that wants to succeed in today’s competitive market, provide a positive customer experience, and improve customer loyalty..
Save time and money and grow your business with ehouse
ehouse’s full-service fulfillment center offers fast and reliable order fulfillment for eCommerce businesses of all sizes. Our state-of-the-art warehouse technology and inventory management system ensure businesses can track inventory levels in real-time, avoid stockouts, and provide an exceptional customer experience. With our strategically located warehouses, ehouse can provide fast and cost-effective shipping options to customers nationwide. To find out how you can provide top-quality customer experience and streamline your fulfillment process, get in touch with ehouse’s fulfillment experts today.
