Tag: ecommerce fulfillment center

The Role of Print on Demand Fulfillment in Ecommerce Growth

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Post date May 30, 2023
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Each ecommerce business is unique and must determine the best strategy for efficiently and accurately fulfilling and shipping orders to its customers. Busy entrepreneurs and merchants frequently overlook fulfillment and logistics. As they focus on increasing sales and optimizing marketing, they lose sight of the aspect of their business that has the potential to impact and boost both. However, print on demand fulfillment is one of the most important aspects of running a successful ecommerce business, and when done correctly, it can create an unforgettable brand experience.

WHY PRINT ON DEMAND FULFILLMENT IS THE KEY TO E-COMMERCE SUCCESS?

1. Enhance Your Focus

Many small business owners have a lot on their plates. They create products, find suppliers, create marketing campaigns, answer customer questions, and more! So, why are you required to pack and ship your products too? Outsourcing an ecommerce order fulfillment provider allows you to focus on what is most important to your business.

2. Advantages of Technology

A print on demand fulfillment company employs professional management systems, specialized fund management, shipping management, tracking infrastructure, cutting-edge software, and well-trained employees. Instead of investing time and money in developing your own, leverage the technology of your fulfillment partner. You should ideally integrate the platform with their technology, allowing you to better use existing technologies.

3. Maintain Your Branding

Many business owners are concerned that outsourcing a portion of their ecommerce process will result in losing branding. It may be unclear whether another company stamps your items and packages before shipping them to your customers. Fortunately, you can maintain that continuity once you outsource your logistics. The best part is that a reputable print on demand service provider can provide your customers with something seamless.

4. Free Up Your Space

Are you using your basement, attic, garage, or other areas of your home to store your products? Over time, these workspaces can quickly become disorganized and cluttered with bubble wrap, boxes, and packing supplies. Of course, a DIY warehouse can be a cost-effective option. However, this will not be a long-term solution if you intend to expand your business. You don’t have to worry about that when you work with an ecommerce fulfillment center. It is due to their ability to handle your inventory management needs.

5. Provides Customized Packaging

For many ecommerce sellers, the first time a customer encounters their product is during a curbside delivery. That is why a battered-looking box wrapped in duct tape will not suffice. Customized packing options allow you to create personalized shipping boxes, inserts, and coupons. This method of delivery will provide a memorable unboxing experience. Print on demand fulfillment allows you to upgrade your packaging, making it fresh and exciting from the moment the customer sees it. This helps to build brand loyalty, converting your customers into loyal customers and making your brand stand out.

6. Lower Shipping Costs

Most ecommerce fulfillment centers have a national and global network of facilities. As a result, you will receive discounts for bulk deliveries, which will benefit your business. The more products you place in different fulfillment centers, the fewer zones you’ll have to cross. As a result, you save more money on operating expenses. This allows you to pass on your savings to your customers and even offer free shipping. Free shipping influences the purchasing decisions of more than half of US consumers.

7. Helps You Reach More Global Customers

It can be difficult to break into the international market when you first start, which explains why only major consumer brands take on this type of venture. However, distance is no longer an impediment. Because you can collaborate with an international print-on-demand fulfillment company. The key here is to look for a company based on your target foreign market. You can take your business to the next level with print on demand fulfillment partners.

8. Enhance Your Customer Service

Keeping an existing customer is more convenient and cost-effective than finding a new one. As a result, best customer service practices are critical. According to research, companies lose approximately $62 billion annually due to poor customer service. With so many brands and businesses competing for customers, providing excellent customer service is one way for small businesses to stand out. They also provide same-day delivery and a guaranteed delivery date which will help to improve the customer experience.

9. Have a Seamless Returns Experience

Some stores provide an “interactive customer return process,” which allows customers to return items without contacting support, going to customer inquiries, or logging in to their accounts. Remember that customers dislike being bothered. As a result, having a consistent return policy is essential. Your procedure could be as simple as requesting your customers’ ID and email addresses. Then they can select an item to return, explain why, and generate a return shipping label.

10. Their Experience Is Beneficial

You’re not attempting to be an order fulfillment expert. Instead, you’re attempting to run a business and profit from it! You leverage their tools, connections, and expertise when outsourcing some of your ecommerce fulfillment processes. Furthermore, they understand the business like the back of their hand. You can create a streamlined process by collaborating with an experienced print on demand fulfillment provider.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Outsourcing your ecommerce fulfillment allows you to grow your business and expand into new markets. Yes, having an online store allows you to reach international customers. However, this does not imply that you can deliver to them. Working with a top ecommerce fulfillment company, such as Fulfillplex, that can assist brands in developing a successful ecommerce strategy can help you retain customers. This is because they can assist you in providing excellent customer service. So, if you are considering expanding your online business, you must consider the best print on demand fulfillment partner.

Make an informed decision about your print on demand fulfillment partner! Choose Fulfillplex! Contact us and let us talk about custom fulfillment and shipping solutions that match your business needs and budget.

Tags ecommerce fulfillment center, ecommerce order fulfillment, print on demand, print on demand fulfillment, print on demand service provider, top ecommerce fulfillment company

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Print on Demand Guide to Dark Store: Key Things to Know

Post author By admin admin
Post date May 26, 2023
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Customers expect instant gratification when they shop. That’s why many people prefer to shop at a physical store; they can find what they’re looking for, make a purchase, and have it delivered on the same day. However, the pandemic made this shopping experience more difficult to provide. As a result, many physical retailers, from small to large, have opted for “dark stores” to offer more of their products online and use their retail space to store a large amount of inventory, fulfill orders, and provide more options. Print on demand delivery is booming, and the dark store is at the heart of this so-called quick commerce.

WHAT IS A DARK STORE?

A dark store is a retail store that has been converted into a micro-fulfillment center with an organized and optimized layout for the retail fulfillment of online orders. These retail distribution centers are not open to the public, allowing more space to store inventory and accurately fulfill customer orders. Once an order is placed, items can be picked and packed in the dark store before being shipped or picked up locally by the customer. This gives retailers options for both local and international customers.

