Tips To Improve Order Fulfillment

When it comes to post-pandemic Ecommerce, there is one thing that hasn’t changed, the demand for quick and efficient deliveries. As the world returns to normal and supply chains regain their strength, Ecommerce businesses will need to invest in their order fulfillment process to meet the demands of consumers.

Here we’ve assembled a few tips to help show ways your business could improve its order fulfillment process:

1.   Optimize Your Inventory

Quick deliveries are ensured long before your products are shipped. An optimized inventory is one of those key factors that need to be in place for efficient fulfillment. You can optimize your inventory by checking to see if you have the right type and amount of inventory at the right locations. This will help you to avoid backorders, stockouts, and deadstock that can create complications for you and your customers.

Be sure you are constantly tracking your orders to keep your inventory optimized. Set aside some time to thoroughly inspect your inventory space, looking into top shelves, corners, and other places where products could be overlooked. After doing this, make a detailed list of items that need to be restocked and slow-selling items.

2.   Improve Your Order Picking

Order picking, which is the process of preparing a specific amount of inventory from a fulfillment center for delivery, is vital to efficient order fulfillment. Even the smallest inefficiencies in your picking process can affect your bottom line. Minor adjustments like moving your top-selling products closer to other departments in your fulfillment center can result in huge efficiency improvements.

3.   Enter New Product Information

Another great way to set yourself up for success when it comes to order fulfillment is to enter your latest product information. Adding dimensions, weights, and details will help you to streamline your packing, storing, and shipping. This is because having your product information on hand for package costs, box or envelope sizing, and inventory requirements will speed up your fulfillment process.

4.   Follow-Up With Customers

Even after delivering your orders, your job is not done. It’s important to routinely check in with customers to gauge how they feel about their delivery. To do this, follow up on your orders with an email and ensure your customer is 100% satisfied. If they aren’t, try to resolve any problems immediately. This won’t just help you build a relationship with your audience, but it’ll also help you potentially avoid returns or chargebacks in the future.

5.   Outsource Your Order Fulfillment to a 3PL

If you’re struggling to handle order fulfillment on your own, outsourcing your fulfillment to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider means having all the resources you need to execute efficient deliveries. 3PLs are experts in every aspect of fulfillment, have strategically placed fulfillment centers, and have skilled employees to pick, pack and ship your orders. Choosing the right 3PL partner can help you create a successful fulfillment strategy that will help you avoid stockouts, backorders, and additional costs due to errors.

Consider using a 3PL like Fulfillment Works to improve your fulfillment process. We have the experience, staff, warehousing and technology to help your business reach its fulfillment goals.