eCommerce Shipping

What are Shipping Delays? Causes, Impact, and Solutions to Mitigate Effects of Delays in Shipping for Retailers in 2023

What are Shipping Delays? Causes, Impact, and Solutions to Mitigate Effects of Delays in Shipping for Retailers in 2023

Shipping products is one of the most important processes in the retail industry. Products need to be transported from manufacturers to storage facilities for both online and offline businesses. In the case of eCommerce companies, they also have to ensure that products are delivered on time to their customers, which involves their items spending even more time in transit. In a bid to offer the best products at the cheapest prices and to generate as much hype as possible, sellers are often blissfully unaware that certain aspects of their shipping procedures may not be up to the mark and, as a result, are causing delays. Order delays can have dire implications not just for the business itself but also for its customers. This can lead to undesirable opinions of your business and can lessen the chances of it getting repeated as well as new customers. In this blog, we will take a look at the meaning, causes, impacts and methods to reduce shipping delays for your retail business.  What are Shipping Delays? Any instance where raw materials that are being transferred to the manufacturer, finished goods that are being transported to a storage facility, or orders that are being transported to customers do not reach their destination on the specified date and time can be termed as a shipping delay. In essence, a delay caused while products are in transit can be considered a shipping delay. These delays can happen for a variety of reasons and not all of them are the fault of your own operations or negligence. Oftentimes, especially when a product is being transported, you are at the mercy of external influences, such as road repairs, vehicles being damaged, natural calamities, and much more. Therefore, it is important to try and forecast and account for as many of these situations as you can, in order to prevent and negate the negative outcomes caused by order delays. [contactus_uth] What are the Primary Causes of Order Delays in 2023? Labour Scarcity Since the onset of the pandemic, many countries and specific industries have faced vast labour shortages. This is especially prominent in developed countries, such as the US and UK, where job openings are at all-time highs and labour participation rates are dwindling. This obviously has an effect on the way products are able to be produced, shipped, and delivered to customers and it can cause severe shipping delays and disruptions throughout the fulfillment pipeline. One way to curtail this is to ascertain in advance how many employees you need to conduct operations successfully and procure the necessary resources instantly. Public Holidays The significance of various public holidays dictates the closure of many important services on those specific dates, resulting in uncertainty and, eventually, shipping delays. The fact that sellers often experience their highest demand of the year during specific holiday seasons just rubs salt into the wood in case they are experiencing late shipment deliveries brought about by the holiday restrictions. Additionally, because they are often a lot more orders to deal with during the holidays, it requires additional resources and effort in order to successfully fulfill all of them, which can expose the efficiency of your shipping processes for the better or worse. Suggested Read: Tips to Prepare Your Fulfillment and Logistics Strategy for the Holiday Season in 2023 Unsuitable Weather Conditions Orders are the most susceptible to damage or delays while they are in transit, as this is where they are the most exposed to external factors such as harsh weather conditions. From experiencing the direct impacts caused by fog and hailstorms to the indirect effects due to road closures caused by fallen trees or electrical wires and flights being delayed due to excessive rain or snow, weather conditions play an important role in the success rates of shipping practices. Although it is not possible to control weather patterns, you can brace yourself by investing in technology that will offset the impacts and making the necessary preparations. Supply Chain Disruptions The world and its populace have been through a lot in the past couple of years, firstly due to disruptions to supply chains caused by the global pandemic and all its restrictions, and then due to conflicts like the war in Ukraine and the closure of various trade routes, ports and pipelines that have contributed to an increase in the prices of transport, oil and gas. This has had a negative impact on retail shipping by making it more expensive to conduct the same processes as before. Thus, many extended shipping delays can be attributed to these supply chain disruptions happening in many parts of the world. Incorrect Shipping Details If there is any factor that is 100% assured to cause inevitable order delays, it is not having your eCommerce shipping information filled out accurately. For instance, any disparity in important details, such as the customer’s address, phone number, warehouse address, or SKU number, can cause multiple disruptions and ensure that orders are subject to heavy hindrances. In turn, this can also cause costs to skyrocket, RTOs to increase, and enhance the likelihood of goods being damaged. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that all details are filled out accurately.  The Impact Late Shipments Can Have on Your Business Delegitimizes Your Brand in the Eyes of Customers Concerningly, around 41% of customers associate delayed deliveries directly with the brands they purchased them from. Customers will surely be upset when their order doesn't arrive when they anticipated it to when they expect businesses to deliver their orders on time. This dissatisfaction may spiral into future delivery-related agitation and even apprehension about placing repeat orders. Additionally, more than 32% of buyers worldwide suggest that one of the major downsides of making an online purchase is dealing with shipment issues or delays. This is why it is important to give your customers a positive experience and tackle the issue of shipping delays before it even starts. Makes You Lose Out on Valuable Revenue Retail income can be severely impacted by shipping delays. A single lengthy hindrance to production could wipe away as much as 30–50% of a company's revenue prior to paying taxes, interest and lost profits due to depreciation, according to a recent McKinsey article. Additionally, clients frequently find lengthy delivery schedules to be off-putting, which could hamper your chances of getting repeat purchases from them. They could either completely back out of the purchase or shop elsewhere. 32% of customers say they abandoned their shopping carts in the past year because the projected shipment time was too long. Thus, it is important to regulate your shipping processes to avoid mishaps and provide ultra-fast shipping. Creates Confusion Regarding Inventory Retailers may find it challenging to accurately predict demand and arrange their inventory due to shipping delays. As a result, businesses risk overstocking and incurring expensive storage fees for their inventory. Alternatively, they can underestimate consumer need, quickly run out of supply and be unable to replenish their inventory in time to satisfy actual customer demand. Inconvenient stockouts, which cost retailers $1 trillion annually, can result from overcompensating for fear of ordering too many items. Either way, it is important to forecast demand levels and ascertain the quantity of each SKU you need to store to fulfill orders. 5 Simple Ways to Mitigate the Effects of Shipping Delays in 2023 Provide Free Shipping as an Option Source Free delivery, according to 75% of customers, persists in having a big impact on what they buy. Offering clients free delivery is an opportunity to demonstrate your appreciation for them and dedication to offering excellent service. Free shipping goes a long way in enhancing the customer experience and motivating people to shop with you, even if orders are subject to shipment delays. Even if you use methods such as accounting for shipping costs in your eCommerce product pricing, providing free shipping if the cart value is above a certain amount and more, it will still give customers the perception that they are getting the item delivered for free. Have Clear and Transparent Communication Source Customers want to be aware of delivery expectations upfront. Over 45% of buyers actively seek out retailers who display delivery timeline estimations. Consequently, after making a purchase, most consumers desire real-time alerts on the status of their shipment. Trust can be developed by keeping lines of communication open with clients. In addition to improving their delivery procedures, 49% of the firms in a recent survey also pledged to be transparent about their delivery promises, such as by letting customers know when an item is being processed and dispatched. Encourage communication with customers on platforms like SMS and Whatsapp to keep them engaged on a more personal level, in addition to the updates they receive from the order tracking screen. Appease Customers With Consolitory Discounts Source On many occasions, dealing with shipping delays is inevitable, both for you as well as your customers. Even when things don't go as planned, giving consumers special offers and coupons is a good method to demonstrate your appreciation for their business and their lost time. Gift certificates and discounts can be provided to ease their agitation about the delayed arrival of their orders. This tactic will cost you a small amount of money but it's considerably less expensive and more impactful than having your consumers leave negative reviews or never do business with you again. Offer Customers the Ability to Pick Up Orders Source Giving customers the flexibility of picking up their own orders from a specified location can reduce shipping delays, and efforts and costs associated with last-mile delivery. For a better chance of getting their orders on time, 35% of customers consistently choose shipping options like curbside pickup. Customers are more receptive to alternative methods of receiving their products as they grow more aware of order delays. As a result, click-and-collect and curbside pickup are two options that 41% of retailers plan to divert more funding towards. Keep Track of Every Shipment Source Customers want to be aware of the arrival date of their orders so that they can the necessary arrangements to ensure it is picked up. 96% of respondents to a recent survey said they find order tracking helpful while awaiting deliveries. Even if it is delayed, shipment monitoring helps reassure customers that their order will make its way to them shortly. Order tracking can also help you be aware of where customers’ orders are and can help you address their grievances in a more informed way. Ultimately, order tracking provides a good way to keep customers informed in the event of an order delay. Conclusion: Partner With WareIQ to Ramp Up Your Shipping Processes to Avoid Delays Whenever products need to be shipped or transported from one location to another for whatever reason, there are bound to be delays somewhere down the line. Shipping delays are a harsh reality of the retail industry but companies need to take steps to mitigate the effects of delays and provide a better experience for customers. Clear communication, technology and a robust transportation network all play a role in minimizing shipping delays, which should rank highly in prioritization for every seller that deals with product shipments. Additionally, preventing shipping delays from occurring will enhance the perception and loyalty that customers have of your brand and increase the likelihood of becoming returning customers. Due to all the negatives associated with shipping delays, retailers need to pay extra attention to their in-house processes as well as external factors. This is why it is a good idea to partner with an experienced 3PL fulfillment company like WareIQ. WareIQ is an eCommerce fulfillment company that specialises in a vast array of eCommerce and retail solutions, including shipping. Through our WareIQ Global platform, we can help you streamline your shipping processes to avoid delays and offer your products locally and internationally. Here are some of the facilities we can provide to your business: Domestic and International Shipping Retailers can ship their goods natively and to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. We also offer last-mile delivery, storage facilities and other services both local service and international courier service. Last-Mile Delivery By making sure that items are picked up before being delivered to the relevant customer's city and delivered right to their doorstep, we assist retailers with the final stage of the delivery process. Shipping Aggregation In addition to offering lightning-fast same-day and next-day delivery, we have worked with more than 20 of the biggest shipping providers in the nation and automatically assign the best and cheapest option for each unique purchase to increase customer satisfaction. Absence of Minimum Order Restrictions We don't have any minimum order restrictions for items to be dispatched, unlike other 3PL fulfilment firms. Additionally, we offer users a selection of the services they wish to choose from and they only need to pay for the resources they actually utilise, which boosts their profit margins and lowers their expenses. RTO Shield Our specialised RTO Shield enables a reduction in RTO requests and shelters sellers from financial losses through insurance and liability coverage. Shipping Delays: FAQs How can you manage high demand and avoid shipping delays during peak seasons?You can manage high demand during peak seasons in the following ways:- Investing in technology to improve logistics and warehouse management- Increasing their inventory levels- Offering multiple shipping options for customers to choose from What steps can be taken to reduce the effects of weather-related shipping delays?You can mitigate the effects of weather-related shipping delays in multiple ways. Some of them are mentioned below:- Using real-time tracking technology- Working with multiple carriers- Having contingency plans in place How can you communicate with customers about shipping delays?Customers can be kept in the loop about shipping delays by providing real-time tracking information, keeping them informed about any changes to their delivery schedule and offering clear and transparent communication about the delay. How can customers be compensated for delayed shipments?Your company can compensate for delayed shipments by offering discounts, vouchers or other incentives to customers who experience delays. How can I plan for unexpected delays caused by global events?Retailers can plan for unexpected delays caused by global events by maintaining a flexible supply chain, working with multiple carriers, and having a crisis management plan in place.

January 16, 2023

What Are Split Shipments In eCommerce Industry? Reasons, Benefits, Challenges In Frequent Split Shipping and Ways To Avoid Split Shipping in 2023

What Are Split Shipments In eCommerce Industry? Reasons, Benefits, Challenges In Frequent Split Shipping and Ways To Avoid Split Shipping in 2023

Global retail eCommerce revenues were anticipated to reach $5,2 trillion in 2021. By 2026, this amount is anticipated to have increased by 56%, to be around 8.1 trillion dollars. Split shipments in the eCommerce industry are a clever way for an online retailer to handle orders that include numerous products. With this tactic, the buyer receives many deliveries on various days while only placing one order. It is also a key component of a reliable shipping procedure. Split shipments are an essential component of distribution logistics, whether because a product is too big to fit with the other items in a single package or because the customer changed their mind and added something else to the order. As a consumer, you've presumably also been there before. Have you ever placed an internet order and received many boxes? The reality is that trying to keep track of each package's precise location and predicted arrival time is different from a walk in the park. Because they were unaware that a shipment was on its way or that there were several items they should have been anticipating, clients frequently missed deliveries. This procedure can be significantly simplified with order tracking solutions for split shipments. As a result, customers may receive their things as promptly as possible without encountering any delays because it is simple to monitor where each box is and when it is anticipated to arrive. What Are Split Shipments In eCommerce Industry? As the name suggests, a split shipment is when an order includes multiple things dispatched in different packages. For instance, when dealing with a backorder scenario, you might ship a portion of the order first, followed by the other. As a result, the end-to-end processing time may be sped up. A competitive edge may be maintained by shipping packages separately or delivering in-stock and out-of-stock items afterward. However, suppose your present tracking software does not offer precise, in-the-moment updates, delivery notifications, delivery exception alerts, etc. In that case, it may increase customer assistance requests. This is particularly true when clients contact the customer care center after receiving only a portion of the things they ordered and needing to be made aware that their order was divided into many packages. In addition, nobody wants consumers to complain or for deliveries to go wrong. Use technologies that can handle all sales under one roof while easily tracking split shipments in one dashboard to eliminate customer irritation, boost customer LTV (lifetime value), and reduce some of the load on your customer care team. What Causes Split Shipments To Occur? Even though split shipments are not a recommended practice in the industry. Mailing separate shipments for a single purchase may occur for the following reasons. However, firms shouldn't intentionally split shipments unless they exclusively offer huge things that couldn't fit more than one in a box. Inventory Is Spread Out In Several Locations and Unavailability of All SKUs From the Nearest Fulfillment Center Every SKU may have varying stock levels between facilities when an eCommerce business has inventory in more than one place. A single order comprising various products may need the usage of multiple warehouses if a single fulfillment center needs more inventory to complete the order. For example, the first item might come from one fulfillment center, and the second might come from another. Separate shipments from each fulfillment center will eventually deliver the products to the customer with faster delivery times than waiting for one fulfillment center to receive more inventory. Occasionally, when sending cargo or freight, there might need more space on a single truck or airplane for a complete order, necessitating the transportation and arrival of individual boxes. In addition, you must make sure that each cargo has the required documentation because overseas shipping might be challenging with customs forms. Similarly, only partially prepared inventory may be transported in segments, beginning with any components prepared for delivery. You May Read: 5 Easy Steps to Find and Choose a Fulfillment Center for eCommerce Sellers in 2023 Consumer Requires The Product To Be Delivered At Several Locations A consumer may desire to break particular items from a large order into several shipments, so they are shipped to various addresses, even though this is different in eCommerce. Most consumers will create distinct orders for each new shipment. Still, it might be simpler for customers to buy gifts for a single charge, especially around the holidays. You won't see the split shipments option at the checkout on the typical web store. Still, for bulk orders of pricey items, it would be helpful for someone to enter a different address for each item or each shipment. Suggested Read: 15 Important Strategies for Checkout Page Optimization Goods Would Not Fit In a Single Package Whether you must split shipments for a single order depends on the number of your items. For instance, purchasing four T-shirts should fit and be delivered in a single container. In contrast, if you ordered four huge pieces of luggage, you would anticipate receiving something other than one enormous package the size of a couch; instead, you would receive four separate boxes because each item requires a lot more space. Additionally, you must provide space for dunnage and packing supplies, especially if you are transporting fragile goods. eCommerce businesses should be aware of the impact of dimensional weight on shipping costs and utilize appropriately sized packaging (not too big, not too small). There are additional fees for heavy-weight and excessive shipments, and smaller, lighter loads are less expensive than large, heavy shipments. Separate shipments, however, are equally pricey. What Impact Do Split Shipments Have On Customers And Retailers? Retailers incur double the delivery costs when they send different shipments for the same order. As a result, the cost of shipping many products across the country or abroad can rise quickly. However, this must be evaluated against the urgency with which client orders must be fulfilled. Remember that clients anticipate waiting up to a few days for their order. Split shipments cause customers to receive their orders on several days, which is typically inconvenient. Additionally, customers must wait for the delivery of the order's remaining components. However, it does imply that they get a portion of their order sooner than they would if the store waited until all of the items were in stock and ready to ship the order. Sometimes, a customer may find it more practical to divide shipments. To guarantee the most significant possible customer experience, all split shipment decisions should be communicated to the customer so they are kept informed, have visibility into, and have ownership over the process. You may efficiently manage inventory, speeding up your fulfillment process and lowering expenses with the help of a customizable, automated Order Management System (OMS). A smart OMS will choose how to complete each order best and effectively utilize your network. It can save expenses and make split shipments an option by optimizing orders in accordance with both commercial and logistical requirements. Benefits of Split Shipments for Online Customers Saves time: Instead of receiving one large package, customers can receive their items in multiple smaller packages, which can save them time when it comes to unpacking and organizing their purchases.Increases convenience: Customers can have items delivered to multiple addresses, such as their home, office, or vacation home, making it more convenient for them to receive their purchases.Reduces the risk of lost or stolen packages: By having items delivered to multiple locations, customers can reduce the risk of having all of their items lost or stolen in one package.Flexibility in delivery schedules: Customers can schedule deliveries for multiple items to different locations and at different times, which helps them to be at home for each shipment and avoid missing a package delivery.Cost-effective: splitting the shipment could reduce shipping costs to the customer, as sometimes single-package shipping costs could be very high. Benefits of Split Shipments for Online Sellers Increased efficiency: Split shipments allow sellers to send items in smaller, more targeted batches, which can save them time and money when it comes to shipping and handling.Reduced shipping costs: By sending items in smaller, more targeted batches, sellers can often reduce the overall shipping costs of an order.Better Inventory Management: With split shipments, sellers can more easily keep track of inventory levels across multiple locations, which can help them to more effectively manage stock and reduce the risk of overselling.Improved customer service: By offering split shipments, sellers can provide more flexibility and convenience for customers, which can help to improve customer satisfaction and retention.Better Tracking and Control: Split shipments allow sellers to track multiple packages for one order and know where each one of them is, which will result in knowing the exact location of the package and knowing when it will be delivered which is essential for customer satisfaction and better control.Customizable Packaging: with Split shipment sellers can customize the packaging for each package and location in a way to optimize the shipping cost. Challenges of Split Shipping for eCommerce Sellers Although split shipments have their own share of benefits for both the customer and online retailer, but it's not surprising that the real challenges faced with split shipments encountered are extensive: Increased Shipping Expenses  You must pay for transportation twice or more per order to the same place. Often, this is an unneeded expense that cannot be avoided. A lack of insight into your order management system can cause frequent backorders, which may necessitate shipping several products separately and incurring additional transportation costs. You might not have the option to send products separately if you sell bulky items like lawnmowers or car parts. Poor Customer Service Management Your customer care representatives may receive more support tickets due to longer lead times for warehouses to process and ship goods. Additionally, you don't allow customers to independently track each shipment from the same order. In that case, they could initially contact your staff. And as the saying goes, if your customers contact you first, there is still time to offer a first-rate post-purchase experience. Some deliveries might be delayed because of bad weather, backed-up traffic, and other factors beyond your control. To lessen pressure from your consumers, you must offer proactive status updates and delivery alerts to inform them of any shipment delays. If you want to be successful and keep staff in this challenging business environment, keep clients updated throughout the shipping and delivery process and have all orders under one roof. Increased Packaging Waste and Higher Carbon Footprints Environmental issues concern Generation Z people (those born between 1995 and 2010). 62% of Gen Z consumers said they prefer to purchase sustainable brands and were more willing to spend 10% or more on sustainable goods. It may not sit well with certain consumers looking for eco-friendly and sustainable firms for sustainable supply chain management and eco-friendly shipping to ship several parcels individually, which is another motivating element for implementing a sustainable development strategy. How to Cut Down on Split Shipping in 2023? Snapshot of how one order is getting split into 3 shipments in Amazon You may need fewer split shipments if your supply chain is optimized. The following actions can be used to lessen split shipments in the eCommerce industry: Have Enough Stock of the Products Keeping stock levels high will cut down on the number of split shipments. You may monitor the following to make sure you always have enough inventory on hand: The quantity of stock you have at each fulfillment location.How long do you have to place new orders for each product before they run out?Seasonal and sales effects on your inventory.How much will it cost to deliver your goods if you move your inventory to a different fulfillment facility? Additionally, by suggesting to your customer's things that can only be shipped from the same place as the main item in their order, you can guarantee that you always have suitable products on hand. Consolidating the packages will allow you to use less packaging, and your shipping prices and times may be improved by distributing your product throughout your fulfillment facilities. In addition, by anticipating needs and monitoring your inventory, you may prevent running out of supply. Recognize the Trends In Customer Buying Patterns Understanding your consumers' shopping habits will help you streamline your eCommerce logistics operation and give your customers a better experience. Consider the following inquiries: Where are the majority of your clients situated?Can you spread your inventory over several fulfilment facilities?Which goods are frequently purchased in tandem?How often do customers make further purchases? Understanding your consumers' shopping habits will help you modify your inventory management and shipping procedures accordingly. If you frequently buy particular products, you can package them together as bundles to raise the average order value. Or it can be worthwhile to provide a subscription plan if you frequently see repeat consumers buying the same things. Let clients combine all their ordered items into a single shipment. Customers can delay the delivery of individual shipments in favour of receiving everything at once. Strategic Stock Management A robust inventory management plan will reduce the likelihood of out-of-stock items and the necessity for split shipments. To maintain a steady flow of goods, make forecasts based on historical sales data, seasonal demand, and delivery times. Pick Your Warehouse Locations Wisely Additionally, you can proactively prevent cargo splitting by carefully locating warehouses close to your suppliers and clients. As a result, fewer split shipments will be required, lowering internal transportation costs and shipping delays. Inform Your Consumers Finally, whenever feasible, give your clients a voice. For example, some clients place a premium on quick shipping. On the other hand, if they need to sign for it or want to be home to accept it, some customers would prefer their complete purchase to arrive at once. You can reduce customer service demands and unsatisfied customers by giving customers the option of a timely split shipment or a complete (but delayed) supply. Conclusion Split shipments are only sometimes preventable, but you must take all reasonable steps to avoid them to protect your revenue. Your retail supply chain will be more effective, you'll spend less on shipping, and there will be less waste if you reduce split shipments. You can streamline your shipment process, avoid divided orders, and raise your profit margin by working with a 3PL. WareIQ Can Help With Split Shipments and Increase Client Satisfaction WareIQ, an eCommerce fulfillment company, provides quick, cost-effective shipping to assist firms in increasing sales and expanding their operations. With the help of our expanding network of fulfilment facilities, businesses can use the areas that best suit the needs of their target audience. Our programme automatically selects the fulfillment nearest to the customer whenever an order is received. As a result, delivery times are shortened, and freight costs are decreased. In addition, you can avoid putting orders on hold or split shipments by preventing stockouts with our proprietary software. If one or more goods in your order are out of stock, you can choose to divide the order and have the available items dispatched. The other portions of the order will be handled automatically once the missing item arrives at our fulfilment facility. Let your consumer know that the order has been divided and that they should anticipate receiving two parcels rather than one. Split Shipments FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Which method of shipping is more affordable, combined shipping or split shipping?Because you have to create two shipping labels and utilize two sets of packaging for a single order, breaking up shipments into numerous packages typically costs extra. There are fewer handling charges, less fuel used for transportation, and there is less need for packaging materials when there is only one package, all of which lead to lower prices. Splitting shipments can occasionally be inevitable when a few SKUs ordered are out of stock in warehouses while a few SKUs are available, but eCommerce firms should attempt to limit partial shipping wherever possible. What does "Split Shipping" mean?The term "partially sent" (sometimes known as a "split shipment") describes a scenario in which a single order is divided up into several shipments. Several factors can lead to partial shipments:1- Several locations for the products2- Products that can't fit in a single package but are available to ship today instead of being on backorder How to reduce split shipping?Storing and retrieving all the things in a single warehouse is one technique to lessen splitting. However, it is challenging to construct and run such a warehouse given the enormous volume of goods sold by online supermarkets. Another strategy to lessen order splitting is to allocate products more efficiently among various warehouses. How WareIQ helps with minimizing the utilization of split shipments?WareIQ minimizes the utilization of split shipments and offers competitive pricing compared to other conventional 3PL suppliers. The WareIQ pricing model implies we accept the risk of splits and zones when we need to split an order into half shipments. You have the option to split orders in our fulfillment platform. Additionally, our upfront pricing includes Delivery Area Surcharges (DAS) and EDAS, so there are never any unexpected fees.

January 09, 2023
Future of eCommerce Shipping | 10 Prominent and Latest eCommerce Shipping Trends for eCommerce Sellers to Watch Out For in 2023

Future of eCommerce Shipping | 10 Prominent and Latest eCommerce Shipping Trends for eCommerce Sellers to Watch Out For in 2023

Every industry is subject to changing trends and newly introduced technologies and features. eCommerce is even more affected by the latest fads due to its highly competitive nature. For instance, if one company pioneers a service that has the potential to change the eCommerce landscape for the better, such as what Amazon did with same-day delivery service and order tracking, the onus is on other companies to follow suit and implement similar services, to avoid losing customers to businesses that have been able to successfully adapt. Shipping is one of the most crucial and painstaking eCommerce activities as it enables orders to be delivered to their customers on the specified date and time. There are constantly new eCommerce shipping trends that revolutionize the way orders are delivered to their customers. In this blog, we will examine the importance of keeping up with eCommerce shipping trends, the top 10 trends that are currently taking place, and the future of eCommerce shipping. What are eCommerce Shipping Trends? eCommerce shipping includes all the processes involved in getting an order to a customer’s doorstep, including preparing an item for dispatch, picking it up from the warehouse, transporting it to the customer’s location, and using last-mile delivery partners to get it to their doorstep. eCommerce shipping trends refer to the introduction of various technologies and services that can have a profound impact on changing or improving eCommerce shipping procedures. Additionally, they can also refer to the implementation of certain methods for conducting various tasks and processes on a massive scale by several eCommerce sellers, necessitating other retailers to follow suit for fear of being left behind if they don’t get on board. Some examples of past eCommerce shipping trends that have contributed to the way sellers currently ship their products include the enhanced popularity of same-day delivery, cross-border shipping, providing order tracking facilities and much more. [contactus_lilgoodness] Importance of Monitoring eCommerce Shipping Trends in 2023 Enhances Customer Satisfaction By monitoring and taking advantage of eCommerce shipping trends, you will be able to provide a better overall experience to your customers. eCommerce shipping trends gain popularity because they bring something new to the table that may not have been implemented before. Therefore, by utilizing the services and technologies that are made popular by certain trends, you can offer your customers the bleeding edge in terms of order fulfillment - something that they’re sure to appreciate. The positive customer feedback and reviews will make them more likely to make repeat purchases and will spark interest from potential customers that may have been on the fence. Reduces Shipping Expenditures As is laid out above, trends become trends by introducing new and improved ways of doing certain tasks. While the end result of staying on top of eCommerce shipping trends would ultimately be the same - delivering products to customers - the time and money spent would drastically reduce. This is due to the fact that advances in technology and services are often more expensive when it is newly introduced but fall dramatically when it starts to become mainstream. Thus, if you are able to identify trends beforehand, you can make use of it once it starts to become more broadly adopted. Increases Competition While this may not necessarily be a direct benefit for your business, it does pave the way for the hastening of trends becoming more widespread, contributing to the lowering of costs and scrambling by other companies to find a worthy alternative. Just like how customers benefit from increased competition by getting access to the best products and services at the cheapest prices, your business will benefit from other companies researching and introducing new and more efficient ways of conducting shipping operations. However, this does also mean that you need to stay on your toes and offer a service if it becomes pervasive. Streamlines Various Procedures Keeping up with eCommerce shipping trends can assist businesses with streamlining their operations and improving their efficiency, which can help them save time, effort, finances and resources. Since eCommerce shipping involves multiple different processes, enhancing the efficiency of even one of them can have a snowball effect on procedures further down the line, resulting in an overall more well-put-together shipping experience for both your business and customers. Improves Flexibility By following up with shipping trends, businesses can access a wider range of shipping options and be more competent at adapting to changes in the market or the needs of their customers. You will be able to preemptively make decisions based on the nature and scope of various trends, resulting in your business being more prepared to handle challenging situations. Additionally, if a trend introduces a new feature, you can be one of the early adopters and test the waters to see if it is worth the hype. What is the Future of eCommerce Shipping and Where Is It Heading? The future of eCommerce shipping looks bright and full of potential for innovation and growth. With the consistently rapid expansion of the eCommerce user base in terms of both sellers and customers in the past few years, there has been an increasing demand for efficient and reliable shipping options that can meet the needs of consumers. Overall, the future of eCommerce shipping is full of potential for innovation and growth. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, we can expect to see a range of exciting developments in the way packages are delivered to customers. Here are a few statistics that showcase the direction eCommerce shipping is heading in: 73% of online shoppers specified that they were placing more online orders than in previous years.18% of the total retail spending in the world is generated by eCommerce.44% of consumers indicated that they were willing to only wait 2 days to have their orders shipped.57% of eCommerce customers have shifted to purchasing online from conventional brick-and-mortar stores.56% of Gen X and 55% of Millennials, the age groups that make up the majority of the world's population, prefer having their orders shipped to them than the other way around.  10 Emerging eCommerce Shipping Trends to Watch Out For in 2023 Increase in International Shipping Source eCommerce, unlike conventional brick-and-mortar stores, is not subject to the restrictions on international distribution imposed by country borders. The industry is expected to grow by $44 billion by 2025. It has become common for customers in one part of the world to order products that are listed, sold and manufactured in a completely different part of the world. Due to the rapid emergence of globalism and all the benefits that come with it, including being able to seamlessly distribute products globally, eCommerce retailers and customers alike are more inclined to take advantage of the tools at their disposal. International shipping enables sellers to locate a region where they can manufacture their goods at the cheapest rates and sell their products in a market that commands the highest prices.  Accelerated Expansion in Rural Areas Source With more and more people gaining access to the internet every day and making a concise effort to change their age-old habits and use it for their everyday needs, eCommerce is expanding like never before to distant and isolated rural areas. This trend is especially prominent in countries like India, where it is possible to witness seemingly overnight changes in many regions. While the Indian population sits at around 1.4 billion, the total internet user base was just 300 million people in 2017. Since then, it has more than doubled, with 750 million users in 2020 and is estimated to reach 1.5 billion people, more than the current population of the country, by 2040. This will result in even more people choosing to use eCommerce for their everyday needs and will necessitate that sellers begin to streamline eCommerce shipping. Advent of Hyperlocal Order Fulfillment Source Hyperlocal delivery refers to the eCommerce shipping strategy that is currently used by most food and grocery delivery apps. Having strategically located hyperlocal or “dark” stores scattered across areas of high demand enable sellers to drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to deliver their products to their customers. Same-day and next-day delivery has been replaced by 30-minute and even 10-minute delivery timelines. Trends like this have resulted in eCommerce retailers needing to streamline shipping processes for eCommerce to take advantage of the increased visibility and convenience that customers associate with it. Use of Drones and Other Advanced Technology Source Drones are being tested for use in delivering packages to remote and hard-to-reach areas. Companies like Amazon have already implemented the use of drones for various delivery circumstances. eCommerce shipping trends such as this, although still in early in their lifecycle, have the potential to revolutionize the way packages are delivered and make shipping faster and more efficient. Other new technologies that could shape the future of eCommerce shipping include self-driving delivery vehicles and augmented reality technology to assist with package tracking and delivery. Once these technologies become mainstream, consumers will start to have more interaction with them, resulting in a better overall experience. Accelerated Shipping Speeds Source Providing ultra-fast delivery has been important for quite some time now, a sentiment that is reiterated by the fact that over 61% of customers would voluntarily pay more to get access to faster shipping. In years gone by, customers wouldn’t complain if their order reached them in a week. However, if the same thing were to happen today, they would instantly take to social media and online forums to voice their displeasure. Additionally, some sellers offer even quicker delivery times, such as 30-minute and even 10-minute deliveries to certain locations. The hyper-competitive nature of eCommerce has necessitated that retailers adopt features as soon as they become popular and due to the resounding success of ultra-fast delivery when it was first introduced, the entire industry has jumped onto the bandwagon. Enhanced Focus on Sustainability Source In our increasingly aware world, focusing on sustainability has become one of the most persistent eCommerce shipping trends. Many companies are focusing on eco-friendly packaging and reducing the carbon emissions and overall footprint of their shipping operations. Achieving this does not come easy and companies have had to go through massive changes to various tools and processes in order to generate success in being sustainable. Additionally, there is the added pressure of any mishaps or issues spreading like wildfire on social media so it is important for companies to ensure that they are reducing their contribution to global warming and pollution. Rise of Branded Packaging Source The unboxing experience is one of the most important factors in the entire purchase. After customers have spent their hard-earned money on purchasing a product and have waited patiently for it to arrive, they want to see a well-protected, well-designed package that feels premium and gives a sense of luxury. Therefore, many brands have started providing branded packaging where every element of the box and outer layers can be customized with various designs, materials, logos and more. It also provides much-needed publicity to the company’s brand itself, so if a  customer is happy with their experience, they know who to thank. Over 40% of all eCommerce customers also share their unboxing moments on social media, contributing to eCommerce shipping trends like this one. Implementation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Source Artificial intelligence and machine learning can help eCommerce companies optimize their shipping processes and improve efficiency. For instance, AI can be used to predict shipping demand and route packages in the most efficient way possible, reducing costs and delivery times. It can also perform tasks such as assigning the quickest and most cost-effective shipping carriers, determining the quickest route to a given destination, tracking orders across multiple fulfillment platforms, placing replenishment orders and much more. Another advantage of AI and ML is that because they are software tools, they are constantly being refined and updated with new features and capabilities. Use of Omnichannel Order Fulfillment Source Omnichannel order fulfillment occurs when retailers list and sell their products on multiple selling platforms. Advances in technology and integrations have enabled sellers not to put all their eggs in one basket and branch out to different online marketplaces so that they can get the maximum exposure and generate the most sales. For instance, a retailer may have more sales on Amazon than Flipkart but combined, they will have more sales than if they were selling on each channel individually. As a result, the number of orders that need to be shipped and delivered increases exponentially and sellers need to take the necessary steps to scale up their operations. Choice of Shipping Carriers Source In addition to traditional carriers like FedEx and UPS, some eCommerce companies have increasingly started using alternative carriers, such as USPS, DHL and more. This can help businesses find the most cost-effective and efficient shipping options for their products. It also helps reduce the effects of unwanted shipping delays and unforeseen circumstances by providing multiple alternatives so that orders can still get fulfilled on time. This ensures that customers can still receive their orders, despite challenging situations, increasing their faith and satisfaction in the brand they ordered from, prompting them to consider the same company for future purchases. Conclusion: Stay On Top of eCommerce Shipping Trends in 2023 With WareIQ eCommerce shipping has come a long way in recent years, introducing various convenience and lifestyle features that have contributed to an ever-increasing amount of people using eCommerce for their everyday requirements. It continues to evolve and adapt based on the changing state of technology and consumer expectations. Staying up-to-date with the latest eCommerce shipping trends can help your business improve its operations, reduce costs and better meet the needs of its customers. By keeping an eye on these trends, you can stay relevant and competitive as the eCommerce market continues to be inundated with sellers from every sector and industry. If you need assistance with monitoring eCommerce shipping trends, delivering orders to your customers and having a vast amount of shipping partners at your disposal, WareIQ could be the right choice for you. WareIQ is one of India’s fastest-expanding eCommerce fulfillment companies. We provide a vast range of services that can contribute to the efficient operation of your eCommerce shipping procedures. Some of them are listed below: International and Domestic Shipping Through our WareIQ Global service, retailers can ship their products locally and to more than 220 countries and territories around the world. We also provide storage facilities, last-mile delivery and more, both domestically and internationally. Last-Mile Delivery We help retailers with the last leg of the delivery process by ensuring their products are picked up from the warehouse after they have been transported to the relevant customer’s city and delivered right to their doorstep. Choice of Shipping Aggregator We have partnered with more than 20 of the largest shipping services in the country and automatically assign the fastest and cheapest option for each individual order to enhance customer satisfaction, in addition to providing ultra-fast same-day and next-day delivery. No Minimum Order Requirements Unlike other 3PL fulfillment companies, we do not have any minimum order requirements for packages to be shipped. Additionally, we give users a choice of services they want to opt for and they pay only for the facilities they use, which increases their profit margins and reduces their prices. RTO Shield Our custom RTO Shield employs methods to minimize RTO requests and prevents retailers from incurring RTO expenses through liability protection and insurance. eCommerce Shipping Trends: FAQs Why is it necessary to keep up with eCommerce shipping trends?Keeping up with eCommerce shipping trends can help businesses improve their operations, reduce costs and better meet the needs of their customers. It can also help businesses stay competitive in the rapidly-evolving world of eCommerce. What are the benefits of using fulfillment centers for eCommerce shipping? Fulfillment centers can help businesses reduce shipping times and costs, and they can also handle the packing and labelling of orders. This can help businesses streamline their operations and improve their efficiency and also ensures that orders are accurately selected, packaged and dispatched. Why do eCommerce companies use alternative carriers?Using alternative carriers can help businesses find the most cost-effective and efficient shipping options for their products. It can also provide businesses with greater flexibility and allow them to adapt to variations in the market or the needs of their customers. Additionally, many 3PL companies like WareIQ provide smart courier allocators to automatically determine the best option for every order. What are the challenges of cross-border eCommerce shipping? Cross-border eCommerce shipping can be complex, as it involves navigating different customs regulations and duties in different countries. It can also be more expensive due to the added costs of international shipping and customs clearance. Does WareIQ provide same-day and next-day delivery?Yes, WareIQ not only provides same-day and next-day delivery but provides a network of dark stores that aid in sub-30-minute hyperlocal delivery.

December 17, 2022
10 Simple Ways to Streamline Shipping Processes for eCommerce Sellers in 2023

10 Simple Ways to Streamline Shipping Processes for eCommerce Sellers in 2023

eCommerce shipping is one of the most crucial parts of the entire industry. It consolidates a variety of tasks, such as picking, packing, dispatch, distribution, and first-mile delivery and last-mile delivery, to ensure that orders are successfully delivered to their respective customers. However, due to the volatile and constantly fluctuating nature of various external components that influence eCommerce shipping, such as fuel prices, distances, weather conditions, road closures, and more, paying more than you expected for each order is not uncommon. This is why you should streamline shipping processes for eCommerce. Even if a situation arises that you haven’t accounted for, its potential to cause delays and disruptions is reduced when all your shipping services are running smoothly. While there are many simple ways to ensure that your shipping processes are running at their maximum potential, you should also keep an eye on emerging trends that could have an effect on the way you are able to ship and deliver products to your customers. We will take a look at all these aspects and more so read along. What is eCommerce Shipping? eCommerce shipping refers to the process of delivering goods that have been purchased online to the relevant customer's doorstep. This typically involves locating the items in the warehouse, packaging them, arranging for a vehicle to transport them to the dispatch point, shipping the consignment to the customer’s destination, having a delivery partner pick it up and transport it to the customer’s end location and tracking the shipment to ensure that it arrives on time. eCommerce shipping can either be directly handled by your company or the first-party fulfillment solution offered by chosen selling platform or outsourced to a third-party logistics provider. Because there are various processes involved with eCommerce shipping, there are different costs associated with it, all of which can skyrocket if they are not managed properly. Hence, investing in the resources needed to streamline eCommerce shipping operations pays dividends. [contactus_lilgoodness] Why is it Important to Streamline eCommerce Shipping? Improves Customer Satisfaction When streamlining shipping processes for eCommerce, helps ensure that orders are delivered promptly and accurately, which can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Happy customers are more likely to make repeat purchases, which results in increased sales and revenue for your business. Many customers will also take to your website and other online forums to voice their positive experience with your business, which can lead to even more prospects deciding to give your business a chance over your competitors.  Reduces Distribution-Related Costs Once you streamline shipping processes for eCommerce, it will help improve the efficiency of each operation, ensuring that it is running at its most efficient and cost-effective capacity. It will also reduce the number of errors and missteps that can lead to additional expenses. This can also have a snowball effect on other processes further down the supply chain, ensuring that your business receives a significant amount of savings that can then be redirected to more core business activities.  Improves Inventory Management Inefficient inventory management can lead to more expensive holding and operational costs. When you streamline eCommerce shipping, it necessitates that you also invest in WMS software or OMS software that can enhance inventory management and group every product by size, weight, cost, SKU number and more, making it easier to locate each item so that it can be dispatched as soon as possible. It can also help improve the accuracy of demand forecasting, which can help to avoid overstocking and understocking situations. Top 10 Methods to Streamline Shipping Processes for eCommerce in 2023 Set Up Automatic Alerts Source Order tracking for ecommerceis a must-have facility that every customer needs access to, to prevent them from getting agitated regarding the whereabouts of their order. Using order tracking software that can automatically keep you and your customers informed about every stage of the supply cycle that an order passes through is one of the biggest steps to streamline shipping processes for eCommerce. It enables both parties to have peace of mind and can reduce RTOs and cancellations due to a lack of communication. Synchronise Shipping Data Into Your CRM Source CRM stands Customer Relationship Management and as the name implies, is a tool that consists of vital information regarding the various interactions you have with your customers. Integrating your shipping and order information into the CRM itself will let you know instantly if there is a delay or an actionable item with any customer’s order, giving you a headstart on rectifying it, which makes it a necessity if you want to streamline eCommerce shipping.  Conduct Periodic Inspections Source The main goal of streamlining something is to identify areas of improvement or bottlenecks that are impeding your intended level of progress. Similarly, in order to successfully streamline eCommerce shipping, you must implement a process of rigorous periodic checkups that can keep an eye out for any inefficiencies that can hamper your ability to deliver orders to your customers on time. Things like scanning SKU numbers to check if the product matches the order can save you tons of hassle in the long run. Deliver Orders From the Closest Warehouse to the Customer Source Despite many advances in delivery technology, nothing can match the speed with which an order can be delivered if the physical distance is as small as possible. Many 3PL companies have software that can determine the best storage location to fulfill an order from, based on the factors like distance to the customer’s location, transit time and more. This technique will help streamline eCommerce shipping by ensuring that the shortest delivery distance is always allocated. Use Automated Courier Allocation Source If you or your 3PL fulfillment company has partnered with multiple shipping carriers, selecting the fastest option for each order is paramount. Many external fulfillment solutions are able to streamline shipping processes for eCommerce by automatically assigning the quickest option by comparing factors, such as the available routes, prices charged by individual shipping companies, delivery phases and more. This will ensure that orders are delivered quickly and efficiently.  Automate Replenishment Triggers Source Either invest in a good WMS software or partner with a 3PL company that provides an in-house option. This will enable you to get access to data regarding which SKUs are being sold the most and which ones need to be restocked at particular intervals. Some alternatives can help you automate your replenishment triggers so that when units are running low in relation to the order frequency of a particular item, a reorder for a pre-determined quantity will be placed so you never have to worry about overstocking or understocking situations. Present Realistic Delivery Estimates Source While it would be nice to have same-day delivery guarantees for every item, it just isn’t feasible. There are constant factors that physically prevent certain orders from being delivered in such a short amount of time, such as distance, item size, harsh weather conditions and more. Therefore, if you want to streamline eCommerce shipping and avoid giving customers false hope, make sure you mention realistic delivery estimates once an order is confirmed to avoid criticisms and negative feedback.  Store Similar SKUs Separately Source Even the smallest eCommerce seller has multiple items, often in the same categories, that look so similar, they cannot be differentiated without comparing their SKU numbers. To successfully streamline shipping processes for eCommerce, you need to ensure that these items are stored separately. If multiple similar-looking products are stored together and there is a flurry of orders coming in, the wrong item can easily be picked and shipped, leading to multiple delays and awkward encounters. Identify Supply Chain Bottlenecks Source Identifying bottlenecks or things that are slowing down your ability to dispatch orders on time in your supply chain. It could be something minor, like a staff member taking longer than needed to pick, pack and dispatch an order. Conversely, it could also be something major, such as mismatched serial numbers, disparities in inventory counts and more. Scouting for these issues and tackling them before they fester and cause further disruptions is imperative to streamline eCommerce shipping. Make Sure Your Objectives are Achievable Source The biggest mistake that eCommerce businesses often make is being too over-ambitious. It is important to discern where you are with where you want to be. For instance, if you have an objective to be able to sell and fulfill a certain number of orders a month, you need to ensure that your existing fulfillment infrastructure can handle it or you will have to make the necessary investments to improve its capacity. If that doesn’t happen, it can cause multiple issues, from unfulfilled orders and out-of-stock items being listed to massive delays and negative customer sentiments.  Conclusion: How Can WareIQ Help Streamline eCommerce Shipping for Your Online Business? As online retail fulfillment continues to grow and evolve, the need for retailers to streamline eCommerce shipping cannot be overstated. In today's fast-paced world, customers expect their orders to be delivered quickly and accurately, and any mistakes or delays in the shipping process can lead to dissatisfaction and even lost sales. Overall, streamlining eCommerce shipping is vital for the prosperity of any online retail business. By offering fast and reliable delivery, you can increase customer satisfaction, reduce shipping costs and cement your place in the market. By investing in the right tools and processes, you can ensure that you streamline shipping processes for eCommerce and that your customers stay happy and loyal. If you need assistance with streamlining your eCommerce shipping operations, WareIQ can be the answer to your needs. WareIQ is an eCommerce fulfillment company that was founded in 2019 and is currently based in Bangalore, Karnataka. We offer a vast array of solutions, encompassing every facet of eCommerce, including shipping and physical distribution. Some of the key ways we can help you streamline eCommerce shipping are listed below: Partnership With Multiple Shipping Carriers We have partnered with more than 12 of the leading shipping companies in the nation to give you the best options for every order Ultra-Fast Delivery We provide ultra-fast same-day and next-day delivery through our WareIQ Rush platform that is guaranteed to delight your customers. Smart Courier Allocator We provide a custom courier allocator that automatically assigns the quickest and most cost-effective option for every order. International Shipping We provide international shipping to more than 220 countries and territories around the world through our WareIQ Global platform, in addition to storage and last-mile delivery internationally. Last-Mile Delivery We provide last-mile delivery facilities both locally and abroad, to ensure orders are delivered on schedule with the help of Last Mile Delivery Management Software. Streamline Shipping Processes for eCommerce: FAQs Why is streamlining eCommerce shipping necessary?Streamlining eCommerce shipping is necessary because it can help ensure that orders are delivered promptly and accurately. Additionally, streamlining eCommerce shipping can help to reduce costs by improving the efficiency of shipping processes and reducing the number of errors and missteps that can lead to additional expenses. What are the challenges associated with streamlining eCommerce shipping?eCommerce shipping consists of many different challenges. Some of them are listed below:- Increasing costs- Unforeseen delays- Incorrect address information- Goods getting damaged in transit- Customers expecting free shipping What are some of the costs associated with eCommerce shipping?Some of the main costs associated with eCommerce shipping are listed below:- Fuel costs- Maintenance costs- Loading costs- Last-mile delivery costs- Employee salaries How can customer satisfaction be increased by streamlining eCommerce shipping?Streamlining eCommerce shipping can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, which can lead to increased sales and revenue for your business. This is because customers will get access to benefits, such as timely order delivery, well-packaged items, order tracking and more. Does WareIQ provide both international and domestic shipping?Yes, WareIQ provides shipping services both domestically and internationally in addition to inventory storage, last-mile delivery, returns management and more.

December 15, 2022
Which is the Best Cash on Delivery Courier Service in India? Top 10 COD Delivery Courier Services in 2023

Which is the Best Cash on Delivery Courier Service in India? Top 10 COD Delivery Courier Services in 2023

The advent of the internet and eCommerce has been ground-shattering. Gone are the days when you needed to physically go to a store and buy a product you wanted. Not only can you order whatever type of commodity from whichever brand you want but you can also choose from a variety of payment methods. Due to the highly competitive nature of the industry, the introduction of a new technology that becomes pervasive can spread like wildfire, with other competitors also needing to adopt it to remain relevant and garner the attention of customers. This goes for convenience features, such as ultra-fast delivery, eCommerce order tracking, a pleasant unboxing experience, and more, as well as functional features, like offering a variety of payment options so that customers can choose their preferred alternative. While multiple innovative payment methods, such as UPI and online bank transfers, have completely changed the way we are able to conduct online transactions, a large portion of people in the country are still hesitant to rely completely on the internet, especially for something that involves their hard-earned money. They are often willing to sacrifice the convenience of paying with a single tap or OTP for the security of physically handing over cash once they have received their order in person. Thus, companies need to take this into consideration and offer a cash on delivery courier service as a choice to their customers, so they do not risk losing out on potential purchases. In this blog, we will give you all the information you need about COD courier services and list the top 10 options currently available. What is a Cash on Delivery Courier Service? Cash-on-delivery or COD courier service is the last mile delivery service that offers the option of cash-on delivery to customers while they are placing an order. This involves only receiving the entire payment once the order has been delivered to the customer at their doorstep. As a result of this, many uncertainties arise as to whether customers will accept the order, pay the amount in full, initiate an RTO, and other inconveniences. With online payments, the ball is usually in the seller’s court as they have already received the payment so the onus is on the customer to be available to collect it at the date and time that is mentioned on the order tracking page. However, with a cash-on-delivery courier service, orders are shipped with the hopes that all parties will hold their end of the bargain, which provides additional risks to sellers and can affect their profit margins if something doesn’t go according to plan. Therefore, most COD delivery courier services have certain fail-safes in play to negate any of these occurrences, such as COD reconciliation, proof-of-delivery reports, returns management, and more. These solutions enhance the ability of firms to offer COD courier services and help customers participate in the eCommerce purchasing process, that might not be entirely immersed in all the latest facilities offered by the internet. [contactus_lilgoodness] 5 Services to Look for While Choosing a Cash on Delivery (COD) Service for eCommerce in 2023 Shipment Status Monitoring Partnering with a cash on delivery shipping company that gives you a comprehensive platform to keep track of the status of all your shipments is a must. This is especially important for COD orders, where the stakes are even higher because you haven’t made any money on the product while it is in transit and hasn’t yet been accepted by the customer. It also clearly lays out orders that have been successfully delivered, orders that are pending delivery, orders that haven’t yet been paid for, and more. This aids your accounting department in ascertaining any disparities between income received in relation to orders that have been dispatched. Integrations With Shipping Carriers and Online Selling Channels Being able to integrate the important order and inventory-related information from all your shipping carriers and across all the eCommerce marketplaces you sell your products on is a must. This enables you to have access to all your data in one location so you can track and analyse important metrics and pinpoint areas of success and those that need improving. This also leads to more efficiency as you can get real-time updates whenever a notable event occurs. Additionally, important services, such as COD reconciliation, NDR reports, reverse logistics, and more can also be accessed and monitored from the same dashboard. Dedicated Customer Support Having a responsive customer support team can be beneficial to both you and your customers. If an issue arises relating to an order, they can simply contact the customer to make them aware of the issue and the revised ETA, to ensure that they don’t end up canceling the order because they are unaware of where it is, while also keeping you in the loop. Competent customer service can be responsible for reduced RTO requests, higher rates of successfully delivered orders, increased customer satisfaction, higher profit margins, and an overall, more efficiently-run company. NDR Management NDR stands for Non-Delivery Report and they play a vital role in eCommerce fulfillment, regardless if it is cash on delivery order or not. Since cash on delivery opens the door to more risky situations occurring, they become even more pronounced on orders with this payment option. Having a detailed NDR management system in place can help you identify trends as to why certain orders aren’t being successfully delivered, which will help you shortlist whether it is the product itself, the fulfillment partner, the type of customers, a specific location, and more. This will aid in eventually removing these inefficiencies and improve your rate of successfully delivered orders. Cash on Delivery Fulfillment This, of course, is the crowning feature that you should look for while partnering with a cash on delivery shipping company. Ensure that the company you want to partner with has a variety of cash on delivery options and has flexible policies relating to delays, returns, or any other unforeseen circumstance that can hinder your ability to deliver the product to its relevant customer and ensure that the payment is received from them. Some companies are more diverse than others when it comes to the scope of services they offer so go through each one and select an option that is right for you. Top 10 COD Courier Services in India in 2023 A list of the 10 Best & Cheapest cash on delivery shipping companies in 2023 is mentioned below. WareIQEkartDelhiveryFedExGatiXpressbeesDTDCShadowfaxEcom ExpressBlueDart WareIQ Source WareIQ is a technology-based eCommerce fulfillment company that debuted its services in 2019 in Bangalore, Karnataka, the startup capital of India. The company offers multiple eCommerce services, such as order fulfillment, an in-built WMS, a choice of shipping providers, an app store and much more. It also includes highly flexible pricing policies and accepts most payment options, including COD. To protect your orders from any undesirable situations, it includes features, such as COD verification, COD reconciliation and an RTO Shield that completely handles returns management and protects your products from the harsh impacts brought on by returns. All the facilities, technology and flexibility it offers make it one of the best COD courier services in the country. Looking for Courier Service Partners to Deliver from India to USA? Check it now. Ekart Source Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka, Ekart is an Instakart-operated logistics partner that is owned by eCommerce giant Flipkart. They send out over 1.5 million packages each month to almost 4,000 pin codes all across the nation. For some regions, the Ekart Logistics API allows both one-day and same-day delivery. They started offering COD courier services through Flipkart and now have almost ten years of expertise managing COD orders and assisting eCommerce companies with cash on delivery reconciliation. It imposes some of the most competitive rates in the industry. Delhivery Source Delhivery was founded in 2011 and is currently based in Gurgaon, Haryana. More than 13,000 pin codes in 175 cities are covered by the company. Delhivery offers services and the guarantee that your merchandise will reach safely and undamaged, lowering the likelihood of a failed delivery. On the downside, their cash on delivery service for ecommerce can take longer than prepaid deliveries. You need to enable developer access to the Delhivery API for quick integration. If you're an online seller searching for an all-inclusive shipping, tracking and cash on delivery service, Delhivery could be the option for you. FedEx Source FedEx is an American multinational logistics and distribution behemoth that was founded in 1971 in Arkansas and is currently based in Memphis, Tennessee, The company provides delivery services for more than 6,000 pin codes that are incredibly dependable and practical. However, they exclusively provide COD courier services to eCommerce businesses that fit within specific categories. Although it may be challenging due to the service's complicated terms and conditions, FedEx is among the best cash on delivery service providers to work with if you receive a lot of pre-paid orders. To support COD orders for all land, air and sea cargo, you simply need to create a FedEx account after you have integrated with the FedEx API. Gati Source Another well-regarded cash on delivery courier service in India is Gati, which offers its services in more than 5,000 pin codes. The company, along with others on this list, was founded before the popularity of the internet, in 1989 and is currently based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Along with their helpful customer support team, GATI uses a cutting-edge fleet of well-trained specialists to ensure prompt and effective delivery, which is a big benefit for any courier partner providing COD courier services. For orders that require handling cash, they impose an extra charge. Xpressbees Source One of the best eCommerce shipping and logistics companies in the country, XpressBees focuses on providing specialised services, such as same-day and next-day delivery. The company was pioneered in 2015 and is currently based in Pune, Maharashtra.  If you get a lot of cash on delivery orders, XpressBees is one of the best COD courier services because they also provide many COD-focused facilities and have an efficient reverse logistics platform. The company services more than 2,000 cities and towns and has more than 3,000 offices scattered across the country. DTDC Source Despite serving a narrower, more well-defined variety of delivery requirements, DTDC is among the most well-regarded and experienced shipping and COD delivery services. The company was founded way back in 1983 and has its current head office in Bangalore. With the assistance of a well-established system of 12,000 offices around the nation, they provide some of the most affordable prices in the industry. Even at the most remote last-mile locations, you can reach clients using the DTDC API interface even though it necessitates longer wait times for customers to receive their orders. An additional limitation is there are only a few pin codes for which their cash on delivery courier service is available. Shadowfax Source Over 7000 pin codes are served by Shadowfax, one of India's top third-party logistics service providers. They have more than 150,000 delivery partners in their network. The company was founded in 2015 and is currently based in Bangalore.  ShadowFax takes cash on delivery to the next level by offering doorstep delivery for a diverse range of business sectors, which can be paid for using cash or UPI payments. With more than 500,000 orders each day, Shadowfax is well-equipped to speed up the entire COD reconciliation process. Additionally, it provides features, such as in-transit storage, first-mile delivery, and last-mile delivery. Ecom Express Source Ecom Express, a leader in end-to-end logistics, serves more than 27,000 pin codes across more than 2500 cities in India. The company was started in 2012 and it currently has its head offices in Gurgaon, Haryana.  They offer reverse logistics services as well as a whole slew of fulfillment services, such as express delivery and 24/7 customer support. Additionally, they provide doorstep quality checks and 72-hour pick-up and delivery services, which helps lower the frequency of canceled COD orders. It covers 27,000-plus pin codes across the country and implements advanced security measures for every order. BlueDart Source BlueDart was founded in 1983 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, which is where its current headquarters are located. More than 35,000 venues, both domestically and abroad, are served by BlueDart. Their duration-bound services offer quick and reliable delivery that is made possible by the regular approvals they go through. They have pre-meditated rates depending on the weight of the shipment. With a well-defined structure in use for COD orders, the BlueDart API can manage larger, higher-value orders. The payment must be transferred from the receiver to your account before an order is marked as successful. Conclusion: Why You Should Pick WareIQ to be Your Cash on Delivery Shipping Company For Fulfilling Online Orders in 2023? While many people enjoy the perks of being able to purchase a product online with just a few taps, an equally large number still views online transactions with suspicion. They do not want to upload their important payment-related information onto online selling platforms, regardless of how many disclaimers they give that it is secure. Instead, they prefer to be physically present to receive their orders and only pay for them once that occurs. As long as there is a large enough segment of the population that prefers to pay with cash, offering cash on delivery as a payment option is of critical importance if you want to capitalise on every purchase. While it does enable risky encounters, most COD courier services provide measures to prevent them from transpiring. However, some offer a more comprehensive and complete list of services than others, so it is important to discern which ones are important to you and choose one that fits your requirements. If you need a cash on delivery service that also consists of multiple other eCommerce facilities, WareIQ fits the bill. WareIQ is an eCommerce fulfillment company that provides multiple payment and delivery options, including COD. We also provide security measures, such as NDR management, returns management, order tracking, customer support and more, to ensure that your orders are delivered on time and you receive your dues for every purchase. Some of the other services you can take advantage of are listed below: A nationwide network of fulfillment centers and dark storesSmart inventory placementIntegrations with more than 20 online marketplace and website buildersA partnership with more than 12 shipping companiesSmart courier allocationA custom WMSAn app storeInventory managementBranded order trackingCustomizable packaging Cash on Delivery Courier Services: FAQs Why is it necessary to provide cash on delivery services?A large chunk of the population still prefers to opt for COD so it is beneficial for retailers to provide multiple payment options instead of risking losing out on a potential purchase. What is COD reconciliation?The term COD reconciliation describes the process of reconciling one's billing records to reflect all COD orders. The payment for a COD order is obtained by the carrier after processing and delivery. When a number of cash on delivery orders are completed and your company receives multiple collected payments, the orders can be closed. What is NDR management?NDR stands for Non-Delivery Report and is an alert that is distributed by courier services which lists all non-delivered orders within a particular time range. The order is designated as an NDR when a delivery executive is unable to successfully deliver it, which may happen for a number of reasons, including incorrect addresses or client unavailability. Do all 3PL fulfillment companies offer COD delivery?No, not all 3PL companies offer the support and facilities needed for COD orders. While choosing a fulfillment company, make sure they offer COD services if that is something you need. Does WareIQ provide returns management?Yes, WareIQ not only takes care of the entire reverse logistics procedure but also provides an RTO Shield, that protects your products from the adverse implications of returns.

November 19, 2022
Top 10 Fastest & Cheapest eCommerce Courier Services in India in 2023

Top 10 Fastest & Cheapest eCommerce Courier Services in India in 2023

In the age of eCommerce retail expansion, what is highly critical for any company's success is the delivery experience of its customers. Consumers are willing to abandon a product from their cart if the shipping exceeds a week. Thus, every seller must ensure not only that they have the most efficient shipping experience for the consumer, but also the most cost-effective one. What are eCommerce Courier Services? The terms eCommerce courier services and fulfillment services are quite interchangeable in the present scenario, even though they were used to denote delivery experiences that are slightly different from each other. Courier services for online businesses provide a delivery experience of small packages from the seller's location to the end user's doorstep, across several pin codes. In some cases, courier companies also cater to reverse logistics. [contactus_gynoveda] What are the Factors to Keep in Mind while Choosing eCommerce Courier Services? Every manufacturer must choose which of the many available courier companies to partner with for their E-commerce courier services. This decision is bound to have long-term implications on the seller and their customer service.  India's eCommerce boom has led to the growth and emergence of several courier companies that cater to traditional businesses and households. Sellers should bear the following points in mind when picking eCommerce courier companies to partner with: Serviceability Every seller's goal is to obtain the maximum scope that their product can reach. Thus, partnering with eCommerce courier companies that provide pan-India network coverage, should be the priority of every seller. This feature ensures that their product can reach the maximum customer base possible. Freight Cost The simple rule of any business is that the revenue must be more than the total incurred costs. While this may sound simple, the leakage of capital through unchecked expenses can be the deciding factor between a profitable new business or one that operates at a loss.  Logistics within India can be cost-intensive due to differences in fuel prices, geographical landscapes, and overhead costs such as vehicle maintenance. Therefore, some areas may face delays due to poorer road connectivity.  Delivery Speed 41% of consumers are willing to pay extra for same-day delivery. Therefore, sellers risk losing out to their competitors if online courier services don't have flexible and efficient delivery systems that provide sellers with the advantage they seek. In this era of 10-minute, same day, and next day deliveries, any delay will mitigate a customer's ability to be satisfied and give positive feedback. Keep reading on to know about the fastest courier service companies in detail here. Insurance and Security In these uncertain times, sellers need to ensure that their shipment reaches the destination intact and without any damage. Certain pin codes within the nation tend to have a deteriorated law and order situation. Consequently, courier companies must ensure that they handle a seller's products with the required level of security.  Businesses must ideally opt for eCommerce courier companies that take responsibility for any damages that may occur to their products. RTO Returns have now become an integral part of the eCommerce shopping experience. Certain products such as clothing, see the maximum number of returns compared to other goods. Hence, a seller must appoint eCommerce courier services that can guarantee a smooth reverse logistics process so that the product will safely return to the seller.  Manufacturers can look into the RTO percentage of courier companies to measure how successful their return percentage is. What are the Benefits of Partnering with eCommerce Courier/ Parcel Service Companies? eCommerce courier service companies should not be seen as just logistical partners. Sellers must understand that the advantages that courier companies extend are beyond just the handling of the operational matters and reducing logistics costs. These benefits may not be tangible, but their impact is immense towards enabling a company's growth, ensuring that it can either work towards being profitable or retaining and even increasing its profitability. The following are some of the benefits that eCommerce courier companies extend to sellers who partner with them: Increased Network Cover Established courier companies have a solid infrastructure built up over decades. This has helped them to achieve an unmatchable pan-India network that any emerging eCommerce company would take years to rival. To give you a more realistic example, the difference between partnering and not partnering with eCommerce courier services is similar to attending a job interview versus conducting a job interview - All the cards are held by you. Being Cost-Effective Last mile delivery can easily constitute 40-70% of the entire shipment cost for a seller. This is entirely due to the capital investment, operational costs, and maintenance fees that fulfillment and online courier service companies in India must undertake. Costs of this magnitude and frequency can swell up the liabilities side of balance sheets, proving disastrous for companies.  Best Courier services in India use economies of scale to consolidate the orders from multiple sellers for a particular geographical location. This strategy brings down the marginal cost for each seller and additional products. Branding and Packaging Upgrades Courier services for Ecommerce ensure that all packaging needs are handled with the utmost care. Being associated with courier services for online businesses that provide value add-on services through branded shipping such as personalised packaging, adds to the brand value of the seller itself. Cutting-Edge Technology eCommerce courier services are far from small-scale firms. The importance of the supply chain and fulfillment cycle has been realised, enabling many courier companies in India to turn into unicorns. With this heavy influx of capital, courier companies are investing heavily – not just into building infrastructure but also into adapting to the latest and most efficient technologies in the industry. The end-user can witness these upgrades first hand – a simple sign on a sheet of paper has transformed into using tablets for signatures and photo recognition. All these factors create a better customer experience.  Professional Help Courier companies have an established standard protocol for warehouse management, namely, handling goods from the seller's warehouse to the customer's home. These measures take into account the various adverse situations that the company could experience during delivery.  By planning ahead, eCommerce courier services can react accordingly using the appropriate contingency procedures and decide the right course of action. They are carried out after conducting various risk assessment studies and using the company personnel's expertise.  Sellers may find it challenging to cater to all the possible roadblocks in the shipment journey. As such, partnering with courier services providers, provide them with some much-needed professional help, advice, and assurance during the most crucial leg of the fulfillment cycle. Cheapest and Fastest Top 10 Courier Services for eCommerce Shipping in India in 2023 WareIQBlue DartEcom ExpressDTDCFedExDHLGatiShipwayXpressbeesDelhivery WareIQ Source Founded in 2019, WareIQ is one of India's leading and fastest eCommerce courier services and shipping aggregators and has partnered with all the major national and hyperlocal courier companies in the country. It has a customer base of 300+ brands in India alone, in just over 3 years. WareIQ offers a simple and convenient onboarding process, guaranteed same-day/next-day delivery, and no minimum order quantity requirements. More importantly, the Y-combinator-backed shipping aggregator provides a transparent pricing policy and strict safety procedures. It also prides itself on being one of the few order fulfillment tech businesses in the world. WareIQ's fulfillment platform helps eCommerce companies Select From the Best Courier Service in India to Optimize Logistics. Courier Allocation: For each shipment select the best shipping partner. Optimize your logistics operations with speed, cost and reliability.Control Tower: Track shipments in real-time. Collaborate at the shipping level with your courier partner, predict anomalies, catch delivery failures and overcome escalations.Optimize Fulfillment / Shipping KPIs: Make supply chain decisions backed by data – which distribution center to add to optimize cost/order, speed & RTOs. WareIQ stands out as the best courier service in India for eCommerce for the following reasons: WareIQ Indian parcel service offers competitive rates by negotiating the best terms with its shipping partners. Its timely and efficient deliveries boost the sellers’ customer satisfaction percentage, growing their sales in the process. It relies on data-driven decisions to ensure fewer delays and issues in the shipment process.Ware IQ has a strategically located, nationwide network of warehouses and fulfillment centers. As such, it can offer a full range of logistical services in a short amount of time.It can cater to all your eCommerce fulfillment-related needs under one roof with a centralised platform. Its versatile NDR report dashboard lowers processing time by an impressive 12 hours, decreasing RTO by 10%.WareIQ RUSH is one of the company’s many offerings that guarantee same-day delivery. Blue Dart Source One of the biggest names amongst Indian courier services in the country, Blue Dart has nearly 40 years of experience in shipping and logistics. Within India, Blue Dart covers more than 35,000 pin codes. It has been DHL’s official partner since 2002, with the two providing a formidable land and road transport infrastructure. Blue Dart offers a wide range of services, such as early morning deliveries and temperature-controlled logistics (TCL) solutions. It also provides value-added services like cash-on-delivery, waterproof packaging, and automated reports. Sellers must note that their charges may seem higher than other competitors owing to their service record and their existing pan-India network.  Ecom Express Source Ecom Express, based in Gurugram, was founded in 2012 and is a relative newcomer to the eCommerce courier service market. Regardless, it is seen as a viable option for consumers seeking both shipping and logistics services.  Ecom Express has demonstrated enormous promise in a short time, transforming into one of the top courier services for eCommerce for retail firms today. It is a trusted partner to its customers, ensuring the safest, most economical, and most dependable pick-up and delivery in India. This courier company is appropriate for users who intend to use a combination of logistics for delivery purposes. Its prices are reasonable, and its service quality and reaction time have shown great promise. It is one of the top eCommerce all India courier services because of these qualities. It does, however, come with a lot of room for expansion.  Ecom Express covers over 27,000 pin codes and 2600 cities across India. It provides additional security and monitoring services during storage and transit. For this reason, it is a popular choice for eCommerce enterprises that handle high-value commodities like jewels.Sellers can avail of a broad range of courier services, including express delivery and doorstep quality checks (QC) for returned items. They also guarantees that deliveries will be completed within 72 hours, both to consumers and to items returning to the origin warehouse. DTDC Source DTDC is one of the most popular eCommerce courier service providers in the country. It has been in the courier service business since 1990 and has a network of more than 10,000 pin codes dispersed across the country.  The courier company uses a state-of-the-art Management Information System (MIS) that keeps track of bulk parcels for seamless pick-up and delivery through fulfillment status facilities. Their value-added services comprise cash-on-delivery and a custom shipping process for imported and special goods. Although DTDC originated in India, it has grown to the point that it now provides services to over 240 nations. It assists your brand with Indian as well as international courier shipments at a lower cost than other market competitors, thanks to its global reach. In terms of services and prices, it may not be a viable solution for small businesses due to compromises on the number of facilities to focus more on its core offerings.  Related Article: Top 10 Courier Services From India to USA for Online and Offline Sellers FedEx Source FedEx is another top-rated and low-cost eCommerce courier services provider for online enterprises. Established in 1973, it has close to 50 years of valuable experience in handling and shipping a wide range of products. It offers nationwide and worldwide shipping services that include door-to-door pick-up and delivery. This courier company is committed to excellence, making it a worthy logistics partner for your eCommerce enterprise.  FedEx comes with flexible delivery options and allows sellers to have their packages held at a secure location until it is ready to be sent out. It also allows customers to monitor their parcels in real-time. Additionally, clients can change the location of their shipments even if they are out for delivery, improving customer experiences with your business. The FedEx API documentation also makes it easy to manage returns, create shipping labels, and track performance.FedEx provides outstanding delivery service at reasonable prices in the places where it operates. Although it offers the fastest delivery speed and service, it only covers a fraction of the pin codes covered by other eCommerce courier services. Thus, it may not be a reliable candidate for eCommerce companies that aim to rely entirely on it and no other courier companies for logistics. DHL Source Another prominent international eCommerce Courier services provider in India is DHL (Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn). Its globally controlled and well-connected network of distribution centers enables it to effectively optimise supply chain solutions to increase order fulfillment throughout 220+ countries. DHL is trustworthy and readily available to meet the requirements of any eCommerce platform. The shipping giant covers over 26,000 pin codes across the country, allowing eCommerce sellers to successfully tap into the Indian market.Another critical factor to consider when choosing DHL is its environment-friendly practices. This courier company maintains a high standard when it comes to decreasing wastage in the delivery process, making a sincere effort to reduce each company's environmental footprint. The only caveat is that DHL’s courier fees within India are slightly higher than those charged by other local carriers. However, when it comes to worldwide coverage, there aren't many reputable options that can rival this company. DHL eCommerce, a branch dedicated solely to eCommerce enterprises, is also available. It is dedicated to offering a smooth worldwide eCommerce delivery service that includes accurate transit schedules and customs clearances.  Gati Source Gati, based in Hyderabad, is another well-known eCommerce Indian courier services provider that aims for total customer satisfaction. Founded in 1989, Gati has expanded at a rapid pace over the decades to serve over 19,000 pin codes within India.  This eCommerce courier company promises better reach and business growth by delivering to 735 of the 739 different districts in the country.Gati strives to meet the shipping and courier needs of small business owners, offering some of the most affordable courier services in India. It provides a diverse range of express delivery options and warehousing solutions, enabling customisable pick-ups from locations.  Shipway Source Shipway is a newcomer that specialises in offering dependable and affordable shipping services to eCommerce businesses. They allows you to focus on business operations, ensuring that your customers receive the finest shopping experience. Shipway has already partnered with 30+ eCommerce couriers. It currently provides an end-to-end shipping automation solution for fulfillment and logistics to over 12,000 eCommerce retailers. You can also check Top 10 Shipway Alternatives for eCommerce Retailers in 2023 Xpressbees Source Xpressbees, best known for its speedy and affordable parcel service, is one of India's fastest courier services providers. As Xpressbees' logistics partner, you may offer your customers same-day and next-day courier services, as well as reverse logistics for return orders. These services allow eCommerce vendors to deliver a positive customer experience and boost their business performance. It caters to the end-to-end fulfillment needs of sellers and covers 13000+ pin codes, 100+ hubs and service centers.They are seasoned professionals, providing tech-based solutions for courier service requirements.It has state-of-the-art logistics centers spread across the country. Delhivery Source Delhivery, since its inception, has successfully fulfilled over 1 billion orders across India. Their aim is to build an efficient operations model for business, through a combination of world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge engineering, and technology capabilities, and logistics operations of the highest quality. It is one of India’s largest and most popular courier companies that is also homegrown. It offers end-to-end fulfillment solutions and serves over 17,000 pin codes and 175 cities.It offers features such as sending tracking details to customers through SMS and provides same-day/next-day delivery options.It provides multiple payment options at the time of delivery. That's it. Hope the list of top10 courier companies would be helpful for you and for your business. Conclusion: How WareIQ can Help with Your Need for eCommerce Courier Services in India in 2023? WareIQ stands apart from the rest as one of the best possible fastest and cheapest Courier services in India for businesses of every size and domain. Sellers looking for a reliable and cost-effective eCommerce courier service provider can choose Ware IQ for the following attributes: Access to WareIQ’s strong nationwide network of fulfillment centers, micro-fulfillment centers & urban dark stores near their customersAccess to all major national & hyperlocal last-mile couriers at discounted rates for making same/next day deliveries possibleEasy integration across multiple online platforms & marketplaces enhancing multi-channel sellingHorizontal marketplaces: Flipkart, Amazon etc.Vertical marketplaces: Nykaa, Myntra etc.D2C platforms: Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce etc.Social commerce platforms: BikayiAccess to a superior centralised tech platform for eCommerce operationsML-based prediction engine for efficient fulfillment warehouse network design & smart inventory placementCentralised platform for core fulfillment & shipping operationsPost-shipping apps for delightful experience & zero to minimum supply chain leakages (Branded tracking page with smart marketing placements; Trigger-based updates & smart communication platform) WareIQ has customised offerings for merchants experiencing different order volumes as well as having different delivery speed expectations. WareIQ is probably one of the very few fulfillment tech companies in the world that have same-day delivery service for their customers under their product “WareIQ RUSH”. WareIQ’s next day delivery and same-day delivery services are helping eCommerce businesses set new standards with respect to setting customer expectations and fulfilling them with high efficacy. At the same time, WareIQ customers realise significant cost savings and wider reach due to better negotiations with shipping partners, strategically placed warehouses, economies of scale and scope in eCommerce warehousing and data-driven decision making. [signup] Ecommerce Courier Services India FAQs Which are the best courier services in India? • WareIQ - It acts a courier aggregator & has partnerships with all the major national & hyperlocal  • courier partners in India • Blue Dart  • Ecom Express  • DTDC  • FedEx  • DHL  • Gati  • Shipway  • Xpressbees  • Delhivery How much do eCommerce courier services in India charge?Depending on the receiver's address and the weight of the product, most of these courier services provide logistics convenience to over 45000 pins across the country and charge anywhere between INR 60-180 per kilogram for a parcel delivery. How is the delivery cost calculated?Calculate fuel and maintenance costs, yearly depreciation, registration, and any other expenditures incurred during an operational year, such as parking fees. To get a base vehicle operating cost per delivery, multiply this figure by the average number of deliveries your business does per year. Which is better: WareIQ or Clickpost?WareIQ is a better option since it acts as a shipping/courier aggregator with partnership with all the major shipping service providers/ last mile delivery companies. It’s core business is providing  fulfillment services to ecommerce businesses. Hence, it also has a nationwide network of fulfillment centers in all major metros & 30 other cities that helps you store your inventory closer to your customers for faster delivery & for managing returns making the process of shipment easy. WareIQ’s fulfillment platform/WMS provides easy integrations with 20+ marketplace/ online platforms. What are the tips to find the right courier services companies in India? • Make sure to check if courier partners are available for immediate pick-ups and deliveries.  • Check if they have limitations on size and weight • Do they provide proof of delivery  • Do they provide cost to value • Do they provide package insurance How WareIQ deliver its couriers in 1-2 days? • Sellers send their stocks to WareIQ Regional Distribution center • WareIQ Intelligently places inventory across its network of 20+ FCs and connects it to right courier network • WareIQ picks, packs & ships orders across the online/offline channels  • WareIq provides solutions across every touchpoints - both forward & reverse logistics

November 15, 2022
Top 10 eCommerce Delivery Partners for Online Retailers in India for Fastest Shipping & Delivery in 2023

Top 10 eCommerce Delivery Partners for Online Retailers in India for Fastest Shipping & Delivery in 2023

