by logisticsplus | Dec 13, 2018 | News
Maintaining order fulfillment as an in-house operation can cause major headaches. As a result, many companies are transitioning to outsourced order fulfillment services in order to expand and grow their business. An outsourced order fulfillment service includes a third-party logistics provider that fulfills orders on behalf of its clients. Typically, these clients include online retailers, e-commerce businesses, and physical store locations that don’t have access to their own warehouses or distribution centers. The order fulfillment service should provide the receiving, processing, and delivery of all orders for its clients. Fulfillment is a huge commitment for any company because it involves a lot of time and resources that could be used elsewhere. As your business starts to grow, a third-party order fulfillment service will grow with you.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons to use an order fulfillment service.
Reasons to Use an Order Fulfillment Service
1.) Reduce Operating Costs: Working with an order fulfillment service provider can reduce infrastructure and logistical costs. Most businesses experience seasonal fluctuations and this is especially true for order fulfillment. During peak seasons, additional workers may be needed and rent and storage prices tend to increase. Many businesses don’t have the ability to hire temporary workers or purchase new warehouses that are necessary for an order fulfillment operation. By using an order fulfillment service, you eliminate the need for new infrastructure, and this ultimately reduces operating costs.
2.) Lower Shipping Costs: Most order fulfillment companies have the ability to offer lower shipping costs because of contracts with regional, national, and international shipping companies. The discounts that an order fulfillment service can offer is something to take advantage of. Also, many order fulfillment services have locations across the country which allows for cheaper shipping due to location and delivery times. Be sure to choose a fulfillment service that complements your sales markets.
3.) Reliable Customer Service: Customer service improvements can greatly impact the efficiency of a business. A call center that maintains customer interaction is a huge benefit of an order fulfillment service. Customer support that is readily available and also deals with return and refund policies can save you the hassle. Order fulfillment companies give the peace of mind knowing that your customers are being taken care in a timely manner.
4.) Expand Your Market: Often, small or new retailers have trouble expanding their business nationally or globally. Global trade tariffs and compliance issues can be complex and daunting. An order fulfillment service should give your business the ability to ship anywhere in the world due to its’ distribution networks and global expertise. By using a fulfillment company’s platform, you can take your business to the next level and increase sales in new locations and markets, even selling on Amazon.
5.) Utilize Technology: Gaining access to a warehouse management system (WMS) that keeps track of inventory is an invaluable tool for order fulfillment. Being able to process, manage, handle, and integrate technology with a sales system is sure to drive growth. This type of technology can be very expensive to implement, making it an appealing feature of using an order fulfillment service.
6.) Scalability: Flexibility is one of the top reasons for using a fulfillment company. It will allow you to choose the location where inventory is stored, while only forcing you to pay for the portion of space you are using. It will also allow room for growth and won’t cost you extra if business picks up and you need to hire another employee. An order fulfillment service gives you the flexibility your business needs to run effectively.
7.) Time: By choosing to work with an order fulfillment service provider, focus can be put on growing the business. Other areas of business such as marketing, promotions, and sales will have more time to focus on specific goals, rather than being weighed down with fulfilling orders.
As customer shopping preferences continue to shift towards e-commerce, having an order fulfillment provider will help you keep up with demand. Outsourced fulfillment and warehousing has the potential to add tremendous value for any business looking to grow. If you believe an order fulfillment service can benefit you, contact Logistics Plus today. Our fulfillment and warehousing experts ensure that from start to finish, every order is executed successfully.
by logisticsplus | Oct 10, 2018 | News
Logistics Plus was recently profiled by VeraCore Software Solutions – a web based order fulfillment software system designed to be at the “core” of fulfillment businesses. Logistics Plus Fulfillment Solutions chose VeraCore to be its complete fulfillment solution because it combines robust order management software with a powerful warehouse management system. VeraCore’s deep capabilities and flexible design helps Logistics Plus meet all of its clients’ needs.
To develop the profile, VeraCore took an in depth look at the ways Logistics Plus utilizes the order management software. As a result of its successes, Logistics Plus and VeraCore have maintained a strong relationship for many years.
You can click the image below to view or download a complete PDF copy of the case study, or by visiting VeraCore online at: http://www.veracore.com/resources/logistics-plus-case-study
by logisticsplus | Aug 8, 2018 | News
Is your business starting to grow so rapidly you feel like you can’t keep up with orders? At a certain point of growth, most companies are just simply unable to meet the demand of their customers. Today, more and more companies are turning to outsourced fulfillment and warehousing so they don’t have to worry about their growth being interrupted. Outsourced fulfillment and warehousing can add tremendous value to any business that wants to focus on growth and it might just be the secret step for your business’ long-lasting success.
