Posts written by

Pavel D’silva

Pavel is a content marketing analyst at WareIQ. He has more than 3 years of content marketing experience. His key responsibilities include writing SEO-based blogs, guides, guest posts, and other types of content on a plethora of topics related to eCommerce fulfillment, operations, supply chain, warehousing, shipping etc.

The Importance of First Attempt Delivery and 3 Methods to Increase Your First Attempt Delivery Rate (FADR) in 2022

The Importance of First Attempt Delivery and 3 Methods to Increase Your First Attempt Delivery Rate (FADR) in 2022

In the vast world of eCommerce retail, one of the most crucial aspects is to ensure that customers receive their orders on the promised date and time. Delayed order delivery can result in confusion regarding the customer being present at the location, someone being available to receive the order, the delivery executive trying to contact the customer to clarify the location and so on. This is why it is in every retailer’s best interests to try and deliver orders according to the ETA mentioned to the customer to be able to have a smooth receipt of the order by them and to avoid further implications such as initiation of returns, dissatisfaction caused by longer delivery timelines and inconvenience caused to all parties involved because of the inability of the order to be successfully delivered. In this blog, we will go over the meaning of first attempt delivery, its importance, the main reasons for its occurrence and 3 important methods for retailers to increase their first attempt delivery rate. Read along. What is First Attempt Delivery? First attempt delivery is classified as the initial attempt of a last-mile delivery partner to fruitfully deliver an order to a customer, regardless of whether they are in the position to receive it or not. The number of first attempt delivery attempts can vary depending on factors such as the customer’s availability, if there is someone on the premises that can accept the order on their behalf or if the delivery partner has arrived either before or after the scheduled delivery date and time mentioned by the order tracking software.  The number of last-mile deliveries that are successfully fulfilled by a company is known as the first attempt delivery rate (FADR). It is beneficial for retailers to have a high FADR as this indicates that most orders are fulfilled seamlessly, without any errors occurring from either end. Conversely, a low FADR can spell trouble for a business as this can often mean more return initiations, customer displeasure and negative reviews online. [contactus_lilgoodness] Importance of First Attempt Delivery Improves Customer Experience Online shopping customers in this day and age are accustomed to instant gratification due to same-day and next-day delivery becoming the norm and eCommerce retailers constantly striving to find ways to cut delivery timelines even further. Thus, when a delivery is delayed and does not arrive on time, it further amplifies the negative impression that customers will have of that business. When a first attempt delivery is successful, customers will have an overall positive opinion of their whole interaction with a company, as this reiterates how effortless and less-time consuming online shopping can be. Mitigates Added Expenses If a first attempt delivery isn’t successfully accepted by the customer, retailers will have to shell out additional resources on subsequent delivery attempts, which can instantly add up costs. If an order has to be re-delivered multiple times, the general costs associated with the delivery process can triple, reducing the profit margin of the business in the process. A successful first delivery attempt reduces the need for any of these additional costs and retailers can focus on fulfilling other orders instead of being held up in trying to deliver prior orders. You can also read : How to reduce shipping costs? Enhances Brand Image If a company has a high first attempt delivery rate (FADR) and has a ton of positive reviews from previous customers relating to their order delivery experience, it enhances the brand image of the company and inspires confidence in new customers that they will receive their orders in a punctual manner. This can increase conversion rates as potential customers generally trust the opinions and experiences of existing customers, which leads to overall satisfaction and an increase in the popularity of a brand. Helps Gain a Competitive Advantage When a brand has consistently positive reviews regarding first attempt delivery, it will instantly garner a favourable reputation among new customers, compared to a company that is flooded with negative feedback and complaints. Customers spend hours trying to find the best possible deals and if they are assured that they will get better service with one company than its competitors, they will gravitate towards that company for their requirements. Main Reasons for Failed First Delivery Attempts Incorrect Address Information A large portion of the success of first attempt delivery depends on whether the location details are accurate. If the wrong address is entered in the system or is given by the customer, delays in delivery become inevitable due to the need for the delivery executive to find the new location and travel there. Wrong Contact Details Imprecise contact details can have a drastically negative impact on first attempt delivery due to the fact that customers will not be able to be contacted in the event of a delay or if the wrong location details are given. Instead of the delivery executive being able to contact the customer and clarify any queries relating to the location or other details they might have, they may have to send it back to the warehouse and try again on another day. Unforeseen Circumstances Order fulfillment is subject to many factors that are not within the control of the retailer or the delivery partner. Common unforeseen occurrences include vehicle breakdowns, traffic congestion, road repairs and protests or festivities causing road blockages, among many others. Unavailability of the Customer The main reason that inhibits first attempt delivery is the unavailability of the customer when the delivery partner reaches their location. This can be due to multiple factors, some of which can be attributed to the retailer, such as delayed delivery, earlier arrival than the specified ETA or problems in finding the location but can also be the fault of the customer themselves, such as not being physically present due to other commitments, not informing family or friends to collect the parcel or mistakenly giving the wrong address or contact details. 3 Key Methods to Increase Your First Attempt Delivery Rate Consolidate All Your Information Collating all the information about a company’s logistical and operational processes, especially relating to last-mile delivery, and also all the data about the specific order can have a positive impact on their first attempt delivery rate. This ensures that all the information needed by the delivery executive to have a successful first attempt delivery is at their fingertips and can reduce the number of errors or mishaps that occur during the fulfillment process. Employ Real-Time Order Tracking Advanced order tracking software can help significantly in increasing the first attempt delivery rate of a company. By making all the tracking information about the order available to both the delivery personnel and the customer such as the stage of fulfillment, real-time updates when the parcel enters a new phase and any cause of delays or revisions in the ETA, both parties will have a better idea of when the first delivery attempt will be made and the customer can make the necessary arrangements to ensure that the order is picked up. Automate Important Processes Automating processes using advanced software solutions such as sending notifications to customers every time there is an update in the order fulfillment cycle, ensuring that the delivery partner is present to pick up the order when it arrives at the dispatch point and making sure that they have all the relevant information regarding the delivery location and contact details of the customer, increases the chances of the first delivery attempt of being a success. Conclusion: How Can WareIQ’s Offerings Help Improve Your First Attempt Delivery? First attempt delivery is an extremely important aspect of order fulfillment and the success of the company as a whole as it determines how efficiently and frequently they can fulfill orders. If a company has a high first attempt delivery rate, it generally indicates that the time taken to fulfill each order and the costs involved are reduced. On the other hand, if a company has a low FADR, it conveys that the cost and time involved in delivering each order are higher than it needs to be and this can result in fewer sales and reduced profit margins. These factors can have a large impact on the operational capacity of a company. If you are an eCommerce retailer and need help with increasing your first attempt delivery rate and any other eCommerce requirements you may have, you can place your faith in WareIQ. WareIQ is one of the country’s leading eCommerce fulfillment companies. We take advantage of advanced technology in every department relating to eCommerce fulfillment to ensure high rates of success and fewer mistakes or errors. Some of the ways that WareIQ can help to improve your first attempt delivery are as follows: We offer intelligent inventory placement in a pan-India network of fulfillment centers and dark stores to ensure that your inventory is located close to your customers and major transport hubs, which reduces delivery timelines.We offer an advanced WMS that can track your inventory across multiple fulfillment centers and can integrate with more than 12 of the biggest eCommerce marketplaces.We provide branded tracking facilities that can be customised as per your requirements to give you and your customers an enhanced order tracking experience.We have partnered with more than 20 of the largest shipping aggregators in the country and always ensure the quickest and most cost-effective delivery for every order. Give your first attempt delivery the boost it needs to be successful by partnering with WareIQ. First Attempt Delivery: FAQs What is first attempt delivery important?Delivering an order in the first attempt can save a business a lot of time, hassle and money and also saves their customers a lot of inconveniences. Overall, both parties benefit when an order is delivered and accepted on time. What is last-mile delivery?Last-mile delivery involves the on-ground picking up and delivery of an order from the final warehouse to the customer’s location by a delivery executive. What happens if a first delivery attempt is unsuccessful?The delivery attempt will be marked as failed, which indicates that the delivery executive attempted to deliver the order but was unsuccessful. The order will then head back to the warehouse from where there will be attempts to deliver it again until the customer receives it. Why is order tracking necessary?Order tracking provides insights into the journey of a parcel to the customer that ordered it. This helps reassure the customer that it is on its way and they can ensure that they are available to collect it to avoid unnecessary confusion. Does WareIQ offer other eCommerce solutions?Yes, WareIQ provides a whole range of services from storage and inventory management to shipping and last-mile delivery using advanced technology.