HOW DOES DARK STORE PRINT ON DEMAND FULFILLMENT WORK?

1. Curbside Pickup

Customers can quickly pick up orders at the curbside. It typically consists of designated parking areas where a retailer employee will bring out the order so the customer does not have to exit their vehicle. This not only provides customers with safety during the pandemic, but it is also very convenient.

2. In-store Pickup

Many traditional dark stores have a designated pickup area inside, usually near the front door. Customers will not have to walk through the entire dark store to pick up their packages this way. Customers benefit from this, and delivery costs are reduced.

3. Home Delivery

Home delivery has become more common, particularly among local retailers. Customers benefit from fast, convenient, contactless delivery, especially for essentials. However, home deliveries can also be made by shipping orders to customers who live a long distance away by creating an online store and shipping orders.

You can fulfill orders for shipment within the dark store, or if you don’t have the resources to set up a dark store, you can work with a print on demand service provider to fulfill and ship online orders on your behalf.

4 BENEFITS OF USING DARK STORE FOR ECOMMERCE RETAIL

1. Dark stores stock a wide variety of products.

Because customers are not permitted inside functional dark stores, their layout can be designed to improve storage and picking capabilities. Improving storage capacity ensures a wider product assortment, while faster picking ensures orders are filled more quickly without sacrificing accuracy.

2. Better view of stock levels.

Because dark stores are much smaller than traditional warehouses, inventory levels are much easier to track. Many dark stores have inventory management tools to help them control stock levels in real-time. These tools also assist retailers in determining whether they are stocking too much inventory or not enough, which can result in stockouts. You can always maintain an optimal inventory level by simplifying the inventory control process.

3. Increased warehouse efficiency.

One dark store may support retail fulfillment for several geographic regions. Dark stores can handle a high volume of orders because these warehouses are customer-free zones where pickers can easily navigate aisles without having to dodge shoppers and their carts. But not without the appropriate technology. Though dark stores can easily provide more delivery options for customers, optimizing dark stores without the right technology to automate fulfillment tasks can be difficult.

4. Increased order consumption.

Customers who become accustomed to your brand’s quick, dependable, and accurate delivery of goods will likely become long-term, loyal customers. Dark stores allow you to provide more options for your customers, whether pickup options or different shipping options, which ultimately drives more sales and increases customer lifetime value.

WHY IS THE DARK STORE CONCEPT BECOMING MORE POPULAR?

1. Fast delivery solutions.

Not only do dark stores allow for contact-free in-store merchandise sales, but they also offer stress-free and quick delivery options. Dark stores eliminate the need for shoppers to waste time looking for a parking spot, rummaging through the store to find what they need, and standing in long lines at the checkout. These ecommerce fulfillment centers provide fast delivery for local customers and affordable shipping for all other customers while leveraging their physical retail space to keep carrying costs low.

2. Efficient dark store picking.

Unlike large warehouses, dark stores simplify the picking and packing process by storing a large volume of inventory in a smaller space. Dark stores are designed primarily to fulfill orders, allowing merchants to maximize easy-picking space. This speeds up and improves the accuracy of warehouse picking and inventory tracking.

3. Provides more options for customers.

This year, shoppers tasted various delivery options for their online orders, such as curbside pickup, local delivery, and faster, more affordable shipping. Dark stores, particularly for necessities such as personal care items and groceries, allow local customers to easily pick up orders or have them delivered as quickly as the same day. As a result, these delivery options will likely persist for years after the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Dark retailing allows traditional brick-and-mortar retailers to swim with the ecommerce tide rather than against it. Retailers can differentiate themselves by offering a wide range of products, multiple fulfillment options, and quick ecommerce order fulfillment while lowering operating costs and significantly increasing store efficiencies. Dark shopping will undoubtedly take on many new and creative forms as it evolves, but the owners and operators of today’s dark emporiums will be well-positioned to participate in tomorrow’s innovations.

A dark store may be ideal for you if you want to increase sales or gain more control over your delivery operations. However, you’re not alone in this run. Fulfillplex, a top ecommerce fulfillment company, is more than happy to assist you in fulfilling your customer’s orders – From shipping to fulfillment, we handle all the logistics. Focusing on operational efficiency and faster customer delivery times—a winning combination for any growing company! Contact us now.

Tags ecommerce fulfillment, ecommerce fulfillment center, ecommerce order fulfillment, print on demand, print on demand fulfillment, print on demand service provider, top ecommerce fulfillment company

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The Print on Demand Fulfillment Shipping Process Guide

Post author By admin admin
Post date May 24, 2023
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One of the most important aspects of online retail is the use of dependable print on demand fulfillment shipping solutions. After all, you can’t sell anything if your customers can’t get it. Before shipping an order, several steps must take place, and these steps are critical to streamlining the shipping process. That is why it is critical to develop a clear shipping strategy. Because the world of shipping and fulfillment can appear complex to those unfamiliar, we’ve compiled a list of everything you’ll need to know to make the best decision for your business.

WHAT IS PRINT ON DEMAND SHIPPING?

The process of delivering goods purchased online from a seller to a customer is known as ecommerce shipping. When an order is placed, the goods are packaged and delivered by an ecommerce fulfillment center. Shipping carriers are companies that transport goods from one location to another. Moreover, shipping is the link between online retailers and their customers. However, you could only sell or deliver goods to your customers if you had ecommerce shipping. It can have a significant impact on customer satisfaction. As a result, selecting the best print on demand fulfillment shipping solutions for your business is critical.

THE 3 STAGES OF THE SHIPPING PROCESS

Stage 1: Receiving the order.

The customer places the order, and the company handler receives it. As a result, you must ensure that you have enough inventory on hand to fulfill the order. The first step is working closely with your manufacturer or supplier to purchase and receive inventory at a warehouse or sending inventory to an ecommerce fulfillment center if you partner with a print on demand fulfillment company.

