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What Are Shipping Labels & How to Create them? A Guide for Fulfillment in 2024

What Are Shipping Labels & How to Create them? A Guide for Fulfillment in 2024

The shipping labels that appear on packages don’t get as much attention as they should. They contain crucial information about the shipment such as details about the product, where it needs to be shipped and the price of the order. If a package happens to leave the ecommerce warehouse without a label, the order will not be legit and the customer may not accept it. While most people may not be aware of the crucial role of shipping labels, it does not diminish their significance. So what exactly are shipping labels? Let us take a deeper dive. What are Shipping Labels? Shipping Labels are a shipment’s identification card or stamp. They contain critical information about the product and enable it to be transported from the manufacturer to the distributor and eventually, the end customer. It is vital to understand how shipping labels work. They usually contain most of the following data but differ from shipper to shipper: Contents of the packageOrigin and destinationSender and receiver’s information, including contact detailsWeight and dimensionsID or a reference number unique to the shipmentCarrier informationAny specialised inspections conducted to test the fitness and safety level of the productTraceable barcodeShipping mode, e.g., express or standard deliveryPayment status: paid, unpaid, or partially paidMaxiCode, which is like a QR Code. It provides all the necessary data and can be read by a machine in any direction.Customer care numberContact details in case it needs to be returned A shipping label is a proof of supply chain automation. With a shipping label stuck to a package, customers can get all information with just a scan. These labels are non-reusable. No shipping label can be pasted on a new shipment after delivery of the previous one. [contactus_lilgoodness] There are many printers available in the market for printing shipping labels. Let us take a look.Suggested Read: What are Return Labels? Types of Shipping Label Printers Presently, 3PL shipping or logistics partners offer to print shipping labels. Moreover, the manufacturer or the distributor can use a downloadable label template, create their own labels and start printing. Although shipping labels can be printed on a regular printer, it takes more time as each label needs to be cut from the paper to be pasted on the package. One of the reasons why companies use specialised printers to print labels is to save time. The most prominent printers for making shipping labels are:  Inkjet and Laser Printers These are a good option if a moderate number of labels need to be printed every month. However, they can be costly due to the ink price, which is often bought depending on usage. Moreover, labels printed through these machines need an extra layer of protection. For instance, the ink can get smudged when exposed to water. Furthermore, if they are placed inside a protective covering, the barcodes and MaxiCodes can become unreadable by machines. Therefore, shipping labels printed through these devices require alot more effort and consideration for external factors. Thermal Printers Although thermal printers demand more initial investment, they save the cost of ink or protective coverings. Only the label rolls need to be bought and replaced. Since they use heat to embed the print, there is no risk of smudging. They produce long-lasting labels. Thermal printers are an excellent investment if the company deals with many shipments per month. There are various brands available in the market. Some of the top brands and models are mentioned below: Rollo Label PrinterDYMO Label PrinterMUNBYN Thermal Label PrinterAOBIO X4 Shipping Label PrinterArkscan 2054A Label PrinterMFLABEL Thermal Label PrinterJiose Thermal Label PrinterK Corner Shipping Label PrinterBrother QL800 Label Printer 4 Best Shipping Labels Practices to Consider in 2024 Printing correct shipping labels is essential. Any missing information can delay, delegitimize or stop the distribution of the package. Here are some of the best practices that companies should follow for printing shipping labels: Placement Shipping labels must be pasted on the topmost surface for parcels that must be kept upright and have the ‘This Way Up’ instruction printed or pasted on the box. For all other packages, it needs to be stuck on an easily visible area like the top or side of the box. The label must be stuck flat on the surface without bends or creases. They must be placed after the package has been thoroughly wrapped. Moreover, they must be of an apt size that does not spill outside the box or where the print is too small for reading. Their size and quality affect their functioning. Protection In the monsoon season or in areas with high humidity, the label must be covered with plastic or tape. Some shippers use plastic wallets to slide the label in. It remains temporarily sealed and can be pulled out for reading. While this practice was initially used only for international shipping to include necessary documents for customs, many shipping aggregators have started using it in domestic logistics. In an everyday scenario, shipping labels must be stapled or pasted well to ensure that they do not fall off en route. Waybills One cannot predict what damage might occur to a shipping label. Hence, it is essential to have a backup. Moreover, the packing slips and waybills are copies of the shipping label or a document containing the same crucial shipment information. It goes inside the package or the plastic wallet stuck to the outside. Waybills contain the same information as the shipping label, including the sender’s and receiver’s information, package content, order ID, and customer service number. Special Instructions A shipping label is the window into the details of a package. It must include any special directives for handling the shipment safely and correctly to avoid damage. The shippers should print instructions such as: Correct instructions for placing the package, e.g. 'This Way Up' labelsWarnings for fragile contentWarnings for temperature or time-sensitive contentWarnings for flammable productsLabels for confidential contentInstructions such as untouchable by hand such as for products containing dry ice Creating Shipping Labels Things like label and font size, order information, location of the label and quality of paper used for printing make a huge difference. A company can get shipping labels created from two sources: Ask their logistics partner to generate the label for a few ordersHire an aggregator for label printing Most 3PL shipping partners take the onus of printing the company’s shipping labels. However, if a business does not have such an association, they can manually print the labels for their shipments. Here are a few tools: Carrier Websites: Websites like DHL, UPS, Amazon FBA, FedEx, and eBay shipping allow users to create shipping labels on their websites. This comes in handy if the shipment volume per month is low. Besides importing all the shipment data into the website each time, the shipping company must manually update the customer on order tracking details.  Shipping Label Software Solutions: Solutions like Linnworks, Loftware NiceLabel,  Loftware Spectrum, MarkMagic, Maestro Label Designer can help print shipping labels for a larger monthly shipment volume. Shipping Tools: They help online retailers automate the entire shipping process, including generating shipping labels. Once integrated with the eCommerce website, they automatically retrieve order details and help create the label. Companies use such tools when handling a large number of shipments per month. Manual Writing: Shipping labels can also be handwritten on paper and stuck to the package or written directly on a small box, mostly for private and domestic shipments. As a result, most companies do not use this method to avoid any risk of damage to the label. Conclusion: How are Shipping Labels Important for eCommerce Orders? A shipment without a label is like a person travelling without a ticket or a passport. But there are three specific reasons why shipping labels are needed for eCommerce industry operations in 2024. Smooth Information Flow A shipping label contains all information that the transporters and customers need to know for a smooth package delivery to its final destination. Any discrepancy or absence of such information will halt the package in the middle of the supply chain. Enhances Efficacy Supply chain productivity depends on the accurate and timely flow of information. Shipping labels are the messengers that carry data from the warehouse to the end customer via distributors. Their presence ensures that the supply chain functions properly. A package without a shipping label can get lost in transit or delayed, thus leading to unmet customer expectations. Maintains Brand Image Shiny and clearly printed shipping labels create an excellent impression for the onlooker. Of course, labels can get dirty and damaged in transit. But the top-notch quality of shipping labels polishes the brand image for the end customer. If you need a shipping label provider for your business, in addition to a host of other fulfillment requirements, consider partnering with WareIQ. WareIQ is one of India’s leading and fastest-growing full-stack eCommerce fulfillment companies that offer a variety of services from same-day and next-day delivery, shipping badges and RTO Shield, to state of the art technological solutions such as our custom WMS and our intuitive, well-designed app store. We can take care of your brand’s entire fulfillment requirements and ensure that you and your customers get the best order fulfillment in the country and have a hassle-free experience and raise satisfaction levels to new heights. You May Like: Branded Shipping in eCommerce [signup] Shipping Labels FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Can retailers generate shipping labels for free?Shipping labels can be created for free, but the company needs to pay for its postage. Can anyone print shipping labels at home?Yes, anyone with a recommended label printer and the right quality paper can print suitable shipping labels. Can shipping labels be handwritten?Yes, it can be handwritten. However, the bar code or the MaxiCode still needs to be printed and pasted on the shipment. It is also worth noting that it might impact the impression customers have of your business as most people are accustomed to printed shipping labels. What are prepaid shipping labels?Companies include prepaid shipping labels in packages to facilitate the return of products. Moreover, some non-profit organisations provide prepaid shipping labels to help people send over items for donation via courier. Is hiring a 3PL for shipping labels a good idea?Definitely yes! You have to pay them for shipping and then a 3PL company ensures your orders are labeled and shipped properly. Outsourcing can infact help you reduce your shipping costs also. Can WareIQ provide solutions for shipping labels?Not only can WareIQ provide shipping label solutions for your business, we also provide a choice of more than 20 of the top shipping companies in the nation to partner with, to ensure that your customers receive the highest quality delivery experience.

