Ecommerce is a critical component of the global economy. In 2020, e-commerce sales will account for 18% of total retail sales worldwide. Furthermore, in 2024, this figure is expected to rise to 21.8 percent. Online shopping is one of the most popular online activities throughout the world. As a result, many people are discovering the benefits of launching online businesses to sell products in virtual retail marketplaces. However, if you’re a severe eCommerce entrepreneur looking to grow your business from the ground up, you’re going to need some help and support. Finally, working with a suitable print on demand provider for your company will set you apart from the competition.
BEST QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING A PRINT ON DEMAND PROVIDER
1. What is your service guarantee?
Before you sign up with a print on demand fulfillment service, you should understand what services they provide. There is no room for error in the fast-paced world of eCommerce logistics. Furthermore, a service guarantee has become an industry-standard, so make sure it is included in the service level agreement. As a result, the company must be willing to guarantee in writing, and it must be part of the contract’s terms and conditions.
2. Will I get a dedicated account manager?
When something goes wrong, you need to be able to contact the company directly. eCommerce fulfillment warehouses and logistics firms employ a large number of people and manage thousands of accounts. As a result, you require a dedicated account manager to whom you can turn when working in a crisis. In essence, an account manager is similar to a company employee. Your account manager will understand how you run and manage your business, as well as your expectations when dealing with your print on demand provider.
3. Are there discounts available?
As your business grows, your print on demand provider should be able to scale with it. It stands to reason that as you use the service more frequently, you should receive a rate reduction. It’s worth noting that the print-on-demand company will use the same model for its freight forwarding service. As a result, they save money on shipping more goods, which they should pass to you. However, before committing to a provider, make sure you understand the rate card thoroughly. Make sure you have an agreement in place to lock in prices at a specific cost and that your print on demand provider guarantees these prices.
4. What is the warehouse capacity, and where are they located?
When you sign up with your print on demand provider, talk about how much space you get in the warehouse as part of your service level agreement. In addition, check that the print on demand provider uses a fair pricing model and that you are not falling victim to clauses that unfairly raise prices. It’s also critical to understand where the warehouses are located. Look for partners with locations in multiple hubs across the country: the more locations, the better. Most print on demand companies operate from a single central warehouse, so make sure you know where it is.
5. Will your logistics technology systems integrate with my website?
As an eCommerce entrepreneur, you need a print on demand service that integrates with your existing systems. You worked hard to build your current system, and your print on demand provider should work with it to provide a tailored solution to your needs. Furthermore, they must ensure that their inventory systems can communicate in real-time with your management systems. This feature is essential for providing real-time stock updates to your store to avoid overselling. Check that the software you’re using integrates seamlessly with your existing systems for easy tracking and updating.
6. Is my data safe?
We live in the information age, where data has a monetary value, and everyone is attempting to obtain as much of it as possible about their business. You must understand what the company is doing to protect its assets from attempted theft by hackers and cybercriminals. You are responsible for the safe storage of all your customer information, and who you share it with can have a variety of consequences depending on the parties involved. You’re entrusting sensitive customer information to your print on demand provider. As a result, you must understand what they intend to do with that data and how they intend to protect it from cyber-attack.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Outsourcing fulfillment will transform your eCommerce business model. Even if you only have a few items in your line or are just starting with an eCommerce venture, the best print on demand service provider can help you get started quickly. Remember to use the questions on this list to conduct due diligence on your prospective fulfillment partner.
Fulfillplex can simplify storage, picking, packing, shipping, and even customer returns for you. We are a top eCommerce fulfillment company that can meet your company’s logistics needs and scales with you as your online business grows. Contact us today to learn more.