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.