May 25, 2022

How to Sell on Flipkart: Step by Step Beginner’s Guide to Become a Flipkart Seller in 2024

How to Sell on Flipkart: Step by Step Beginner’s Guide to Become a Flipkart Seller in 2024

Flipkart is one of the largest eCommerce selling platforms in India and its growth has only accelerated in the past few years, with the onset of the pandemic. Flipkart now has a commanding 31% share of the Indian eCommerce market, on par with its largest rival, Amazon. Many online retailers seek to sell on Flipkart so that they can grow their business and expand their customer base. There are many other advantages and other things to consider when opting to sell on Flipkart. Let's dive in deeper to get a better understanding. You can check out our blog on how to integrate WareIQ's WMS with a Flipkart seller accounnt and how to fulfill Flipkart orders. Why Should You Choose to Become a Flipkart Seller? Adapting to Ever-Changing Industry Trends Choosing to sell on Flipkart comes with the advantage of having information on current and future trends in the market so that retailers can stay on top of them and take advantage by having special promotions, forecasting demand accordingly, and highlighting newer or relevant products etc. This enables sellers to hop on the bandwagon and not get left behind for failing to adapt. Reduced Marketing Budget One of the few drawbacks of becoming a Flipkart seller is that you have to compete with a vast number of other businesses, that either has similar products or similar pricing. But you need not fret because Flipkart provides you with the ability to tap into its vast pool of marketing professionals and photographers to come up with suitable strategies to promote your products and make them look as appealing as possible. You can also get advice on advertising and promotions which will help to make your products more visible. All this can be done in-house which means that you do not need to pay high fees to an external agent. Existing Fulfillment Infrastructure When you sell on Flipkart, you can fulfill orders in one of 2 ways - Flipkart Fulfillment or Self Ship Fulfillment. You can either choose to take advantage of Flipkart’s existing D2C fulfillment infrastructure, which comprises a nationwide network of warehouses and fulfillment centers, road, rail and air transportation facilities, reverse logistics services, 10,000+ delivery partners and much more. Conversely, you can also opt for Self Ship Fulfillment to fulfill orders on your own, while abiding by Flipkmart’s rules and regulations, or you can opt to partner with a 3PL fulfillment company and utilize all their services and technologies to fulfill Flipkart orders.  Minimal Set-up Expenses  Compared to conventional businesses that have to invest in renting out a building or commercial space, invest in lighting, air conditioning, interior decorations, customer seating areas and much more, being able to sell on Flipkart means that you do not have to direct your funding towards any of these tangible requirements. Instead, all you need to do is pay a nominal fee to become a Flipkart seller, sign up and sell your products. You can use the large amount of money you save on important core aspects of your business such as research and development, conducting market research and running advertising campaigns. Nationwide Network of Customers and Fulfillment Centers One of the biggest advantages of becoming a Flipkart seller is that you instantly get access to Flipkart’s 1 million-plus users as potential customers. This will instantly boost your sales volumes and skyrocket the growth of your business. Additionally, when you sell on Flipkart, you get access to Flipkart’s India-wide network of warehouses and fulfillment centers so that you can store inventory closer to areas of high demand or near major shipping hubs to ensure that your customers receive their orders on time and have a positive ordering, delivery and post-ship experience. You can also read our blogs on how to sell on Mytra, sell on Amazon and sell on Shopify to get a better understanding of other online platforms. [contactus_lilgoodness] 5 Simple Steps to Start to Sell on Flipkart in 2024 Step 1: Registering on Flipkart In order to sell on Flipkart, you first need to sign up with a new Flipkart account or log in to an existing Flipkart account which can be done on the Flipkart Seller Homepage. Once this is done, you will be required to add information about yourself, your business and the type of products you’d be opting to sell on Flipkart. A few of the required details are listed below: NameEmail addressPhone numberPickup address/business addressCategories of products the business is interested in selling through FlipkartBusiness registration documentsTax registration documents Step 2: Registering Your Business After the initial registration has been completed, you are required to register your business. For the sake of convenience, it is best to register your business as either a Private Limited Company (PLC) or a Limited Liability Company (LLC) as both types of business have access to certain facilities and protections that other types of companies do not such as liability protection, easy transferability, easy scalability, ability to be a separate legal entity and much more. The following documents are needed to register each: Identity Proof Private Limited Company Certificate of Incorporation of Private Limited Company (Copy)Memorandum of Association (Copy)PAN Card of the Company Limited Liability Company Partnership registration or LLP Incorporation CertificatePartnership deedPower of Attorney granted to a Partner or an Employee of the LLP or Partnership firm to transact business on its behalfOfficial document identifying Partners and the person holding the Power of Attorney with their photographs (Any 1)PAN Card of the LLP or Partnership Firm Address Proof Private Limited Company Company's Fixed Line Telephone billElectricity bill of the CompanyLease or Rental Agreement of the Company Limited Liability Company Official valid document for address confirmation of the Partners and the persons holding the Power of Attorney (Any 1)Telephone bill of Company or Partner’sElectricity bill Company or Partner’sLease or Rental AgreementLease or License Agreement Step 3: Entering your GST and Bank Account Information You will need to enter your bank account details and billing information so that Flipkart can transfer your consolidated revenue for every order. You will also need to enter the below details: GSTIN/TIN NumberPAN cardActive Bank accountAddress Proof & canceled cheque for KYC Step 4: Listing Your Products After all the required information has been added, you can officially start to sell on Flipkart. You will have to add a detailed description of your business and list out your products with a descriptive paragraph, pictures, and detailed information about its dimensions, pricing, and features, which you can do from the Flipkart Seller Dashboard. Step 5: Post-Setup Process When a customer makes a purchase, an order automatically gets generated with all the relevant information. You can then accept the order and choose whether you want to fulfill the order through Flipkart, on your own, or through a 3PL logistics partner. The necessary commission fees are then deducted and the remaining balance will be transferred to your bank account. Alternatively You May Like: How to sell on snapdeal 8 Top Strategies to Get the Most Out of Selling on Flipkart Strive to Improve the Performance Score of Your Flipkart Account ‍When you sell on Flipkart, you are graded on the performance of your products and services. Flipkart has an account performance matrix that is separated into 3 levels - Gold, Silver, and Bronze, where retailers are eligible for rewards that vary based on their performance. There are 4 main metrics that Flipkart measures performance on - sales, average product ratings, service quality, and regional utilisation. If your performance is up to the mark, you can achieve Flkipkart Gold Seller status, which will legitimize your business in the eyes of potential customers. Provide Ultra-Fast Delivery ‍Consumers are now accustomed to next-day, same-day, and even 10-minute delivery in some cases. You need to make sure that you provide fast delivery services otherwise you risk losing customers to competitors that provide these services. You also need to make sure that customers’ orders are delivered according to the estimated date and time otherwise a situation could arise where they are not available to pick up the order and this will lead to a negative interaction with your business. ‍Maintain Suitable Levels of Inventory ‍When you sell on Flipkart, you need to make sure to have a proper inventory management strategy in place to be able to understand the demand levels of each product and avoid high ending inventory levels, which seasons get you the most customers and forecast inventory demand for future and to be able to stock inventory appropriately. You need to maintain just the right amount of inventory to be able to fulfill orders because if your inventory levels are too high, your products may expire or become irrelevant and if your inventory levels are too low, you could risk having out-of-stock situations and not being able to fulfill orders which