Order deliveries are part and parcel of the eCommerce experience. Whether it is ordering food through an app or making a purchase online, the main goal of the entire interaction is so that the item that the customer has ordered is delivered efficiently and safely to their doorstep on the promised date and time. If this isn’t done and the order arrives at a later date, there is a high chance that no one is around to collect it or that the customer has canceled the order and re-purchased it from elsewhere, which increases the likelihood of returns occurring. This can have a highly negative impact on a business because the product then has to go through the entire eCommerce logistics pipeline a second time without any revenue being earned from it. Therefore, choosing the right order delivery partners is crucial to maintain the success and reputation of your business. In this blog, we will go through some of the functions you should expect from your eCommerce delivery partners, list down the top 10 options of parcel delivery service for your business, and how WareIQ can help. What are eCommerce Delivery Partners? eCommerce delivery partners are companies that provide a whole host of logistics, distribution and delivery-related features. Some of them include picking up shipments from the warehouse, transporting them by air, rail, road, or sea to the same destination as their respective customers, and assigning a delivery partner on the ground to complete the last leg of the journey to the customer’s doorstep. Thus, they play an extremely important part in ensuring that customers receive the products that they have paid for on the specific date and time that was mentioned on the listing page when they first purchased it. Some companies offer varying degrees of flexibility and services, so it is important to shortlist your own objectives before deciding which would be the best delivery partner for eCommerce. [contactus_lilgoodness] 5 Important Functions of eCommerce Delivery Companies in 2023 Automating Key Shipping Processes The automation of important shipping procedures can optimize the amount of time and resources that are required to complete a certain task and is often much more efficient than if they were done manually. It can also generate automatic alerts pertaining to your inventory levels, carrier reports, tracking numbers, delivery reports, and much more, which helps you in analysing your success rates and finding out if any changes need to be made to certain processes. Additionally, automation also helps in conveniently importing and uploading files across online marketplaces, confirming or canceling orders, providing real-time updates when a new event occurs, hastening your delivery process, and much more. Integrating With Multiple Online Marketplaces In today’s eCommerce industry, sellers do not need to relegate themselves to a single online selling platform. With the appropriate 3PL company or WMS, they can integrate with a variety of online marketplaces, such as Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, Nykaa, Snapdeal, and more. Therefore, eCommerce delivery partners also need to fulfill orders across whatever platforms you sell products on, so they often provide direct integrations to these marketplaces so that important data across all of them can be accessed in one place, which makes things more efficient for them, as well as yourself. Managing Returns Returns are an often inevitable prospect in the world of eCommerce, with sellers having to provide ultra-flexible return policies to persuade consumers to purchase from them as opposed to their competitors. Therefore, this burden falls on your 3PL partner, which in turn uses eCommerce delivery companies to handle the reverse logistics procedure. This includes picking up the product from the customer’s location, inspecting it for damage, and ensuring it returns safely to the fulfillment center it needs to be stored. Having efficient returns management can help reduce the costs and hassle that are generally associated with returns. Filing of Non-Delivery Reports As mentioned above, returns, for whatever reason, are a real and frustrating part of eCommerce. However, it is often beneficial to understand what the cause of returns is and whether you can identify a common theme regarding the product, courier partner, packaging, last-mile delivery partner, or the customer themselves. This can be achieved through the filing of accurate and consistent non-delivery reports whenever they occur. This will provide all the details regarding the order and why it wasn’t delivered or accepted by the customer. This will help you shortlist what is causing it and can help you make a change to reduce these outcomes in the future. Delivering Orders to the Customer Many eCommerce delivery partners provide last-mile delivery services, which are the on-ground stage of the fulfillment process, and are responsible for making sure that the order reaches the customer’s doorstep. This involves a delivery executive picking up the order from the warehouse it was transported to and finding their way to the customer’s location without any shipping delays, to make sure that they reach by the estimated timeline given to the customer. 10 Best Delivery Partners for eCommerce Businesses in India for Fastest Delivery in 2022 WareIQ Source Founded in Bangalore in 2019, WareIQ is one of India's most rapidly expanding eCommerce fulfillment companies. It uses technology as a base to support a range of eCommerce facilities, including order fulfillment, inventory management, reverse logistics, ultra-fast order delivery, customer support and much more. By erecting a large infrastructure of fulfillment centers and transportation hubs, the company is capable of providing incredibly quick delivery to any Indian pin code. The company offers a number of standout features, such as an app store with a wide selection of downloadable apps to enhance your productivity, a unique WMS that can interact with several online selling platforms, an RTO shield to protect sellers from having to pay for returns and much more. Some features of WareIQ that make it one of the best eCommerce delivery partners in India are listed below: It is in fact a shipping or courier services aggregator with partnerships with all the national & hyperlocal last-mile delivery partners in India.WareIQ's clients have the option to save time & cost for last-mile delivery by selecting any of their preferred delivery companies like Blue Dart, Delhivery, Xpressbees, Shadowfax, etc. as per delivery locationsIt provides bespoke packaging where every element can be custom-tailored.It provides highly customisable branded tracking facilities.It offers reasonable, transparent and flexible pricing models.It offers a national network of fulfillment centers and dark stores that aid in hyper-fast delivery.It does not enforce any minimum order thresholds for any of its services. BlueDart Source One of the oldest continuously functioning shipping firms in the nation, BlueDart is a logistics and courier company that was founded in 1983. Mumbai, Maharashtra serves as its present headquarters. The business serves upwards of 35,000 pin codes within India and conducts business in more than 220 other nations, making it one of the biggest and most seasoned Indian eCommerce delivery partners. They provide a range of common eCommerce services in addition to some special features like letting consumers choose the delivery day and time they want by assigning scheduled time slots. Additionally, it offers an API that enables the provision of specialised facilities like automated proof-of-delivery alerts, weather-resistant packaging and more. Some features of BlueDart that make it one of the best eCommerce delivery services in India are listed below: It offers most common payment options.It has a great deal of industry knowledge with more than 40 years of experience.It offers both domestic and foreign services.It offers specialised features, such as impermeable packaging.It allows for scheduled delivery on specified dates and times. Delhivery Source Delhivery, is a logistics and shipping-focused company. It was established in 2011 and is currently headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana. It provides a range of services to help bolster the supply chain, including order fulfillment, marketplace integrations and warehousing facilities. The company's main goal is to provide a robust infrastructure that enhances eCommerce operations on a daily basis. To achieve this, it uses technology to service 18,000-plus pin codes, offer 24/7 customer support, provide a vast network of fulfillment facilities and more. This has elevated it to become one of the most well-respected eCommerce delivery partners in the nation. Some features of Delhivery that make it one of the best eCommerce delivery partners are listed below: It provides all customers with year-round, round-the-clock customer care facilities.It provides shipping aggregation services for both B2B and B2C sectors, both domestically and internationally.It offers a vast network of various types of fufillment centers and warehouses.It provides 2 to 4-day deliveries for long-distance orders.It offers returns management to decrease the harm and delays caused by returns. FedEx Source FedEx is an international eCommerce powerhouse that provides supply chain facilities, distribution partner and eCommerce fulfillment to various sectors, including retail, healthcare, electronics, and more. The company was founded 50-plus years ago in Little Rock, Arkansas, in the United States, though it has shifted its corporate offices to Memphis, Tennessee. More than 220 countries are served by the company, which offers eCommerce retailers options like the ability to integrate their vital information and inventory files from several selling platforms in one location. The company will be able to satisfy any request with ease, given its significant eCommerce fulfillment experience. Some features of FedEx that make it one of the best eCommerce delivery courier services are listed below: It provides a global network of services.It offers a number of connections with different eCommerce selling platforms.It offers a sizable distribution network.It maintains a slick, easy-to-use and intuitive UI.It offers swift package delivery and reverse logistics services. DHL Source The shipping and courier service provider DHL, abbreviated as Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn, was established in 1969 in San Francisco, California and now has its corporate headquarters in Germany. The company is recognized all over the globe for its courier services and warehousing facilities, and currently operates in 220-plus countries. Its distribution business provides doorstep delivery by air, land, and water, as well as freight forwarding services. By simply managing customs clearance and other complications that may arise during foreign distribution and providing insurance on all parcels, DHL provides a considerable advantage to its partners. Some features of DHL that make it one of the best eCommerce delivery partners are listed below: It enables efficient distribution management through automation.It provides next-day deliveries in 80-plus cities across India.It provides inventory integration and channel-wide optimization. It offers a variety of B2C and B2B eCommerce operations.It offers a centralised technology platform for carrying out eCommerce tasks, including order fulfillment and inventory management. Xpressbees Source Xpressbees is a company that provides logistics and shipping services. It was established in 2015 and is currently based in Pune, Maharashtra. It specialises in dropshipping, channel management, reverse logistics, payment collection, cross-border shipping, fulfillment services facilities and software solutions. It provides cross-border, logistics, B2B Xpress, and B2C Xpress services with a competitive edge in precision, convenience and adaptability. 2000-plus cities and towns are served by its extensive national distribution network. It is the preferred logistics partner for the biggest names in the eCommerce, food, healthcare, heavy equipment, automotive and finance sectors. Some features of Xpressbees that make it one of the best eCommerce delivery courier services are listed below: It provides a vast array of various types of eCommerce fulfillment services.It services more than 2000 cities in the nation.It has a team of more than 500 customer support personnel.It consists of a network of around 3000 offices and service centres across the country.It has a fulfillment network made up of more than 100 fulfillment center locations. Shadowfax Source Shadowfax is a 2015-founded and Bangalore-based homegrown logistics and eCommerce fulfillment company. The company offers a wide range of delivery options, such as marketplace and warehouse pickups, first and last-leg delivery, hyperlocal delivery, and ultra-fast delivery. In addition to providing beneficial services like on-demand pickup both domestically and abroad, and in-transit storage, the company is widely renowned for its speedy delivery services. Some features of Shadowfax that make it one of the best eCommerce delivery partners are listed below: It makes first-mile and last-mile deliveries easier.It provides the majority of widely used payment methods.It provides services, including in-transit inventory storage and demand-based pickup.It offers a variety of delivery options.It has made more than 7000 pin codes in the nation serviceable. DTDC Source One of the most experienced and well-regarded courier and eCommerce fulfillment businesses in the country is DTDC. It has been offering courier services since 1990, covering a nationwide serviceable area of more than 10,000 pin codes. With the aid of a state-of-the-art management information system (MIS), the business can control large shipments and guarantee seamless pick-up and delivery through the provision of a fulfillment status. Some of their value-added services include cash-on-delivery and a customised shipping process for imported and speciality commodities. Some features of DTDC that make it one of the best parcel delivery service partners are listed below: It services more than 17,000 pin codes across the country.It is able to receive most commonly used payment options.It offers expedited shipment.It enables the specialised fulfillment and distribution of expensive, large, and dangerous objects.It provides order-tracking facilities in real-time that are enabled by a custom API. Ecom Express Source eCommerce fulfillment services are provided by Ecom Express, a courier and logistics company. It was started in 2012 and is based in Gurgaon, Haryana. One of the key selling points of the company is its ability to deliver expensive items, like jewellery and gadgets while ensuring additional precautionary measures. The company is operational on a daily basis, including public holidays and weekends, and promises sub-72-hour delivery from the time the order is confirmed. They also have a 72-hour return policy. Some features of Ecom Express that make it one of the best eCommerce delivery partners are listed below: It covers more than 27,000 pin codes across India.It provides strengthened security features for every order.It offers a 72-hour delivery guarantee from the initial confirmation of the order.It is open 24/7, including on weekends and holidays.It offers returns management and takes care of reverse logistics Ekart Source Originally founded in 2009 as a Flipkart affiliate, Ekart has now changed ownership and broadened its service portfolio to offer fulfillment to a number of other online selling platforms.  The organisation, which is based in Bangalore, Karnataka, is well-known for both its blazingly speedy delivery and its reasonably low prices. They currently offer same-day delivery in 13 cities and next-day delivery in 50 locations. Additionally, the company offers a tracking API that assists with order alerts in real-time, label printing and more. Some features of Ekart that make it one of the best eCommerce delivery courier service partners are listed below: It offers reverse logistics facilities.It offers some of the cheapest prices in the industry.It uses a custom API that enables features, such as insights into order data and inventory levels.It is compatible with the majority of popular payment methods.It services about 4,000 pin codes across India. Conclusion: Why is WareIQ the Best Delivery Partner for eCommerce Sellers in 2023? As we have discovered through the course of this blog, many eCommerce delivery partners provide a wide range of services, some more than others. There are also disparities related to the quality and extent of their facilities. Therefore, the impetus is on you to ascertain the exact features you need and the available budget you have. It is also advisable to partner with multiple eCommerce delivery partners so that if an unforeseen occurrence plagues one of them, you can always have a backup that's ready to go. However, this may cost an undue amount of money which can make things hard if you are on a tight budget. Therefore, we suggest that you partner with a 3PL company like WareIQ to take care of your delivery requirements. WareIQ is an eCommerce fulfillment company that has emerged as one of the best options in the country. We provide a vast consortium of eCommerce services, including shipping aggregation with all national and hyperlocal delivery companies. With our shipping aggregation facilities, you will have access to the following features: A choice of more than 12 of the largest eCommerce shipping companies.A smart courier allocator that always assigns the fastest and most cost-effective option for every order.Integrations with multiple selling platforms so that you can get real-time updates about your order and inventory data across all of them.Last-mile delivery services ensure your customers receive their orders on time.Complete returns management that takes care of the entire reverse logistics princess and also an RTO Shield that reduces the harsh impacts of returns on your business. eCommerce Delivery Partners: FAQs What is last-mile delivery?Last-mile delivery is the last leg of the order fulfillment process that involves the order being picked up from the relevant warehouse and transported by a delivery partner to the customer’s location. What is shipping aggregation?Shipping aggregation involves the consolidation of multiple shipping companies and lists the pros and cons of each, so that customers can make a well-informed and easy decision. What are the benefits of using eCommerce delivery partners?There are many benefits of using eCommerce delivery courier service partners. Some of them are listed below:- They speed up delivery- They introduce automated shipping processes- They reduce costs- They negate the need for manual labour- They increase the efficiency of order delivery Why is returns management crucial?Returns are a common occurrence in eCommerce, so it is better to manage them than be unprepared. Returns management involves protecting your products against returns by providing various safeguards like insurance and ensuring that all returned products are inspected, picked up and transported safely back to their relevant storage location. Does WareIQ offer other eCommerce services?Yes, WareIQ provides many additional eCommerce services. Some of them are listed below:- eCommerce fulfillment- A pan-India fulfillment center network- Customisable packaging- An in-house WMS- Branded order tracking Which delivery company provides the best delivery service in India for eCommerce in 2023?WareIQ provides the best delivery courier service for eCommerce companies in India. It acts as an aggregator of 30+ national and hyperlocal delivery companies in India. eCommerce clients can choose their preferred delivery courier company and optimize for speed & cost.

November 12, 2022
Delhivery vs Blue Dart vs WareIQ: 10 Key Differences to Help You Pick the Best eCommerce Logistics and Courier Services Partner in 2023

Delhivery vs Blue Dart vs WareIQ: 10 Key Differences to Help You Pick the Best eCommerce Logistics and Courier Services Partner in 2023

