In the world of ecommerce, logistical efficiency can make or break a business. This is especially true for companies that deal with complex, fragile, or large-scale products requiring specialised handling, packaging, and shipping. Employing a fulfilment partner can help mitigate these challenges.
The number of ecommerce businesses has increased dramatically over the last couple of decades and nowhere is this truer than here in the UK. Managing shipping and finding the optimal solutions for delivering products if you run an ecommerce store is critical.
A fulfilment partner is a third-party business that undertakes to handle the logistics relating to the delivery of your products. These specialist companies have several important advantages for all types of businesses.
Efficiency in Shipping
Fulfilment partners use specialised techniques to handle, pack, and ship products, making sure that they arrive in impeccable condition. This is invaluable for businesses dealing with intricate products like machinery, electronics, or large furniture items.
It can be very costly for an ecommerce business to build this infrastructure on-site. Building a relationship with a fulfilment partner makes sense, not just because they will have the skill and expertise you need but also that all-important infrastructure and industry connection.
Customised Solutions
Many fulfilment partners offer custom packaging solutions that are tailored to the unique requirements of their customer’s products. This eliminates the need for businesses to invest in bespoke packaging, thus saving both time and money. The fulfilment and logistics industry has grown almost as much as ecommerce over the last decade or so and it’s important to find a company that has the experience to match your needs.
Better Inventory Management
Fulfilment centres often come equipped with advanced technology for real-time inventory tracking and this can be rolled out to their customers. This will certainly save space but can also eliminate the need for a separate inventory management system, offering real benefits in terms of both time and financial resources.
Financial Benefits
While using a fulfilment partner incurs costs, the long-term financial benefits can be significant if you find the right partner. Bulk shipping rates, reduced storage costs, and operational efficiencies can create a more cost-effective business model that works better for your company.
Outsourcing fulfilment frees your business to focus on core aspects of your operation such as product development, marketing, and customer service. If you trust your partner, then you can be confident that they are delivering for you in more ways than one.
For example, if you are regularly sending products abroad, the shipping regulations can be a bit of a minefield. An expert fulfilment partner will understand global regulations and paperwor and can help your business remain compliant, which is crucial for preventing delays in delivering and, for the future, scaling internationally.
Despite the many advantages, there are also downsides to using a fulfilment partner. Businesses often give up a degree of control over their supply chain, and there’s the risk that the fulfilment partner may not meet all the specific needs of your complex products. It’s crucial to conduct comprehensive due diligence before committing to a partnership of this kind.
Get it right, however, and it will make a big difference to your ecommerce business and can play a big part in growth as well as maintaining a satisfied customer base.