result in both a loss of revenue and customers having a negative impression of your business. Suggested Read: How to handle out-of-stock situations? Provide Detailed Descriptions in Every Product Listing Your product listings are the main portion of your page that customers will pay the most attention to. You need to be sure that each listing has a well-written and clear-cut description to help customers make an informed decision. A few important points to implement are listed below: Title: The title needs to have important keywords related to the products and the segment so that it gets more visibility and can be recommended to people who are searching for similar products.Description: You need to provide a detailed description of the product, features, dimensions, and price.Images: You need to multiple add high-quality images to your listing to showcase every possible angle of the product and also alternate between images of the product in a still setting and in its ideal use-case scenario Abide by Flipkart’s Rules and Regulations ‍When you choose to sell on Flipkart, you need to make sure that you follow all the rules and regulations that are put in place by Flipkart to avoid penalisations. Flipkart’s policies are designed to provide the best possible experience to customers and also maintain its own reputation. If you put in an effort to have similar standards for your business, it will increase customer retention and trust, thus increasing revenue. It’s a win-win. ‍Utilise Premium Packaging Materials The packaging experience plays a significant role in enhancing the overall customer experience. Customers are bound to appreciate the effort of a well-thought-out, well-packaged product as opposed to one that has been shabbily thrown together. Branded shipping will help customers resonate with your brand and will help you stand out from a sea of other competitors in the same space. Take Part in Spike Sales Sales are a surefire way to gain the attention of shoppers, especially in India, where people are always on the lookout for the best possible deals. Flipkart hosts multiple “Spike Sales” that you can choose to participate in, where they have promotions on different categories of products. Be a part of the hype and it’ll definitely pay dividends. ‍ ‍Run Ad Campaigns for Listed Products Running ad campaigns is an assured way of generating more sales and hype around your products. These ads will automatically direct customers toward your listing and will also be recommended to people that are searching for similar products. We have listed the steps to run ad campaigns below: Go to the seller dashboard and press the “advertising” button.Choose your preferred campaign strategy.Choose the product you want to run ads for.The chosen items will now appear as “Featured Products” on Flipkart.The ad will now be visible to customers who are browsing the site and they can choose to click on it and order if they want to. Sell on Flipkart: Pros and Cons Pros for Retailers who Sell on Flipkart Increase in Potential Customers When retailers sell on Flipkart, they gain access to 1 million active users which could become a pool of potential customers for your business. Your products would also get increased visibility on search engines like Google due to the fact that Flipkart is one of the largest eCommerce selling platforms in the country. Mitigation of Errors and Delays Retailers who sell on Flipkart can make use of the company’s vast network of fulfillment services, ranging from warehousing and retail fulfillment services to shipping aggregation, ultra-fast delivery, and reverse logistics. Many of these services make use of the highest-end technology available and are able to mitigate any manual errors or delays before they even happen. Most small and mid-sized businesses would not have access to such resources on their own. Increased Trust in the Company  Becoming a seller on Flipkart enables retailers to take advantage of the overwhelmingly positive image that customers have of the company. Since Flipkart and other eCommerce selling platforms standardize most of their processes, there is very little chance of customers receiving a bad experience and on the off chance that they do, Flipkart’s incredible customer support will diffuse the tension. Customers will come to associate this same level of efficiency and perfection with your brand as well. They offer flipkart-assured badges too which helps companies have customers' trust. Enhanced Customer Care Facilities As mentioned in the point above, retailers who sell on  Flipkart can utilize their highly-capable 24/7 customer support to assist customers with any query or issue that they might face. Customer support is a valuable asset in providing a seamless overall experience and customers often appreciate good communication and transparency in dealing with issues. Cons for Retailers who Sell on Flipkart Increased Levels of Competition Not only do retailers who sell on Flipkart have to deal with competition in their local area but also in different parts of the country. There are a vast number of sellers who would be operating with a similar business model, and sell similar products at a similar price, with all of them scrambling to attain as many customers as possible. It can be difficult for businesses to differentiate themselves from this sea of competition, especially in the eyes of consumers, who just want the best products at the cheapest possible prices. Delays in Receiving Payments Retailers need to offer multiple forms of payment in order to compete. In the case of online payments, it could take multiple days for payments to reflect in the seller’s account which could lead to increased levels of confusion. Even after payments come in, it first goes to Flipkart, who deducts their commission and other charges before finally transferring the remaining amount to the seller. This means that sellers only receive their payment after 7 to 14 days which is a long duration of time. Reduced Profit Margins  In order to sell on Flipkart, retailers need to pay a certain subscription charge. As mentioned above, payments are only made to retailers after Flipkart deducts their share, which reduces the profit margins per order. These charges can take a significant toll on small to mid-sized businesses that have not properly accounted for them. Larger Spotlight on the Product Instead of the Brand  Since there are a vast amount of competitors and rival products available on Flipkart, customers often associate sellers with their products rather than their brand. This can have a negative impact because successful brands such as Flipkart and Google, have a definitive brand image in the eyes of their customers. It can be difficult for up and coming brands to achieve that same status while having to compete with look-alike products and other brands. Conclusion Many retailers strive to sell on Flipkart. While there are certainly a large number of benefits associated with this, there are also disadvantages and expenses that sellers will have to account for while making this decision. If you want to achieve stellar levels of growth and expansion, while still having some flexibility to make your own decisions and not get completely immersed in Flipkart’s ecosystem, consider partnering with a 3PL fulfillment company such as WareIQ to take care of all your order fulfillment requirements. This will enable you to offer quality, hassle-free fulfillment to your customers while being able to focus on increasing sales and enhancing your products. WareIQ is one of India’s leading and fastest-growing full-stack eCommerce fulfillment companies that offer a variety of services from same-day and next-day delivery, shipping badges , and RTO Shield, to state of the art technological solutions such as our custom WMS and our intuitive, well-designed wareiq app store. We can take care of your brand’s entire fulfillment requirements and ensure that you and your customers get the best order fulfillment in the country and have a hassle-free experience and raise satisfaction levels to new heights. [signup] Sell on Flipkart FAQs Can retailers cancel orders on Flipkart?If an order is cancelled after the RTD is checked, the software automatically cancels the order if the order is not picked up after 3 attempts. Because the order has not been delivered to the customer, it is considered a cancellation from the retailer by Flipkart. Does Flipkart charge a fixed fee?The fixed fee is a minute deductable charge of 2% that is made by Flipkart for every confirmed sale, which refers to orders that have been successfully delivered to the buyer. Is it easy to sell on Flipkart?Flipkart has a relatively simple listing process compared to other eCommerce selling platforms. However, you are required to list at least 10 products to sell on Flipkart. Can your Flipkart seller account be integrated with WareIQ’s WMS?Users can seamlessly integrate their Flipkart seller accounts with WareIQ's WMS. This comes with multiple benefits such as being able to track orders and manage inventory of multiple selling platforms in one place. Can you use 3PL fulfillment companies to fulfill Flipkart orders?Yes, Flipkart allows its users to offload their fulfillment requirements to 3PL fulfillment companies under Self Ship Fulfillment.

May 24, 2022

Sell on Shopify: A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Become a Shopify Seller in 2024

Sell on Shopify: A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Become a Shopify Seller in 2024

Shopify Inc. is an eCommerce company and an online selling platform that is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. Its platform enables users to take advantage of a vast online marketplace by setting up an online store to sell on Shopify. More than 1.7 million businesses worldwide have opted to sell their products on Shopify which has made it one of the largest eCommerce companies in the world. A unique aspect of Shopify is that they not only offer a selling platform for online business but also for offline business, a market that few other big eCommerce players have opted to enter. In this blog, we will take a look at how retailers can sell on Shopify, how they can become a Shopify seller, the pros and cons of using Shopify’s platform in 2024 and much more.  Why Should You Choose to Sell on Shopify? Fast and Simple Setup Process Setting up an account on Shopify is extremely seamless and user-friendly, especially for people who don’t have much technical knowledge and experience. The biggest advantage is that even though the platform is feature-packed, it still has a decluttered and intuitive user interface. There are also multiple guides and tutorials on Shopify’s website that makes solving queries even simpler. Mitigates the Need for Technical Knowledge Shopify is designed to work well for normal people who maybe had a killer business idea or product and seek to sell on Shopify but may not have any technical knowledge. Every software feature is created in-house as well as all website hosting activities. This makes the platform faster, more efficient and secure. Additionally, software updates are pushed by Shopify themselves so you can throw any need for learning complex technical processes out the window. There are no learning curves involved. Enhanced Security and Reliability Retailers who want to become a Shopify seller can reassure themselves and their customers with the extreme level of security and reliability that is offered by Shopify. eCommerce businesses deal in heaps of ultra-sensitive information such as contact details and credit card numbers and it always pays off to not have to worry about the security of personal information. Shopify takes care of all website and server-related maintenance as well as constantly pushing software updates and security patches to ensure that the network and users’ information is always safe and secure, issuing SSEL certificates for data encryption and PCI compliance to secure credit card information. Round the Clock Customer Care Facilities When retailers sell on Shopify, their customers also gain access to 24/7 customer support to take care of any query or issue that might arise. Customers can choose their contact preferences ranging from phone calls, emails and online chats to community forums and the Shopify Help Center to make sure that their needs are always met and at their convenience. Choice of Applications at Users’ Fingertips Not only does Shopify offer a web experience that is tailored to desktops, mobiles and tablets, it also offers a range of customization and applications that users can download with the click of a button. There are more than 160 themes users can choose from to give their page a unique look as well as applications for the addition of different functionalities such as wishlists, reviews, loyalty programs, analytics, marketing apps, integration with social media and much more. You can also read our blogs on how to sell on Amazon, Myntra and Flipkart to get more information about similar services. 6 Simple Steps to Start to Sell on Shopify in 2024 Step 1: Registering Your Shopify Account The initial step in order to sell on Shopify and become a shopify seller is to register an account. You will need to fill out information such as your name and contact information. If you choose the “free 14-day trial” option, you won’t need a credit card to sign in. Doing this will enable you to play around with the different settings and options before committing to it permanently. The free trial ends after 14 days post which you will need to select a purchase plan. You will then need to enter your store name. You will get the below error message if the store name you want already exists. The store name will be your main domain name but it can be changed anytime. After the details of your Shopify store have been added, you will be asked if you are an existing seller. If you are, you will need to mention your current revenue. Post answering these, you will be prompted to answer other questions. You can skip this portion but responding appropriately will enable Shopify to give you better recommendations.  Whether you answer the questions or not, you will then be prompted to enter your business address. Once you finish creating your store, you will be redirected to the main admin panel. You can now sell on Shopify. You can now choose between 3 options: Add a productCustomize a themeAdd a domain *Insert Screenshot*  Step 2: Setting Up Your Domain A primary domain is assigned to you by Shopify. The default format is domainname.myshopify.com but you can always choose a different domain or connect an existing domain. Every seller can only have 1 primary domain. Step 3: Choosing a Theme Your theme is what customers will see when they click on your store, which can be customised according to your preferences. Therefore, choosing an attractive theme that fits your brand image is very important. You can either customise your own theme or choose an existing theme from  Shopify’s theme store. Step 4: Listing Products After creating your store, the next step is to list your products - the main reason for setting up an account in the first place. This is generally the step that takes the most time but it's worth it if you want customers to see your products in all their glory. Go to your admin panel and select “products”. This is where you can list new products and see your existing inventory. You can add a product in 3 ways: Manually: You will have to enter all the information about your product such as the description, features and dimensions, in addition to adding photos. Importing via CSV File: If you want to upload a huge amount of inventory, you can do this by importing a CSV file that gets added to Shopify in bulk.  Identifying on Oberlo: You can connect your account to Oberlo to sync your inventory with Shopify. You May Like: Alternatives to Oberlo Step 5: App Installation You can download apps to enhance the functionality of different aspects of your business to enable faster growth and expansion. There are more than 2600 apps, out of which some are free and some are paid apps. You can choose the ones that fit your requirements. Step 6: Marketing Your Company Marketing is important to make your product visible to as many people, especially your target audience, as you can. An optimised marketing strategy will be able to drive customers to your store and assist in convincing them to make a purchase. You are now ready to sell on Shopify and boost the sales of your business. 8 Strategies to Sell on Shopify Integrate with an Email Marketing System Email marketing is a really efficient and cost-effective way to promote your products. If you sell on Shopify, you can implement email marketing campaigns through various dedicated platforms such as Mailchimp to generate leads and stir interest in your products. These platforms give you the ability to customise your emails with various themes, stickers and designs to make them stand out from the sea of generic promotional emails that customers receive on a daily basis. You can also schedule automatic emails and have different templates for each campaign. Strive Towards Retaining Customers If you sell on Shopify and want to sell your products, scouting for new customers is often more expensive and cumbersome than focusing on retaining existing customers. You can retain customers by putting in effort into minor details such as providing premium branded packaging, order tracking updates and stellar customer support. Research shows that just a 5% gain in customer retention can lead to a 75% gain in profits. So give your customers the same importance post-sale to achieve an enhanced customer experience and gain their trust and loyalty so they will think of you and your brand if they ever have similar requirements.  Implement Cross-Selling Strategies Cross-selling is a means of focusing on the creation of a more robust network of revenue streams from a single order. To do this, you can offer extended warranties, suggest complementary products and offer discounts if a minimum order amount is reached. These tactics convince customers that they are getting a better deal so they are willing to spend more money. Utilise SEO Techniques Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an age-old marketing technique that focuses on increasing the rank of various web pages on search engines such as Google and Yahoo. This is done through adjusting content according to SEO guidelines, adding relevant keywords and using backlinks to and from other pages so that your page ranks as close to the top of search results for those particular keywords as possible. This not only makes your pages more visible and increases traffic but also legitimizes your page in the eyes of potential customers. Write Attractive Product Descriptions While listing products to sell on Shopify, you need to add suitable and well-written descriptions of your products to convince customers that they need them in their lives. You can describe what it is, its use case scenarios, provide clear and accurate measurements of its dimensions, colour and size and what the aim was when creating it. This paired with high-resolution pictures of the product is a recipe for success. Utilise Coupon Marketing Strategies Coupons are another way to increase the hype and visibility of your products by making consumers feel that they are getting a steal of a deal. A consumer might not think of purchasing a product but if they see a coupon code that says 20% off, it’ll instantly make them reconsider because they are associating it with more value for their hard-earned money. They might even end up buying more items to capitalize on all the discounts they are receiving through coupons. Sell on Different Channels Retailers should never relegate themselves to selling on only one platform if they want to be successful. If you choose sell on multiple channels such as Shopify, Amazon, Flipkart and eBay, among others, you open your business to up to every customer that uses these platforms and may require what you are offering. Many customers also faithfully stick to one platform and if you are not visible to them on that platform, you have instantly lost an opportunity to make a sale. Keep your options open and sell on as many platforms as you can. Choose an eCommerce Fulfillment Company for Shopify Fulfillment as well to fulfill Amazon orders, fulfill Flipkart orders etc. Offer Upsizing Options on Orders Upsizing is a form of offering a better and more expensive version of a product that sellers have already shown interest in. For example, if a seller is browsing for an iPhone 12 and they see an iPhone 13 in the recommendations for not that much extra, they instantly start contemplating buying the better version because they can now compare the features and price with a single tap. This paired with discounts or coupons can instantly increase the volume and prices of each order. Of course, you need to upsize according to each customer and make sure that the product is not too out of their budget. Conclusion Opting to sell on Shopify is a goal for many eCommerce retailers and for good reason. It has a simple setup process and an easy to use interface that provides users with multiple features and benefits. However, it is easy to get caught up in trying to make your online shop as exclusive as possible by purchasing high-end themes and plugins and before you know it, the costs have skyrocketed and that is before Shopify takes a cut of each order you make. In order to get the best of both worlds, we suggest partnering with a 3PL company like WareIQ to enhance your Shopify selling experience, without breaking the bank. WareIQ is one of India’s leading and fastest-growing full-stack eCommerce fulfillment companies that offer a variety of services from same-day and next-day delivery, shipping badges, and RTO Shield, to state of the art technological solutions such as our custom WMS and our intuitive, well-designed app store. Our custom WMS offers seamless integrations with more than 20 online selling platforms including Snapdeal, Amazon, Flipkart, and much more. We can take care of your brand’s entire retail fulfillment requirements and ensure that you and your customers get the best order fulfillment in the country and have a hassle-free experience and raise satisfaction levels to new heights. You can learn more about Shopify order fulfillment here. Over 300 of the fastest-growing eCommerce brands such as The Man Company, Future Group, Kama Ayurveda and Wingreens Farms, already trust WareIQ with the fulfillment services of their companies, so they can focus entirely on core aspects of their businesses such as sales, marketing and R&D. You can also reap all these amazing benefits while stepping up your eCommerce game. We are tailored to every kind of business and offer the most competitive prices in the industry.  Sign Up Now with WareIQ to take advantage of our superior fulfillment tech platform & accelerate the growth of your online business. Sell on Shopify Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Does Shopify take a portion of your revenue?Shopify does take a commission on each sale which is between 2.4% to 2.9% considering what plan you have chosen. If you use an external payment processing method, this reduces to between 0.5% to 2%. How much does it cost to sell on Shopify and become a Shopify seller?Shopify offers a free 14-day period which users don;t need to pay for. Once the plan runs its duration, users can choose between 1 of 3 available pricing plans. What items does Shopify not allow on its platform?if your products are smoking-related, you won't be able to sell on Shopify. The company y has a strict policy against the sale of cigarettes, tobacco, e-juices, e-cigarettes and any other smoking devices such as vaporizers and pipes. Can your Shopify account be integrated with WareIQ's WMS?Shopify can be integrated with WareIQ's WMS in a few simple steps. This enables users to consolidate their Shopify order and inventory level data with other selling platforms so that it can all be managed from one place. Can you use 3PL fulfillment companies to fulfill Shopify orders?Yes, Shopify allows users to partner with 3PL fulfillment companies like WareIQ to take care of their fulfillment requirements.