July 19, 2022

Top 50 Dropshipping Products to Boost Sales and Maximise Profit in 2024

Top 50 Dropshipping Products to Boost Sales and Maximise Profit in 2024

As more people gain access to the internet and all the conveniences and lifestyle-improving facilities that it brings to the table, the eCommerce space is expanding just as rapidly, especially in developing countries like India, where this rapid growth is even more pronounced. There are plenty of homegrown startup eCommerce marketplaces that are now providing intense competition to industry leaders such as Amazon, Flipkart and eBay, and retailers are taking full advantage of all the tools at their disposal. Ultimately, the main goal of eCommerce selling is for a company to generate interest in their products among consumers so that they end up purchasing the items that they want and need. It is up to retailers to research their target market and supply the appropriate goods to fulfill the demand of their customers.  If a quality commodity is promoted to the wrong crowd, in a different price segment than was intended, it is bound to generate little revenue than what it could if it was visible to customers who would actually buy it. However, this interest and the actual sale mean nothing without a proper means of delivering orders in the best possible way. Many eCommerce sellers have turned to dropshipping in recent years due to its cost-effective nature. In this blog, we take a look at what dropshipping is, the benefits of finding the best dropshipping products, 5 ways to be able to identify them and 50 of the top dropshipping products in 2024. Stick around. What is Dropshipping? Dropshipping is an eCommerce fulfillment mechanism that is contrary to traditional order fulfillment, where, instead of the company storing its own products and fulfilling orders by its own means or through the use of a 3PL fulfillment company, it relies on the manufacturer or vendor themselves to directly ship the order to the customer. One of the biggest disparities between dropshipping and conventional fulfillment is that the company doesn’t directly handle its own products. Similarly, the vendor that fulfills the order doesn’t actually own any of the stock. Their services are utilised by the retailer to be able to fulfill orders. While dropshipping does have its own benefits, it often takes much longer for customers to receive their orders. [contactus_lilgoodness] Benefits of Using Dropshipping Requires Less Initial Investment Dropshipping requires comparable less investment than other order fulfillment methods. While setting up an eCommerce business itself is much more cost-effective than setting up a conventional brick-and-mortar store, dropshipping doesn’t require product purchases unless a sale has been made to a customer and they have already paid. This significantly reduces the need for ordering large quantities of products and retailers can test the waters before they need to make any decisions. Relatively Easy to Setup Setting up an eCommerce company that doesn’t have to deal with physical inventory and worry about storing it is much easier than retailers that need to find their own warehouses or partner with 3PL companies to use their fulfillment centers and other services, which can drastically increase expenses. Sellers that use dropshipping generally don’t need to pay for a warehouse, packaging and delivering orders, keeping track of inventory, taking care of reverse logistics and repeatedly placing replenishment orders. Consists of Low Overhead Expenses Because many conventional operational costs are mitigated by using dropshipping, overhead costs of running a business become comparatively low, which enables retailers to start a business and operate it from their home as opposed to needing to set up an office space. Because no products or employees are handled directly by the seller, there is little need for anything more than a laptop through which they can operate their business. Can be Overseen From Anywhere Dropshipping products to customers is extremely convenient for retailers as they do not have to deal with any of the important operations themselves. As long as they have a stable internet connection and a laptop, they can oversee business operations from anywhere they want to be. All that they need to do is maintain consistent contact with their suppliers and more occasionally, their customers to ensure that everything is running smoothly and no issues have arisen. Access to a Diverse Product Range One of the biggest advantages of dropshipping is that sellers always have access to the top dropshipping products. If there are trending dropshipping ideas that are being utilised by other companies, it is easy for retailers to hop on the bandwagon if their supplier also produces those goods. Whenever new and improved products enter the market, sellers can simply list them on their website and start selling them. This ensures that they will never be out of fashion or risk their products becoming obsolete. 5 Ways to Identify the Best Dropshipping Products for Your Business Identify Trending Dropshipping Products One of the best options to be successful in choosing the best dropshipping products for your online store is to identify the current trending dropshipping products that are being sold on other websites or by other competitors. The best way to search for which products are trending is to use services such as Google Trends to check what customers are searching for the most. Since dropshipping products is a relatively flexible business, retailers can easily list those products on their platforms to stay relevant. Search for an Untapped Niche Targeting an untapped niche can be a great way to gain a competitive advantage and benefit from being early to the party. Selling the top dropshipping products in a particular niche that is still relatively uncompetitive is a great way for a business to cement itself as the undisputed go-to option for customers who are searching for dropshipping products in that niche. Examples of targeting a niche with dropshipping ideas include selling Christmas decorations in December and beach wear in summer.  Research Your Competitors' Dropshipping Products A good way to identify which dropshipping products to sell and pricing strategies to implement would work for a particular company is to do some research on similar products that are sold by competitors. Additionally, it would be helpful to note which pricing bracket they are targeting and which products are doing well compared to others. Because of the vast resources of the internet, this research should only take a couple of hours at most.   Browse Online Forums to Get Dropshipping Ideas The marketplace of ideas known as the internet has given rise to multiple forums and online communities where people can discuss a whole range of topics, including which dropshipping products to sell. Sites like Facebook and Reddit are littered with all kinds of eCommerce groups, some open and some requiring an invite, that discuss a whole range of matters relating to dropshipping products. Scrolling through these pages and filtering them based on location, type of products, price brackets and more, can help retailers get a good idea as to which dropshipping products would work best for them. Opt for a Research Tool to Find the Top Dropshipping Products Research tools for dropshipping products are software solutions that use a variety of algorithms and metrics to successfully provide useful data on a wide variety of different products, across industries and selling platforms. Retailers can use these tools to gauge the best dropshipping products to sell based on characteristics such as sales volume, order history, number of retailers selling the product and much more. There are many tools available in the market but Sell the Trend and Niche Scraper are some of the best. 50 Best Dropshipping Products for eCommerce Retailers to Maximise Profit Gaming Headsets With the video game market experiencing skyrocketing growth, especially after the onset of the pandemic with more consumers being indoors, it is estimated to be worth more than $200 billion by next year. Gaming headsets are one of the dropshipping products that are currently trending so they could be a good option to sell. Bluetooth Speakers With more and more people in the country listening to their favourite tunes through apps such as Spotify and Apple Music, dropshipping products such as Bluetooth speakers are in high demand, with a growth rate of 29% estimated between 2020 to 2024. Smartwatches Regular watches have become a relic of the past as smartwatches have taken a stranglehold on the watch market. Most smartwatches seamlessly integrate with phones to provide notifications, easy access to quick functions and health data. It has become one of the best dropshipping products for retailers. Wooden Watches One of the best fashion dropshipping ideas is wooden watches. Being the polar opposite of smartwatches, they have their own niche audience due to their eco-friendly nature and a predicted growth rate of 4% between 2021 and 2025. Muslin Blankets These blankets are made of muslin, which is a soft, breathable and lightweight form of cotton. They are available in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes and have become one of the fastest-growing dropshipping products. Teeth Whitening Kits With more people paying attention to their personal hygiene, teeth whitening kits have become one of the most popular dropshipping products in the healthcare space, with consistent growth since 2015 and an estimated worth of $7.4 billion by 2024. Hair Growth Serums This is one of the top dropshipping ideas as the global hair products industry is set to reach $211 billion by 2025. Hair growth serums are one of the most trending dropshipping products on Google Trends and could be a good niche to tap into. USB Charging Docks Everyone needs to keep their devices charged at all times. Although the market has seen its share of fluctuations, it is still estimated to be valued at almost $38 billion by 2025. Another plus point is that they are quite cheap and fast to manufacture. Baby Carriers With the population steadily growing, more parents require an easy way to carry around their newborns and baby carriers have been the answer. The numbers are steadily rising as per Google Trends. Smoothie Blenders Since the dawn of the health-conscious movement, more people have been looking for ways to quickly get their fill of healthy ingredients, which is assisted by these popular dropshipping products. They have shown an upward trend for the last couple of years. Organic Teas This is one of the most popular dropshipping products that is targeted at people who want to maintain healthy lifestyles. While there are many variations and flavours, the overall market is estimated to grow by more than 16% between 2020 and 2027. Bluetooth Headsets With most phone manufacturers committing to Bluetooth by making the headphone jack a relic of the past, Bluetooth headsets have become one of the most popular dropshipping products among gamers, video streamers and music listeners, which is most of the population and is expected to exceed $25 billion by 2025. Seamless Innerwear Seamless inner wear is one of the most untapped dropshipping ideas in the eCommerce market. It is innerwear that does not have any seams so it does not leave an outline on your clothes if you are wearing something skin-tight. Security Cameras With the world becoming a more dangerous place, many people want to protect their businesses and homes by getting evidence of anything suspicious if it were to ever occur. With the industry expected to grow by 8% by 2025, it is one of the most sought-after dropshipping products in the security market. Anti-Ageing Creams It seems that many people are worried about preserving their youth because this is one of the highest trending dropshipping products in the market. The anti-ageing industry is currently worth $58 billion and is expected to grow by 7% by 2026. Beard Oils This burgeoning market has gained steady popularity in recent years due to the revival of the beard as a symbol of masculinity. It is expected to grow by 3% by 2027. Yoga Mats This is one of the dropshipping products that is bought by the same health-conscious people that buy smoothie blenders and drink organic tea, which is clearly a lot as the market is set to grow by 8% by 2026. Yoga Leggings Yoga leggings, as the name suggests, are used for yoga but also for gymming, jogging and other physical activities. This is one of the dropshipping products that has gained popularity in recent years. Vaporizers Vaping has emerged as a healthier alternative to cigarettes and has gained massive popularity in recent years, given the estimated worth of $48 billion by 2024. Face Rollers It is an emerging beauty product that is made from crystals and supposedly has multiple benefits for the skin. It has become one of the most popular dropshipping products amongst fashion bloggers and influencers. Facial Masks One of the many dropshipping products in the beauty industry, facial masks have been popular for a long time and are considered a must in any respectable healthcare routine. Waterproof Bags They are good dropshipping products to sell as their demand has been steadily increasing. They are made of synthetic materials and have waterproof linings to prevent water from getting in, even if it gets wet. Insulated Bottles In an effort to reduce the use of plastic bottles, insulated bottles have become a popular alternative in terms of dropshipping products. Currently valued at $62 billion, it is set to grow by 4% by 2028. Electric Massagers Due to the emerging popularity of self-care routines, electric massagers have become popular dropshipping products, reflected by the steady growth of 6% a year. Matcha They are green tea leaves in powdered form and need to be mixed with hot water. Along with organic tea and other health dropshipping products, it has gained popularity due to a more health-conscious society. Sports Bras They have emerged as popular dropshipping products due to the constant promotion by celebrities and are no longer considered just sports or gym wear but a comfortable alternative to t-shirts that can be worn anywhere. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo With an increase in the number of people that are plagued with dandruff, dropshipping products like anti-dandruff shampoo have become popular and are expected to achieve 3% growth by 2024. Phone Cases Phone cases have been popular dropshipping products since the inception of the smartphone but are increasingly so nowadays due to the expensive nature of phones. The market is expected to be valued at $74.5 billion by 2026 in the US alone. Wiper Blades This seems like one of the more out-of-the-ordinary dropshipping products to sell. However, with the growing number of people who require wiper blades for their cars, it can be a good niche to tap into. Tea Tree Oils  It is another option in the long list of healthcare dropshipping products. It is known for its antiseptic properties and aids in removing acne, bacteria and infections as well as a natural perfume, insect repellant and laundry scent. Tote Bags They are fashion accessories that can become good dropshipping products due to the increased popularity they have received in recent years due to the unique designs and patterns available. LED Lamps LED lamps have become popular dropshipping products due to the less electricity consumption they require. They also come in various designs and shapes. The market is growing at a rate of 13% annually. Sunglasses Sunglasses are dropshipping products that aren’t always on an upward trend but rather, experience seasonal spikes. It is still a good segment to get into. Men’s Grooming Products Men’s grooming products are also dropshipping products that experience seasonal spikes, especially around Christmas and other festivals which implies that men mostly take care of themselves during special occasions. Calligraphy Pens Calligraphy is becoming popular again and calligraphy pens are the dropshipping products that enable the ancient art form to be done in a more modern way. Eyelash Extensions Yet another feature in the beauty dropshipping products category, the market for eyelash extensions is set to reach $1.8 billion by 2024, which has been simplified with do-it-yourself kits. Artificial Flowers Fake flowers are popular dropshipping products for people who want to save money on special occasions. Another advantage is that they can be kept permanently, instead of withering up and needing to be replaced. Kid’s Tents Kid’s tents are trending dropshipping products in the children’s market. They enable kids to set up ready-to-use tents and play in them to their heart's content. Rice Cookers Rice cookers have become an essential household item for cooking rice as it doesn’t require any effort and always deliver perfect results. They have an upward trend on Google trends. Dog Toys They have become popular dropshipping products in the pet accessory industry and have multiple different shapes and sizes for every type of dog breed out there. Air Fryers Air fryers have garnered massive popularity since 2017 as they make fried food healthy without removing the taste. The market is set to reach $1.2 billion by 2026. Duvet Covers It is a household item that enhances the comfort of beds and couches. The bedding industry is expected to receive a valuation of $147 billion by 2028 so investing in it will be a great idea. Sleep Gummies They are a candy that is laced with melatonin, which is a hormone that regulates sleep. This product is gaining popularity due to the rise in insomnia and sleep levels across the world. Electric Toothbrushes They have been on an upward trend for many years and the market is set to be valued at $2,163 million by 2026. Capitalizing on selling electric toothbrushes can profit businesses immensely. Sports Tracksuits They have emerged as popular dropshipping products, not just for sporting events or active lifestyles but also as a comfortable alternative to pants for any occasion. Smartphone Tripods The capabilities of smartphone photography have increased exponentially in recent years and tripods provide a cheap way of getting even better-stabilized footage. Blue Light Filtering Glasses Blue light has a tendency to increase eye strain and cause headaches, especially since people are always in front of their screens, be it a phone, tablet or laptop. These glasses have become popular to curtail the effect of blue light on our bodies, reflected by the estimated 8% growth by 2026. Selfie Ring Lights They are circular lights that have been used by medical practitioners for years. However, these devices can be attached to a phone camera to balance out the lighting in low-light scenarios to provide better pictures. Wall Decals There are many uses for wall decals, whether it is a teenager trying to make their room look cool or couples trying to decorate their house. Either way, they have become popular dropshipping products over the years.  Welcome Mat Almost every house has a door mat in front of it and is the first thing you see before you walk into the front door. The industry was worth $5.1 billion in 2018 and is expected to continue growing as homes will always require door mats. Conclusion: Fulfill eCommerce Orders With WareIQ While dropshipping may have a variety of benefits such as low setup costs, operational costs, additional flexibility and less strain on retailers, it is also frequently plagued with multiple drawbacks such as extended delivery times ranging from multiple weeks to months, quality control issues and poor customer support since the retailer isn’t directly involved in the shipping process. Dropshipping products is a smart choice for startups and companies that are still in their infancy. However, retailers that have enough capital to acquire their own storage or fulfill orders directly should definitely consider partnering with a 3PL fulfillment company like WareIQ for all their eCommerce requirements. WareIQ is one of India’s highest ranking eCommerce fulfillment companies that provides the whole spread of eCommerce services ranging from storage to order fulfillment and everything in between. Some of our most-utilised offerings include: Providing storage solutions through a network of multiple fulfillment centers and dark stores located across the countryGiving users access to our custom WMS that can manage and track inventory across multiple fulfillment centers and 20 plus eCommerce marketplaces, in addition to providing updates in real-timeOffering an app store with a slick user interface and various applications to enhance the productivity of various eCommerce tasksPartnering with more than 20 of the largest shipping aggregators in the country to ensure the shortest delivery time and most cost-effective rates for every order. [signup] Dropshipping Products: FAQs Which companies are dropshipping suited towards?Dropshipping is generally the most beneficial for small companies that are just starting out and are on an extremely tight budget since everything is taken care of by the vendor. What are the drawbacks of dropshipping?Dropshipping is often associated with delayed delivery, low-quality standards and poor customer service. Why is it necessary to identify the right dropshipping products?It is necessary for a business to find the right dropshipping products in order for them to be successful and generate sales. They need to do this by analysing the market, target audience, competitors and many other factors. What are the alternatives to dropshipping?Order fulfillment that is done either by the retailer directly or by partnering with a 3PL company is a common alternative to dropshipping. The retailer handles the merchandise directly and stores it in their own or outsourced fulfillment centers as opposed to dropshipping. What are the advantages of order fulfillment over dropshipping?Order fulillment has much shorter delivery times, has rigid quality control measures, provides order tracking to both the retailer and customer, and customers have direct support from the retailer which provides a better experience.