Most online stores now have order management systems embedded within their platform for simple order processing. It allows customers and the eCommerce business management team to track orders and inventory in a single location. As a result, the first stage of the shipping process runs smoothly, thanks to the appropriate software and tools.

Stage 2: Processing the order.

The process of verifying order data and ensuring its accuracy and that the items ordered are in stock is called processing a customer order. Much of this process is frequently automated and technological, which can help to accelerate the order processing stage. The order status is then updated in real time, and customers are notified that their order is being processed. In addition, order processing automation verifies much more than just product availability and address validation. They check to see if there are multiple orders from different sellers for the same consumer to combine and ship for mutual benefit. The customer’s tracking portal is now open, and they can track the shipping information of their ranking at various stages.

Stage 3: Fulfilling the order.

The eCommerce order fulfillment stage can begin once the order has been processed. This entails selecting the appropriate items for the order and preparing them for shipment. A print on demand service provider will handle the entire eCommerce fulfillment process for you, including warehousing, creating picking lists, packing boxes, and shipping orders, among other things. Furthermore, after an order has been shipped, you must track it to ensure it arrives safely and on time. This can be accomplished by tracking the package with the shipping carrier or, if available, through your shipping software. As a result, if there are any issues with the delivery, tracking information will allow you to take corrective action.

TIPS TO IMPROVE PRINT ON DEMAND FULFILLMENT SHIPPING PROCESSES

1. Automate Label Creation

Automating the label creation process is one way to improve print on demand fulfillment shipping processes. In addition, this expedites operations by eliminating the need to manually print and apply labels. This is possible with shipping software that integrates with your ecommerce platform and connects you to all your carriers.

2. Find The Best Shipping Rates

Finding the best shipping rates is another way to improve print on demand fulfillment shipping processes. Shipping software that compares rates from multiple carriers and finds the best price for your shipment can help you with this. This not only saves your company money but also your customers’ money. Customers are more likely to shop with you again if they save money on shipping.

3. Verify Shipping Addresses

Address verification is a critical–and often overlooked–step in the shipping process. This ensures packages are delivered to the correct location before leaving your facility. Furthermore, it avoids costly mistakes when a package is not delivered to the correct location.

4. Track Shipment in Real-time

Real-time shipment tracking enables businesses and customers to see where their packages are at every shipping process, from fulfillment to transit to delivery. Many online shoppers nowadays expect businesses to provide shipment tracking information. It gives them peace of mind to know their package is on its way and allows them to keep an eye on things if there are any delays.

5. Review Data Regularly

Finally, remember to review your shipping data regularly. This enables businesses to identify areas where their shipping processes can be improved and to implement changes that will help them optimize their logistics operations. Users can use tracking data to create reports and dashboards that provide real-time visibility into supply chain performance. This information can simplify complex decisions and provide insight into package-level details, carrier performance, and delivery statuses.

SHIPPING IS THE FOUNDATION OF ECOMMERCE

Print on demand fulfillment shipping would only exist with today’s shipping infrastructure. Customers can order online and deliver them in days, if not hours. Print on demand shipping can be complicated, but by automating specific processes and reviewing data regularly, businesses can streamline shipping and provide a better customer experience.

Now that you have the tools to create an ecommerce shipping strategy that works for your company consider incorporating Fulfillplex into it. To automate shipping for ecommerce brands, Fulfillplex’s renowned fulfillment and shipping technology integrates with leading ecommerce platforms and marketplaces. Contact our knowledgeable representatives and allow a top ecommerce fulfillment company like us to handle your fulfillment needs.

Tags ecommerce fulfillment, ecommerce fulfillment center, ecommerce order fulfillment, print on demand, print on demand fulfillment, print on demand service provider, top ecommerce fulfillment company

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Top Reasons for Outsourcing Print on Demand Fulfillment

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Post date May 22, 2023
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Learning how to delegate is an important part of running a business. Because, let’s face it, no matter how hard we try, we can’t do it all. It is especially true for order fulfillment, one of the most difficult and time-consuming aspects of ecommerce. However, it is critical to let go of certain tasks. It frees up your valuable time, allowing you to concentrate on growing your retail business. When a company struggles between core business functions and order fulfillment, it may be time to consider outsourcing print on demand fulfillment.

BENEFITS OF OUTSOURCING FULFILLMENT PRINT ON DEMAND FULFILLMENT

1. You don’t need your own inventory storage.

If your company has a successful product, you are familiar with the feeling of having an overflowing inventory. When you outsource to a print on demand fulfillment company, they can store all your inventory for you, eliminating the need for you to take deliveries, handle the products, organize, and sort everything. It frees up more space that could be used for business operations. It can also be a low-cost way to improve your bottom line.

The print on demand service provider will assist you in managing the inventory flow from the manufacturer to their ecommerce fulfillment centers. They will notify you when inventory levels fall below a certain level and order more inventory to be delivered to their ecommerce fulfillment centers, lowering your fulfillment costs.

2. Avoid the hassle of packing and shipping operations.

Poor product packaging can result in damaged goods and dissatisfied customers. Not to mention the hassle of large-scale return logistics. These are the services provided by a print on demand fulfillment company! Leave the hassle to the experts who are up to date on the latest eco-friendly packaging, the best ways to incorporate your branding into all aspects of shipping, and the most cost-effective carriers and delivery options. Furthermore, the right fulfillment partner will use cutting-edge technology to ensure timely and accurate communication among the many players in the supply chain.

3. Maintain your focus on your business.

Order fulfillment and logistics are unquestionably important to any seller, but they consume valuable time and energy that could be better spent elsewhere. There may come a time when outsourcing order fulfillment processes to a print on demand company is critical to the growth of your business. It can free up time to improve and develop products, build your brand, and lead other important aspects of your ecommerce online store that you are intimately familiar with.

4. Add industry experts to your team.

If you find the right print on demand service provider for your company, they will inherently become a close partner in the success of your ecommerce business. It essentially means you have an industry expert on your team. You can rely on your fulfillment partner to send inventory updates or current industry trends to keep you informed and assist with product shipping and logistics. This can also help to improve the customer experience, resulting in repeat business.

