Fulfillment for eCommerce is the core of your eCommerce sales process that allows you to deliver your products directly to your customers. Basically, e-Commerce fulfillment involves activities that include receiving orders, documenting, picking and packing items, and finally shipping them through third-party logistics with global recognition. In other words, online retailers used to keep inventory and pack boxes in their garage or workshop. However, as they expand with millions of customers around the world, they now consider outsourcing order fulfillment to a third-party logistics company, also known as a 3PL.
Customers will be happy if there is consistency in order fulfillment. This will help them earn positive reviews and increase their market share. Professionally managed eCommerce fulfillment will not only save you time and money but also help your online business to operate smoothly with greater market reach. A specialized eCommerce fulfillment provider is essential to ensure your business’s success. We will now discuss the four main elements of e-commerce fulfillment.
Receiving
To fulfill orders from your retail partner, it is important to have inventory on hand. Once the pallets are received, the items are documented and logged in inventory. The items are then stored on shelves or other storage units. You have an eCommerce partner who can help you maintain inventory to fulfill orders.
Stock storage
The process of inventory storage, also known as warehousing, involves efficient organization and storage. Your outsourced partner should do this efficiently. A large-scale storage system should be available at the fulfillment point, which can include shelves, bins, mobile shelving systems and pallets. This will allow you to manage your larger online business. Proper inventory storage is crucial to ensure merchandise is safe and protected. This allows for better visibility of what is in stock, as well as the ability to execute orders while they are still being executed. This allows for high-quality integration between the retail store and its 3L partner.
Processing of orders
Orders keep coming in at a constant pace and must be processed quickly. The three essential steps involved in this process are picking, packing and shipping the items to customers. Include a slip detailing the location of the warehouse and the quantities. Also include instructions such as the type of packaging material (e.g., boxes, ploy bags or bubble mailers), and the method used to get the material packaged. The package should also have shipping labels attached.
Shipping
It must be shipped immediately after the order has been processed and the labeling has been completed. The shipping process usually involves global courier companies such as UPS Store, DHL Service, or an equivalent. Once the order has been shipped, the retail shop receives the tracking information which can be shared with customers to enable them track their deliveries.
Return processing
When a customer returns an item, it is shipped to the fulfillment center for an eCommerce provider or to the retailing point to be inspected. The reason for return, item quality and the return policy of the company may determine if the item can be restocked or discarded as unobtainable stock.