July 15, 2022

10 Best Amazon FBA Alternatives and Competitors for eCommerce Retailers to Fulfill Online Orders in 2024

10 Best Amazon FBA Alternatives and Competitors for eCommerce Retailers to Fulfill Online Orders in 2024

The eCommerce industry is growing at a rapid rate, especially in a developing market like India, where more people are gaining access to the internet, and the conveniences offered by it, on a daily basis. Logically, the number of retailers striving to capitalize on all these new internet users is also expanding and with a plethora of eCommerce marketplaces, that cater to a variety of different budgets and product types, online sellers are spoiled for choice as to which one fits their requirements and audience the best. An opportunistic company would try to sell on as many of these platforms as possible, to gain as much visibility to potential customers as they can, and many of them do.  One of the biggest factors in the boom of eCommerce retail in India was the entry of Amazon, the world’s largest eCommerce selling platform, into the country in 2013. Since then, India has become one of the biggest markets for Amazon, especially after losing out on market share to local competitors in China. The company has committed itself to a vast expansion in every sector of the country, with landmarks such as the opening of the largest Amazon campus in the world in Hyderabad in 2019 and the then CEO and co-founder, Jeff Bezos, explicitly stating the company’s goals of making India its number one focus. While this has had a positive impact on the entire eCommerce industry as a whole, there are many retailers who abstain from selling on Amazon and would rather focus their efforts on homegrown platforms such as Flipkart and Myntra. In addition, Amazon’s first-party fulfillment service, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) levies many restrictions and additional expenses on sellers such as some of the highest commission charges in the industry, rigid packaging guidelines and minimum monthly sales targets, among others. Read our blog on FBA Vs FBM to find out which one is right for your business. Although it offers some of the best fulfillment services and use of technology in the country, this lack of flexibility can lead many retailers to search for Amazon FBA alternatives, some of which offer just as many services, cheaper pricing plans and more freedom to position their brand in the way that they want, while still taking advantage of selling on Amazon’s eCommerce platform. In this blog, we will take a look at the reasons companies search for alternatives to Amazon FBA, the 10 best Amazon FBA competitors in the country and how WareIQ can be of assistance. Read along. Top 5 Reasons Companies Search for Amazon FBA Alternatives Reduced Branding Capabilities If retailers use FBA to fulfill Amazon orders, they have to abide by Amazon’s packaging standardisation, which essentially means the first thing that customers will see when they unbox their order is Amazon branding, front and center. This is a conscious effort by Amazon to let the customer know where the product was ordered from and who fulfilled it, as opposed to highlighting the brand of the seller, who has done the hard work of researching and manufacturing the product, and who has generated a sale for Amazon. If a retailer wants to highlight their own brand instead of Amazon’s, which already has more than enough name recognition, they are better suited to find alternatives to Amazon FBA. Complicated Payment Structure Amazon FBA’s payment structure can be extremely complicated to figure out, especially for retailers who don’t have much experience with using the platform’s services. There are a vast variety of different expenses, some of which are fixed, variable or circumstantial. There are 3 main fees that Amazon imposes on its sellers - Seller fees which is a standard fee to use their services, fulfillment fees which encompass warehouse operations such as picking, packing and shipping for each order, and storage fees which is a based on the amount of storage space your inventory occupies. Additionally, the charges can vary depending on different seasons, events, flash sales and other factors and Amazon is notorious for charging penalties for minor infractions. Sellers who want to have simple and transparent payment plans often seek to find Amazon FBA alternatives. Merged Inventory With Similar Products The large number of sellers that utilise FBA for storing multiple products and variations means that not every product will get access to its own, separate storage location in the warehouse. Similar products from different sellers are often clubbed together and assigned a single slot, from where they are picked and packed, whenever an item is ordered. This results in the increased possibility of the wrong products being selected and shipped, resulting in customer dissatisfaction, a negative impression of the brand and the hassle of dealing with product returns for the seller. If a retailer wants their own designated storage space for the entirety of their product line-up, it would benefit them to look for Amazon FBA competitors. Limited Inventory Control Retailers who require strategic control over their inventory would be better off finding alternatives to Amazon FBA, due to the increased difficulty of adding and removing products that are stored in FBA warehouses. Continuing with the theme of penalizing retailers for minor offences, Amazon imposes a penalty fee if inventory is stored for a longer period than the predetermined date, which limits the ability of retailers to effectively forecast market demand and order and store products accordingly since they have no room to make the necessary changes and additions to their inventory. Partnering with FBA requires retailers to order and store all their inventory in one go, which makes it difficult to achieve the right product quantities and can result in wastage and losses, which sellers will have to incur. Rigid FBA Prep Guidelines Amazon's ultra-strict guidelines can be a benefit for consumers but a challenge for retailers to follow extensively, as there are many regulations to follow in order to get their products prepared to be fulfilled by FBA. FBA prep refers to the rigid instructions set by Amazon in regard to packaging, labelling and safety standards. One example is the need to follow the Amazon Standard Identification Number System (ASIN) where each product has to be labelled separately and split into multiple different shipments before being dispatched to an FBA warehouse. This ultimately increases the expenses and storage costs for retailers as one product is effectively split into multiple shipments, taking up more storage space in the process. If retailers do not want to be subject to harsh requirements and penalties, they can opt to find Amazon FBA competitors. Related Article: Amazon Pricing Strategy 10 Best 3PL Alternatives to Amazon FBA in 2024 WareIQ Source WareIQ is a rapidly expanding eCommerce fulfillment company that was founded in 2019 and is currently headquartered in Bangalore. Making good use of the advanced technology services it has at its disposal, the company offers a comprehensive tech stack that includes a state-of-the-art WMS which can integrate with more than 20 of the biggest eCommerce marketplaces including Amazon, an app store that consists of a variety of easily downloadable apps that functions in a similar way to conventional mobile app stores such as the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, branded order tracking that can be fully customized and much more. Additionally, the company has partnered with more than 20 of the biggest shipping aggregators in the country to provide ultra-fast same-day and next-day delivery to most pin codes across India. Some of the features of WareIQ that make it one of the best Amazon FBA alternatives are: Offers a pan-India network of Fulfillment centers and dark stores, enabling eCommerce sellers to store inventory closer to customer Has 20+ shipping partners enabling same/next day deliveryProvides easy integrations with 20+ eCommerce marketplaces & online platformsOffers a fulfillment platform with a unified OMS & WMS viewHas an inventory planner for smart inventory placement to reduce overstocking & avoid stockout situationsProvides a shipping recommendation engine to choose the most cost-effective last-mile delivery partnerProvides packaging facilities that are highly customizableOffers branded tracking facilities that can be tailored to every retailer’s requirementsProvides industry-leading pricing plansDoes not impose any minimum order requirementsHighly capable customer success team for 24x7 customer support [signup] FedEx Source FedEx is a multinational eCommerce giant that offers eCommerce fulfillment solutions, supply chain services and shipping facilities across many different industries such as healthcare, electronics, retail and much more. The company was founded over 50 years ago, in 1971, in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States and currently has its headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. The company operates in upwards of 220 countries globally and offers features to eCommerce retailers such as being able to sync their order details and inventory lists across multiple selling platforms, in a single location. The company is one of the most experienced in the field of eCommerce fulfillment and will be sure to handle any task with ease. Some of the features of FedEx that make it one of the best Amazon FBA alternatives are: Offers ultra-fast delivery and returns management facilitiesProvides a vast fulfillment network for deliveryProvides users with a simple and intuitive technology platformProvides integrations with a variety of eCommerce marketplacesOffers a worldwide network of services ShipMonk Source ShipMonk is an eCommerce fulfillment company whose primary focus is to make tech-based eCommerce services readily available to a wide audience of retailers, across industries. The company’s headquarters are located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and since its inception in 2014, its services and operations have expanded rapidly. ShipMonk offers a wide variety of services ranging from packing services, pick and pack operations, and warehouse management to customer support and much more. It currently has 100 plus digital stores and assigns dedicated account managers to every customer for onboarding assistance. Some of the features of ShipMonk that make it one of the best Amazon FBA alternatives are: Offers a digital billing portal to customersHelps with the automation of warehouse operationsHas a wide variety of branding and customisation servicesProvides decreased pricing for bulk orders and tax benefitsDoes not impose a setup or inventory receiving fee DHL Source Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn, abbreviated as DHL, is a global eCommerce juggernaut in the eCommerce fulfillment industry. Founded in 1969 in San Francisco, California, and currently headquartered in Bonn, Germany, the company has grown immensely and provides courier and shipping services in India and to more than 220 countries across the globe. While the company is split into many sectors, its distribution branch offers door-to-door delivery and transportation of freight through air and sea. A significant advantage for retailers who ship internationally and use DHL for their requirements is the company’s ability to clear customs without any hassle and seamlessly tackle any other challenges that could arise, while also offering insurance on every package. Some of the features of DHL that make it one of the best Amazon FBA alternatives are: Offers integrations and inventory optimisation across multiple eCommerce marketplacesProvides effective logistics managementProvides a wide range of B2B and B2C fulfillment servicesOffers next-day delivery in 80-plus cities and towns in IndiaProvides a central tech platform for inventory management, order fulfillment and other procedures Rakuten Source Rakuten is a world-renowned fulfillment company that offers various eCommerce-related services such as packaging, shipping, kitting and returns management, among many others. Founded in 1997 in Tokyo, Japan, it also maintains its global headquarters there. It has provisions to enable retailers to track shipping metrics to be able to streamline and enhance their shipping operations to reduce expenses and increase delivery speeds. Additionally, the company offers a service called XParcel, which is targeted at small and medium-sized companies, to make their fulfillment requirements easier and cheaper. Some of the features of Rakuten that make it one of the best Amazon FBA alternatives are: Offers specifically-tailored services for eCommerce retailersProvides integrated marketing solutionsOffers same-day and next-day delivery in the USRuns specialised fulfillment centersOffers subscription box and kitting services BlueDart Source BlueDart is an Indian logistics and courier operations company that was founded in 1983 and is currently headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The company is one of the largest and longest-operating Indian eCommerce fulfillment providers that also offers global operations in more than 220 countries in addition to the more than 35,000 serviceable pin codes within India. Along with the conventional array of eCommerce services, they also offer some unique facilities such as allowing customers to choose their preferred delivery date and time by selecting schedules and time-slots. It also offers an API that can provide specialised services such as weather-proof packaging, automated proof-of-delivery updates and much more. Some of the features of BlueDart that make it one of the best Amazon FBA alternatives are: Provides local as well as global operationsProvides most major payment optionsOffers specialised services such as weather-proof packagingAllows scheduled delivery at specific dates and timesHas a vast amount of experience in the industry Ekart Source Ekart was originally founded in 2009 as a subsidiary of Flipkart but has since changed ownership and has expanded its range of services to offer fulfillment to a wide variety of other eCommerce marketplaces, including Amazon. Headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka, the company has garnered popularity due to its relatively low prices and provision of ultra-fast delivery. They currently offer same-day delivery in 13 cities and next-day delivery in 50. The company also offers a tracking API that provides status updates on orders, the printing of labels, and much more. Some of the features of Ekart that make it one of the best Amazon FBA alternatives are: Provides reverse logistics servicesHas an API that gives real-time order and inventory updatesOffers some of the lowest rates in the industryIncludes most major payment optionsHas a pin code coverage of around 4,000 Ecom Express Source Founded in 2012 and currently headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, Ecom Express is a logistics and courier services company that offers eCommerce fulfillment services. One of their unique selling points is their ability to successfully ship high-value commodities such as jewellery and electronics, by providing additional security and safety features. The company operates 7 days a week and on public holidays, while also offering guaranteed delivery within 72 hours of the order being confirmed. Similarly, they also provide a 72-hour guarantee for returns. Some of the features of Ecom Express that make it one of the best Amazon FBA alternatives are: Provides enhanced security features for all ordersOperates 24/7 and on public holidaysProvides 72-hour guarantees for every orderProvides reverse logistics servicesServices more than 27,000 pin codes Shadowfax Source Founded in 2015 and currently headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka, Shadowfax is an eCommerce fulfillment and logistics company that offers both domestic and international operations. The company provides a variety of delivery options including marketplace pickups, warehouse pickups, and first-mile and last-mile delivery, in addition to hyperlocal and ultra-fast delivery. The company also provides value-added services such as in-transit storage and on-demand pickup, and has gained recognition for its fast delivery services. Some of the features of Shadowfax that make it one of the best Amazon FBA alternatives are: Services more than 7000 pin codes in IndiaProvides facilities like in-transit storage and on-demand pickupAccepts most major payment methodsOffers a variety of delivery optionsProvides both first-mile and last-mile delivery DTDC Source DTDC is one of the earliest eCommerce logistics providers. Since its founding in Bangalore in 1990, the company still operates its headquarters there. It has a customer base of more than 10,000, 75% of which consists of eCommerce businesses. It services more than 17,500 pin codes in India and provides additional facilities such as warehousing and a tracking API that can provide order updates and issue non-delivery reports, and much more. It also offers a variety of different delivery options including ultra-fast delivery, hyperlocal delivery, scheduled delivery and slot-based delivery, in addition to the conventional options of same-day and next-day delivery. The company also differentiates itself from the competition by being able to fulfill orders for a wide variety of commodities including high-value goods, bulky goods and even hazardous goods. Some of the features of DTDC that make it one of the best Amazon FBA alternatives are: Accepts all major payment optionsProvides specialised delivery for high-value, bulky and hazardous goodsOffers a tracking API with real-time tracking facilitiesServices more than 17,500 pin codesProvides express delivery Feature Comparison Table of Amazon FBA Competitors [table id=39 /] Suggested Read: Amazon vs Flipkart Sales During Festive Season Conclusion: Why is WareIQ One of the Best Alternatives to Amazon FBA in India in 2024? The eCommerce retail industry is extremely competitive and a competent fulfillment service can mean the difference between a retailer acquiring success or failure. Order fulfillment is one of the most important aspects of online selling as it determines the kind of experience a customer will have and the impression they will carry about the company that they ordered from. Most retailers are required to sell their products on Amazon, simply because it is one of the largest, most recognised and technologically advanced fulfillment platforms in the world. It opens up a vast amount of opportunities and access to customers that they simply couldn’t get otherwise. Retailers, especially those who aren’t well-versed with the order fulfillment process, often opt to fulfill their Amazon orders with FBA, mainly out of convenience and because they perceive it as the best option. However, partnering with a 3PL fulfillment company like WareIQ, can often grant them access to even more facilities, better service, fewer restrictions and cost-effective pricing. WareIQ is one of India’s emerging eCommerce fulfillment providers that use advanced technology to tackle the multiple challenges associated with the order fulfillment process. We ensure that we provide the best experience to our users, by providing enhanced and flexible services, that are easy on the pocket. Some of our industry-revered services include: Country-Wide Network of Dark Stores and Warehouses Offers an intuitive plug n’ play setupHas integrations with Flipkart Assured, Amazon Seller Flex, Myntra, and other online marketplacesOffers local sourcing hubs to lower first-mile costsOffers in-house inventory management Efficient Warehouse Management and Network Planning Offers industry-leading AI models for demand forecasting and triggers for automatic replenishmentProvides bundling of commodities based on type (regular, non-regular, seasonal etc.) to improve the generation of sales Vertically-Integrated Fulfillment Tech Stack Provides integrations with more than 20 top-selling platforms and D2C channelsProvides integrations with hyperlocal, regional and national shipping aggregators, covering more than 27,000 pin codesProvides an individual unified technology stack for WMS and OMS App Store With Easy-to-Install Apps to Enhance Productivity Uses an RTO Shield which offers 100% protection from returnsAmplifies post-purchase satisfaction through custom branded tracking pagesSends notifications on order updates to customers through Whatsapp, SMS and EmailHelps in customer feedback generation  Super-Fast Delivery Through WareIQ Rush Offers same-day delivery with no minimum order requirements Increases revenue conversion rates by 30%Offers near-zero RTO%Provides NDR & COD verification through WhatsappDecreases Cost per Shipment (CPS) Amazon FBA Alternatives: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) What is Amazon FBA?Amazon FBA is Amazon’s first-party fulfillment service. Retailers can opt to deliver their orders through FBA for additional fees and have to prepare their products to meet its various requirements. What are some alternatives to Amazon FBA?Some popular alternatives to Amazon FBA include:1. Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)2. Fulfillment by Third-party (3PL) like Ekart3. Dropshipping4. Self-fulfillment Can sellers opt to fulfill their Amazon orders through 3PL companies?Yes, Amazon allows retailers to fulfill orders on their own or through a 3PL company of their choice if they opt for the Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) program. What is the primary goal of 3PL fulfillment companies?The main goal of 3PL fulfillment providers is to offer a vast variety of eCommerce-related services to retailers that they may not be able to do on their own, including order fulfillment, reverse logistics, inventory management, and much more. Is FBA the only way to sell on Amazon?No, FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is not the only way to sell on Amazon. You can also use an alternative fulfillment method, such as merchant-fulfilled shipping, where you handle the storage, packing, and shipping of products directly to customers. Which are the top Amazon FBA competitors in 2024?It's difficult to determine the exact top Amazon FBA competitors in 2024 as the e-commerce market is constantly changing and new players are emerging. However, some popular alternatives to Amazon FBA include:Shopify: A popular e-commerce platform that allows businesses to sell products online, in-store, and on social media.Walmart Fulfillment Services: Walmart's fulfillment program, which provides storage and shipping services for merchants selling on Walmart.com.eBay: An online marketplace that allows businesses to sell products to customers worldwide.Rakuten: A Japanese e-commerce company that operates one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world.Newegg: A leading technology-focused e-commerce company that provides a platform for merchants to sell technology-related products.It's important to note that these are just a few of the many options available and the best choice for you may depend on your specific needs and goals. Is FBA better than FBM?Whether FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is better than FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant) depends on the specific needs and goals of a business.Advantages of FBA:•Access to Amazon's vast customer base•Improved visibility and credibility for products on Amazon•Hands-off fulfillment process•Amazon handles customer service and returnsAdvantages of FBM:•More control over the fulfillment process•Ability to offer unique packaging or branding options•Lower fees and storage costs compared to FBA•No limitations on product size or weightUltimately, the decision between FBA and FBM depends on factors such as the size and scale of your business, the type of products you sell, and your overall business strategy. It may also be helpful to use both fulfillment methods for different products or to test and compare their performance. Why should you choose WareIQ as an alternative to Amazon FBA?WareIQ uses advanced technology to provide the best, fastest and most cost-effective eCommerce services to customers such as order fulfillment, inventory management, reverse logistics and much more. We also provide unique features such as storage facilities across a country-wide network of fulfillment centers, an advanced WMS that aids in the automation of multiple processes and an app store, where users can download popular apps to increase the productivity of various services.

