Customers expect dependable, timely order processing regardless of the size of your company. Outsourcing print on demand fulfillment is one method for meeting these expectations and providing a positive customer experience. A print on demand company can assist you in managing customer orders, sending out shipments on time, and obtaining up-to-date information on products available for restocking or promotions. As a result, the right print on demand services can help your company gain a competitive advantage.
7 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SCALING PRINT ON DEMAND FULFILLMENT
1. What is the size of your eCommerce business?
The type of fulfillment is best for your business will be determined by the scope of your operations. Shipping orders from your place of business may be feasible if you start your eCommerce business or have a low volume of orders. Instead of processing orders yourself as your eCommerce business grows, it may make sense to secure dedicated storage space and use a print on demand fulfillment service. In either case, it’s critical to have enough inventory on hand to fill orders during peak shopping seasons.
2. What types of things do you sell?
The type of products you sell may influence the level of support you require from a fulfillment service. It is especially true in the shipping industry. However, keep in mind that not all shipping options are available for all products. Certain products have transportation restrictions in the United States. Furthermore, shipping for bulky or large items is usually more expensive. Hazardous materials or dangerous goods, also known as hazmat items, must typically be shipped by ground.
3. How convenient and affordable is your shipping ?
Shipping time is one of the most important factors customers consider when deciding whether to purchase a product from you. According to a poll, nearly 84 percent of those polled considered shipping an important part of their online shopping experience. Shipping is critical in providing a positive customer experience while remaining profitable. Due to the high volume of shipments handled by print on demand fulfillment services, shipping rates are typically quick and low. However, each fulfillment service will have different rates, which may vary depending on the product type, order location, and other factors.
4. How will you handle returns?
Every business with an eCommerce channel requires a method to process returns. Standard returns processing can assist in making it simple for customers to ship items back to your business. It should also include a notification system to notify customers when replacements or refunds are available. You may need to inspect items to ensure they are undamaged or unworn as part of the returns process, restock products as needed, and document or discard defective products. Tracking returns and faulty items are also helpful in product planning.
5. How well can you track supply levels?
Inventory management is the process of keeping track of what you have on hand. Inventory management entails ordering, storing, and restocking any products that have run out. To avoid accidentally selling an out-of-stock product, use a print on demand fulfillment solution that allows you to track inventory levels. Managing your inventory successfully necessitates staying agile and stocking the appropriate number of units for your business.
6. Is fulfillment software required?
Small eCommerce businesses may use manual admin processes and organized spreadsheets to handle the eCommerce order fulfillment. Larger operations will necessitate the use of sophisticated fulfillment software. Some fulfillment software solutions let you integrate your eCommerce ordering system and automatically route orders to ecommerce fulfillment centers. You will also require current inventory levels to restock products or offer discounts to offload stagnant inventory.
7. Do you want to sell on a global scale?
Ecommerce is a worldwide activity. To reach out to international customers, learn about special sales conditions like regulations, tariffs, and taxes. You will also need to develop a process for reliably shipping your orders worldwide. A print on demand provider will most likely assist with these complexities, but if you want to fulfill international orders, ensure your fulfillment provider handles international shipping.
THE RIGHT FULFILLMENT PARTNER CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS THRIVE
A print on demand fulfillment may enable you to expand your business with less risk and greater flexibility. Compared to managing a larger warehouse, using a third-party provider allows you to scale up or down based on demand. This adaptability may help you reduce storage and overhead costs while meeting customer demands for fast, low-cost shipping. Fulfillplex can give your company a competitive advantage by lowering costs, increasing revenue, providing a positive customer experience, and ultimately assisting you in building a thriving business. Check us out right now and get a quote.