Communication is Key in the Fulfillment Services Process

Communication is Key in the Fulfillment Services Process

COMMUNICATION IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF EVERY BUSINESS, INCLUDING ORDER FULFILLMENT SERVICES.

There will be times when you need to contact the fulfillment center to modify a customer’s address or cancel an order. Select a fulfillment center that is available via phone and email. You should not have to wait more than a few hours for a return email or call from the fulfillment center.  Unfortunately once you do have a fulfillment services center mistakes will happen. Some customers will receive the wrong items or the items will be shipped to the billing address rather than the shipping address. When interviewing potential fulfillment centers, ask about their error rate and their process for remedying the situation. For example, do they issue UPS call tags to pick up the incorrect item and pay to ship a replacement item? Will they ship the replacement item at a faster rate to compensate the customer? Another thing to be sure to communicate about is the costs. Each fulfillment center operates under a different payment schedule. Some use sliding scales and require contracts while others charge per order or per item with no contracts. You will also be charged a base fee to store your inventory at the warehouse and an additional fee per pallet or per item. Be sure you have a clear understanding of the fulfillment center’s costs and any contracts. When choosing a fulfillment center, create a checklist of the features you would like. Interview a member of the warehouse staff as well as the company’s references to make sure the warehouse will meet the needs of your growing e-commerce business. When you outsource order fulfillment, the time that you normally spend packaging orders, managing inventory, and dealing with returns, can now be focused on growing your business. Use this time to expand your product line, enhance your online image, promote your business or expand into new markets.  Remember, communication is key in finding the Best Fulfillment Service for your needs.

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