July 13, 2022

How to Enhance Post-Purchase Experience in eCommerce With Order Notifications [2024]?

How to Enhance Post-Purchase Experience in eCommerce With Order Notifications [2024]?

The eCommerce industry is highly competitive, especially in a rapidly expanding market such as India’s, and the onus is on companies to try and find unique ways of differentiating themselves from the competition. As customers begin to order online more often because of the convenience that it brings, more and more are starting to get accustomed to useful convenience features such as ultra-fast delivery and seamless order tracking. In fact, research indicates that more than 83% of online shoppers expect regular updates about the status of their packages. This is where providing transparent and timely order notifications to customers can help to improve their experience and opinion about a company. Read along to get a detailed understanding of order notifications, the overall post-purchase experience and what it entails, and how WareIQ’s notifications app can help provide a stellar customer experience. What are Order Notifications? Order notifications, also called post-purchase notifications, are real-time alerts that are sent to customers to keep them informed about the status of their order and when it is expected to arrive at their destination. They can typically be sent on a variety of mediums such as email, SMS, Whatsapp and even customised platforms such as an order tracking app or a branded tracking page, where retailers are able to provide more detailed information such as product banners, social media links, information about the company and much more, compared to conventional channels. Order notifications are an extremely important facet of modern eCommerce retail as they enable customers, most of which run on extremely tight schedules, to make arrangements to be available to collect their orders. The details that are generally present in post-purchase notifications include the order number, tracking ID, and which stage of the fulfillment process the order is in such as “items have been packed”, “items have been dispatched” and “items are out for delivery”, and the estimated date and time that the package will arrive at the customer’s doorstep. [contactus_lilgoodness] 5 Elements Involved in Providing a Good Post-Purchase Experience to Customers Enhanced Communication Customers generally expect a basic after-sales experience that encompasses a feedback form and details about their purchase. However, something as simple as an appreciative email or message, thanking them for their service and saying a few words about how their business helps the company to stay afloat, goes a long way towards making them feel special and that they are actually valued by the firm. This will also increase the chances of them becoming repeat customers and recommending the company to their family and friends who have similar requirements. Customer Support Some companies often provide excellent customer support while trying to convert interest into a sale and during the delivery process, only to falter after the customer takes ownership of their order. A bad taste can be left in the mouth of a customer who has spent their hard-earned money on purchasing the products of a particular company, only to find that they are ignored or provided with sub-par customer support after the company no longer has an active interest in keeping them engaged. This is where companies can differentiate themselves by keeping a record of prior customers and their contact information, and giving them importance when they have an inquiry or issue. They could even be calling because they are interested in making more purchases so retailers need to capitalize on making them feel like their business is welcome. Increased Consumer Loyalty Research indicates that a customer retention rate of 5% can boost profits by up to 90%. Providing a seamless after-sales experience is essential for businesses who want to retain customers, whether it is through post-purchase notifications, promotional emails or messages thanking them for their business. Customers are more likely to repeatedly purchase from brands that they can trust and that have made a genuine effort to provide an enhanced experience to them, not just to sell them a product, but also to keep them in the loop about future events, campaigns, and new product launches. eCommerce customer feedback matters the most.   After-Sales Service It is easy to think of after-sales service as customer support but they are very different in practice and they each have their own role in providing a positive post-purchase experience to customers. While customer support is centered around more technical aspects such as answering calls and solving problems, after-sales service focuses more on making sure that customers are satisfied, even if there are no additional issues that arise. It encompasses things like product returns, facilitating exchanges and much more. Good after-sales service leads to happy customers so businesses need to focus on providing it. Heightened Customer Satisfaction Most customers have enough presence of mind to gauge the difference between genuine effort and doing the bare minimum. To achieve a high level of customer satisfaction, firms have to put in the time and avoid taking shortcuts, as that can often lead to poorer results than what was intended. Additionally, it is also important to keep track of the rate of satisfaction that customers exhibit when they have encounters with different departments of a business. Retailers need to push for feedback in order to understand what their strengths and flaws are so that they repeat and expand the procedures that work and mitigate or adjust the ones that don't. Importance of Post-Purchase Notifications in eCommerce Active Communication is Expected by Customers Post-purchase communication helps firms assert to customers that they genuinely appreciate their business and value their feedback as to where they succeeded and where they fell short, which allows them to make the relevant changes and adjustments to streamline every process and customer interaction. Customers also may have queries or product-related issues even after they have accepted their order so it pays to constantly be available in case they try and contact the company. Order Notifications are Anticipated by Customers It is overwhelmingly clear that customers expect constant and consistent alerts from retailers about the status of their orders, as is mentioned in an earlier portion of this blog. Order notifications provide insight to customers as to which stage of the order fulfillment process their package is currently in and when it will reach their destination, allowing them to make the necessary preparations to accept it when it arrives.  Post-Purchase Notifications Inspire Brand Loyalty and Positive Feedback from Customers The post-purchase interaction is the last thing that a customer will experience a business on their current order cycle so it is essential that they are left with a positive opinion. Not only does this increase the chances of them becoming repeat customers, but their positive and impactful reviews on a listing and other public forums can be the push that is needed to convince other potential customers to give the business a chance. 3 Ways in Which WareIQ’s Notifications through the “WareIQ Interact” App Enhances Post-Purchase Experience in 2024 Order notifications and post-purchase interactions are essential for providing a comprehensive and positive customer experience. Oftentimes, the after-sales services offered by a business are what matters more than the actual purchase itself. This is also something that many businesses neglect to offer so opportunistic retailers can use this as a means to stay ahead of the competition. And if they are partnered with WareIQ and have access to all of our post-purchase offerings, they are guaranteed to be on top of the eCommerce totem pole. If anyone is well-versed with downloading apps on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, there won’t be a learning curve involved to seamlessly download and install apps on their custom WareIQ dashboard. One of our latest offerings to help retailers offer their customers an exemplary post-purchase experience is the notifications app. Designed to make sending order notifications and other after-sales interactions with customers as easy and seamless as possible, users can simply download apps with the press of a button. WareIQ’s post-purchase notifications app - “WareIQ Interact” enables online businesses to provide a powerful, personalized & automated post-purchase experience to their customers across WhatsApp, Email & SMS during the entire shipping journey. Through WareIQ Interact, you can deliver a personalized & interactive experience to your customers in 3 ways: Engage Customers Across Channels Drive up-sell & cross-sell opportunities by sharing notifications with customers across multiple channels – WhatsApp, Email & SMSAdditionally, lower NDR & RTO rates by seeking direct confirmation from the customer over Whatsapp, Email & SMS Live Delivery Updates Share a variety of live updates regarding your customer’s consignment delivery & alleviate their shipping concerns Track Notifications Access the notifications dashboard to track the history of all communications sent out WareIQ not only offers services like order notifications and post-purchase services but also the entire gamut of operations that are associated with eCommerce fulfillment. This includes facilities such as: A nationwide network of fulfillment centersA custom WMS that can handle inventory managementIntegrations with multiple eCommerce marketplacesA choice of more than 20 of the largest shipping aggregatorsThe most cost-effective and transparent pricing in the businessSmart inventory placementIntelligent delivery assignment based on the quickest routes and cheapest pricesNo minimum order quantityA custom app storeAn RTO shield with insurance and liability protection Post-Purchase Experience: FAQs Why is it important to provide order notifications to customers?Customers often get aggravated when they do not know the status of their order. It is important to provide order notifications so that they can see where it is in real-time and be reassured that it is on its way. What platforms are used to send notifications through WareIQ’s notification app?We commonly send updates through email, SMS and Whatsapp. Do all major 3PLs offer order notifications?No, only certain companies like WareIQ offer shipping notifications, in addition to a vast variety of other eCommerce fulfillment services. Can other applications be downloaded on WareIQ’s app store?Yes, we provide a full suite of multiple applications that are designed to enhance productivity in different areas of eCommerce fulfillment. How can WareIQ’s notifications app help in customer retention?By providing a prolific post-purchase experience to customers through the use of our notifications app, with facilities such as real-time updates, custom email notifications, branded tracking pages and more, they will be more inclined to have a favourable view of your business and will likely choose it for future purchases compared to your competitors.