5. Lower shipping costs.

Most print on demand companies have multiple fulfillment centers strategically located nationwide, allowing products to be shipped out cheaper and faster than if done in-house. By distributing your inventory across multiple warehouses, you ensure it is stored closer to your customers, allowing you to provide two-day, next-day, or even same-day delivery, which has increasingly become the standard for most businesses. They can also assist you in lowering your shipping rates to save money.

6. Fill and ship with speed and precision.

You usually go through a time-consuming manual order management process when you self-fulfil orders. When you outsource to a technology-focused fulfillment company, you get more than just ecommerce order fulfillment services; you also get cutting-edge technology to improve the speed and accuracy of your fulfillment and shipping. They typically have tools to lend data and analytics to help inform future business decisions based on aggregated customer locations. You can increase revenue, reduce cart abandonment, and meet higher customer expectations by collaborating with a print on demand fulfillment company to generate this data.

BOTTOM LINE

Finding the right print on demand company as a fulfillment partner is one of many critical decisions you will need to make to ensure the long-term health of your business if you are considering outsourcing your order fulfillment process. While it may appear to be a difficult task, it is not. You should be able to easily identify the right fulfilment partner for you with proper preparation and asking the right questions. These pointers should help you with your planning and decision-making.

EXCELLENT PRINT ON DEMAND FULFILLMENT PARTNER YOU CAN TRUST

Fulfillplex is a top ecommerce fulfillment company with years of experience in the eCommerce fulfillment industry that designs eCommerce solutions to help your online business grow. We handle all logistics, from shipping to fulfillment, so you can focus on marketing your business. Connect with us today.

Tags ecommerce fulfillment, ecommerce fulfillment center, ecommerce order fulfillment, print on demand, print on demand fulfillment, print on demand service provider, top ecommerce fulfillment company

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2023 Print on Demand Warehouse Inventory Management Guide

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Post date May 18, 2023
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E-commerce and other online marketplaces have grown in popularity over the last decade. This trend has resulted in the development of print on demand warehouse inventory management processes to assist wholesalers, distributors, and retailers in meeting the needs of customers who prefer to buy directly from them rather than manufacturers. Inventory management has become essential for warehouse managers and a critical component of any organization’s supply chain. With over 5 million warehouses in the United States today, including the vast network of secondary locations operated by eCommerce companies.

WHAT IS WAREHOUSE INVENTORY MANAGEMENT?

Warehouse inventory management is the systematic coordination of tasks. These tasks includes receiving inventory items, maintaining stock quality while in storage, tracking stock, packing and shipping orders, and replenishing stock when it reaches a minimum number in storage. All of this directly impacts demand fulfillment, shipping, and the overall customer experience.

WHY IS PRINT ON DEMAND WAREHOUSE INVENTORY MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT?

1. Enhances the accuracy of ecommerce order fulfillment.

Delays and issues during the ecommerce order fulfillment process will occur if your warehouse is not well-planned and managed. Disorganized inventory, poor picking and packing processes, and a lack of stock control in your warehouse cause most order issues. You can improve order accuracy and expedite order fulfillment by implementing better warehouse management processes and technology.

2. Increases warehouse productivity.

When warehouse inventory is properly stored and recorded, and daily manual tasks are automated, your staff will have more time and mental bandwidth to focus on more strategic tasks like logistics expansion and growth. Thinking about ways to help your employees become more efficient will save you money on labor and allow you to get orders out the door faster and more accurately.

3. Faster shipping and deliveries.

The way you manage your inventory in a warehouse can also have an impact on shipping time. From automating order processing to expanding your distribution network by splitting inventory across multiple ecommerce fulfillment centers, there are several ways to optimize warehousing processes to speed up last-mile delivery. Many DTC brands choose to automate shipping by implementing tools to help speed up the shipping process, such as automatically updating stock levels and sending customers ecommerce order tracking. Furthermore, finding ways to automate the shipping process allows you to increase output and manage more orders more easily.

4. Saves you money.

Proper warehouse inventory management can help you save money on labor, storage, and fulfillment. Optimizing your supply chain can improve your bottom line by optimizing storage, investing in warehouse automation, organizing inventory to speed up the picking and packing process, and implementing technology to automate tasks and reduce human error. However, it is important to note that renting a warehouse has a cost. As a result, many online retailers outsource warehousing to save time and money, thereby improving the supply chain and profit margins.

5. Boosts customer satisfaction.

A good warehouse delivers customer orders accurately and on time. Making print on demand warehouse inventory management a priority improves customer satisfaction. As a result, it will allow faster shipping times, lower shipping costs, and a higher order accuracy rate. Furthermore, if an order has a problem or a customer needs to return or exchange an item, proper warehouse processes and print on demand inventory management can improve the returns management process. It will allow you to quickly process returns and restock items.

BEST PRACTICES FOR WAREHOUSE INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

1. Turn your employees into experts.

Your warehouse is only as good as those who run and work in it. Make use of your team and solicit feedback on how to improve consistency, efficiency, and accuracy. Moreover, those on the front lines frequently generate the best ideas. Suppose you need a logistics team to begin with. In that case, many ecommerce businesses partner with print on demand fulfillment companies specializing in ecommerce warehousing. As a result, relieving their logistics team of many headaches.

2. Use demand forecasting for busy seasons.

Storage costs may become prohibitively expensive during the low season if your sales vary seasonally or monthly. Using demand forecasting tools to determine how many days of inventory you have until you are expected to run out, what your best-selling items are, and how they are performing compared to other periods is a great way to optimize costs despite seasonality. Furthermore, this type of data can assist you in better-predicting seasonality, allowing you to stock inventory accordingly.

3. Automate warehouse inventory systems.

You can quickly reduce the time spent on inventory management and picking and packing orders by automating inventory and warehousing tasks and processes. Many logistics automation solutions include features such as the ability to process orders automatically, create and manage inventory in real-time, automatically update stock levels, and set automatic reorder points, among other things. It means your staff can spend less time on tedious manual tasks and more on speeding up the fulfillment process.

4. Implement warehouse inventory control checks.

As your company expands, more SKUs will be moving in and out of warehouses. In addition, regular inventory control checks are necessary to ensure these stock items are not expired, old, or damaged. Order quality control allows you to keep track of your suppliers, monitor each batch of inventory, and ultimately keep your customers satisfied by consistently delivering a high-quality product.

PRINT ON DEMAND WAREHOUSE INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

Software and artificial intelligence are two solutions for more effective warehouse management. Many warehouses have embraced technology to reduce the number of employees required to complete tasks, In addition, they use it to pick and pack items in the same manner as employees. Warehouse management software can help you track inventory throughout the supply chain and even across multiple warehouses, all while keeping track of order tracking, accounting, and reorder times.

Logistics become more complicated as your company grows. Fulfillplex is a top ecommerce fulfillment company that provides best-in-class fulfillment and logistics services, including a growing fulfillment network, proprietary technology with inventory management tools built in, and deep logistics expertise and support. Contact us if you’d like to learn more about some of the inventory management solutions on the market.

Tags ecommerce fulfillment, ecommerce fulfillment center, ecommerce order fulfillment, print on demand, print on demand fulfillment, top ecommerce fulfillment company

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Latest Guide to Print on Demand International Logistics

Post author By admin admin
Post date May 16, 2023
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Going global was previously only an option for enterprise brands and the largest retailers. Ecommerce businesses of all sizes now have more resources than ever to expand globally. Thanks to globalization, getting in front of an international customer base is a huge opportunity. In fact, by 2022, cross-border purchases will account for 20% of all global ecommerce. However, the international ecommerce market is competitive, and having a strong print on demand international logistics strategy is essential. Shipping international orders is complicated, not to mention expensive and time-consuming. However, with the right technology, fulfillment infrastructure, and logistics expertise, you can easily enter global markets.

WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS?

International logistics is the transportation of finished goods across an international supply chain. Cross-border shipping and international distribution efficiently deliver goods to end users worldwide. Print on demand international logistics includes demand planning, transportation, storage and warehousing, inventory management, information monitoring, and package stocking. A company must have an international audience and headquarters in a single country — or supply chain stages in multiple countries to conduct international logistics.

WHAT ARE CHALLENGES IN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS?

1. Time-consuming

International logistics operations can be a major headache for ecommerce businesses if they are not properly managed. Every aspect of the cross-border supply chain takes time and effort, from selecting the right carrier partners to tracking the flow of goods and calculating international shipping costs and transit times. Many international ecommerce brands benefit from outsourcing international logistics to a print on demand company with the infrastructure, technology, resources, and expertise to ship international orders efficiently and affordably.

2. Late Shipments

Not only can shipping far from home increase transit times, but other issues, such as customs, can also cause delivery delays. Customers expect fast and affordable shipping no matter where they live. And there will almost certainly be competition if you sell a high-demand product overseas. However, there are ways to reduce cross-border shipping delays. One method is to keep inventory in the country to which you’re shipping, which significantly reduces transit times, lowers shipping costs, and alleviates concerns about international orders being held up at customs. It will not only save you money, but it will also help you meet the expectations of your customers regardless of where they live.

3. Ineffective Return Management

Returns are an unavoidable part of running a successful ecommerce business. However, dealing with returns can be difficult, especially with international orders. Return delays not only irritate your customers, but they can also reduce profitability due to reverse logistics costs. Developing an efficient returns management process can greatly benefit your business. 92% of shoppers will buy from the retailer again if the returns process is simple.

THE ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH A PRINT ON DEMAND FULFILLMENT PROVIDER FOR INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS

1. Reach International Customers

The most significant advantage of hiring a well-known print on demand logistics solutions company is that it allows you to reach all your customers, no matter where they are. Thanks to their relationships with international freight specialists, you also gain access to more carrier options and shipping destinations than ever before. Working with companies from different countries can expose you to new perspectives and ideas for growing your business. You can be exposed to new ideas and cultures that will help you discover new ways to do business.

2. Reduce Your Shipping Costs

Though the cost of shipping internationally will vary depending on the destination country and other factors, a top ecommerce fulfillment company can assist you in developing a distribution strategy that will minimize shipping costs. You can reduce shipping costs for international orders in various ways, including storing inventory domestically and taking advantage of the print on demand service provider’s negotiated carrier rates or bulk-ship inventory to one of their international fulfillment locations, allowing you to ship domestically in other parts of the world.

3. Orders Can Be Easily Filled

With the right physical and digital logistics partner, you can now fulfill these orders without worrying about stock shortages, shipping costs, or delays. Print on demand fulfillment companies can offer international ecommerce fulfillment center locations to store your inventory and deliver your orders faster, in addition to expedited shipping for international orders. We ship orders from the location closest to the destination because we have multiple strategic locations.

CONCLUSION

International logistics can be challenging, but you can face them with others. Fulfillplex makes it easier to confidently enter new international markets. With our expanding global fulfillment network and best-in-class technology, you can easily expand your business globally while lowering shipping costs, shortening transit times, and providing a great buying experience for your customers everywhere. To learn more about Fulfillplex’s logistics capabilities, click here and we get in touch.

Tags ecommerce fulfillment, ecommerce fulfillment center, print on demand, print on demand fulfillment, print on demand fulfillment company, print on demand service provider, top ecommerce fulfillment company

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Print on Demand in Retail Supply Chain: Adapt & Survive

Post author By admin admin
Post date May 12, 2023
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When it comes to navigating change, modern marketers are old pros. It is especially true if you work in retail. The print on demand retail industry is constantly evolving, and businesses must stay ahead of the latest trends to remain competitive. Individual consumers expect more as well: more variety, convenience, faster delivery, and more personalized service. As we approach 2023, retailers should know several key trends to adapt and thrive in a changing market. Retailers cannot thrive and, in many cases, will only survive if they adapt to these new realities.