Are you an eCommerce retailer trying to make the choice between partnering with a company that specializes in shipping and distribution or eCommerce fulfillment? If so, you need to understand the primary differences between them, which is what we'll help you with by comparing Delhivery vs BlueDart vs WareIQ. While both these types of 3PL fulfillment companies share many things in common, such as giving retailers like yourself the option to offload various fulfillment processes to an external associate, there are also stark contrasts and significant disparities in the type of services they offer, the extent of their fulfillment networks, their prime objectives and much more. eCommerce Shipping and logistics companies mainly tackle specific services pertaining to eCommerce shipping, such as providing a choice of multiple shipping carriers, providing shipping software to manage and track all your packages, integrations with all your partners, and more. However, they generally lack storage and inventory management capabilities, something that eCommerce fulfillment companies provide. In addition to this, eCommerce fulfillment companies also may provide all the shipping-related facilities that dedicated shipping companies offer. Thus, it is necessary to identify your own objectives and pick an option accordingly. In this blog, we will be comparing and contrasting some of the most renowned 3PL shipping and fulfillment companies in the country - Delhivery vs Blue Dart vs WareIQ - and help make this decision a little easier by going through all their features and services in detail. Before talking about the differences in Bluedart vs Delhivery vs WareIQ, let's first discuss them one by one. Introduction to WareIQ Source WareIQ is an eCommerce fulfillment company that was founded in Bangalore in 2019. It offers a vast array of services encompassing requirements across the entire spectrum of eCommerce, such as order fulfillment, product storage, inventory management, online integrations, shipping aggregation, last-mile delivery, returns management, and much more. In addition to the aforementioned features, the company offers unique, value-added services, such as an app store, an in-built WMS, shipping & trust badges, flexible payment plans, and more. This makes it the perfect option for retailers that are looking for an all-in-one solution to tackle any requirement and challenges that may come their way. The company also provides excellent scalability to be able to adjust to expanding operations and order volumes in the future. Some of WareIQ’s stand-out features that make it an excellent choice between Delhivery vs BlueDart vs WareIQ are listed below: It provides a pan-India storage network consisting of fulfillment centers and dark stores and offers smart inventory placement recommendations to help you store your inventory in close proximity to customers and transport facilities.It has an in-house WMS that is able to monitor and provide real-time updates regarding inventory level and order-related data, across storage locations and online selling platforms.It can integrate with 20-plus eCommerce marketplaces, such as selling on Amazon, sell on eBay, sell on Flipkart, and more, in addition to online website-building platforms, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and more.It provides returns management which includes handling the entire reverse logistics procedure, providing an RTO Shield to offset the negative impact caused by returns, reducing RTO cost, and offering insurance for every product.It provides partnerships with more than 12 of the biggest shipping carriers in the region, which enables reliable, ultra-fast same-day and next-day delivery and always assigns the swiftest and most cost-saving option for every order. Suggested Read: Shipkaro vs Shiprocket vs Wareiq: Ultimate Comparison for 2023 [contactus_lilgoodness] Introduction to Delhivery Source Delhivery is a 2011-founded, Gurgaon-based company that specialises in shipping and logistics, and offers a variety of services that help improve the supply chain, including order fulfillment, online integrations, and warehouse facilities. The company's major objective is to deliver dependable infrastructure that improves the general day-to-day operations of eCommerce. It accomplishes this by utilizing technology to cover more than 18,000 pin codes, providing round-the-clock customer assistance, having an expansive system of fulfillment facilities, and doing a whole lot more. This has made it one of the more popular solutions for eCommerce shipping and a preferred distribution partner in the country and its vast expertise in engineering and technological solutions only reiterates this sentiment. Some of Delhivery’s stand-out features that make it an excellent choice between Delhivery vs BlueDart vs WareIQ are listed below: It offers international B2C and B2B fulfillment and shipping services to numerous nations using companies like DHL and FedEx.It provides a broad network of fulfillment and storage infrastructure, including direct delivery facilities, sorting facilities, shipping gateways, and fulfillment facilities.It offers returns management in order to lessen the harm and delays brought on by returns.It offers 2 to 4-day delivery options for high-mileage orders across the nation in addition to same-day and next-day delivery for traditional orders.It offers year-round, 24/7 online customer service for all inquiries, which makes resolving any problems or delays incredibly easy and quick. Introduction to Blue Dart Source Blue Dart Express Limited is an Indian courier and logistics that was established in 1983, making it one of the oldest continually-operating shipping companies in the country. Its current headquarters are in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The company is one of the largest and most experienced Indian eCommerce fulfillment suppliers, serving more than 35,000 operational pin codes within the country in addition to operating in more than 220 other countries, worldwide. They offer a variety of standard eCommerce services, as well as some unique features like letting customers select their desired delivery date and time by selecting schedules and time slots. Additionally, it provides an API that can provide specialised services like automatic proof-of-delivery updates, impermeable packaging, and much more. Some of Blue Dart’s stand-out features that make it an excellent choice between Delhivery vs BlueDart vs WareIQ are listed below: It accepts the most widely-used payment services, which makes the payment process as easy and seamless as possible.It offers both domestic and international distribution facilities, which can be valuable if you sell your products abroad or are looking to penetrate foreign markets.It can deliver products on specific dates that were determined in advance, which reduces the risk of RTOs and non-acceptance of orders.It provides value-added services, such as weather-resistant packaging, for additional peace of mind during transit.It was established when India won its first cricket world cup, giving it almost 40 years of valuable experience in the industry. Similar Post: Vamaship vs Shiprocket vs Wareiq Delhivery vs Blue Dart vs WareIQ: 10 Key Disparities Between Their Services and Facilities in 2023 Are you still confused about which one to choose from BlueDart vs Delhivery vs WareIQ? Core Offering WareIQ: WareIQ’s main product is its fulfillment services which are powered by advanced technology and backed by a large infrastructure network. Some of these services are order fulfillment, inventory management, SKU storage, custom WMS software, eCommerce order tracking, shipping aggregation, last-mile delivery, and much more.Delhivery: Delhivery is known as a shipping and 3PL logistics provider. Their primary services relate to freight aggregation and distribution. However, the business also offers various fulfillment services, including returns management and a network of fulfillment centers. BlueDart: BlueDart was initially pioneered before the onset of eCommerce and is primarily regarded for its shipping and distribution services, both in India and abroad. In relation to its shipping services, it offers multiple value-added facilities, such as weather-resistant packaging and scheduled delivery. Customer Onboarding Time WareIQ: WareIQ provides a detailed customer onboarding process that takes just 7 days from start to finish.Delhivery: Delhivery offers instant customer onboarding as the only thing required is to signup and you can start shipping products immediately.BlueDart: BlueDart does not offer dedicated customer onboarding facilities. Pricing WareIQ: WareIQ offers benefits including no minimum order restrictions and the option to only select the services you require, in addition to flexible and transparent pricing options. The business also offers a variety of options internally, including a personalised WMS and a selection of shipping carriers, negating the need to search for these features elsewhere.Delhivery: No sign-up fees or monthly memberships are only a couple of the benefits of Delhivery's price structure. Instead, the business bases its fees on the size and weight of each order and customers can calculate their payments using an internal price calculator.BlueDart: BlueDart’s prices are based upon metrics such as the distance of the destination, weight and dimensions of the package, and space required in transit. The company offers pricing tools to identify what the price will be based on the above criteria. Technological Features WareIQ: By utilising cutting-edge technology, WareIQ aims to set itself apart from its rivals. This goal is supported by features like an app store, a unique WMS, real-time inventory alerts, integrations with various eCommerce platforms, branded tracking, automated resupply triggers, and much more.Delhivery: A number of cutting-edge technology capabilities are also used by Delhivery, including multi-platform integrations, intelligent inventory placement, document management, real-time order monitoring, and many more.BlueDart: BlueDart provides multiple useful technological features, such as a pricing tool to know how much you’d be spending to ship an order, scheduled delivery, a custom API that is utilised for many features, and much more. App Store WareIQ: A user-friendly and well-designed app store is offered by WareIQ which has an intentionally similar layout to conventional app stores like the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Numerous apps exist that increase the productivity of several operations, including customer feedback, shipping badges and branded tracking.Delhivery: Delhivery does not provide an app store to offer support for any 1st or 3rd-party apps.BlueDart: BlueDart also does not have an app store or offer any app support. Services Offered WareIQ: Order fulfillment, inventory storage, inventory management, last-mile delivery, distribution facilities, a unique WMS, an in-house app store, branded tracking, shipping badges, custom packing services, and many more significant eCommerce requirements are all addressed by WareIQ.Delhivery: Delhivery provides a comprehensive range of logistics and fulfillment facilities, including transportation, order tracking, specialised transit facilities, a nationwide warehouse network, no monthly subscriptions, and much more. These services are available both domestically and internationally.BlueDart: BlueDart offers many services, most of which are centered around shipping and logistics. Some of these features include both international and domestic shipping, scheduled delivery, a price calculator, order tracking, weather-proof packaging, and much more. Integrations WareIQ: WareIQ's custom WMS is compatible with a wide range of online marketplaces, including Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, and more. Additionally, it integrates with tools for creating websites, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento.Delhivery: Delhivery offers integrations with most shipping companies, such as BlueDart, DHL, FedEx, and more, as well as eCommerce selling platforms, such as Amazon, Flipkart, and more. BlueDart: BlueDart offers multiple business integration tools, such as InternetDart, ShopTrack, PackTrack, MobileDart, and more. However, it cannot integrate directly with eCommerce selling platforms. Unique Selling Point (USP) WareIQ: The distinctive feature of WareIQ's solutions is its extensive use of technology to address various eCommerce requirements and issues. In practically every area of its business operations, including inventory management, order fulfillment, SKU storage, reverse logistics, and order tracking, the company uses cutting-edge technology.Delhivery: Delhivery offers several fulfillment-centric services, including a network of fulfillment centers and order tracking, in addition to providing shipping aggregation options for both domestic and international distribution.BlueDart: BlueDart is one of India’s oldest and most experienced shipping companies. It is also utilized by most 3PL fulfillment companies as a shipping partner due to its reputation for efficient and quick shipping services. Customised Packaging WareIQ: With the customized packaging facilities offered by WareIQ, sellers can customize every aspect of the unwrapping experience, including the brand logo, size, design, and materials, to their tastes.Delhivery: Delhivery provides custom packaging facilities where many aspects of the package can be personalised according to the preferences of retailers.BlueDart: BlueDart offers weather-resistant packaging using specialised materials but does not offer customizable packaging. Cold Storage Facilities WareIQ: WareIQ provides cold storage provisions in many fulfillment centers in its overall network.Delhivery: Delhivery provides cold storage facilities and other temperature-varying facilities in its warehouses.BlueDart: BlueDart offers temperature-controlled facilities in its transit infrastructure.S Suggested Read: Shiprocket vs WareIQ vs Delhivery: Which is Better? Delhivery vs Blue Dart vs WareIQ: Which is the Best eCommerce Logistics & Shipping Solution? [table id=59 /] Hope, this made you clear about which one to choose in BlueDart VS Delhivery VS WareIQ. Conclusion: Why You Should Consider WareIQ as Your First Choice Among Blue Dart vs Delhivery vs WareIQ If Looking for an eCommerce Last Mile Delivery Partner in 2023? Choosing the appropriate fulfillment company is in the best interests of your business and its future. When we talk about the best then choosing between BlueDart VS Delhivery VS WareIQ, could be a task.It can be the determining factor as to whether customers have a positive delivery experience and choose to purchase from your brand again versus them having a negative experience, riddled with delays and damaged goods. While some companies, such as BlueDart offers mainly shipping and logistics services, others, such as Delhivery and WareIQ, also offer storage facilities to ensure that your products are always secure and ready to be dispatched. While Delhivery & Blue Dart's core operations are mostly last-mile delivery or courier service, WareIQ acts as a courier aggregator where the clients have the option to choose from an extensive list of national and hyperlocal courier partners for last mile delivery services. WareIQ goes the extra mile to provide end-to-end fulfillment services starting from warehousing, tech platform, last mile delivery, post-purchase experience, and engagement, etc. It ensures that you are able to offer the ultimate and highest-end features and services to your customers. From a custom WMS, an in-house app store, and more, WareIQ provides common-sense solutions to a wide range of complex requirements and that is why we recommend you partner with us if you need a long-lasting and reliable fulfillment partner. So, you should definitely consider WareIQ as your first choice If looking for an eCommerce delivery partner among bluedart vs delhivery vs WareIQ in the coming year, 2023. WareIQ is an eCommerce fulfillment company that uses technology as its mantra to provide access to advanced facilities to a wide range of online sellers. Some of the key features are listed below: We provide a SaaS platform for AI-enabled inventory management that prevents understocking and overstocking situations and keeps your inventory at its optimum levels.We offer reverse logistics assistance and have an RTO Shield that protects every product from the potential damage brought on by returns.We provide many custom packaging options, where you can alter every aspect of the container to suit your preferences, including the branding, the materials used, the design and more.We try to understand online consumer behavior and provide a dedicated set of customer service staff that are experts and work around the clock to quickly address client inquiries.We enable you to choose and pay for the services you need, and you can always upgrade or amend your plans in response to changing circumstances because we don't have a minimum order requirement. Suggested Read: Which is Better: Wareiq vs Clickpost vs Shiprocket Blue Dart vs Delhivery vs WareIQ: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) When and where was BlueDart founded?BlueDart was founded in 1983 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Does BlueDart provide storage facilities?No, BlueDart does not offer its own storage facilities. You can only use it to ship products from your existing storage locations. Does Delhivery provide storage facilities?Yes, Delhivery has an expansive network of fulfillment centers, distribution hubs and warehouses. Which logistics partner to choose for eCommerce and D2C among Delhivery, Blue Dart, and WareIQ in 2023?If you are looking for end-to-end fulfillment solutions, then WareIQ is the best choice compared to Delhivery and Blue Dart. If you are looking for only courier service, then Delhivery and Blue Dart might offer better rates for delivering to specific locations. But with WareIQ acting as a courier or shipping aggregator, you get access to all the major national and hyperlocal delivery companies and choose your shipping partners for various locations as per your choice. What are the top differences between Delhivery and Blue Dart?Delhivery Since launching its logistics operation in 2011, Delhivery has become one of the leading e-commerce courier services. More than 10,000 customers in India are served by Delhivery, 75% of them are significant eCommerce companies. This is as a result of the extensive range of services this business provides. It is frequently praised for offering effective COD courier service and reverse logistics services.However, its main focus is on offering a range of express delivery choices, including on-demand, same-day, and next-day delivery. Businesses may manage shipping exceptions, cancel orders, display accurate EDDs, and automate the creation of shipping labels with the Delhivery API interface.Blue DartOne of the greatest courier services for online businesses is Blue Dart, a global carrier that has been operating as a top courier service provider since 1983. They provide a variety of service-bundling payment options. More than 35,000 pin codes in India and more than 220 countries are accessible with Blue Dart.These services include time-based/slot-based delivery, automated proof-of-delivery on order fulfillment, weather-resistant order packing, COD delivery, and express delivery. By using live order monitoring, the Blue Dart Tracking API enables e-commerce businesses to monitor their incoming and departing shipments. It keeps a strict eye on product returns, unsuccessful deliveries, and order delays.

November 09, 2022
Can You Lower Shipping Costs by Reducing Package Sizes? A Comprehensive Guide on Ways to Reduce Sizes of Package For eCommerce Shipping (2022)

Can You Lower Shipping Costs by Reducing Package Sizes? A Comprehensive Guide on Ways to Reduce Sizes of Package For eCommerce Shipping (2022)

Shipping costs form a significant part of the overall expenditures that eCommerce businesses need to incur to successfully fulfill orders. While it is a necessary and unavoidable cost, practising a few sensible strategies can enable sellers to save a large amount of money, which is especially crucial for small and medium-sized businesses that are already operating on thin profit margins. We can reduce shipping costs in a variety of ways, but one of the most attainable ones is by reducing package sizes for every shipment. It may not seem like an obvious solution but if every package comprises a reduced footprint on the delivery vehicle, more parcels can be added and delivered in the same shipment, rather than needing multiple attempts. A large portion of shipping costs is calculated depending on the size and weight of the shipment. By having small package sizes, retailers can offset additional costs by either having smaller package sizes or using the extra space to ship more orders. In this blog, we will take a more detailed look at the importance of reducing package sizes, how it can help lower shipping costs and 5 ways to enable small package sizes. Importance of Reducing Package Sizes in eCommerce Lowers Shipping Costs The primary reason for reducing package sizes is to lower shipping costs. Since shipping costs are largely determined by the size and scale of the shipment, having small package sizes can be beneficial to retailers by saving them a significant amount of money that they can then reinvest in other aspects of the business, such as product development and marketing. For eCommerce sellers that are in the process of expanding their services to other regions, having lower shipping costs due to reduced package sizes will enable them to offer lower prices to their customers, ship more orders in bulk and attain positive customer feedback as a result. Reduces the Amount of Packaging Material Needed By optimizing all the processes involved in packaging, retailers can reduce the amount of material they need for each delivery. eCommerce packaging generally requires many layers to keep the product safe and intact in transit, such as the product box, bubble wrap, plastic covers and the outer box. If the entire package is stripped of any unnecessary materials and is only delivered with the components that are needed, it will not only reduce shipping costs by creating smaller, less weighty shipments but will also reduce the amount of wastage that customers need to get rid off when they unpackage their order.  Related Article: Eco-Friendly Shipping for eCommerce Companies in 2022 to Go Green & Be Sustainable Takes up Less Space in Storage and Transit We have already established that reducing package sizes enables lower shipping costs but the central way that this is achieved is through the use of lighter and smaller packaging. For instance, 1 large television will cost more to ship than 2 smartphones, even though the value of the smartphones may be higher. This is due to the fact that the television will take up more space in transit, thereby reducing the storage capacity of the eCommerce shipping company. Additionally, heavy items are more challenging to load and unload which increases labour costs. Therefore, it is important to try and store as many items as you can while shipping out orders. [contactus_uth] 3 Areas Where Reducing Package Sizes Can Lower Shipping Costs Weight  One of the biggest trends in eCommerce shipping is the effort companies are making to reduce the weight of their packages, which can be done by removing certain elements such as bubble wrap or plastic. The heavier the package, the more costs they inspire due to the difficulties associated with loading and unloading them, shifting their position, and additional strain they put on the delivery vehicle, causing higher wear and tear, and lower fuel efficiency, not to mention the increased risks of them damaging other, more petite products. Dimensions When it comes to eCommerce, bigger does not always mean better. Larger packages are always more expensive to ship than their smaller counterparts. Therefore, it is important for retailers to find ways to reduce their package dimensions. A relatively well-known example of this would be the recent trend of smartphone manufacturers opting to ship their phones without headphones or chargers, initially pioneered by Apple. This has enabled box sizes to reduce dramatically, while devices themselves continue to get bigger. This allows companies to ship more of their products in the same cycle, reducing the number and frequency of shipments they require to fulfill a certain amount of products. Handling Packages that are larger in size translate to many physical constraints such as more workers required to load or unload them, or heavier vehicles needed to transport them. For instance, maybe 50 boxes of a small product, such as AirPods, could be loaded onto a vehicle by the time it takes to load 5 washing machines. This is one area value isn’t directly associated with size as smaller products are often more expensive than larger ones. To make product handling easier, faster and cheaper, consider investing in lightweight and more durable packaging materials so that products can have the same protection, without the added bulk. 5 Ways to Successfully Reduce the Package Sizes of Your eCommerce Business Optimise Your Product Placement The way a product is placed inside a box can have massive implications on its overall footprint. Analyse your product's dimensions and figure out the most efficient way to place it inside of its original box. This will automatically reduce the size of the outer storage layers. Practices like vertically stacking product elements on top of each other instead of side by side can have a positive impact on reducing package sizes. Source Bundle Similar Products / Orders Together One way to reduce shipment sizes is by placing similar products or orders together. For instance, if a shipment comprises multiple beauty products, they can all be packaged together in the same overall consignment. Similarly, if many orders are placed from the same location, all the products needed to fulfill those orders can be bundled together (also known as product bundling), which will result in a reduced shipment size as opposed to having scattered packages for the same order location. Source Use Custom Packaging Solutions Custom packaging services offered by 3PL companies can immensely help in creating small package sizes. In contrast to companies like Amazon that just have a standard package design for every order, regardless of the nature of the product, customized packaging can tailor every aspect of the package to your liking. This will enable products to be packaged more optimally, taking into consideration the design and dimensions of the product. Additionally, you can have more control over how you highlight your brand. Source Reduce the Use of Plastic Plastic packaging materials in the form of bubble rap and protection film can significantly increase the size and bulk of shipments. While products do require some amount of protection from mishaps that can occur in transit, a large amount of space can be saved by only cutting it down to the bare essentials. You can also conduct research into how to make boxes stronger so that they will be able to withstand more pressure rather than relying on heaps of plastic materials within the box. Source Opt for Multi-Function Packaging If you sell a wide range of products with similar sizes, consider having one standard box design that you can use among all of them, with just the design and product information varying based on the product. Additionally, you can make your packaging itself double as the brochure instead of including a separate one. There are also a wide variety of box designs that can fold in when stored and expand when unpackaged. Source Conclusion: Can WareIQ’s Services Help Reduce Package Sizes for Your Company? If you need to reduce your logistical and operational costs, shipping expenses would be a good place to start. To enable significant savings on shipping and last-mile delivery, reducing package sizes to their smallest possible occupancy is essential. eCommerce packaging generally comes with a lot of bloatware that is ultimately wasted once the product is unpackaged. It is important to ascertain what materials are essential to keep the product safe and what materials can be removed to save space. Additionally, how a product is placed in a box can also have an impact on its size. By having small package sizes, you will be able to reduce the amount of space that is taken up by each SKU, resulting in lower shipping costs and additional space to place more items. If you are an eCommerce retailer that needs assistance with reducing package sizes to lower shipping costs, WareIQ can be the answer you are looking for.  WareIQ is one of the fastest-growing eCommerce fulfillment companies in India. We provide a swathe of solutions encompassing every aspect of eCommerce. In terms of reducing package sizes and lowering shipping costs, we offer the following solutions: Custom Packaging We provide all our customers with custom packaging facilities so that they can offer a truly personalised experience to their customers. You can choose to highlight your brand, choose your design, colour, materials, product placement and much more. We can help offer your customers a one-of-a-kind unboxing experience while also reducing package sizes to help you generate more space in storage and transit. Partnership With Multiple Shipping Companies We have partnered with 20 of the largest shipping aggregators in India. We will automatically assign the fastest route and most cost-effective delivery option for every order. If there is a delay with any provider on any route, we will transfer the order to the next-best option, ensuring that your orders are always delivered on time. Additionally, you can avail of bulk discounts if your orders are over a certain threshold. No Order Restrictions We do not impose any minimum or maximum restrictions on your inventory, either in storage or transit. You can simply opt for the amount of space you need in any of our fulfillment centers or transport vehicles and pay for what you use. Additionally, you can add or remove space according to your requirements. Reduce Packaging Sizes: FAQs What are all the factors that affect shipping costs?- Delivery speed- Distance- Package dimensions- Shipment Weight- Handling fees What percentage do shipping costs generally make up of the total costs of an eCommerce company?Shipping expenses can easily comprise 15 to 20% of a company’s total expenditure so it is important to reduce them as much as possible. Why are bigger items more expensive to ship?Bigger items are more expensive to ship because they are more cumbersome to load, unload, handle and take up more space in a delivery vehicle, thereby reducing its overall capacity to store other products. What are the predictions for shipping costs for the remainder of the year?Shipping costs are expected to fall at least 30 to 40% compared to 2020. Does WareIQ offer any other fulfillment services?Yes, WareIQ offers a wide suite of eCommerce solutions such as inventory storage across a nationwide network of fulfillment centers, warehouse management through our custom WMS, last-mile delivery, reverse logistics, an app store and much more.