June 29, 2022

10 Types of Shipping Notifications for Timely Order Updates and for Enhancing Customer Engagement in eCommerce in 2024

10 Types of Shipping Notifications for Timely Order Updates and for Enhancing Customer Engagement in eCommerce in 2024

Keeping customers informed about the status of their order by providing order tracking facilities is one of the pressing concerns of most retailers that operate in the current eCommerce climate, especially in a fast-growing market such as India, where the rate of new eCommerce shoppers is increasing rapidly due to the expanding number of people who are consistently gaining access to the internet and all the lifestyle benefits that come along with it. New customers are more likely than existing ones to be agitated about the status of their order and it is up to the eCommerce retailers to take the initiative to provide constant reassurance that their order will arrive on time. Regardless of whether customers are new or existing, providing real-time updates to the order status will instantly provide them with an enhanced customer experience. Read further to get detailed information on eCommerce shipping notifications, their importance and 10 types to keep your customers informed. What are Shipping Notifications? Shipping notifications, also called order notifications, are updates that are provided to customers about the status of their order to keep them up-to-date about when they can expect to receive it. Shipping notifications can be sent in a variety of ways such as through SMS, Whatsapp, email or even custom tracking pages. They help customers get a better understanding of whether their order will reach their destination on time or if there will be any delays in shipping so they can plan accordingly. The information that is generally present in shipping notifications includes the order and tracking ID, which phase the parcel is in such as “order confirmed”, “items packaged” and “in-transit” and the estimated time of arrival to the customer’s location. [contactus_uth] Importance of Order Notifications for eCommerce Businesses They Provide Transparency to Customers Modern eCommerce customers generally expect that they will have the ability to track their order, whether it is in the form of notifications sent through a messaging app or a branded tracking page that provides them with all the information they need. Customers generally do not like to be kept waiting, regardless of if their food is taking longer than expected when they go to a restaurant or if there is a long check-out queue at a supermarket. This holds especially true for eCommerce retail because they do not have a physical sense of where the product is. Providing transparency through shipping notifications is essential to keeping customers informed at every step of the delivery process. They Enhance the Brand’s Image Customers appreciate it when a business makes the entire process of purchasing a product online to it being delivered to their doorstep as seamless and efficient as possible and order tracking notifications play a big role in that. Even if a delay occurs or an unforeseen issue arises, they will be less likely to attribute it to the business because they are being kept informed about any happenings in real-time. If a customer does not have to go through the effort of having to take time out of their busy schedule to deal with customer care personnel to find out where their order is and instead, can just automatically receive updates as to where their order is and when it will be delivered, their opinion about your business will instantly skyrocket because people appreciate convenience and ease-of-use. They Mitigate Concern From Customers  Order notifications generally reduce the number of frantic inquiries from customers about where their order is. Customers who order online, especially ones that don't have much experience with it, are more apprehensive than if they had purchased their products in a physical store, due to the fact that they cannot touch or see the order until it has been delivered to their doorstep and this is even more amplified for Cash-on-Delivery (COD) orders because they have already paid for it and do not want to risk getting scammed and losing their hard-earned money. Shipping notifications help give them peace of mind by automatically providing constant updates every time the parcel enters a different phase of the fulfillment process so they never have to wonder about where their package is. 10 Types of Shipping Notifications to Keep Customers Informed Order Confirmation This is generally the first interaction with a customer after they have ordered an item and it is confirmed by the company. It can be in the form of an automated email or message informing the customer that their order has been received and is currently being processed. In the event of a payment error, if it is a prepaid order, businesses will also have to keep track of whether the money has been credited to their account and notify the customer accordingly. Order is Being Shipped An automated notification can be triggered through the business’s preferred contact medium, that the order is being shipped. This refers to the process of the order being picked up from the warehouse or fulfillment center by the relevant shipping aggregator, who will then transport it to the city or town where the customer is located. Customers are generally reassured when they see this notification because it means that the order has been successfully dispatched from the warehouse, without any complications. The order status can be provided with the ETA as retailers will generally have a better idea of when the package will reach once it is in transit. Suggested Read: 5 Easy Steps to Ship Order Consignments in 2024 Order is Sent for Delivery Once the order has been shipped to the city or town where the customer is located, the ground-level delivery personnel will be assigned the task of last-mile delivery to the customer’s doorstep. As soon as this happens, the order tracking page needs to reflect the updated status and a notification should be sent to the customer with the estimated delivery time to ensure that they will be available to collect it. The contact details of the delivery executive can also be provided in case there is any issue en route to the customer’s destination. Order is Successfully Delivered After the order has been successfully received by the customer, a notification can be sent to the customer detailing all the relevant information such as the product, amount, payment method, date of order confirmation and date of delivery. Retailers can also use this as an opportunity to promote similar or complementary products, provide tips for product maintenance and push for feedback about how the whole interaction with the company went, from purchasing the product to receiving the delivered item. This will help retailers generate positive feedback in the case of successful delivery or identify areas of improvement, in the event that the customer is displeased about something. Order is Cancelled, if Applicable Orders can be cancelled at any time, for a variety of reasons. In the event of a cancellation, customers need to be notified that is successfully done and that the order will no longer be delivered to them, to avoid any confusion. Retailers can also push for feedback regarding the reason for the cancellation and provide assurance that their money will be refunded within the relevant number of days, in case they have already paid for it. Order is Delayed, if Applicable Shipping notifications must be sent if any delay or issue occurs before the order has been delivered or dispatched. Delays could occur for a variety of reasons, in any phase of the fulfillment process, such as the product being out of stock at the warehouse, the delivery partner being stuck in traffic or bad weather and much more. It is the duty of the retailer to inform the customer about these delays and adjust the ETA, if necessary so that the customer will be informed and can better plan to be available to receive the order on the revised delivery date. Order Has Had an Unsuccessful Delivery Attempt Oftentimes, the delivery executive reaches the customer’s location, only to find that there is no one to collect the order. This is due to a variety of factors and even the slightest variation between the ETA and the actual delivery date and time can cause the customer to be unavailable and not be able to make prior considerations. Order notifications need to be sent to inform the customer that a delivery attempt was attempted unsuccessfully and can inquire about an adjusted date as to when they would be available to collect it. Order is Undeliverable Due to Loss or Damage Even with the use of advanced order tracking systems, goods can sometimes still get misplaced or damaged in transit, which is out of the retailer's control. If such an incident occurs, it is best to send a shipping notification to the customer informing them of the event and reassuring them that a new replacement order is on its way. Even though unforeseen circumstances may occur, retailers can maintain customer satisfaction by handling it in an appropriate manner. Return Initiation by the Customer Returns can occur for many different reasons, some of which can be blamed on the retailer such as damaged products being received, wrong items being packaged at the warehouses and unforeseen delays. However, there are many instances where returns are initiated due to no fault of the seller such as buyer's remorse from the customer, them finding a better deal elsewhere or simply because they changed their mind. Either way, when a return is initiated, an order status notification can be sent to the customer containing an acknowledgement of the return, a summary of the condition of the returned items, a status of the refund of the payment, if any and more. You can read more about how companies manage returns. Exchange Initiation by the Customer In some situations, customers opt for a product exchange, rather than a return. During these circumstances, shipping notifications can be sent containing an acknowledgement of the exchanged items, an adjustment to the price if needed and all the conventional order tracking notifications such as “order confirmed”, “order has been shipped”, and “order is out for delivery” and “order has been delivered”, to make the customer aware of the order status of their exchanged products. Conclusion: How Can WareIQ Help to Provide the Best Shipping Notifications to Customers in 2024? Shipping notifications have become an essential component of the eCommerce fulfillment process. Customers demand to be kept up to date about the status of their orders and if they aren’t, the business can face a significant amount of backlash, which can have a further negative impact on attaining new customers. Order notifications can be easily provided due to the vast amount of technology that is available. However, if you are an eCommerce retailer and want to provide a truly personalized experience to your customers, you can consider partnering with WareIQ.  WareIQ is one of India’s fastest-growing eCommerce fulfillment providers that uses a centralised technology platform to enhance the experience of retailers and their customers. We provide a vast array of services that encompass the entire suite of fulfillment operations from storing your inventory in our fulfillment centers to delivering products to your customers. In terms of providing shipping notifications and a stellar customer experience, we offer the many services, some of which are listed below: Branded Tracking Pages Our branded tracking pages allow retailers to provide a truly personalized experience due to the high rate of customization that can be tailored to each individual customer. Instead of just a generic tracking screen, you can insert product banners, information about your brand, social media links and much more. Customers will end up spending more time on the tracking page, browsing through complementary products and getting a better idea about your company, which can even lead to repeat purchases. This will definitely enhance their experience and make your brand stand out from the rest. Notifications App - WareIQ Interact We provide a custom app store with multiple downloadable apps to enhance various aspects of your business productivity, similar to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. WareIQ offers a notification app named “WareIQ Interact” where every element can be customized and multiple orders can be tracked right from the app, with no external page or link needed. This enables retailers to be more organised and get insights into every order in real-time. eCommerce brands can use WhatsApp, Email & SMS to automate order status communications during the entire shipping journey. With WareIQ Interact, online brands can engage customers in the following ways: Share consistent communications with their customers to build a brand their customers can trustAlleviate shipment-related anxiety & boost trust in the brand leading to repeat salesOpen new avenues for growth by cross-selling & up-sellingReduce the volume of NDR & RTO orders, leading to lower losses Customer Care We also offer customer care facilities so anytime a customer has a query or an unforeseen issue arises, our team of trained professionals will be there to get everything back on track as soon as possible. This provides assurance to you and your customers that you are backed by a dedicated team with multiple resources at their disposal to troubleshoot any problem that may arise. Shipping Notifications: FAQs What are the most common ways of sending shipping notifications?The most common platforms that are used to send shipping notifications are email, SMS and messaging apps like Whatsapp. Why is it important to send shipping notifications to customers?It is important to keep customers updated and informed about the status of their order, as they often get agitated if they don’t know where it is and assume that there is some issue or delay. It is paramount for retailers to provide reassurance to them. Is order status updated in real-time?Yes, order status is updated in real-time, as the order makes its way through the fulfillment cycle. Can there be errors in shipping notifications?Yes, if there is a technical glitch or an unforeseen delay arises and is not updated properly, the shipping notification can reflect a different result than what is happening on the ground. How can WareIQ help to limit any errors that might occur?WareIQ uses state-of-the-art technology to provide real-time updates at every stage of the fulfillment process and automatically tracks every element of the order constantly, until it reaches the customer.

June 28, 2022

What are the Steps to Start to Sell on Snapdeal & Open a Snapdeal Seller Account in 2024?

What are the Steps to Start to Sell on Snapdeal & Open a Snapdeal Seller Account in 2024?