WHAT IS THE RETAIL SUPPLY CHAIN?

Inbound and outbound logistics processes result in the flow of finished goods from a supplier to the end consumer in the retail supply chain. Supplier relationships, retail warehousing, inventory management, picking and packing orders, shipping and carrier partnerships, managing returns, and other moving parts comprise the entire supply chain. An effective supply chain management plan ensures the timely delivery of the correct product in the correct quantity to the correct customers, meeting the needs of both the producer and the distributor.

CURRENT STATE OF RETAIL SUPPLY CHAINS

Now, global events are combining to create what appears to be a never-ending storm of disruption for retail supply chains. The COVID-19 pandemic has quickly altered how retailers conduct business, implying that more than the traditional retail supply chain will be required. A lot more goes into creating an efficient and lean supply chain, such as integrating automation and technology, as well as adopting an inventory distribution model to expand customer reach and meet their expectations with fast, affordable shipping options. Even though free shipping is becoming more popular, achieving this with an efficient supply chain is possible.

HOW TO UTILIZE PRINT ON DEMAND TO IMPROVE RETAIL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT?

1. Adapt To Changes In Consumer Demand

In 2020, consumer purchasing habits shifted dramatically as more buyers shopped online. While we can expect this effect to diminish slightly as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and vaccinations are distributed, retailers should expect some new purchasing habits to stick. Demand forecasting is an important business strategy because it allows you to predict, analyze, and understand future customer demand for a product.

There is only an ecommerce business with a demand. With a thorough understanding of demand, businesses can make informed decisions about marketing spend, production, staffing, warehousing, and other factors.

2. Focus on Fast, Convenient, And Reliable Fulfillment

Customers’ expectations for 2-day shipping are unaffected by a pandemic, and retail fulfillment is one of the most important components of an online retailer’s supply chain. Strategic eCommerce businesses devote a significant amount of time to improving the ecommerce order fulfillment process, which results in higher order accuracy rates and faster shipping — whether it’s converting brick-and-mortar retail space into dark stores to handle fulfillment, splitting inventory across warehouses, or implementing fulfillment software to speed up the picking and packing process.

3. Track Inventory To Forecast Demand

As your monthly order volume grows, you’ll need a system to track inventory in real-time to meet customer demand and expectations for quick shipping, especially if you have inventory spread across multiple ecommerce fulfillment centers. Controlling stock across your distribution network and understanding the demand for each geographic location will help you fulfill orders on time and give you insight into how much inventory of each product to keep in each location.

On the other hand, real-time inventory tracking and forecasting necessitates incorporating an inventory tracking system, such as inventory management software. It includes everything from tracking inventory from your supplier to keeping track of current inventory levels in each warehouse.

4. Automate For Efficient Inventory Allocation

There has been a significant push toward automated inventory management, which provides useful data that can influence your inventory allocation strategy. Whether your inventory is stored in a single warehouse or across a domestic or international fulfillment network, implementing technology that automatically tracks and displays inventory levels in real-time from a single dashboard is the best way to stay on top of your supply chain.

Product allocation automation eliminates the need to manually track inventory using spreadsheets, which also helps to reduce human error. You can use inventory automation software from print on demand service providers to create, manage, and merge SKUs, easily forecast demand, set automatic reorder points, see which items are selling quickly or slowly, and much more.

5. Outsource Ecommerce Warehouse Management

Warehouse management is an important part of establishing a proper retail supply chain. Inventory management, the picking and packing process, storage space and costs, shipping, and inventory distribution can all be influenced by proper warehousing. A print on demand fulfillment company provides storage space and picks, packs, and ships your orders from their warehouses or ecommerce fulfillment centers.

A reliable print on demand provider also employs a warehouse management system (WMS), software designed to optimize warehouse operational processes. A warehouse management system (WMS) provides real-time visibility into inventory levels and storage, staff productivity, demand forecasting, and fulfillment workflows across multiple warehouses.

6. Leverage Existing Fulfillment Center Networks

An experienced print on demand fulfillment company will expand its fulfillment capabilities by introducing new fulfillment center locations domestically and globally. When you work with a top ecommerce fulfillment company, your company can expand into new fulfillment center locations as it grows. It allows you to reduce shipping costs and accelerate last-mile delivery by fulfilling orders closer to your customers, regardless of where they live.

You can expand into new markets worldwide for an international logistics infrastructure, which includes access to data and analytics, as well as fulfillment experts, to help you make the best decisions as you optimize and expand your supply chain.

7. Optimize Your Retail Supply Chain To Remain Competitive

You must constantly improve and optimize your retail supply chain to remain competitive in an ever-changing industry. While meeting customer demand is a business’s goal, growing a business requires much more than establishing a well-run logistics strategy.

You don’t have to worry about investing in new supply chain technology or implementing the latest automation when working with a print on demand fulfillment partner. The right print on demand fulfillment partner will continue to optimize their operations using the latest supply chain trends and software to ensure your company’s supply chain is well optimized to stay competitive — even as your company grows and the industry changes.

IMPROVE YOUR RETAIL SUPPLY CHAIN WITH FULFILLPLEX

You save time, money, and a lot of headaches by outsourcing retail supply chain management to a top ecommerce fulfillment company like Fulfillplex. You can provide the best customer experience by focusing less on logistics systems and more on business growth. With an efficient fulfillment network, proprietary technology, and a team of experts who can help your business grow, the Fulfillplex team can help you optimize fulfillment logistics. Contact us to learn more about how Fuflillplex works.

