Find the right fulfillment partner

Many brands and companies that use fulfillment for their logistics needs need to optimize service for their customers. The logistics process is complex and requires close attention to the complexities involved. Before deciding on a logistics partner, determine how each of the following areas aligns with your company’s compliance requirements.

Here are our top tips for choosing the right logistics company for your business.

Flexibility of fulfillment and prices
A logistics operator can be with you for the long term, at every stage of your growth. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, flexible fulfillment solutions are available to fit your business needs. Some logistics partners offer partial, seasonal and total fulfillment solutions, so you can choose to outsource all or part of the operation.

When it comes to pricing, no one likes nasty surprises or hidden costs. Choosing a service that has a transparent pricing structure is vital for any business, especially for start-ups and smaller businesses that don’t have access to additional capital to spend on logistics.

It is essential to consider both short-term and long-term costs; this includes providers that charge low storage fees and offer minimal shipping costs. While it’s important to make sure you don’t spend more than you need to, it’s vital to choose a provider that doesn’t compromise quality by offering cheaper rates.

Technology-focused integration
The key to fast and accurate delivery of your products is fast and accurate processing of your orders. The best way to make that happen is to hire a tech-enabled fulfillment provider that can integrate directly into your sales pipelines with visibility.

Technology is changing the way eCommerce businesses handle the shipping process. Top rated fulfillment centers should use software to support inventory management, improve data reporting, and manage inbound/outbound freight.

For example, at SAVAR, our easy-to-use dashboards were designed in-house to seamlessly integrate with your sales platforms to provide you with consistent service. Our customers can track products coming in and monitor order, sales, and listing statuses over time.

You can also track couriers, manage spend on edit product listings instantly. Providers that match the technology used in e-business become an extension of your brand. The result? A perfect service for all involved.

Packing options
Along with branding, you want to choose a hub with a wide variety of packaging options that align with the product you’re shipping. Having options for the correct type of packaging will also reduce product damage. Plus, sometimes it’s what’s inside that counts! So you should also make sure you have your choice of insulation materials, whether it’s corrugated paper, foam rolls, shredded paper, bubble wrap, or air pillows, make sure it can cover your items.

Warehouse location
Customers in 2022 expect ultra-fast shipping speeds, how to achieve it? Choosing a warehouse in a centralized location with access to transportation routes can help get your products to the intended customer faster.

We know that changes in consumer demand open up new and sometimes complicated paths for merchants to navigate, such as calling for overnight delivery, but choosing a logistics provider that is closer to your customers and that can be lucrative.

Efficiency
Nobody likes to receive the wrong item. The consequences of poorly packaged products are detrimental to both the brand and the service provider, and are often a catalyst that leads consumers to shop elsewhere. A supplier who can promise accurate and efficient picking and packing is crucial at the wheel to provide seamless one-stop service. At SAVAR, we are proud of our 99.9% picking and packing accuracy rate; that’s pretty high.

When should you outsource your logistics?
There are several signs that you are ready to outsource your fulfillment to a fulfillment partner. Here are some of them: