The “Do’s” of Selecting an Order Fulfillment Company

Selecting a fulfillment company could be just another item on your long list of to-do’s. Maybe it’s something you are putting off because you’re not quite ready to take that plunge. Maybe you don’t know much about them so you don’t even know where to begin. Regardless of your holdup, here are a few tips and tricks to consider when selecting an order fulfillment company for your retail or ecommerce business.

First, know that fulfillment companies are a safe and viable option for outsourcing. Some are undoubtedly sketchy, but the service and idea itself is becoming more widely implemented by the minute. If done successfully, this type of outsourcing can control costs by a significant amount.

FULFILLMENT COMPANY: CONSIDER THESE THINGS

1. Find out what kind of ordering methods the fulfillment company offers. With such a diverse customer base, you need to make sure none of your customers are jeopardized because they cannot order the way they are used to. Some customer want to order through the telephone, others prefer online ordering, while others order through snail mail. Make sure the company you choose can process orders in several different formats. 

2. Ask what kind of warehousing capabilities the fulfillment company provides. If they are operating out of a backyard shed, they clearly cannot take on a high volume of orders and be efficient. Be mindful of the fact that companies will want to take on as many new clients as possible (for the money, mainly), but do not always have the space to do so. Ask to see their warehouses and make sure they have enough room for your inventory. Be sure to inquire of the services and space available if your company’s inventory were to grow in the future.

3. Find out as much as possible about the people and the procedures of the fulfillment company. Make sure they have a system that works--and ask them to prove it to you! Ask the right questions with your customers in mind. For example, find out how committed their employees are to excellence. Ask them what their philosophy is? Are they willing to take on personal responsibility to make sure orders are fulfilled? Find out what their return process is life and inquire about any exceptions processes. Get a feel for how the company would act should any problems arise.