What is this going to cost me? That’s the most common question asked by prospective clients. After asking the following 10 questions, we can then get into the numbers.
1.) How much space do you need?
2.) How many orders do you ship per month?
3.) How many items per order?
4.) How many SKU’s?
5.) Do you ship in boxes and envelopes or are the items ready for shipment as is?
6.) Are the items fragile?
7.) What type of void fill do you prefer?
8.) Where are your clients located?How many returns can we expect monthly?
9.) Do you need customer support?
10.) How will you transmit orders?
From those questions it is easy to put together a proposal, but is that really what you want? The better question should start off by asking: What do you want to accomplish by outsourcing your warehousing and fulfillment? You see, this question is the single most important factor in building a successful fulfillment program.
Speed – How quickly do you want your orders shipped? In today’s highly competitive marketplace, having your product in your customers hands before they have a chance to wonder where it’s at is critical. It’s one of the reasons they will re-order. Failure to ship it quickly can lead to increased customer service costs and lost future sales.
Accuracy – Often times, people say they only care about how fast a package gets delivered. Speed is important, but what if an order is incorrect? The client is upset, they email or call you, you or your employees have to research the error, ship the replacement, figure out a way to return the incorrect item, and communicate yet again with your sincerest apologies. The lost opportunity can cost loss of future sales, increased customer service costs, increased shipping costs, and potential loss of reputation. Being accurate is often times more important than being quick.
Scalability – Where will you store your inventory? Do you have room to grow? Are you paying for space you are not using? What is the cost of adding another employee? Do you lay off staff when sales are slow and hire on when sales volume increases? A fulfillment center gives you the flexibility your business needs.
Hassle – How often have you visited the USPS, FedEx or UPS websites? Have you ever tried to research the regulations for shipping internationally? How about the regulations for storing and shipping nutritional supplements? Lot or serial number tracking? Do you know what each carrier requires to file a claim? These are just a few of the things that companies like Logistics Plus keep track of. Reducing the headaches associated with storing and shipping your inventory must worth something, right?
Time – When you started your business, you dreamed of the freedom that it was going to give you. Now that your business has grown, your free time has become scarce. Perhaps you have been meaning to research your next product line or begin the next marketing campaign that is going to take your business to the next level. If only you had a bit more time to do these things and less time having to manage your inventory, pack boxes, and deal with employee issues. A fulfillment company takes away the barriers that impede growth. You can focus on your core competencies and enjoy the time away from the business as you had dreamed.
These are just a few examples of the value add that Logistics Plus Fulfillment Solutions brings to your business. Just for this bit of value you are probably thinking – “they must be expensive!” That could not be further from the truth. At Logistics Plus, we are focused on putting together a customized fulfillment program that not only meets your current needs, but anticipates your future needs. Contact us to get a free, no obligation quote today or click here to download our free fulfillment guide.
by logisticsplus | Jul 26, 2018 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NTL Expands Warehousing & Fulfillment Capabilities in Erie
With three facilities in Erie, NTL now offers over 150,000 square feet of industrial and commercial warehousing.
ERIE, PA (July 26, 2018) – NTL, an Erie, PA-based sister company to Logistics Plus Inc. and a leading local provider of transportation and warehousing solutions, has expanded its warehousing capabilities in Erie, Pennsylvania with two additional facilities. The company now maintains operations at 1710 Greengarden Blvd, 3011 West 17th Street, and 2311 W 15th Street.
“Our national truckload operations continue to be operated from 15th Street, where we’ve maintained our primary offices for the past several years,” said Joe Santone, senior vice president for Logistics Plus and NTL. “We moved into the Greengarden facility late last year to address our expanding industrial warehousing and painting business lines. Earlier this year we also acquired 60,000 square feet of additional capacity on 17th Street to service our expanding commercial warehousing and fulfillment business segment.”
Santone says the three facilities combined provide over 150,000 square feet of warehousing space to companies looking for temporary or long-term storage in the area, and to companies looking for Midwest and Northeast warehousing and fulfillment services. Special features include an industrial-sized forklift with 62,000 pounds of lift capacity, a 110-ton crane with 200,000 pounds of lift capacity, and a full-service painting bay at Greengarden; and a complete racking and shelving system with covered multi-dock unloading and loading bays at 17th Street.
Visit here to learn more and to request more information.
About NTL
NTL (National Truckload) is an independently-operated asset-based and brokerage provider of truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation, warehousing, and industrial painting services. Founded in Erie, PA, with an additional facility in Lexington, NC, it has a diverse mixture of people and equipment with a strong focus on providing dedicated solutions. Learn more at www.nationaltruckload.net.
About Logistics Plus Inc.