Snapdeal was originally pioneered as a daily deals platform in 2010 but has since grown to become an eCommerce marketplace that encompasses various services such as multilingual support, a customizable interface, and the use of advanced technology to enable retailers to sell their products on its platform. Currently based in New Delhi, the company has become a major player in the Indian eCommerce selling space which is reflected by more than 500,000 sellers that utilize it to sell a variety of commodities that span across industries and price ranges, giving customers a variety of options. The majority of the company’s customers are located in smaller towns and villages, rather than conventional metropolitan areas, which has led it to provide coverage to more than 96% of India’s pin codes. In this blog, we will go into detail about why you should sell on Snapdeal, how to become a Snapdeal top seller, the challenges associated with it, and how you can employ WareIQ’s assistance. Why Should You Sell on Snapdeal? Mitigates the Need to Set Up a Store A huge advantage of opting to sell on Snapdeal and most other eCommerce platforms is that the entire retail process from generating interest in a product and converting it to a sale, can be done online without the need of ever setting up a physical store and all the expenses and challenges that are associated with it such as rental costs, interior decorating costs, electricity costs and maintenance costs. This enables retailers to save a ton of money and removes any hassle of needing to run a whole store which makes the entire process more pleasurable and efficient for both the seller and their customers.  Provides Access to More Customers When retailers opt to sell on Snapdeal and offer their services digitally, they instantly convert their potential customer base from just their local operational area to the entire country. As more of the country’s population gains access to the internet, they will discover the benefits and conveniences of shopping online instead of commuting to a physical store. In addition, Snapdeal provides services to more than 3000 cities and towns in India which means that retailers can receive orders from the opposite end of the country. This increased customer reachability will have a profound impact on sales and will assist retailers in expanding their operations further. Operates Round the Clock Companies who sell on Snapdeal are not bound by the restraints that a physical store has to abide by and this includes operational timings. Businesses are always in the position of attaining new customers, even when their staff is asleep or on holiday. Whether a customer is browsing through your online listings on their 9 am commute to work or during a 2 am shopping spree because they can’t get any sleep, your business will stay open to welcome their business, which simply cannot be done through a conventional brick-and-mortar store. Mobile shopping from anywhere has changed the shopping scenario in recent times. This helps in converting even the slightest bit of interest into a potential sale. Assists in Running the Business On the Go Due to the digital nature of eCommerce retail, businesses that sell on Snapdeal can take advantage of their staff not needing to be physically present in an office to be productive and keep an eye on ongoing operations, which can be seamlessly done through Snapdeal’s Seller Zone App or Seller Panel. This provides a lot more flexibility by enabling employees to be up to speed on important matters relating to operations, sales or issues faced by customers. This also leads to more time being spent with family or engaging in other personal activities such as physical fitness and being out in nature, which can stimulate personnel to work harder and more efficiently. Diversifies Your Product Range Retailers who put their Snapdeal seller accounts to good use can be reassured by the fact that Snapdeal is taking care of important logistical processes such as confirming orders and tackling delivery issues. This enables companies to put more focus on core business activities such as studying the market, enhancing their business strategy, refining existing products, and developing new ones which will ultimately lead to more satisfied customers resulting in improved customer feedback and higher profit margins. By having the freedom to diversify their product portfolio, businesses can tap into new segments of the market and expand their overall reach. [contactus_uth] 6 Simple Steps to Start to Sell on Snapdeal & Register as Snapdeal Seller in 2024 Step 1: Creating a Snapdeal Seller Account Source The first thing you need to do is go to https://sellers.snapdeal.com/ where you can create a Snapdeal Seller Account. You will need the following documents to complete the registration for the year 2024: Owner’s nameCompany’s nameCopy of your PAN cardCanceled cheque from the seller’s payment accountCopy of your Aadhaar cardPhone numberEmail IDBank account informationGST numberAddress proof such as bank statement, electricity bill, passport, etc. Step 2: Entering Your Business Information Source You have to enter your business-related information such as your office address, pick-up pin code, digital signature, name of the business, etc.  Step 3: Verifying Your Email and Phone Number Source You need to verify your registered email and phone number by entering the verification code that will be sent to both. This will be used to notify you about orders, tracking information, and other important notifications. Step 4: Submitting Your KYC Documents Source KYC documents such as GSTIN, PAN card, and Aadhar card will be used to verify your ownership or identity of the company. They need to be uploaded to the website. Step 5: Entering Your Bank Details Source You need to enter the relevant bank details as this account will be used to credit payments after a sale is made and also for relevant deductions and expenses. Step 6: Creating a Product Listing Source Once you are done with the registration process, you can list a product using your Snapdeal Seller Account. You should have an idea of what products you want to sell and which category they belong to. There are 2 ways you can list products to sell on Snapdeal. Manual Product ListingBulk Product Listing You can either click on “Create a Single Listing” to list products individually or you can bulk upload by uploading your content. Once your products are successfully listed, you can start to receive orders. You will get a notification every time an order is placed and you can choose to accept or reject it. You can now begin to sell on Snapdeal and utilise all the benefits that come with it. Challenges Faced by Retailers Who Sell on Snapdeal in 2022 Incurring of Returns Expenses Sales returns are a major challenge for every seller, regardless of the eCommerce platform. However, some handle it better than others. Retailers who sell on Snapdeal have to deal with 2 types of sales returns - courier returns and buyer returns. Courier returns are when the courier company could not deliver the order due to various circumstances and buyer returns are when the buyer returns the product, which could be due to a variety of reasons, many of which aren’t the sellers' fault. Sellers do not incur any expenses for courier returns but for buyer returns, they have to pay for the transport fee for delivery and return as well as the marketing and selling fees. For retailers struggling to maintain their profit margins, this could have dire consequences.  Suggested Read: Why should you sell on myntra? Lower Profit Margins Compared to Other Platforms This problem is more pronounced on Snapdeal compared to other eCommerce selling platforms due to the large amounts of local vendors who prefer to use it as opposed to an international platform. This creates severe levels of competition and if businesses do not own a trademark, any and every other company can sell similar products at similar prices. The sheer volume of retailers trying to get into the eCommerce space in India means that by the time operational and logistical expenses and Snapdeals commission are cut, retailers barely have any profit left over. Quality Control Issues Snapdeal is one of the worst offenders in this regard. Retailers who sell on Snapdeal constantly face issues such as incorrect titles that are difficult to change, random transferring of shipping plans to Snapdeal Plus with no option to change it back, and retailers using the images and descriptions of other vendors. Dealing with these issues can cause severe time delays and unnecessary hassles for sellers when they could be focusing on other, more important tasks.  Constant Changing of Account Managers  A consistent theme of online selling platforms is the assignment of account managers to sellers who will assist them in tackling any issue or doubt that arises. On most other platforms, a fixed account manager is present, which is beneficial because they will have a deep relationship with the seller and will also have knowledge about prior mishaps that may have occurred. However, retailers who sell on Snapdeal can have their account managers suddenly change, without any prior notification. This means that when an existing problem isn’t solved or a new problem arises, there will be a new account manager that has no relationship with the seller or prior knowledge about the case which can lead to severe delays in solving it. Highest Expenses and Commissions Out of all the major eCommerce marketplaces operating in the country, Snapdeal is one of the most expensive. Retailers who sell on Snapdeal constantly have to pay the most expensive shipping fees, which contain many hidden costs and keep fluctuating. Snapdeal’s payable amount to retailers, known as seller net payable, is also one of the lowest and leaves sellers with some of the lowest profit margins of any online selling platform. This combined with the fact that there are many features omitted from the platform means that sellers are getting a much lower value compared to similar services. Suggested Read: Why should you sell on Amazon? Conclusion Snapdeal is one of the emerging eCommerce marketplaces in India. Since it is a homegrown company, it inspires many retailers to sell on Snapdeal, in addition to offering a vast amount of coverage to every part of the country. While the platform does have its benefits and drawbacks, it is still a useful platform to sell on as gives retailers more exposure to customers who do not live in big cities but rather, in smaller towns and cities. Retailers who sell on Snapdeal in conjunction with other platforms are best suited to have the maximum amount of visibility possible. It is always a smart option for sellers to sell on multiple platforms so that they can extend their reach and are not monopolized by a single marketplace. If you need to fulfill orders on Snapdeal or any other eCommerce platform, you can take advantage of WareIQ’s offerings. WareIQ’s custom WMS offers seamless integrations with more than 20 online selling platforms including Snapdeal, Amazon, Flipkart, and much more. This enables retailers to access all their order information across multiple platforms and inventory details across multiple fulfillment centers, to be easily accessed in one centralised virtual location. In addition, we also track important metrics about every order to enable companies to forecast future demand and the amount of inventory that they will need. We also provide fulfillment services for retailers who sell on every platform at faster speeds and discounted rates. Sell on Snapdeal FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Are there any fees to sell on Snapdeal?Snapdeal doesn’t charge any fees to register and list products on their website. A commission is charged on every item that is sold. How do sellers get paid on Snapdeal?Payments are transferred to the registered bank account of the seller through NEFT transactions. There are 4 payment cycles per month. The payment cycle can become more frequent based on a seller’s performance. Are there any charges to sell on Snapdeal?No! There are no charges. How much commission does Snapdeal take from sellers?There is no fixed rate card given by Snapdeal. To note, their flat commission percentage is 22% and the minimum deduction value is Rs75, they charge as per which comes out to be higher. Can I sell on Snapdeal without GST?As per the government's declaration, all the businesses selling goods on any e-commerce platform (Snapdeal, Flipkart, etc) need to be registered under GST irrespective of their yearly turnover. Does Snapdeal operate outside of India?No, Snapdeal currently does not offer services outside of India. Can you integrate a Snapdeal Seller Account with WareIQ’s WMS?Yes, users can integrate a Snapdeal Seller Account with WareIQ’s WMS to take advantage of all the benefits that it entails. What services does WareIQ offer to retailers who sell on Snapdeal?WareIQ offers multiple services to users such as order fulfillment, packaging and shipping at cost-effective rates. Additionally, WareIQ’s WMS offers integrations with most eCommerce marketplaces and can collate data relating to inventory levels and order management from all of them in a single virtual location.

June 20, 2022

8 Best Strategies to Become a Snapdeal Top Seller in 2024

8 Best Strategies to Become a Snapdeal Top Seller in 2024

Retailers opt to sell their products on eCommerce selling platforms due to the various advantages that it offers compared to conventional brick and mortar stores such as little to no setup costs, visibility to a vast customer base and the convenience of not having to operate a physical store and all the challenges that come along with it. In order to get customers interested in their products, out-perform their competitors and generate as many sales as possible, retailers need to employ a wide range of tactics. Becoming the top seller in any given business, especially eCommerce, comes with a fair set of challenges. However, any business that has put the time and effort into doing the research, selling quality products and targeting the right audience, is bound to succeed. Read this blog to understand more about Snapdeal, find out the best strategies to become a Snapdeal top seller and the pros and cons of choosing to sell on Snapdeal in 2024. About Snapdeal Initially founded in 2010 as a daily deals platform, Snapdeal has since expanded its services to become a widely used online selling platform that offers a wide array of features such as the use of advanced technology to help retailers and their customers get a seamless eCommerce shopping experience, a highly customizable user interface and multilingual support that includes most major languages in India. The company is currently headquartered in New Delhi and has upwards of 500,000 retailers that use its platform on a daily basis to sell their products. Unlike other eCommerce marketplaces, Snapdeal’s customer base is primarily located in smaller towns and cities rather than large urban conglomerates which has enforced it to offer services to more than 96% of pin codes in the nation, including more than 2,500 cities and towns. Snapdeal allows a wide range of products, across industries and with varying prices, to be sold on its platform and has garnered a reputation for being more affordable than other channels. [contactus_lilgoodness] 8 Strategies to Become a Snapdeal Top Seller in 2024 Target the Appropriate Audience You can have the best product in the world at the cheapest price available but if you target the wrong audience, it won’t make any difference to your sales and will limit your chances of becoming a Snapdeal top seller. Retailers need to conduct market research using analytical tools to determine what kind of customers they want to target, who will use their products, what price competitors are charging for similar products and what customers respond well to. Customer feedback is also a valuable asset as you are getting suggestions directly from them directly as to what works and what doesn’t, which can be used to optimise your operations to attract future customers. Identify Your Unique Selling Point Your unique selling point or USP, can help your product and business stand out from a sea of competitors. Whether it lies in certain core features of the product, the pricing, the delivery or any other aspect, a USP can help attract the attention of customers and help to boost sales. Once you have identified your USP, you need to market the daylights out of it to ensure that customers can discern the benefits as opposed to your competitors. This will give you a competitive advantage in the segment and can have a positive impact on your profit margins, in addition to helping you to become a Snapdeal top seller. Provide Exceptional Customer Service To become a Snapdeal top seller, you need to offer a prolific support experience to customers whether they have already purchased your product or are thinking about doing so. This will enable you to generate their valuable feedback as to what they appreciated and if there was anything that they didn’t. This will allow you to increase their chances of becoming repeat customers and their positive feedback and reviews will direct more customers towards your business. Utilise SEO Tactics SEO tactics are extremely important if you want your product listings to rank at the top of search results when customers search for similar products. It is an acronym for Search Engine Optimization and involves intelligently placing keywords in order to rank highly compared to other results on search engines such as Google. Employing relevant and high-volume keywords in your product descriptions and titles can make the difference between generating heaps of visibility and barely having any customers visiting your page. Utilising good SEO practices will greatly improve your chances of becoming a Snapdeal top seller. Add High-Quality Images Adding high-resolution pictures and videos of your product from different angles and use cases can have a positive impact on your goal of becoming a Snapdeal top seller. Retailers who sell on Snapdeal should make sure to add attractive images as this is the first visible interaction that a customer will have with your product so it should be as memorable as possible for the right reasons. Pictures can often make the difference between a customer purchasing a product and searching for other listings because the product images were of poor quality. Employ the Use of Email Campaigns Email campaigns are a great way to keep in touch with existing customers to remind them about upcoming events and product launches. It is also a useful method to convert prospects into customers by getting them interested in your product and brand through the use of well-written and visually appealing emails. Either way, it can spark interest in your business and help you to become a Snapdeal top seller. Run Sales and Provide Discounts Retailers who sell on Snapdeal can run sales and provide huge discounts on certain products in order to attract the attention of customers. Research shows that customers are more likely to purchase a product if they think they are getting a significantly better deal than what it usually costs. Sales can be run for older products that are at risk of becoming obsolete, products that are not selling well or to spark interest in a brand new product. Customers will also appreciate these discounts and are likely to inform family and friends about offers that they deem as being good value which will help you in generating more sales and becoming a Snapdeal top seller. Reduce Shipping Costs Shipping costs can have a significant impact on whether your customer proceeds to check out or exists the page because it is too high. There are many ways to reduce shipping costs such as partnering with a 3PL company to take advantage of bulk shipping, discounts and more but there are also ways to intelligently make shipping costs invisible such as by bundling them into the product cost and offering free shipping, qualifying customers for free shipping if their shopping cart is of a certain value and much more. Retailers who sell on Snapdeal can make use of these tactics to become a Snapdeal top seller. Sell on Snapdeal: Pros and Cons Pros for Retailers Who Sell on Snapdeal Snapdeal enables retailers and their customers to save money, time, effort and resources by getting everything done online. Retailers do not need to incur the setup and operational expenses that are involved in a conventional store while also not needing to be physically present at an office to be able to ensure that operations are running smoothly. The user interface of the website and dashboard is easy to use for retailers who sell on Snapdeal. This enables any and every type of seller to sell on Snapdeal effortlessly, regardless of their technical prowess. Users can manage orders, check their inventory levels and edit listings from one master dashboard.There are currently more than 27 million unique customers that interact with Snapdeal to browse and purchase products. When retailers choose to sell on Snapdeal, they instantly get access to this entire base. While the sheer numbers will obviously reduce when you filter the statistics based on customers who shop for similar products and at a particular price point, you will still be left with a huge network of potential customers that you can convert into buying your products.Retailers who sell on Snapdeal can take advantage of its vast operational network that covers 96% and more than 2,500 cities and towns in the country. This enables users to generate sales to distant locations across the country because they are no longer constrained by their location.In addition to giving retailers who sell on Snapdeal access to a wide pool of customers, the platform also operates 24/7 to ensure that regardless of what time customers are browsing, sales can always be made. And since Snapdeal also takes care of the logistical procedures, retailers do not need to worry about fulfilling orders at odd hours. Cons for Retailers Who Sell Snapdeal Retailers who sell on Snapdeal are subject to some of the highest operating expenses of any eCommerce marketplace. In addition, Snapdeal also provides the lowest sellable amount to sellers which greatly reduces profit margins, especially for small and medium-sized retailers who are struggling to get by.The listing power that sellers have on the platform is extremely limited compared to other platforms. Not only is it much slower and is frequented by glitches, but it also does not offer any customization options and does not penalise sellers who use images from other businesses.Retailers are forced to incur returns expenses if the return is initiated by the customer for a particular reason, regardless if it is the fault of the seller or not. Since returns happen frequently, this additional expense, which includes travel to and from the destination and any other logistics costs that have been spent, can eat away at a seller’s profit margins. Conclusion If you are a retailer that seeks to sell on Snapdeal, it would be in your and your customers' best interest if you employ strategies to enable you to become a Snapdeal top seller. While Snapdeal themselves don’t provide any additional benefits for being a top seller, it will pay dividends in terms of customers having the best possible experience, highlighting that feedback in public forums and attracting new customers, who want to buy from a reliable retailer that sells quality products. This will help you to generate more sales and ultimately increase your profit margins. If you need assistance with fulfilling orders on Snapdeal or any other type of eCommerce-related assistance, you can think about partnering with WareIQ. WareIQ is one of the fastest expanding eCommerce fulfillment companies in India that provides a whole range of services that encompasses every aspect of eCommerce retail. Whether it is fulfillment centers to store products, fulfilling orders or managing inventory, WareIQ has got you covered. We utilise advanced technology to the greatest extent possible, to mitigate unwanted errors and provide a seamless user experience. Snapdeal Top Seller: FAQs What enables Snapdeal to be successful?Snapdeal has found its niche market, 90% of which consists of customers that are located in smaller cities in towns that gravitate toward affordable products and the company has tailored its business model accordingly. How many retailers sell on Snapdeal?Snapdeal consists of more than 500,000 sellers and has almost 80 million website visits per month. Does Snapdeal offer any monetary benefits for being a top seller?No, Snapdeal does not offer any compensation. Becoming a top seller is primarily in the best interest of a retailer to earn the maximum amount of sales possible. How are retailers paid on Snapdeal?Retailers get payments to their bank accounts through NEFT transfers which happen 4 times a month and can be adjusted depending on the performance of the specific retailer. Can you fulfill Snapdeal orders with WareIQ?Yes, not only can you integrate Snapdeal with WareIQ’s WMS but you can also use WareIQ as a fulfillment partner to fulfill Snapdeal orders in addition to integrations and fulfillment services for multiple other selling platforms such as Flipkart, Amazon, eBay, etc.