May 24, 2022

How To Sell On Myntra? Step By Step Guide To Become A Myntra Seller in 2024

How To Sell On Myntra? Step By Step Guide To Become A Myntra Seller in 2024

Myntra is one of India's most profitable e-commerce sites. Being able to sell on Myntra is a fantastic opportunity for any business. Myntra has expanded from offering customized gift products in 2007 to presenting more than 500 Indian and international companies in 2024. Myntra features over 1000 companies and sells over 150,000 goods. Myntra is currently owned by Walmart's Flipkart in India. India is the world's second-largest internet user, with 700 million internet users in a population of 1.4 billion people. Regular internet users make up 87 percent of the total user base. This means that things for online enterprises are only getting better. Myntra, unlike other e-commerce platforms, does not recognize every private label that sells low-quality products. As the platform is limited to branded items, to become a Myntra seller, the vendor should transform the small business into a brand. When you compare Myntra to any other fashion e-commerce platform, you will see that Myntra exclusively promotes selected brands, whilst other platforms register any local selling vendors. Myntra displays your products alongside popular brands that are exclusive to the platform once you register your business. As appealing as a Myntra registration may appear, registering a business on the site is not easy, it takes a fair amount of effort to sell on Myntra. It is for the same reason that scams and low-quality products/businesses are kept off the platform: Before permitting a firm to use the site, Myntra goes through a rigorous screening process before you can start to sell on Myntra. So here is a guide for you to know how to sell products on Myntra. Introduction to Myntra Online Seller Portal Myntra is an online selling platform where retailers can sell their items on the website. It offers an advantageous way for retailers to deal with their items, make postings, and get orders from buyers. Assuming you have a product and are thinking to start to sell on Myntra online portal, you'll have to set up your account and list your products to become a Myntra seller. When you've done that, you can begin with getting orders from buyers and start to sell on Myntra. You can also utilize the seller portal to deal with your stock, and track your business details, from there, the sky is the limit. There are a couple of key advantages to selling on Myntra. In the first place, it's an extremely aggressive commercial center with fierce opposition. This intends that there is potential to make a reasonable amount of revenue assuming you set forth the energy. Also, Myntra offers a simple way for retailers to deal with their items and get orders from buyers. This makes it an ideal stage for independent companies and business visionaries who need to begin selling their items on Myntra. At last, Myntra has high consumer loyalty rates, which is reasonable because of its advantageous stage and cutthroat costs. Venders can likewise utilize Myntra's delivery apparatuses to ascertain transporting costs and get jiomart orders for potential buyers. At long last, Myntra provides online tools to buyers to find items that they're keen on buying and review merchants' reviews before making a buy. Myntra supports and provides great website traffic on its portal for people who want to become a Myntra seller. [contactus_uth] Why Choose to Become a Myntra Seller? Myntra is one of the biggest online business platforms having expertise casually and fashionably of life. Based in Bangalore, Karnataka. Myntra is an online commercial center for the Indian crowd. In this article, you will figure out how to sell on Myntra as a vendor and for that you should know how to register yourself and list products on Myntra. This brings us to an important question- Is it profitable to sell on Myntra? Myntra is an online internet business commercial center that sells local and global brands with month-to-month website traffic of around 92 million, as of November 2022 (as per SEMRUSH Stats). It has turned into a significant advertising channel for every one of the brands that work in the design and way of life areas. Is there a Myntra seller fees charged? There is no dealer commission to enroll on Myntra. Myntra charges a proper commission of 4% to 5%, contingent upon the classification of the item. Myntra committed account directors to give definite data about this classification and illuminate you about the various kinds of advancements you can use to draw in expected clients. After the registration and enlistment of products, you can sell on Myntra and access different assets for your business development. Advantages of Selling Products On The Myntra Seller Portal in 2024 As a Myntra vendor, you should get aware of the several compelling reasons for shops to flock to Myntra and establish a significant presence in the online marketplace. Myntra retailers have complete control over their merchandise once authorized. Companies can handle orders, online sales, catalogs, merchandise quantities, and product quality. When sellers start to sell on Myntra, they experience many advantages of selling on this platform. Some of them are mentioned below. Myntra's Internet Presence Reaches A Significant Number of People. Myntra's management has always believed that having an online presence is essential for connecting with customers on a personal level. As a result, they provide a diverse range of products from leading companies, and their user-friendly website makes it simple for clients to find what they're looking for. In India, Myntra's marketplace reach is extensive. It is offered to all types of customers who are eager to purchase things in a variety of pricing ranges. With so many people visiting their website, it's no surprise that their items are constantly rated among the best on the market. If you want to sell on Myntra successfully, start by establishing a strong presence on Myntra. It will assist you in connecting with more potential clients and increasing revenue. When you use third-party platforms, you can save money on marketing charges. Myntra marketplace receives millions of visitors each day and has a consistent user base, and you don't have to worry about the payment gateway as well.  Myntra receives millions of visitors each day and has a consistent user base, and you don't have to worry about the payment gateway as well. WareIQ also provides packaging materials, facilitating packaging and shipping easier for online vendors. Myntra Provides a Diverse Range of Products Myntra is India's largest eCommerce company, with over 6 million consumers. Products one can sell on Myntra range from apparel to appliances Many Indian vendors have listed their businesses and items to gain more attention and reach a broader audience. Myntra is a shopping website that sells a variety of products for men, women, and children. Clothing, accessories, and footwear are all available. Myntra also has a sale area with fantastic deals on clothing, footwear, and accessories. Myntra Gives Excellent Customer Service Myntra offers excellent customer service to those who sell on Myntra as well as their consumers. Their team is ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with your issues and queries. Furthermore, they have a well-organized return policy in place that allows you to easily get your money back if the thing you purchased does not fulfill your expectations Overall, Myntra is a trustworthy online shopping platform with excellent customer care. Myntra Items are Competitively Priced Myntra provides competitively priced products at savings of up to 50% off standard rates. Users can filter products by category, size, color, and brand using the app. Dynamic pricing is critical in boosting sales on online marketplaces. A slew of firms offering analytics services assist marketplaces and those who sell on Myntra in updating their prices by constantly watching market demand and supply as they strive to sell enormous volumes. Offering competitive prices and keeping good metrics assist online retailers in capturing the "buy-box," or conspicuous placement at the top of the category page. On peak sale days, vendors that do an average of a couple of crores in businesses hire the least people to adjust the prices on the marketplace. Myntra Offers Discounted Deals and Also Easy Returns on Goods The vendor who sells on Myntra also provides discounted deals on products so that consumers can purchase them. Discounts and promotions are available on a variety of products and categories. Users must scan the barcode of the goods they wish to purchase and then navigate to the 'Myntra Deals' tab on the product page. They will then be able to see all of the available discounts and promotions. Myntra has simple return and exchange policies. You can return the product for a full refund or exchange it for something else within 14 days of getting it. Furthermore, if you are not happy with your purchase, you have the option of receiving a refund or an exchange within 30 days of making your purchase.  Understand Seller Profile- To Become a Myntra Seller With the number of vendors on Myntra increasing at an exponential rate, it became difficult to treat all merchants fairly and incentivize their success. As a result, on August 29, 2019, they launched the Marketplace Partner Tiering Program effort to fuel seller growth and improve user and seller experiences. Moreover, Myntra seller registration is a very easy & hassle-free process. The Marketplace Partner Tiering program's goal is to improve and maintain partners' performance on business-critical criteria like sales, reliability, and quality by assuring a positive customer experience. The program enables sellers of various sizes and tenures to drive their Myntra growth by concentrating on their performance and is divided into three tiers: gold, silver, and bronze. The Marketplace Partner Tiering program is ongoing and will be renewed every quarter in the first week of the first month, based on the partner's performance in the preceding quarter. Gold is the highest category, and to earn it, a partner must constantly maintain good metrics. All sellers begin to sell on Myntra as bronze vendors and can advance to the silver and gold tiers based on their success. 6 Easy Steps of the Onboarding Process to Become a Myntra Seller in 2024 Myntra is a popular eCommerce shopping platform in India. If you are serious about selling on Myntra India, there are numerous options for eCommerce enthusiasts and online merchants to grow their businesses. Myntra Seller Fees Depending on the brand and category of the goods, Myntra charges a flat commission of between 4 and 5 percent. This commission fluctuates for a number of reasons. For products in the high-value and low-price categories, Myntra levies lower prices. You can go straight to the Myntra seller central website for Myntra seller registration online and enter your business information to begin selling your products in the Myntra seller central dashboard. The steps required to become a Myntra seller are given below- Step 1- Fill up the Myntra seller registration form with all of your company's information. Step 2- Enter business information such as GST number, PAN number, Bank account details, business address, email address, phone number, and so on. These details will be used to generate tax invoices for clients and the marketplace. After registering, you must set up your store by selecting a theme and a location. After you've built the store, you'll need to build a listing, which we'll go through later in the post. This will comprise the URL of your store, the title of your product, its price, and the number of units available for purchase. You will also need to market your store on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, and also through online search ads. Step 3- Select the product category you want to sell on Myntra. You should conduct additional research on the product you intend to offer on Myntra.  