Logistics Plus Inc. provides freight transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, and supply chain management solutions through a worldwide network of talented and caring professionals. Founded in Erie, PA by local entrepreneur, Jim Berlin, 21 years ago, Logistics Plus is a fast-growing and award-winning transportation and logistics company. With a strong passion for excellence, its 400+ employees put the “plus” in logistics by doing the big things properly, and the countless little things, that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
The Logistics Plus® network includes offices located in Erie, PA; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; Riverside, CA; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Visalia, CA; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Lexington, NC; Buffalo, NY; New York, NY; Olean, NY; Akron, OH; Cleveland, OH; Charleston, SC; Nashville, TN; Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Houston, TX; Laredo, TX; Winchester, VA; Madison, WI; Australia; Bahrain; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; China; Colombia; Czech Republic; Egypt; France; Germany; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Libya; Mexico; Netherlands; Poland; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; South Sudan; Taiwan; Turkey; UAE; Uganda; and United Kingdom; with additional agents around the world. For more information, visit www.logisticsplus.com or follow @LogisticsPlus on Twitter.
Media Contact:
Scott G. Frederick
Vice President, Marketing
Logistics Plus Inc.
(814) 240-6881
scott.frederick@logisticsplus.com
by logisticsplus | Jul 25, 2018 | News
As the fulfillment industry expands, companies must recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach for order fulfillment. Although every client has different needs, the steps to begin business with a fulfillment provider are relatively the same. Not all steps are needed, but it is encouraged that you review as many things as you can before choosing what fulfillment provider to work with. Follow the steps below to establish an appropriate fulfillment service:
1. Assess Your Needs
Before you request a proposal, it’s best to understand exactly what your needs are. What do you hope to achieve by outsourcing your order fulfillment? Do you want a provider that is close to your location, close to your vendors, or close to your clients? Do you have a requirement of speed or accuracy? Do you need customer service? How hands on do you want to be? Do you need a company that can provide reporting capabilities? Will your shopping cart transmit data to a third party? All of these questions will form the basis of any fulfillment providers proposal.
2. Request A Proposal
We strongly suggest that you call several fulfillment providers to request a proposal. It’s important to hear the tone and inflection of the fulfillment companies representative as you lay out your needs and goals. The provider should ask questions such as: how many orders per month, number of items per order, number of SKU’s, amount of warehouse space needed, will there be returns, and several other factors that will impact the proposal. They should be able to make suggestions and discuss your needs in depth. They should also be able to provide a detailed proposal that outlines your specific needs. Once you receive the proposal, make sure to compare it to others that you have received.
3. Software Demo
It is always recommended that you request a walk through of the software that the fulfillment company will provide even if you don’t plan on using it. This software is your visibility into the warehouse and fulfillment process and it’s also a very good indicator of the sophistication level of the fulfillment provider. However, be careful not to be overly impressed with graphs and charts because the software should be a workhorse and not cosmetic in nature.
4. Request A Service Agreement
Prior to making a final decision, it is important to understand the terms and conditions of any contract or service agreement. Questions to ask: Is there a long term commitment? What are the payment terms? Is there a service guarantee and if so is it defined in specifics? What happens if I want to end service?
5. Have Technical Staff Speak
Your technical staff (or whomever is handling the system integration) should speak with the fulfillment companies technical staff to work out data transmission. The fulfillment provider should be able to supply API and integration documents. In addition, you should ask if there are other ways to transmit orders should your shopping cart have a data flow interruption. Methods such as manual entry or batch processing through spreadsheets should be presented as an option should an unforeseen technical problem happens on your side.
6. Sign The Service Agreement
Selecting your fulfillment service provider will require the execution of a service agreement or contract. The fulfillment provider should provide a counter signed agreement.
7. Complete The Integration & Send Inventory
The fulfillment partner should provide files that will need to be completed. This is an important time as setting up your fulfillment program requires a high level of detail. It is important to remember, the more information that you provide the better the program will be and the greater satisfaction you and your clients will have. You should expect to have a conference call with an Implementation Manager. This person is responsible for communicating your specific needs to the warehouse. You will also meet an Account Manager at this time. This will be your day to day contact.
8. Testing
Data transmission and order entry should be tested. You should receive a more detailed walk through of the software and a review of your objectives.
9. Go Live
The day has finally come where you are ready to go live. Inventory has been received and the warehouse is ready to begin fulfillment your orders. You now have a single point of contact.
In order to succeed at fulfillment, knowing the above steps can start you off in the right direction. For any questions or help with fulfillment or setting up fulfillment service, feel free to contact Logistics Plus today and we will be with you every step of the way. It’s important to work with a partner that understands your needs, so look no further than Logistics Plus. Contact us today.