June 20, 2022

How to Sell on eBay? 9 Simple Steps to Become an eBay Seller in 2024

How to Sell on eBay? 9 Simple Steps to Become an eBay Seller in 2024

eBay was one of the companies that were born from the internet boom in the 1990s. Since its inception in 1995, it has become a household name in the eCommerce business and currently operates in 32 countries, worldwide. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.  eBay predated the entry of its closest rival, Amazon, into the Indian eCommerce market by almost a decade, commencing operations in the country in 2005. It has arguably pioneered the rapid growth of the eCommerce industry in the country, with other major players such as Amazon and Flipkart, wanting a share of the action. In this blog, we will take you through how you can sell on eBay, the benefits of using eBay for sale, the challenges associated with it and how WareIQ can help.  Why Should You Choose eBay for Sale? Immediate Recognition While Amazon has garnered more trust from customers in recent years, eBay is no slouch when it comes to trustability and customers’ ability to recognise the brand as an eCommerce giant. If a retailer uses eBay for sale, customers will automatically associate them and their products and services with eBay and all the positives that come with it. This instantly increases the chances of customers buying your products compared to if you were an independent seller because they have faith in eBay’s verification processes and trust that their purchase and order fulfillment experience will be up to the mark. Auction Services One of eBay’s unique features that continues to set it apart from other competitors is the ability for retailers who sell on eBay to conduct auctions. Products that get sold at auctions always end up getting sold for a much higher price than the retail equivalent, simply because the product will always get sold at the highest possible price that people are willing to pay. eBay also gives users the option to set a reserve price, which acts as a safety net to prevent products from getting sold at a severely discounted price compared to what it is actually worth. Promising SEO Capabilities This is another metric where eBay is slightly behind Amazon but still offers prime SEO results, pun not intended. Regardless of what types of products customers are searching for, eBay results are bound to pop up in the top 5 to 10 results, at least. Retailers who only sell on eBay and other eCommerce platforms and who do not operate their own websites can take advantage of the heightened SEO results. Reduced Prices This is one metric where eBay has a clear advantage compared to Amazon. Amazon charges around 15% plus additional fees per sale compared to eBays 10%. This means that retailers who sell on eBay can retain higher profit margins while selling at the same or discounted prices compared to who sell on amazon , flipkart or other eCommerce websites, which can be a huge boon, especially for small to mid-sized businesses. Gigantic Customer Market eBay, while still second to Amazon, has an astounding 183 million active users. This means that retailers who sell on eBay instantly get access to this huge market of potential customers which can instantly result in more demand and sales. However, sellers will have to fend off other competitors who are also seeking to make use of this newfound demand. Retailers will need to adjust their business strategy accordingly but new customers are always a good thing. [contactus_gynoveda] 9 Simple Steps to Start to Sell on eBay in 2024 Creating an Account Open the “My eBay” drop-down menu that is present on all eBay pages and click on “selling”. Type of Account You can either opt for a business account or a personal account. Once that is done, enter the information in the registration form and click on “create account”. You can also sign up with an Apple, Google or Facebook account. Then fill out your contact details and click “Continue”. Registering as an eBay Seller After filling out the contact details, you will be redirected back to “My eBay”. You will have to register as an eBay seller. Click on the “My eBay” menu and click on “selling” as done previously. Listing an Item You will be directed to the Selling Overview page where you need to click on “List an Item” which will redirect you to fill out the “Sell Your Item” form. Naming Your Product Once you enter the name of your product, click on “Get Started”. Adding Product Information Once you enter all the details in the “Sell Your Item” form, click on “Submit”. The listing will then be saved as a draft from where you will be directed back to the Seller Account Registration page where you have to click on “Get Started”. Verify Your Phone Number You will have to fill out your phone number and have it verified by entering an OTP. Changing Account Type You can now change your account type if you want to. It will mostly not be needed. Users can opt between 2 types of accounts to sell on eBay: Personal Account: Choose this if you want to sell on eBay as an individual or if you are connected to a registered business.Business Account: Choose this if you want to sell on eBay as a company (Single-member LLC, Corporation/Multi-member LLC, Partnership) or a sole proprietor. You Can Now Sell on eBay Now that your account has been verified, you can commence selling on eBay. Challenges Faced by Retailers Who Sell on eBay Presence of Additional and Hidden Fees eBay, like other eCommerce selling platforms, cannot abstain from imposing additional and hidden fees on retailers. Retailers are often bombarded with new and varying prices that they have to pay if they want to continue to sell on eBay. Examples include getting charged an insertion fee if you add one listing in 2 different categories and you are also using a free account. These expenses can often have dire consequences for retailers who already have slim profit margins. Restrictions on New Sellers eBay seeks to make the most amount of money it can. Retailers have to remember that it is not a charity service and eBay's bottom line probably matters even more than their own. To ensure that firms are pulling their weight, restrictions such as selling thresholds or minimum income requirements for a specified period of time are often imposed on sellers, with penalties being imposed on sellers who cannot meet them. This will rub salt in the wound for new businesses that are already struggling to get by. Creation of Product Listings Creating listings on eBay can often be a lot harder than it needs to be. For example, if retailers want to upload in bulk, they can upload a CSV file but will have to filter through more than 60 pages of instructions, which can make it unnecessarily complicated for people who are not well-versed with technology. This process can take time and effort, especially if your catalogue is diverse and you have different products with multiple variations. Restrictions on Type of Images eBay imposes restrictions on the type of images that can be used. Images can only be between 500 pixels wide and 1600 pixels wide. Images that are either above or below this threshold will not cut it. Additionally, eBay is very strict when it comes to images used from existing sources and requires crediting the original source, which can then direct the interest of customers away from your page.  Lack of Automation and Integration When retailers opt to sell on eBay and utilise eBay’s 1st-party services, they often limit themselves because there are no options to integrate with other platforms or software solutions. This makes life much harder for businesses that want to sell their products on multiple platforms because they will have to juggle manually updating multiple different pages that have different passwords which can be a cumbersome process. Additionally, there are limited options for automation for basic tasks such as packaging. Suggested Read: Sell on Instagram eBay for Sale: 8 Strategies to Get the Most Out of it Run Promoted Listing Campaigns Promoted listings are a tried and tested way of improving product visibility and eventually, sales. Research shows that promoted listings are viewed 36% more than regular ones. The pricing scheme for these campaigns also limits the amount of risk incurred by a retailer because instead of paying upfront, eBay receives an additional percentage of each sale made. Use Intelligent Keywords Keywords are the words that customers type into search engines when they are looking for a product. Keywords constantly evolve depending on the season, type of products, the platform used, etc. Retailers need to constantly be ahead of the curve and use the appropriate keywords in their product descriptions, page titles and image descriptions so that they can give themselves the best chance of matching with what customers are looking for. Offer Fast and Free Shipping In the current landscape we live in, same-day and next-day shipping have become the norm. Your business needs to offer it to avoid being left behind. Another way to spark interest from customers is to offer free shipping wherever possible. There are many methods to offer free shipping while still retaining a high-profit margin such as including the shipping cost in the price of the product and having minimum cart requirements, among others, so retailers need to analyse their capabilities and offer shipping services accordingly. Try Hiding Negative Reviews  If your listing page is constantly flooded with negative reviews, it could be indicative of a much larger issue. However, if you are a growing business, there are bound to be trials and errors along the way. Retailers who sell on eBay, need to make sure that they address and correct every negative review that they receive so that can be gotten out of the way because they have been solved. They also need to put an honest effort into turning negative reviews into positive ones so that when another customer checks the reviews, the ratio of positive to negative reviews will be higher.  Try to Achieve eBay Top Seller Status If you sell on eBay, you should definitely consider becoming a top-rated seller. This will give you an achievable long term goal and will enable you to optimize all the metrics that will help get you there such as providing an excellent customer experience and selling products that are popular. By becoming a top-rated seller, you would be eligible for various perks such as boosted visibility, a specified amount that gets credited towards promoted listings, discounts on shipping and much more. Have a Fair Return Policy Retailers who use eBay for sale need to frame an appropriate return policy. Since returns expenditures are generally incurred by sellers, they need to have a policy in place that doesn’t put undue pressure on them. Conversely, they also need to keep in mind that a strict, rigid return policy can be a turn off for customers. Retailers need to strike a balance between offering a fair return policy for themselves and their customers. eBay offer a cash-back guarantee relating to orders that are not fulfilled, damaged products and orders that don’t match the description. Excluding these circumstances, retailers are free to choose if they want to offer returns or not. Promote Your Listings on Social Media Social media and eCommerce go hand in hand. The same people that are browsing pages on Facebook and Instagram are also checking for products that they want to buy and spend hours looking for the best deals possible. The logical conclusion is to utilise social media to promote products that you sell on eBay since those users are already well-informed about the internet, how to buy products online and would appreciate extra knowledge about a sale or a product that they may want to buy.  Run Email Marketing Campaigns For retailers who sell on eBay, running email marketing campaigns is a good way of keeping people informed and reminded about your products, promotional offers you are running and information about your brand in general. It is also a good way of gathering data about the tastes and preferences of customers so that it can be used for future marketing campaigns and can yield better results. Conclusion It is a dream for many retailers to sell on eBay due to the vast array of benefits that comes with it. While it is definitely a good idea to register to sell on eBay, we also do not recommend putting all your eggs in just one basket. Due to the adverse growth of the eCommerce industry in the country, it pays dividends to generate as much exposure as possible in order for a retailer to capture the maximum amount of market share that they possibly can. It also depends on factors such as the nature of your business and products, the financial capabilities of your business and the potential customers you are trying to target. If you do decide that selling on eBay is the right decision for your business, you would need to think about the best way to fulfill all those orders. This is where WareIQ can be of assistance. WareIQ is emerging as one of India’s most rapidly expanding 3PL fulfillment companies. We provide every aspect of order fulfillment such as fulfillment centers to store products, picking and packing services, distribution and delivery services and reverse logistics. This, coupled with our superior and advanced tech platform that provides a state of the art Warehouse Management Software, NDR support and an RTO shield that gives you protection from liabilities and return orders, is sure to make your order fulfillment experience world-class. [signup] Sell on eBay: FAQs What are some things retailers shouldn’t do while selling on eBay?There are few things that retailers should abstain from while selling on eBay and some of them are listed below:- Using unoriginal photos- Not being honest about the product and its features- Ignoring messages and enquiries from customers- Miscalculating shipping charges- Not fulfilling orders to certain locations- Setting the wrong start price at an auction How long does it take for you to get paid when you sell on eBay?Payment usually occurs 1 day after confirming the payment from the buyer, unless there is some issue with the transaction. It takes about 2 days for the amount to reflect in the sellers account. Is there a listing fee while listing products to sell on eBay?No, there are no fees associated with listing your products on eBay. Fees will only be charged if a product is sold and if you opt for any of the featured listing options. Can you integrate an eBay account with WareIQ’s WMS?Yes, an eBay seller account can be integrated with WareIQ’s WMS and users can avail of all the benefits that come with that. How can 3PL companies like WareIQ solve the challenges faced by eBay sellers?3PL companies such as WareIQ provide flexibility to users by providing services such as order fulfillment, packaging and shipping at much cheaper rates. Additionally, WareIQ’s WMS can integrate with most eCommerce selling platforms and can consolidate data relating to orders and inventory from all of them in one centralised location.

