How to Find a Great Ecommerce Fulfillment Partner

Retail Ecommerce is a $6.3 trillion-dollar business projected to grow by another half-trillion annually through 2027. Managing orders on this mass scale pushes supply chains to become extraordinarily complex, particularly in the realm of fulfillment.

Smart fulfillment processes and partnerships are critical components for Ecommerce brands looking to make the leap from hot local brand to global powerhouse. Here’s how the right fulfillment partner benefits a growing Ecommerce business, along with the attributes every online brand should look for in a provider.

Benefits of a Fulfillment Partner

After all the market research, product development and digital campaigning, fulfillment is where the transaction between customer and business actually takes place. Fulfillment gets the right product to the right buyer at the right time by receiving, preparing and delivering customer orders — it’s important, is what we’re saying.

It’s also important to understand which value-added services you require before outsourcing components of your fulfillment process. Note the differences between the common services below:

• Fulfillment in the broader sense typically includes any activity related to receiving, storing, processing and shipping inventory.
• Pick and pack refers specifically to retrieving items within a warehouse or fulfillment center and readying them for shipment.
• Kitting and assembly describes a pair of key behind-the-scenes processes. The first is the process of “bundling” multiple related items into one cohesive shipment. Kitted items are generally set combinations of products which can be prepared in advance (as is common with cosmetic items, subscription boxes or gaming and electronics bundles). The second is the picking and packing (and often light assemblage) of components necessary for products consisting of several parts.
• Custom packaging elevates the presentation of your products by using branded packing materials designed specifically for a given product (boxes, tape and infill are the main components affected here). This is also where brands can opt to introduce more eco-friendly packaging materials.

The scope of every fulfillment partner’s services will vary. Some might be readily-equipped to serve as your entire logistics department, covering everything from inventory management to shipping and returns processing. Others may specialize in specific areas like picking and packing. Before committing to a provider, be sure the needs of your business align with your partner’s capabilities.

4 Characteristics of a Great Fulfillment Partner

A great partner is one you’re comfortable calling when obstacles arise, and who inspires confidence in your ability to serve customers regardless of external circumstances. While every Ecommerce business is likely to have its own set of fulfillment needs, here are a few core attributes worth seeking out when exploring potential partnerships:

1. Exceptional Customer Service

Though the scope of a fulfillment partner’s value-added services shouldn’t be ignored, the way in which they provide those services is what makes a partnership worthy of investment. In action, great customer service includes proactive communication and fast resolution to logistical bottlenecks. Consider a partner’s client references and reviews before taking a deeper dive into their available services and facilities.

2. Flexibility

A flexible partner grows alongside your business. Trends, promotions and seasonality can impact your Ecommerce sales outlook; fulfillment partners should be able to accommodate these ebbs and flows — as well as any bursts of rush orders or the occasional lull.

Flexibility might also include custom packaging options (like kitting or light assembly), different modes of delivery, expedited shipping services and access to in-house warehousing or fleet resources.

3. Secure Tracking and Reporting

Greater transparency throughout the fulfillment process benefits everyone involved. The ability to confidently locate a package in transit is a key consideration for nearly 70% of Ecommerce shoppers — though customers’ peace of mind is far from the only benefit.

Order tracking systems monitor a shipment’s progress, allowing Ecommerce businesses the chance to identify and resolve potential inefficiencies within their routing and delivery processes (fewer hold-ups lead to faster shipping speeds, which makes for happier customers). End-to-end visibility and detailed reporting tools also reinforce supply chains with an added measure of security.

4. Order Accuracy & Efficiency

Above all else, a fulfillment partner ensures the right products are delivered to the right place in good working order. Efficient picking and packing includes frequent quality control checks to make sure items are located, handled and prepared for transit with care, improving customer satisfaction and lowering your rate of returns.

Ecommerce Fulfillment Services with First Call

Fulfillment rarely calls for a one-size-fits-all approach. The right logistics provider for your Ecommerce business is the one with the right balance of facilities, tech, services and communication tailored to your unique supply chain.

Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions matched to your specific requirements. Contact a First Call expert to discuss the details of your fulfillment needs directly, and discover how we can support the growth of your business.