Step 4- Enter product information and begin product listing. You must decide on a selling price. Create an eye-catching and useful listing for all customers. Finally, enter information about each item, such as its price and description, into the product list. You're ready to sell on Myntra, once you've finished these steps! To increase your visibility and sales in the marketplace, you must include as much information as possible. There are numerous resources accessible on the internet that can assist you in attracting customers to your listings. It is critical to conduct research before selling on Myntra. Know what the product you're selling has to offer, and make sure to highlight all of its features and benefits. You should also ensure that you have reliable information about sizing, colors, and other characteristics. Step 5- Determine how you want the merchandise shipped. You can use third-party logistics to get your product to clients. Choose a shipping rate based on the size and weight of all of your purchases. Step 6- To begin receiving orders from the marketplace, you must conduct a promotion and advertising campaign. Use social media and other internet methods to publicize your listing. You can also provide free delivery and easy returns. To know more, as to which business structure you need to register your business on Myntra, and start to sell on Myntra. How Does Myntra Measure Your Sales Performance After initiating to sell on Myntra, always keep in mind the KPIs that Myntra analyses for you to sell on Myntra. Evaluation of seller's performance is done using these inspection criteria that they have developed- Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) Myntra pushes for maximum sales. Myntra uses the Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of vendors to assess their success. It is the total value of products sold to clients by a vendor over a specific period, excluding returns and canceled purchases. Seller Cancellations Myntra anticipates a minimal number of order cancellations from its sellers. So, this performance indicator indicates any cancellation initiated by the seller, i.e. when the seller lacks sufficient inventory or is unable to fulfill a specific transaction for whatever reason, the seller must cancel the order Cancellations caused by Myntra, on the other hand, would not be considered in this measure. Adherence to Inventory SLAs This metric only applies to vendors who do not handle their order fulfillment, i.e. Myntra handles their order fulfillment. Myntra does not want any issues to cause order delays or client cancellations. So, to avoid scenarios that can cause a product to be out of stock (OOS) owing to a delay in delivery, Myntra expects merchants to obtain inventory within a specific time frame. Adherence to Delivery SLAs This indicator applies exclusively to merchants who conduct order fulfillment in-house or outsource order fulfillment to a 3PL (third-party logistics) provider. Because Myntra wants its merchants to fulfill orders quickly, it has created tough standards that sellers must follow. All orders indicated as ready-to-dispatch on time are included in the dispatch SLA. Returns Myntra anticipates low order returns. Myntra considers any orders that were returned (or reimbursed) by the consumer that the seller could control for this purpose, excluding try goods, purchase goods and product quality returns. Quality of Product When it comes to product quality, Myntra has high expectations. Myntra takes into account any orders that were returned due to quality difficulties, such as defective products, fabric quality, faded products, used products, worn-out products, stitching flaws, and so on. How to Become a Gold Seller on Myntra After you start to sell on Myntra, always aspire to become a gold-tier seller. For that you must achieve the following performance criteria: GMV (gross merchandise value): Traders who sell on Myntra should have a monthly GMV of at least INR 25 lakhs.Seller Cancellations: Traders who sell on Myntra should cancel fewer than 0.11 percent.Observance of Inventory SLA: Traders who sell on Myntra should have a procurement rate of more than 85 percent from April 1st to September 30th of any given year, and from October 1st of the same year, sellers should have a procurement rate of more than or equal to 90 percent.Observance of RTD SLA: Traders who sell on Myntra should have a Ready to Dispatch rate greater than or equivalent to 90%. Guide To Improve Performance Criteria Every Vendor who sells on Myntra aspires to be a Gold Seller on the platform. In comparison to the other grades, Myntra's Gold tier provides several perks. The challenge now is how to enhance your performance so that you may become a Myntra seller with Gold Tier status, and how to keep your Myntra Gold Tier status if you currently have it. You can achieve the gold tier by focusing on improving on KPIs mentioned below. Increase Gross Merchandise Value A vendor who sells on Myntra must have a monthly GMV of at least INR 25 lakhs. To sell on Myntra and obtain that figure of sales, the seller must look into the facts mentioned below  Offer Free Shipping Customers who do not have to pay for delivery are a popular alternative for online purchasing. Customers that are price sensitive and want a clear pricing structure would appreciate the free shipping. Upsell and Cross-Selling of Products Upselling is a sales tactic that involves selling a better, more costly version of a product that a client already possesses (or just bought). Meanwhile, cross-selling refers to offering items that are similar to those that a consumer already owns You may upsell items by offering larger sizes, adding additional features, or improving performance. If a consumer desires 4GB RAM for their computers, upsell them to 16GB RAM, with a limited-time offer and a somewhat higher cost than their prior option. On your product pages, you may include an "often bought with this item" or "who bought this" area for cross-selling. Add Bundles When you bundle complementary products into a collection of things that can be purchased together at a discount or at a lower price than when purchased separately, this is known as product bundling. As an upsell or cross-sell, you might group goods. Alternatively, you may design a one-of-a-kind product bundle in a gift box or with bespoke wrapping. Discounted Deals Discounting is a marketing tactic that encourages customers to buy more and in larger quantities at a reduced price. This is especially helpful if you're selling things that are generally purchased in bulk. You may also utilize free presents or free merchandise to reward clients who spend more money in your shop. Quality Customer Service Approximately 95% of customers feel that customer service is vital in their brand selection and loyalty. Furthermore, 80 percent of customers value a company's experience as much as its products. When you take the time to address clients' inquiries on social media and live chat, you develop trust and make them feel comfortable purchasing from you. Return requests can be converted into new sales if you are diligent in managing them. Instead of requesting a refund, your buyer may be content with an exchange. This boosts brand confidence and encourages people to return to your store. After all, keeping a current client is five times less expensive than obtaining a new one. Lower Order Cancellation Ratio The vendor who sells on Myntra must have seller cancellations of fewer than 0.11 percent. To sell on Myntra and maintain lesser cancellations, the seller must look into the facts mentioned below  Make Information Easily Accessible The client of the twenty-first century is well-informed. Most shoppers do their leg work before making a purchase and most of the buyers abandon the purchase due to a lack of information.  Providing precise information such as product characteristics, usefulness, and the price will help to decrease cancellations and returns. Enabling easy access to help agents can also inspire consumers to call out for information that they cannot obtain elsewhere. Agents at call center outsourcing businesses may capitalize on cross-selling and upselling possibilities by assisting clients in locating items that meet their specific requirements. Prioritize Transparency Transparency with your consumers about product or service performance, availability, or order tracking can help decrease cancellations. Transparency may also be improved with a clear and efficient communication strategy. It is well established that providing 24/7 customer assistance through customer service outsourcing has a favorable impact. Use Technology Wisely Technology may be a game-changer for e-commerce companies. Using technology wisely while managing inventories or connecting with consumers may improve customer experience and reduce mid-purchase dropouts. Advanced programs and inventory management software, for example, can give up-to-date product listings. This can help to decrease order cancellations due to delays. Technology can also be used to facilitate quick communication, such as with chatbots. Check High-Value COD Orders When transporting high-value cash-on-delivery goods, an unavailable consumer might pose significant logistical and financial challenges for your company. Before fulfilling a COD order, it is usually preferable to confirm the customer's availability. This can help you avoid last-minute cancellations and save you money. Check High-Value COD Orders Find the Right Fulfillment Partners For successful product distribution, an e-commerce firm must rely on several partners. A diverse set of stakeholders influences customer experience, ranging from logistical partnerships to contact center outsourcing firms. This is why it is critical to select the correct partners to build a trustworthy experience chain for your clients and avoid cancellations due to discontent Minimize Returns Vendors who sell on Myntra must maintain the least returns as much as possible. To sell on Myntra and maintain returns, the seller must look into the facts mentioned below  360-degree product images To sell on Myntra or any eCommerce fulfillment platform differs from selling in a traditional retail store. In a retail store, customers may visually check and judge the quality of things. E-commerce platforms, on the other hand, provide relatively few visual indications to buyers about the goods they are about to purchase. Sellers must overcome that gap with outstanding product photography. Providing your consumers with a 360-degree picture of the goods is the most effective strategy to reduce returns. Don't overlook important visual information so the buyer knows exactly what they're getting. In-depth Product Description If there are any aspects that a photo cannot convey, make sure you mention them in your product description. A thorough product description is essential for decreasing Myntra returns since it reduces the amount of misled purchases. A good description can inform clients about the product's intricacies, such as measurements, color options, and materials utilized to create it. Consumer who understands exactly what they're getting is less likely to return the product once it's been delivered. Make sure to include crucial facts in your product title so that clients can easily find the content. Use product videos Videos are fantastic marketing tools. Because you won't be able to make a sales pitch in person, make sure your product video fills that need. A product video can assist clients in better comprehending the product and making an educated buying decision. It condenses your product photos and descriptions