As we grow more “mature,” we realize that time moves at an ever-quickening pace. Blink once and it’s Easter, twice and it’s Christmas again. The e-commerce industry is much the same. Blink once and there’s a new technology, twice and there’s a new method for fulfillment. With the rapid growth of the e-commerce industry, fast and efficient order fulfillment is a necessity. Considering the growth and development of your company, it may be time to consider the benefits of outsourced e-commerce. With this, you may be asking, but how do I find the right order fulfillment company? Let’s explore the top three questions you should be asking when looking for an order fulfillment company.
1.What services does this order fulfillment company offer?
Create a list of needs that your company wants to be met, then seek a company that can fulfill those needs. Items on your list could include express turnaround, inventory management services, a warehouse logistics breakdown, or even a customer database. The amount of time it takes for an order to be placed and processed by the order fulfillment company, then be sent out to the customer is what is called “turnaround time.” In today’s market, a 24-hour turn around is the standard. Managing your inventory can be tricky when there is a constant flow of orders going in and coming out.
Finding the right fulfillment company can afford helpful tools such as inventory management services that keep tabs on your inventory, even if you’re not physically present to handle each transaction. Examining warehouse logistics provides a better picture of where your product will be stored, how it will be shipped, and the level of efficiency you can expect from an order fulfillment company. Customer databases are another tool that are helpful in tracking phone calls, orders and other important information about your customers. Gathering information about customers and storing it in a secure database helps you to better customize services and products for your customers.
2.How will this order fulfillment company handle my orders?
From step one, you want to ensure that the order fulfillment company you choose is safe. The first big question you should be seeking an answer for is, “are they PCI compliant?” Being PCI compliant means that the company has agreed to handle credit cards in a certain way so that the cardholder is protected from credit card fraud. PCI compliance is assessed on an annual basis to ensure that the company in question is holding up to standards. Next, when seeking an order fulfillment company, you should assess their reputation. How long has this company been around for? What do people say about them? Safety is often measured by time and experience, choosing an order fulfillment company should not be any different.
3.How will outsourcing to this order fulfillment company benefit my company?
Packaging and shipping your own orders can be expensive. Costs such as warehouse space, employees and machinery must be considered when fulfilling orders in-house. Considerations such as these are why many businesses choose to outsource their order fulfillment. With an order fulfillment company, businesses are able to save money due to more flexible staffing options, experienced and efficient packing, as well as cheaper shipping costs. Cutting in-house costs and stress frees up more time for your business to focus on what is important in-house.
Benefits of outsourcing include more than just cutting costs, they also include cutting the amount of resources necessary for running an in-house shipping operation. Outsourced fulfillment means no need for your own warehouse staff, warehouse space, packaging and the list goes on. Outsourcing may seem intimidating to some, but the benefits far outweigh the downfalls when you choose the right order fulfillment company for your business’ needs.
Confidence in your choice of order fulfillment company provides you with the assurance that business is being taken care of without you having to do all the work by yourself. Utilizing an outsourced fulfillment company for your product fulfillment needs provides helpful resources for your business to grow and flourish. Exploring your options for order fulfillment can be exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be. Know who the best in your industry is and then evaluate if their solutions could be your turn-key.
MicahTek is known in the industry as a one stop shop for all your order fulfillment needs. From order placement to delivery, MicahTek walks with you every step of the way. To find out more information about MicahTek order fulfillment, feel free to explore our website or give us a call. Here at MicahTek, we provide the Solutions you need for the Growth you desire!