June 08, 2022

Branded Tracking Page: How to Re-Engage Online Customers Through a Branded Tracking Page in 10 Ways in 2024?

Branded Tracking Page: How to Re-Engage Online Customers Through a Branded Tracking Page in 10 Ways in 2024?

eCommerce as an industry relies heavily on customers and their feedback on your business. Focusing on producing a unique product and selling it at an appropriate price is hard enough for a retailer before needing to factor in how to target customers that would show the most interest in their products and would have the highest chances of converting potential interest into a confirmed sale and how to provide seamless order fulfillment and post-sales experience to them so that they’d be obligated to not only purchase from the same brand again but also give positive feedback and recommend it highly to others. Once retailers have figured out a strategic method to implement all these procedures, time needs to be dedicated to understanding how they can convert one-time purchase customers into repeat ones. One of the best ways to re-engage prior customers and entice current customers to keep purchasing from your business is to have an attractive branded tracking page for branded order tracking. Read along to learn about the benefits and best practices of using a branded tracking page and how WareIQ can be of assistance. What is a Branded Tracking Page? A branded tracking page is a page where retailers and customers alike, can track the order status amongst all the order fulfillment processes that it needs to accomplish to ultimately be delivered successfully to the customer. The “branded” aspect of the tracking page refers to various customization options that can be implemented to make the page reflect a particular message or design language that a brand is trying to convey to its customers. Examples can be product suggestions, offer summaries, and unique themes. The purpose of adding these elements, as opposed to just a static page with just the tracking details, is to try and entice the customer into purchasing another product or service and convey that the brand cares about presentation and customer experience, across the entire order fulfillment process, which will help them get a positive impression of the brand and could increase the chance of them becoming repeat customers. Generic Sample Branded Tracking Page [contactus_uth] Why is it Important to Engage Online Customers through Branded Tracking Page? It Helps to Enhance Customer Satisfaction Customers will appreciate engagement through factors like being redirected to a well-designed, easy-to-use branded tracking page, being asked for their feedback, and if they were satisfied with the entire experience and will show their appreciation either with their wallets or through positive feedback. They will know that the brand actually cares about its image and it can be a big factor in how they perceive the overall purchase experience and whether they would choose to buy from you again or not. It Entices Customers to be Loyal to Your Brand Even though the eCommerce space is rife with competition selling similar products at similar prices, an easy way to differentiate yourself from the crowd is to have increased customer engagement. This will set apart your brand in their eyes and if they are satisfied enough, you may have a customer for life. A 10% increase in customer retention can increase revenue by 70% so it definitely pays in the long run. Suggested Read: Online Consumer Behaviour in 2024. It Helps You Track Their Preferences Through Their Responses By engaging with customers, you can receive honest feedback, which may consist of bucketloads of praise but could also contain blunt criticisms. This will help you ascertain what processes work and what don’t and you can streamline the necessary procedures to mitigate those complaints. Similarly, you can double down on what customers like and appreciate so that you will continue to receive positive feedback. It Gives Your Brand a Positive Image Customers are sure to think highly of a brand if they make an honest effort to engage with them. It makes them feel like their experience really matters and so it should. They are the ones who vote with their money so it helps to keep all your customers happy and satisfied. Even if a customer has an issue, immediate engagement and steps to fix it instantly will help your brand’s image skyrocket. It Could Lead to Increased Sales Because of positive feedback and reviews from other customers or prior customers who have experienced your engagement first-hand, your brand will be able to generate more sales from people who appreciate efficient customer service. Few things are more annoying to a consumer who cannot find a solution to order-related problems or queries from the company that has sold it to them in the first place. This can be avoided by engaging online customers. It Helps to Maintain Interest in Your Brand If you consistently try engaging with online customers, whether they are prior or current ones, you will keep them reminded about your brand and all its positive aspects. It can be useful if you are trying to promote a product or an event, trying to generate buzz due to demand stagnation, or even simply trying to get feedback from them to optimize business processes. 5 Must-Have Elements in Branded Tracking Page in 2024 Customer Support Contact Details While a branded order tracking page may satisfy some customers about the status of their order, others may have other queries that they would like to contact you about. Make sure that you add details such as a phone number, email address, and social media handles so that they can contact you and check out your feeds for exciting content at the same time. Banners of Complimentary Products With an appropriate 3PL company, you will be able to customize your branded order tracking page to your liking. This means that you can add banners of any product that you think is relevant, either based on customer preferences or what would be complementary to the ordered product, or products you would like to promote. This will increase the visibility of those products and could result in more sales. Status of the Order This is the primary piece of information that should be on your branded tracking page. You can make it look as fancy and promote as many products as you want but if the order cannot be tracked intuitively and clearly, customers will speak up. You should be sure to provide all the details of the order such as the placement date, dispatch date, ETA, and other items. You can read about order fulfillment status in detail here. Logo of Your Company Presenting your logo front and center on your branded order tracking page reiterates to the customer which brand they are buying from. They don’t need to be bothered about the courier service or manufacturing company. This will ultimately prove to boost your brand image and stamp your logo in the minds of customers. Top 10 Benefits of Using Branded Tracking Page in 2024 Appreciation by Customers Customers pay attention to the finer details, especially in the eCommerce industry with a large number of firms offering similar products and overall experiences. Something as simple as an intuitive and well-designed branded order tracking page with concisely laid out information and representing the ethos of the brand can make the whole experience feel special and can result in occupying real estate in the minds of customers.  Access to Free Advertising You can design your branded tracking page any way you want, including adding popups and links to your other products and services. In addition, you can add snippets for offers you are running, new products you may be launching in the future, and promotion of your brand in general, all without spending an extra dime on advertising.  Leads to Tertiary Purchases As a result of the point above, you may receive tertiary purchases from customers who browsed your branded order tracking page, found something they liked, and placed an additional order. The same process can be repeated on the branded tracking page of that order and can keep on going until they figure that they’ve had enough online shopping for one season. Assists in Post-Purchase Engagement Oftentimes, customers are left neglected between the time they purchase their order and the time they receive it. Branded order tracking pages can be a way of engaging with them after they have spent their money, which makes them feel special and that they're getting a comprehensive customer service experience, which will add brownie points to their feedback and reviews, if and when they decide to give it. Conveys Your Brand Message Your branded tracking page has the potential to be a window for customers to instantly learn more about your brand if they weren't aware of it already. You can choose to present your brand on your terms and convey any message that you desire, knowing that they will constantly be checking the page until their order arrives. This will give your brand a good amount of recognition on a personal level. Mitigates Confusion About the Order Status Customers often get anxious after placing an online order if they don’t know where it is or how long it’s going to take. A branded tracking page will mitigate that confusion and will give them easy access to check where it is on the go and clear any query directly from the page itself which will give them peace of mind and reduce the number of calls that your businesses receive from agitated customers who don’t know where their order is. Reduces Buyers Remorse On many occasions, especially after placing an order from a small or mid-sized company with not much brand recognition, customers feel a sense of buyer’s remorse because they don’t feel assured about the quality of the product or the brand. One way to provide this assurance before they receive their product is to give them access to an efficient and well-designed branded tracking page. They will instantly feel gratified knowing that your company means business and that their money is in the right hands. Reduces Time Spent on Dealing with Agitated Customers Since customers will always be aware of the status of their order and which fulfillment process it is currently in, in real-time, they would not feel the need to frantically try and get in touch with you to get this information. In turn, this puts less stress on your customer care team who can spend time personally handling cases where errors or mishaps have actually occurred and can focus on coming up with a solution as soon as possible. Enhances the Overall Purchase Experience If a retailer can provide a stellar customer experience post-sale, in addition to providing a product that the customer needs, it is definitely a recipe for success and repeat customers. Taking care of every aspect of a customer’s experience with your company and making sure that they are never left wanting, is a sure-fire way of skyrocketing your brand image in the eyes of that customer and other customers who read their glowing reviews about their brilliant experience. Conclusion: How WareIQ Help eCommerce Businesses Engage Their Customers Through a Branded Tracking Page? Now that we have learned the many benefits and touchpoints of utilising branded tracking pages, you need to assess if your business requires them or not. Generally, businesses that are expanding rapidly or who are just trying to provide a professional experience to customers, in addition to standard order fulfillment processes, would be best suited to making use of branded tracking pages. Luckily, if you fall into the above categories, you don’t need to look any further. WareIQ has got you covered. In addition to providing all the above features and more, WareIQ provides a whole range of order fulfillment and eCommerce warehousing-related services to assist any requirement that your company may have in terms of inbound and outbound logistics operations. With respect to branded tracking pages, we offer the following services: Customizable Tracking URL You can insert a customizable tracking link that redirects customers to your website or any page that you desire so that no click or tap goes to waste. Marketable Product Placements With our customization options, you can turn your branded tracking page into a mini eCommerce store, complete with product descriptions, images, and options to buy them. This will help customers spend more time browsing through your products, as opposed to a competitor’s.  Insert Links to Your Store You can add multiple links to take customers wherever you think would make a difference. Whether it is to your website homepage, your social media handles, or your eCommerce selling profiles, you can be assured that customers will only be directed to where you want them to go. Updates in Real-Time Our branded tracking page provides customers and retailers updates to each and every metric of the order fulfillment process, such as location, ETA, and stage in the delivery process in real-time so neither you nor they will ever be left wondering about where the order is. Suggested Read: Why is branded shipping useful? Receive Customer Feedback For receiving customer feedback, you can add fields for customers to leave valuable feedback so that you can better gauge their tastes and preferences and how to improve and refine your products and services. This will not only help you to retain customers but will assist you in streamlining the process to find new ones. [signup] Branded Tracking Page: FAQs What is branded order tracking?Branded order tracking is a means by which customers can track their order but also browse through other fields such as product banners, information about the brand and links to social media handles, which helps a customer spend more time scrolling through the relevant company's pages rather than a competitor's page. What technology do you need to offer branded tracking?If you partner with a 3PL company, they will generally equip you with the software needed to provide branded tracking. What kind of companies are best suited to offering branded order tracking?Companies that are trying to expand at a rapid pace, companies that want customers to spend more time scrolling through their pages and companies that are trying to convey a strong image of their brand to customers as well as companies that are trying to offer a streamlined post-purchase experience to customers are all suited towards offering branded tracking. What happens if you don't order branded tracking?Generally, if a customer can only track their orders through a mundane interface, they will not seek to find out more about the company, its other products and services and may close the page after a couple of minutes as opposed to spending a much larger amount of time on a branded tracking page. This can contribute to an average customer experience that won't stand out and diminishes your chances of getting repeat customers. How can you offer branded tracking with WareIQ?If you choose to partner with WareIQ, you will get access to a whole bunch of features that you can choose to take advantage of, including branded shipping. Why should you use WareIQ's branded tracking page?Branded tracking page by WareIQ lets you track and updates shipments in real-time and provides a fully customizable branded experience that helps improve customer satisfaction.

June 06, 2022