into an easily digestible visual bundle, filling the visual and sensory gap that usually bothers online customers. Keep in mind that you may only upload videos and additional visual material if you are a Myntra-registered brand. Outstanding packing The online shopping experience of a client does not end after a product is purchased. Packaging can help you increase sales significantly. Packaging is more than simply understanding how to pack a product; it is also about ensuring that the proper items are packed in the first place. Always double-check your orders to verify that clients receive the merchandise they requested. Shipping and delivery on schedule Customers have deadlines as well. Their purchase may be a birthday present, therefore waiting for the thing is out of the question. When you get an order, make certain that the product is sent on time, every time. While there are often logistical issues that are beyond the seller's control, it is within your ability to ship orders as quickly as feasible. If the order is late, there is always the possibility that the merchandise may be returned, resulting in an unnecessary blemish on your seller record Ensure timely customer service Because of Myntra's customer-friendly return policies, sellers have few options as a vendor if a product is returned. Returned goods, on the other hand, provide a chance for a seller to learn from their mistakes. Vendors must resolve customer complaints in real time and provide a channel for customers to report their issues. A fast answer might help to alleviate a customer's concerns and boost their trust in your business. A positive customer experience frequently results in more purchases and a reduced return rate. Make use of feedback and client reviews Customer feedback and reviews are critical for enhancing your service and products, therefore keep a watch on customer comments and reviews at all times. To reduce your return rates, try to figure out why your product was returned and work to solve the problem. It is also never a bad idea to contact the buyer personally. If a consumer has requested a refund, get in touch to explore what can be done and how this scenario may be prevented in the future. Direct and honest communication is frequently all that is required to guarantee that the customer does not post bad feedback about the vendor. You may take this a step further by asking your clients to complete a brief multiple-choice survey to better identify and address underlying issues. Improve Procurement SLAs Plan your inventory replenishment to avoid running out of inventory while keeping in mind the typical time it takes to send the product to the eCommerce fulfillment center.You must have a certain quantity of items in stock in your storage facility at all times, i.e. standard level inventory.When inventory falls below the normal level, you must order more inventory, also known as the reordering level.Keep an emergency supply on hand. Improve Ready to Dispatch (RTD) SLAs Create product listings for the goods that, based on your order processing capabilities, you will be able to ship by or before the scheduled ship date.Ship the orders and confirm the shipping with Myntra by the order's scheduled ship date.Pack your orders and designate them as ready to dispatch (RTD) on a first-come, first-served basis. Regularly review your order fulfillment operations to detect and rectify any inefficiencies that may result in late dispatch.Increase your ability to handle orders during flash sales and other promotional events. How can WareIQ Assist You to Sell on Myntra in 2024?  Working with a tech giant like WareIQ will help you sell on Myntra as Gold Tier Seller. Let's look at how: Meet all SLAs to guarantee shipment adherence and avoid seller cancellations. WareIQ's SLA-driven and streamlined pick and pack solution allows you to pack Myntra orders on time and label them as 'ready to dispatch.' Sellers can minimize late shipping and cancellations by meticulously processing orders while keeping SLA in mind. Read how the pick and pack fulfillment process works. With Correct Inventory Relay, you can avoid seller cancellation Every 5 minutes, WareIQ syncs your inventory across all sales channels, allowing you to convey precise inventory levels on every marketplace and avoid cancellations. How do we assist in reducing seller cancellation?  You only get requests for inventory that you have by relaying precise inventory levels. Check out Warehousing and Fulfillment at WareIQ and read about warehouse management. WareIQ's Inventory Planning Increase your Gross Merchandise Value(GMV) by offering product bundles You may utilize strong merchandising strategies like product kitting with WareIQ to package many goods together. This allows you to maximize product visibility and give clients interesting incentives. How do we assist? It allows you to increase sales by boosting a purchase's average order value (AOV). Discover how kitting may be an effective revenue-boosting strategy.  Fulfillment is frictionless during flash sales and other promotional events. WareIQ network supports flash sales by coping with exponential increases in order volume and integrating its broad fulfillment infrastructure with well-organized workflows. Simply tell WareIQ of the sale's schedule and duration, and WareIQ will raise your daily pick capacity and provide enough labor. How do we assist in frictionless eCommerce fulfillment? It enables you to improve sales, enhance income, and assure uninterrupted order fulfillment. Check out our crucial guide on organizing a flash sale. Eliminate seller-controllable returns and product quality returns, ensure accurate order processing and quality inspections WareIQ performs quality checks throughout inventory receipt and order processing to ensure that your customers receive the proper items. If you have one-of-a-kind items that need to be thoroughly investigated, WareIQ allows you to tailor the inspection criteria to your exact requirements. How does it assist? It enables you to provide the correct items with remarkable order accuracy while efficiently handling returns management. You May Also Like: How to sell on Instagram? Conclusion While many merchants believe that selling on Myntra is a no-brainer, it is dependent on the type of your items, company goals, and eCommerce fulfillment service requirements. To become a Myntra seller, we may provide your company with the push and exposure it requires to maintain continuous development. Retailers, on the other hand, would have to evaluate the benefits against the drawbacks. If you do decide to sell on Myntra and want to keep some of your flexibility, you can always hire a third-party fulfillment firm like WareIQ to handle all of your needs. You may concentrate on the heavy lifting while we handle the rest. WareIQ is one of India's leading and fastest-growing full-stack eCommerce fulfillment companies, providing everything from same-day and next-day delivery, shipping badges, and RTO Shield to cutting-edge technological solutions like our custom Warehouse Management System (WMS) and user-friendly app store. With that it offers seamless integrations with more than 20 online selling platforms including Snapdeal, Amazon, Meesho, Flipkart, and much more. We can handle all of your brand's fulfillment needs, ensuring that you and your customers receive the finest order fulfillment in the country, a hassle-free experience, and increased customer happiness. [signup] How to Sell on Myntra FAQs What is the process to register and sell on Myntra?To sell on Myntra, you must first register a seller account on their website before filling out a simple form with your personal and business details. How can I create a Myntra seller account?If you want to sell on Myntra and want to open a Myntra seller account, you must first create a Myntra Partner Portal account. You may create a Myntra seller account from within the Partner Portal once you have registered a Partner Portal account. What type of products to sell on Myntra?All kinds of Clothing and accessories, Bags, Footwear, Self-care Products, and Jewellery are the best categories of products that vendors sell on Myntra. Is it profitable to sell on Myntra?Yes, it is advantageous and profitable to sell on Myntra. Before you begin to sell on Myntra, you should be well informed of the company's selling policies. How do I sell on Myntra if I don't have a GST number?If you wish to sell on Myntra without a GST number, you may only offer non-taxable items. These items do not require a GST number to be sold online. Is it possible for any individual to become a myntra seller?Only a business entity, not a person, is permitted to sell on Myntra. As a result, to become a Myntra seller, the applicant must own a legally recognized firm. How can I sell on Myntra and become a gold seller?If you wish to sell on Myntra and aspire to become a gold tier seller, you should follow policies strictly to sell on Myntra and stick to SLAs to gain access to the gold tier. You also need to maintain specific return rates and quality as per rules to sell on the Myntra marketplace. Why sell on Myntra?Selling on Myntra is an excellent approach to promoting your products to prospective consumers. One of Myntra's biggest features is that they provide free shipping on orders above INR 499. Returns are very simple, and buyers may receive their money back within a few days. Does Myntra offer free returns to its customers in 2024?As per restofworld.org, Mynta which is owned by Walmart's Flipkart has started penalizing customers with a minimal return charge for those customers who return too often. Can I resell Myntra products?Yes, as a Myntra seller, you can resell Myntra products on the platform. However, becoming a Myntra seller involves a thorough onboarding process and adherence to performance criteria. What is Myntra business model?Myntra's business model revolves around being an online marketplace connecting buyers with sellers, particularly in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. The platform relies on a diverse range of products, competitive pricing, excellent customer service, and partnerships with sellers who undergo a stringent registration process. Myntra charges a commission (4-5%) on sales but doesn't have a registration fee. The focus is on promoting established brands, and becoming a Myntra seller involves transforming a small business into a recognized brand. How to increase sales on Myntra?To increase sales on Myntra, focus on enhancing your seller profile, optimizing product listings, offering competitive prices, leveraging discounts, ensuring excellent customer service, and meeting Myntra's performance criteria. Utilize WareIQ for efficient fulfillment and timely delivery. Can I resell myntra products?Yes, as a Myntra seller, you can resell Myntra products on the platform. However, becoming a Myntra seller involves a thorough onboarding process and adherence to performance criteria.What is myntra business model?Myntra's business model revolves around being an online marketplace connecting buyers with sellers, particularly in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. The platform relies on a diverse range of products, competitive pricing, excellent customer service, and partnerships with sellers who undergo a stringent registration process. Myntra charges a commission (4-5%) on sales but doesn't have a registration fee. The focus is on promoting established brands, and becoming a Myntra seller involves transforming a small business into a recognized brand.How to increase sales on myntra?To increase sales on Myntra, focus on enhancing your seller profile, optimizing product listings, offering competitive prices, leveraging discounts, ensuring excellent customer service, and meeting Myntra's performance criteria. Utilize WareIQ for efficient fulfillment and timely delivery.

