Tips to improve your e-commerce Order Fulfilment Processes

Which are the most vital elements in the fulfilment process flow chart? Which process needs optimisation with changing times despite automation? Well, to find answers, first, examine your returns strategy. Add more than one fulfilment centre in the network. Adopt inventory classification practices and choose the correct type of packaging. Also, provide more than one shipping option to shoppers. Consider working with vendors who are experts in e-commerce order fulfilment process steps.?

Here's a brief look at the selected ecommerce order fulfilment process steps to make your e-store a winner.

1. Multiple fulfilment centres for a superb ecommerce order fulfilment ratio

Online merchants intend to ship products quickly and cost-effectively. You can improve your ecommerce order fulfilment process efficiency by choosing warehouses that are in geographical proximity to your key markets. First, identify your target-geographic regions. Then, choose logistics partners who can deliver from nearby ecommerce fulfilment centres.?

There are many other benefits of increasing warehouses for ecommerce order fulfilment. Your business supply chain faces lesser challenges in case of extreme weather, labour shortage, or logistical issues.?

You can win half the battle by adding multiple delivery options to your ecommerce order fulfilment plan. An ideal ecommerce retailer can go to a 3PL agency or switch between delivery partners depending on areas of expertise.?

There are many other benefits of increasing warehouses for ecommerce order fulfilment. Your business supply chain faces lesser challenges in case of extreme weather, labour shortage, or logistical issues.?

2. Classify your inventory?

Inventory classification helps enhance the ecommerce order fulfilment process efficiency.?Therefore, classifying items into high and low-value items makes complete sense. Lower-value items that are in demand should be stocked well to ensure they remain available and get delivered quickly. On the other hand, there is no point in stocking high-value products that are rarely ordered. Both practices can help free up the working capital required for ecommerce fulfilment. Ensure your order management system or ERP integrates with warehouse management software.

3. Offer multiple shipping options?

?Shipping options and cost are often tagged as make-or-break factors. A considerable percentage of shoppers buy products depending on the delivery time. Then why lose customers due to a lack of shipping options? Delivery charges can vary; you can charge a flat rate, table rate, or fee depending on the product type. Some consumers won’t mind paying a little bit more for same-day delivery.

You can win half the battle by adding multiple delivery options to your ecommerce order fulfilment plan. An ideal ecommerce retailer can go to a 3PL agency or switch between delivery partners depending on areas of expertise.?

4. Communicating with shoppers throughout the order fulfilment process

Most e-sellers merely share the estimated delivery date and timing with consumers. But it won't give them peace of mind. Whether the item has shipped from the warehouse or is picked up by the associate for delivery, buyers always wish to know the status. Thus, e-sellers must use text messages and emails to share updates on ecommerce order fulfilment process steps. Also, offer access to the parcel monitoring system on your website. At times, delays become inevitable. Businesses can reduce consumers’ frustration easily. An apology email and text elaborating on the reasons behind the delay can do the trick.?

5. Returns strategy deserves attention

The ecommerce order fulfilment process does not complete after product delivery. Your consumers may prefer to return the same for many reasons. Studies have pointed out that customers make buying decisions based on return rules. So, your business must clearly elaborate on returns and refund policies. For example, if a shopper buys a product exempted from returns, they should get a notification while placing the order. The procedure to schedule a pick-up for returns should be hassle-free.?

?Remember, returns strategy is a significant part of the ecommerce order fulfilment activity. Your brand requires support and commitment from your ecommerce logistics solutions provider.?

6. Your 3PL vendor should be an e-commerce specialist?

Consider your shipping vendor as your ally in ecommerce order fulfilment. But, you cannot just work with anyone. There is a huge difference between handling an envelope delivery and delivering a glass showpiece. So, as an e-retailer, you must work with experts in ecommerce deliveries. Besides handling the last-mile delivery, your service provider should manage first-mile pickup. They can help offer assistance in detecting fake COD orders as well. Share your fulfilment process flow chart with managers and even delivery partners working for the vendor. Most importantly, get access to the partner’s delivery management and tracking software. Integrate it with your order management system or ERP.??

The Gold Beneath?

You undoubtedly know that ignoring vital e-commerce order fulfilment issues can result in a poor customer experience. Further, it leads to permanent damage to the brand's reputation. Thankfully, multiple fulfilment centres, inventory classification, and customer-friendly shipping options combined with hassle-free returns and refund policy can show positive results for your business.?