October 10, 2022
What Are eCommerce Operations? A Detailed Guide for Operations Professionals on Functional Aspects & Best Strategies for eCommerce Operations Management in 2023

What Are eCommerce Operations? A Detailed Guide for Operations Professionals on Functional Aspects & Best Strategies for eCommerce Operations Management in 2023

eCommerce Operations are the foundation of any organisation and the function that makes things happen. And a lot is going on in the background regarding eCommerce operations. An eCommerce operations manager must enhance eCommerce processes that directly increase gross margins. Managers can wisely allocate essential resources to deliver the most value to the business by prioritising profit-generating eCommerce operations. According to statistics, Global retail e-commerce sales were estimated to be around 4.9 trillion dollars in 2021. Over the next four years, this amount is predicted to increase by 50%, reaching roughly $7.4 trillion by 2025. eCommerce has contributed to more than 40% of the rise in retail sales in the US alone, and by 2040, experts predict that 95% of all purchases will be conducted online. The operations manager significantly influences the growth of an online brand. To ensure that your operations can fulfil customer expectations and keep expanding, you must maintain a constant watch on the market, your rivals, and the wants of your clients. This article provides a detailed analysis of eCommerce operations and how to enhance eCommerce operations for productivity and growth. What are eCommerce Operations? All components of online goods sales and shipping are referred to as eCommerce operations. Successful online retailers are defined by having a solid eCommerce operations plan. Your ability to address essential eCommerce operations and sales components, such as order logistics and fulfilment, domestic and international shipping, and inventory management, is crucial to developing an efficient eCommerce operations management plan. Making your eCommerce operations strategy as clear and thorough as possible is essential because it enhances the likelihood that purchases will be finished and delivered on time, keeping customers happy and ultimately improving your business. Source Significant Functional Aspects Involved In eCommerce Operations Management Since its start, the eCommerce sector has expanded incredibly quickly to reach its present status, defined by a solid market position. Due to this process, new difficulties have also evolved in the worldwide landscape of eCommerce operations. Merchants must change to remain competitive and gain an edge over their rivals. The problem that most eCommerce merchants now confront is simplifying their business operations seamlessly. Here is a list of business tasks retailers can use to create a successful and efficient eCommerce operational workflow. Order Management Online stores have replaced traditional physical businesses as the norm in eCommerce. As a result, the need for multichannel order management has grown due to this transition. It is getting more challenging to handle and execute your orders when there are hundreds of sales channels available, whether they are marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy or sales channels like Shopify, Magento 2.0, or Woo-commerce. Therefore, their most significant chance of remaining competitive is to have the capacity to manage orders across several digital channels. This helps eCommerce businesses both attract new clients and keep their current ones. Product listing, inventory management, order placement and processing, billing, payment collecting, fulfilment, shipment management, and communication are all included in the multichannel order management process. Import all your orders into one location: eCommerce shop owners with a fully integrated order management system can monitor and manage their orders from a single platform. As a result, they can stop logging into different portals to check on the status of their orders.Address verification: An automated address verification method is necessary to limit the number of failed deliveries, accounting for up to 10% of eCommerce package deliveries.Printing shipping labels and invoices in bulk: For anyone selling goods online, batch processing and mass printing shipping labels and invoices are essential. Thermographic printers make these processes simpler. [contactus_lilgoodness] Inventory Management A robust platform and successful inventory management system like Inventory LogIQ can help an eCommerce firm reach its highest potential. The two most essential factors in an eCommerce business are time and money. Companies can save both by using a centralised inventory management procedure. Furthermore, it provides companies with Accurate forecasting: An eCommerce business might profit from monitoring customer wants during a specific season and concentrating on marketing campaigns.Product Evaluation: Separating the products in high demand from those that aren't is just as important as anticipating. Long-term inventory storage of the latter can be dangerous for an eCommerce store's ability to sell. As a result, businesses can offer tempting discounts when buying such a product.Relationship between an eCommerce firm and its suppliers: A successful relationship between an eCommerce business and its suppliers is crucial. This guarantees the timely delivery of goods. Additionally, it is a good idea to have fallback plans. As a result, if the primary suppliers cannot ensure on-time delivery for some reason, the secondary suppliers can do it quickly, maintaining the positive perception of your brand among your target market. The ideal contingency plan should provide effective inventory management and serve as a conduit between eCommerce stores and their customers without jeopardising the interests of either. Including this information in the terms and conditions not only allays client concerns but also facilitates future business transactions by saving time, money, and hassle. Warehouse Management Warehouse management includes monitoring all aspects of eCommerce operations, from staffing to equipment and inventory management. Receiving, storing, and tracking inventory are only a few of the procedures involved in warehouse management. Other activities include keeping an eye on the flow of finished items into and out of the warehouse and managing their effectiveness. The flow of inventory and other activity across a warehouse (i.e., what is being received, stowed away, fulfilled, and sent and by whom) is frequently tracked using a warehouse management system (WMS). With a WMS, manual processes are eliminated, time is saved, and a more accurate picture of what is happening inside a facility is provided without needing ongoing warehouse audits. In addition, operations managers can track their success and find areas for improvement using the data collected from a WMS, which promotes supply chain optimization. Fulfilment and Shipping Logistics All these features are necessary for your system to fulfil your requests successfully. Serviceable Zip code management based on prepaid orders and cash-on-deliveryEvaluating shipping costs across various carriers and the services they offerReal-time tracking number and allocation Expecting to complete this manually may cause delays and mistakes. Additionally, clients demand error-free communication from eCommerce businesses in this digital age. Further, the success of an eCommerce business determines its reputation. Choosing a Product, Packing it, and Shipping It Successfully processing customer orders is essential to the success of an eCommerce firm. This must be carried out without fail. An exemplary implementation creates a win-win scenario for an eCommerce company and its clients. While the latter can reduce the possibility of product returns, the former can prevent the potential for mistakes in monitoring its inventory inventories, and using equipment like a barcode scanner to automate order picking and packing up can be beneficial. Order Shipping, Schedule Pickups, Tracking & Delivery Ensuring prompt item delivery is one of the critical components of order fulfillment in eCommerce operations. It aids businesses in creating a favourable reputation and long-term customer retention. In addition, utilizing the advantages of shipping management software can help the company grow. Fulfilment automation has emerged as one of the current trends, with eCommerce businesses becoming increasingly reliant on them. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense for eCommerce enterprises to use software and systems that do away with the laborious manual processes and facilitate the efficient completion of this activity. Returns Management Owners of physical stores encourage a "no return or no exchange" policy regarding purchases made there. They can avoid the inconveniences of product returns as a result. However, this is not true with online eCommerce retailers. Customers have the option to cancel their orders while they are in transit, as well as return things after delivery with eCommerce businesses. The former might occur for several causes, ranging from unsatisfied customers to the delivery of incorrect goods. Therefore, having a well-planned and recorded return management policy is necessary for eCommerce stores. To ensure that customers know what they can return and how it is ideal for making this remark under terms and conditions. Returning an ordered or delivered item must also be made clear in advance. One of the best methods for putting customers and business owners at ease is this. As a result, it leaves clients with a favourable impression of an eCommerce store. Commercial Accounting Keeping track of your brand's financial activities and ensuring your books are in order are crucial components of your eCommerce operations. This includes balance sheets and inventory write-offs. Inventory is the most critical (and frequently valuable) asset for eCommerce enterprises. Thus any anomalies in inventory counts can affect your bottom line. You may gain insights into your spending and earnings with accurate eCommerce book-keeping, making it possible for you to be ready for tax season. 6 Best Practices To Simplify and Streamline Your eCommerce Operations in 2023 With today's technology, we have many eCommerce automation choices to choose from to meet our business needs. The idea is very straightforward—using software to turn manual processes into automated workflows. Numerous tasks can be completed with technology without the involvement of humans. Examples include sending emails to many customers, creating support cases, and completing orders. eCommerce automation saves not only time but also money. Additionally, it means that eventually, the company team will have more time to concentrate on innovation, client satisfaction, and creativity. Let's look at six ways technology could make an eCommerce business function more efficiently. Multi-Channel Automated Centralized Inventory Management eCommerce Brands can optimise their supply chain and stop any losses during stock-out situations by using a cloud-based omnichannel inventory management system. Businesses can display their products on many eCommerce platforms and handle orders using a single dashboard that provides real-time access to stock movement with the help of an IMS. Eliminating the manual component from inventory management saves additional overhead costs that may be spent to grow the firm rather than risking human error. The following are the main benefits that an IMS offers: Reduce the amount of staff needed for daily operationsReduce overstocking and understockingPrevent misshipmentsHasten order fulfillmentAccurately estimate and plan inventoryDetailed inventory and sales reports Automated Accounting With Least Effort and Sales Identification A small sales team is one of the main advantages of a digital business. Automated processes and evaluation tools like a CRM can improve operations even with a small sales crew. For instance, gathering contact details, planning calls, and allocating follow-ups may all be done quickly and openly when a new lead is added to the system. Additionally, it prevents situations where several people are pursuing the same information, which is almost certainly a dead end. The sales staff can also record call details and outcomes, which could be helpful for follow-ups in the future. Some of the most well-known CRMs are Zoho, Hubspot, and Salesforce. Sales and accounting should always work together since book-keeping is never fun. There are several ways to keep track of accounts on your own, but you can pick one that integrates effectively with your inventory management system. Read more about eCommerce accounting software. Building Brand Loyalty With An AI-enabled Customer Service  Consumer service plays a crucial role in building brand recognition and customer loyalty. There are several options for handling customers and automating the time-consuming steps in the process. One of the most popular ways to handle this topic correctly continues to be chatbots. By responding to a set of predetermined circumstances, triggers, and events, chatbots help automate client interactions. As a result, companies are quickly using chatbots for their customer-facing products. According to a Facebook poll, more than half of customers believe they are more likely to shop with a firm that offers live chat. Customers anticipate being able to quickly and easily find the information they require. Chatbots are merely a tool to achieve that goal. Additionally, several tools can quickly and cheaply integrate chatbots into social media accounts and eCommerce websites. Since they have been around for a while, chatbots have established themselves as a crucial component of any company's customer care strategy. Innovative and Seamless Payment Methods Powered by Technology Customers desire personalization and frictionless eCommerce experiences. Global consumers are anticipated to make 1.1 trillion non-cash payments by 2024 as they buy goods and services using a combination of web, mobile, and connected devices, according to Business Insider. The experience is smooth when individuals can make purchases online fast, effortlessly, and safely. Passive authentication techniques like face and touch ID are becoming more and more common as technology advances since they may be used to complete transactions since the user's credentials are already stored in their wallet. This holds for applications such as GooglePay, AmazonPay, PayPal, PhonePe, Paytm, and others. Giving clients the option to use digital payment methods improves the customer experience because it is easier and takes less time. Nearly all eCommerce businesses provide a choice of digital payment alternatives nowadays to speed up checkouts and improve consumer convenience. Switch to An Omnichannel Customer Experience It's become less important to test a product before buying it. The ease of a single-click purchase on eCommerce sites, brand recognition, social media presence, and general lifestyle affinity are essential factors in deciding to buy. Social media, online markets, and web stores are part of omnichannel retailing. Making sure that marketing strategies enable customers to convert across any sales channel is the aim of multichannel selling. Your company may offer a smooth customer experience if you have efficient automation technology at your disposal and an omnichannel strategy in place. One of the best instances of how organisations can utilise technology using an omnichannel strategy is Walmart's "order-by-text and chat services." Walmart offered a service that guaranteed same-day delivery and allowed users to place orders by text message alone. Although the service is no longer in use, it opened the path for other eCommerce firms to provide their clients with something remarkable. You can use various tools and methods on your online store to collect data, monitor conversions, and target messaging when executing an omnichannel marketing plan. Make Social Commerce A Part Of Your eCommerce Strategy Many firms use social media platforms for advertising. The accessibility, ease and reach that come with social media aids consumers in purchasing. 2018 saw the launch of Facebook Marketplace, which aims to take on Google Shopping, Easy, and Amazon. In addition, Instagram started using product tags in 2016 to make it simpler for consumers to identify the goods and prices they see in advertisements, and in 2017 Shopify and BigCommerce were integrated, directing shoppers to a website where they could make an immediate purchase. Select brands were given buyable pins on Pinterest, which resembles Instagram in functionality, in 2015, and the number of brands increased in 2016. In addition, to make it simpler to make purchases from several merchants at once, a shopping cart was also developed. Conclusion In conclusion, operating in the eCommerce industry requires balancing many competitors with matching client needs and expectations. The technology at our disposal now has the potential to automate repetitive work and expedite processes that call for more attention to detail. You can start using parts of it immediately and take your time selecting others, like an IMS or a chatbot, to boost your company's overall productivity and operational effectiveness. How WareIQ as a 3PL Fulfillment Partner Helps in Your eCommerce Operations Management? WareIQ, as a tech-enabled fulfillment partner, uses a fulfillment network that returns information to our clients so they can monitor inventory levels and orders as they are chosen, packed, shipped and delivered in real-time. Orders are automatically delivered to our warehouses once your store is connected. The product is chosen, packed, and dispatched (and tracking info is pushed back to your store and shared with your customers). WareIQ's fulfilment services assist you in time and cost optimization as well as the utilisation of the delivery process to surpass customer expectations and take control of a more significant portion of the client relationship. With the aid of WareIQ's fulfilment facilities, you can strategically distribute your inventory among our locations to deliver your products more quickly and affordably. By keeping inventory close to your target market, you can cut down on the shipping zones and expenses involved in sending orders to distant locations. With WareIQ's 2-Day Express shipping model, you can provide 2-day shipping across the country whether you ship from one fulfilment centre location or several. WareIQ delivers data and analytics to assist you with everything from year-end reporting to better supply chain decision-making. We do this to give you visibility into our operations and performance and to hold ourselves accountable. For example, we provide information on the fulfilment centres you should stock, the number of days your inventory will last before it runs out, the effect of sales promotions on stock levels, the average cart value, shipping costs, and transit times for each shipping option, your fulfilment costs per order, your storage costs per unit, and much more. Ecommerce Operations FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions What does a manager of eCommerce operations do?The eCommerce operations Manager acts as the cross-functional point of contact for Marketing, Operations, Finance, and third-party technology and fulfilment partners. For all eCommerce business lines, the incumbent is in charge of overseeing the fulfilment and orders-to-cash process. How can I make my eCommerce operations better?eCommerce operations can be improved in several ways. Automation and technology are essential in the age of on-demand logistics because they help eCommerce operations managers automate time-consuming tasks, provide visibility into business operations, and gather accurate real-time data to support business optimization decisions. What are the primary eCommerce operations?Storage, inventory management, order fulfilment, shipping, logistics, website operation and maintenance, marketing, customer service, and business accounting are among an organization's primary eCommerce operations. What does a manager of eCommerce operations do?To ensure that operations are carried out as effectively as possible, an eCommerce operations manager is in charge of organising, carrying out, managing, and analysing various procedures within the eCommerce supply chain. What are the advantages of a successful eCommerce operations strategy?An eCommerce operations strategy must be carefully planned to meet your business needs and customer expectations.Having a successful eCommerce operating strategy has the following advantages:A thorough eCommerce operations process and the plan are essential to support the growth of your bran:-Well-defined operations strategies increase prospects for growth. You may scale your eCommerce brand to meet rising consumer demand and enter the omnichannel market to serve more customers, thanks to growing sales volume and high order fulfilment.Greater backend efficiency results from effective eCommerce operations management:-  Efficient fulfilment procedures result from an eCommerce operations strategy that handles every aspect of warehouse and logistics operations.Improved eCommerce services lead to better client relations:- Customer loyalty keeps your brand successful. Poor assembly, slow shipment, and inaccurate orders won't do much to attract customers. Carefully specified eCommerce operations greatly enhance a seamless purchasing experience. Customers are more inclined to choose your eCommerce site over rivals when orders come on time and are delivered exactly as described.

August 21, 2022