Tags ecommerce fulfillment, ecommerce fulfillment center, ecommerce order fulfillment, print on demand, print on demand fulfillment, print on demand fulfillment company, print on demand service provider, top ecommerce fulfillment company

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Ways Print on Demand Helps To Maintain Low Inventory Levels

Post author By admin admin
Post date April 26, 2023
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Inventory management can appear to be a never-ending task. In addition, just when you think you’ve reached equilibrium, your inventory levels shift. According to studies, 43% of small business owners still use manual inventory management techniques such as Excel spreadsheets or do not track inventory. Inventory management, on the other hand, can make or break your business. According to CNBC, common inventory issues such as returns, overstocks, and out-of-stock products cost retailers a whopping $1.75 trillion each year. Optimize print on demand inventory management is critical to ensuring that your eCommerce business does not fall into this category. As a result, it allows you to reduce logistics costs while also meeting customer expectations.

WHAT ARE OPTIMAL INVENTORY LEVELS?

Optimal inventory levels are the precise amount of stock required in a fulfillment center at any given time to meet regular demand for the print on demand products. Furthermore, they are the ideal product quantities in fulfillment center(s) at any given time. You reduce the risk of common inventory issues, such as high storage costs and out-of-stock items, by optimizing inventory levels. In addition, more inventory can cost too much money, take up too much shelf space, and eventually become unsellable. However, insufficient stock can result in stockouts and backorders, reducing customer satisfaction.

WHY IS IT ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY INVENTORY LEVELS?

Healthy inventory levels clearly indicate ecommerce supply chain efficiency and profitability. By avoiding overstocking or understocking, you can improve cash flow, optimize warehousing capacity, and consistently meet customer demand, resulting in brand loyalty and trust. More inventory can cost you money by overspending on holding costs or, worse, sitting on a lot of inventory that has lost value or is no longer sellable. Aside from ensuring optimal inventory levels, a better understanding of your stock levels can aid supply chain planning by determining the best time to reorder more inventory and improve inventory accuracy.

5 BEST PRACTICES FOR MAINTAINING OPTIMAL PRINT ON DEMAND INVENTORY LEVELS

1. Set up an inventory tracking system.

You can improve stock control across your distribution network by knowing how much of each SKU is located at each geographic location. Moreover, such real-time access to stock levels across logistics centers and sales channels is provided by print on demand inventory tracking systems. Implementing an inventory tracking system as your supply chain grows is a surefire way to efficiently allocate inventory with full access to real-time data.

2. Determine the reordering points.

Manual inventory tracking is the last thing any business owner wants to do because there will be no time for anything else. Once you’ve determined your optimal inventory level, you can set reorder points to help automate the reorder process. In addition, a reorder point is the lowest level of inventory that determines when it is necessary to reorder. The reorder quantity you choose should consider both customer demand and lead times. Furthermore, most inventory apps automatically notify you when inventory levels reach a reorder point.

3. Use an inventory management system.

Your distribution network can operate at peak efficiency with the right technology that complements the supply chain at every stage. You can sync SKUs and orders with an inventory management system to see all inventory, ecommerce fulfillment centers, sales channels, and customers in one place. Many rapidly expanding online brands rely on an inventory management system from their print on demand fulfillment providers to track inventory in real-time and automate inventory tasks to save time and improve accuracy.

4. Communicate clearly with your print on demand service provider.

A foundation of good inventory management is clear communication with your fulfillment partner about your expectations and the new goods schedule. You should also be aware of any holidays or closures your manufacturer may have, such as factory shutdowns. Access to insights into your suppliers’ operations should be capitalized on and incorporated into your inventory tracking strategy. As a result, your suppliers play an important role in your supply chain, so keep an eye on their performance over time.

5. Conduct inventory audits.

Inventory and warehouse audits are undeniably time-consuming, especially if you’re dealing with a large amount of inventory and manually tracking it all using spreadsheets. Fortunately, consistent inventory audits can be automated and digitized by syncing your online store with an inventory storage system or print on demand fulfillment technology.

CONCLUSION

It can be difficult to track inventory levels as you expand into new warehouse locations and sell through multiple sales channels. However, a top ecommerce fulfillment company such as Fulfillplex can assist.

Fulfillplex provides a best-in-class fulfillment solution to assist you in maintaining optimized, low inventory levels, establishing reorder notification points, and tracking inventory across channels. Our technologically advanced ecommerce fulfillment solution can help you cut logistics costs and prepare your company for the unexpected. Get in touch with us for more information.

Tags ecommerce fulfillment, ecommerce fulfillment center, print on demand, print on demand fulfillment, print on demand products, print on demand service provider, top ecommerce fulfillment company

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Print on Demand Fulfillment and Eco-Friendly Business Combo

Post author By admin admin
Post date April 22, 2023
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It’s impossible to deny that people are increasingly concerned about the environment., They are becoming more environmentally conscious about what they buy as the times’ change. Environmentally friendly products are being actively purchased by consumers. And the majority of them say they will do the same in the next five years. Rebranding your eCommerce business to emphasize sustainability is a good first step, but it can’t be the only one. Retooling your print on demand services can help to reduce the impact of fulfillment and returns, while fundamental changes to sourcing and production methods can help to achieve even greater sustainability gains.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ECO-FRIENDLY ECOMMERCE

We only have one Earth, and our inhabitants are responsible for taking care of it so that future generations can leave it in a better condition. Though creating a sustainable, eco-friendly online brand has obvious environmental benefits, it is also a wise business decision that will help increase customer loyalty, brand perception, and sales.

Many consumers now expect brands to take the lead on environmental and social issues. This high expectation can result in high rewards for companies that commit to environmentally friendly practices. Furthermore, 68% of consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. Aside from meeting consumer expectations, adopting sustainable practices can boost your bottom line by introducing new operational efficiencies. As a result, focusing on sustainable business practices now to benefit even more in the future.

5 BEST PRACTICES FOR GOING GREEN WITH PRINT ON DEMAND FULFILLMENT

1. Offer Eco-Friendly Products

While it may depend on your current product or service, you can include sustainable print on demand products in your lineup. It can include providing sustainable alternatives to existing products. Another option is to collaborate with a print on demand provider that uses environmentally friendly practices. It allows you to gradually incorporate environmentally friendly products into your online store. Many eCommerce companies use renewable materials in response to changing consumer consumption habits.

