When your eCommerce business grows to the point where you can no longer
package and ship the orders yourself, it s time to consider outsourcing your
order fulfillment. Fulfillment warehouses offer small business the
opportunity to compete with the big dogs . Let's take a look at the benefits
most fulfillment warehouses offer to small business owners.
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Inventory Storage and Management
Inventory is stored off-site, enabling the small business owner to store
a larger variety and quantity of inventory. The Fulfillment center will
receive and organize your inventory. Most have a web-based application where
you can login and view your current inventory, as well as, the history of
each item.
Automatic Order Fulfillment
Fulfillment warehouses usually accept shipping requests via a web-based
application, by emailing your invoices or an order spreadsheets e-mailed
directly to the warehouse. When the shipping requests are received, the
items are automatically packaged and shipped to the customer. Most
fulfillment warehouses have a web-based application where you can login to
view the status of an order. Some warehouses even notify your customers of
their order tracking numbers.
Return & Exchange Processing
n the world of eCommerce, where consumers aren t able to examine products
before they are purchased, returns and exchanges are commonplace.
Fulfillment centers manage returns and exchanges by examining the returned
items. Then the items are placed back into inventory or into the damaged
item bin.
Free You Up To Grow Your Business
The time that you normally spend packaging orders, tracking inventory,
and dealing with returns, can now be focused on growing your business. Use
this time to expand your product line, enhance your website, promote your
business or expand into new markets.
You can find fulfillment centers online or in your local phone directory.
Although most fulfillment centers provide the same basic services, their
prices and methods differ from warehouse to warehouse. Some fulfillment
centers base their fees on a sliding scale and require contracts while
others charge per item or per order with no contracts. When choosing a
fulfillment center, create a checklist of the features you would like.
Interview a member of the warehouse staff, as well as, their references to
make sure the warehouse will meet the needs of your growing ecommerce
business.
About the Author
Danna Henderson started ZIP Baby in order to provide parents with
comprehensive potty training information as well as a large selection of
potty training products. For more information, visit .
October 18, 2004
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