2. Use Eco-Friendly Packaging

Have you ever noticed how small items are usually packaged in such large boxes? 81% of consumers believe that brands overpack their products. You can use different sizes of packing boxes that suit the size of your products to avoid excess and reduce packaging. Moreover, you can avoid using large boxes that take up space. You can also choose recyclable materials. Boxes, tapes, and even labels fall into this category. Reduce your reliance on plastic. Most customers consider it to be the least environmentally friendly packaging. They even try to avoid using plastic as much as possible.

3. Minimize Your Deadstock

Deadstock refers to unsold merchandise in your store. These products are less likely to be sold and, in most cases, end up in landfill. However, by reducing deadstock, you are also providing a sustainable solution to waste reduction. Print on demand demand forecasting can help you avoid deadstock. In-depth market research will also assist you in determining the optimal amount of stock. If you still have such items on your shelves, you can sell them through clearance sales. Product bundles can also be done on your eCommerce site.

4. Apply Environmentally Friendly Shipping Methods

Unfortunately, carbon emissions from shipping are an unavoidable part of the eCommerce business. Every year, 165 billion packages are shipped to the United States, which equates to over a billion trees. FedEx, UPS, and USPS, for example, offer eco-friendly shipping programs to reduce their carbon footprint. Other carriers provide complete climate-neutral shipping as well. Because many customers expect quick delivery, you can enlist the assistance of a print on demand fulfillment company. They can ship orders to your customer from the nearest ecommerce fulfillment center. It reduces costs and shortens the supply chain, resulting in fewer carbon emissions from air shipping.

5. Reduce Returns And Exchanges

Returns and exchanges are something other than what you want to happen as an online retailer. However, by 2021, the average for retail returns had risen to 16.6%. That equates to $760 billion in products being returned to the supply chain and warehouses! They also contribute significantly to carbon emissions from transportation, as well as wasteful packaging and shipping costs. To reduce returns, provide detailed information, such as photos, in your product descriptions on your product pages. You should also provide high-quality products that meet customer expectations and have a strong customer feedback strategy to address any issues. Not only are you helping combat climate change, but you also save money simultaneously!

SUSTAINABILITY AT FULFILLPLEX

At Fulfillplex, we care about the environment and do everything we can to help. Many of the boxes we use are made of recycled fibers, and we do our best to recycle returned items, saving useful parts and repairing or refurbishing others for resale, depending on the needs of our clients. We also strive to reduce our environmental impact regarding sustainable ecommerce order fulfillment. Contact us today to learn more about what Fulfillplex can do for you as your top ecommerce fulfillment company.

Tags ecommerce fulfillment, ecommerce fulfillment center, print on demand, print on demand fulfillment, print on demand fulfillment company, print on demand products, print on demand provider, top ecommerce fulfillment company

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Things To Know About Print On Demand Fulfillment Services

Post author By admin admin
Post date April 20, 2023
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Successful eCommerce businesses have one thing in common: excellent print on demand fulfillment services. You may have the best product on the planet. Your website is fantastic. And your sales funnel will easily guide your customers to the checkout. However, if your eCommerce fulfillment fails to run smoothly, your online business will be all splash and no cash. Print on demand fulfillment may not be the most exciting aspect of your online business. It is, however, a critical component of your success in online retail.

WHAT IS PRINT ON DEMAND FULFILLMENT?

Print on demand fulfillment refers to the entire process of having an order delivered to a customer after they place an order online. Receiving and storing inventory, processing orders, picking items, packing boxes, and transporting the items to the customer’s shipping destination is all part of the supply chain. Print on demand fulfillment services can be handled by a third-party fulfillment company, which typically charges based on weight, dimensions, volume, storage, or some combination of these factors. These services can be especially beneficial to ecommerce businesses that still need a physical location or storage facility.

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN THE PRINT ON DEMAND FULFILLMENT PROCESS?

1. Omnichannel Fulfillment Center Integration

When you think of a fulfillment warehouse, you may envision rows of shelves stacked high with products. However, at its core, every good ecommerce order fulfillment center is a technology firm. In addition, your eCommerce store should work in tandem with your fulfillment center. Orders should be routed directly to those who will pack and ship them. Furthermore, your print on demand service provider should integrate every platform you sell. They should develop a custom app to connect incoming orders for any sales channels that aren’t supported by the platform. Additionally, check that your fulfillment provider has a strong IT department and responsive support to help you quickly smooth out any glitches.

2. Receiving And Inventory Management

Pallets of your product are delivered to your fulfillment warehouse. The pallets are then added to inventory and placed on shelves, ready to fill your orders. As a result, your eCommerce fulfilment centre should put your stock into inventory within one to two days of receiving it. Additionally, you must be able to access your inventory management system. This real-time data is essential for keeping Goldilocks stock levels stable. Shrinkage should be kept to a minimum by your print on demand provider. These companies are liable for items lost or broken while on the shelves. You do not need to account for shrinkage when calculating ideal stock levels.

3. Order Fulfillment: Pick, Pack, And Ship

When an order arrives, your fulfillment warehouse will select the appropriate items to place in the box. A floor worker will package them properly, and your print on demand service provider will ship them to your customer. It is the process of picking, packing, and shipping. Shipping to your customers is quick with fulfillment warehouses that are centrally located. It is also critical that the 3PL provider process your orders quickly. Otherwise, you will lose the advantage of the faster shipping time. Accuracy is critical, and mistakes in order picking and packing can cost you, customers.

4. Returns Processing: Reverse Logistics

It is impossible to avoid eCommerce returns. Returns are important to eCommerce shoppers, which can be a significant factor in driving your sales. Returns management is an important aspect of eCommerce fulfillment. The faster your fulfillment provider processes returns, the sooner your customer will receive a refund. Efficient returns also get your stock back on the shelf and ready to sell, so find a warehouse that will restock returns within one to two days. Allow your 3PL provider to handle customer service for returns so you can concentrate on increasing sales. Check that your print on demand fulfillment provider can assist you in evaluating returns and processing orders for discounted goods.