May 23, 2022

7 Best Ways to Increase Shipping Speed for Fast Fulfillment & Better Conversion in eCommerce Business in 2024

7 Best Ways to Increase Shipping Speed for Fast Fulfillment & Better Conversion in eCommerce Business in 2024

The speed of delivery has always been one of the major factors in meetings customer expectations and it seems to be getting more challenging. However, the real challenge is that in today's modern world, fast shipping in 1-2 days is considered the norm, not an additional benefit. There is a dire need for eCommerce players to increase shipping speed to meet customer expectations. Before figuring out the reason for improving delivery speed, let’s understand what eCommerce shipping speed means. What is Shipping Speed? Simply put, shipping speed refers to the speed of delivering customers’ orders to their doorsteps. Whether the product being shipped is online fashion, groceries or pharma, its shipping speed is the time taken to travel from the warehouse to the customer. It depends on the distance between the storage unit and the customer’s doorstep, the road network, and other logistical challenges and costs such as infrastructure. Shipping/ Delivery Speed is calculated in the number of days or hours taken to deliver the shipment to the customer. It is different from the processing time that companies take to process and prepare the order for shipping. Processing time includes the time to procure the inventory and build the final product. Shipping speed comes into the picture once the product is handed over to the carrier. Why is Shipping Speed an Important Metric in the Shipping Strategy of an eCommerce Business? Customer expectations drive eCommerce business decisions. A few years back, the expectations were same-day or next-day deliveries. The internet penetration in smaller towns was already driving the trend of fast deliveries when the forced stay-at-home lockdowns changed customer mindsets. Gen-X and millennials were getting used to the idea of instant gratification. This situation reduced their patience even more and so too, the timeline given to eCommerce players to deliver. The rising number of eCommerce players in the market has added to the desperate need to perform better. Most customers switch to another brand if the delivery takes more than one or two days. In fact, 49% of online shoppers accept that same-day delivery pushes them to complete the transaction. 80% of shoppers expect same-day deliveries, but 61% expect their package to arrive in less than three hours. Plus, many customers agree to pay for increased shipping speed. The eCommerce logistics involved in shipping online perishables or groceries is another story. However, its penetration in the Indian economy is expected to reach up to 5% by 2025 from 1% today. Plus, around one-third share of the income is spent on groceries, and a young population below the age of thirty further pushes eCommerce companies to improve delivery speed. All these factors combined are spearheading the need for speed in the shipping strategy of eCommerce businesses. In addition, the current consumer mindset is forcing online retailers to improve delivery speed to stay in the game. [contactus_gynoveda] Top 7 Ways to Increase Shipping Speed for Faster eCommerce Fulfillment in 2024 Streamline Picking eCommerce business owners know the significance of same-day picking of inventory. The moment an order is placed, try to pick up the stock or schedule it through your logistics partner on the same day which increases shipping speed. Notify the customer of the pickup to keep them engaged. Let them know that their order is already on-route to the warehouse for processing. This technique serves as a great time-saver. Use Multiple Storage Locations Having multiple warehouses and dark stores is another way to increase shipping speed and although it also increases overall logistics costs, this hack indeed speeds up last mile deliveries. Areas are divided into geographical zones, and storage spaces are set up for order fulfillment. Moreover, it allows eCommerce companies to cover more pin codes. The logic is simple. Being closer to the customer’s destination helps in saving time and logistics costs. Plus, partnering with a specialist ecommerce warehousing provider at multiple locations can help the business reduce overheads. Be Ready for Peak Season Discounts and orders increase during the festive season, leading to hectic timelines and puts unprecedented pressure on the supply chain. As a result, shipping delays can quickly occur when orders pour in, in contrast to any other time of the year. So it becomes crucial for businesses to prepare for this increase in demand in advance. Get resources such as manpower, inventory, software and 3PL fulfillment companies to prepare for the festive season. Unmet customer expectations can lead to poor reviews and a sudden drop in ratings. The eCommerce industry is on high alert during the peak season and all players look for ways to entice customers. No business can afford to lose its customers during this time due to underperformance. It is critical to focus on increasing shipping speed during this period. Provide Updates Through Notifications Letting the customers know of the whereabouts of their order is making a promise that their shipment is on the way. After making the payment, customers keep a frequent tab on their packages. eCommerce companies should strive for same-day pickups but delay informing the customers. Instead, roll out the confirmation email after the order has been picked and packed from the warehouse and shipped. This way, the notification highlights your promptness and surprises the customer who will receive the package earlier than expected. Partner with Experts Managing an eCommerce business comes with a lot of challenges. Having a 3PL logistics expert on board to offer advice and logistical services can smoothen the process. A specialist can help businesses plan eCommerce warehousing at multiple locations, offer safe and well-timed transportation services and give advice on reducing expenses. Have SLAs for Processing Procuring the inventory and preparing the final product to make it ready to ship can be a cumbersome process. Moreover, delayed processing can pressure shipping partners to meet delivery timelines. It can lead to failed promises and unhappy customers in case of tight shipping deadlines. Having service level agreements (SLAs) executed well on the ground helps prevent the snowball effect. eCommerce companies can also hire a logistics consultant to plan timely processing, push out the final product for delivery, and improve delivery speed for the business. Automate Processes Besides usual delays, as discussed above, human errors are another common cause of delays in operations and bad shipping speed. Automating the supply chain either partially or completely can save time & help to increase shipping speed. There are readily available automation mechanisms like robots, automatic barcode scanners and automated shipping decks. eCommerce companies must develop and optimise their shipping routes for timely deliveries to a particular zone or location. Today’s superior tech can automate the supply chain to save time and effort. AI and ML-enabled software assist in charting the best routes for efficient utilisation of transportation, workforce and time. Plus, advanced apps help integrate retail fulfillment systems with the supply chain and help improve delivery speed. Despite all preemptive measures, delays can happen while shipping, but there are ways to handle them. How do Online Businesses Manage Shipping Delays? After facing delayed shipments, most online shoppers don’t return to an eCommerce brand. It is more difficult to retain an existing customer than to acquire one. If not a global pandemic, human errors, customs issues, poor warehouse facilities, transportation & warehouse management, or simply distorted communication between logistics partners can lead to shipping delays. Here are some ways to manage shipping delays: Customer Communication Update the customer in real-time with the reason behind the delay and the revised estimated delivery time. Then, offer them some discounts on their current or future purchases and special deals to pacify them. Take Ownership While some customers may understand, some might choose to post complaints on social media. Either way, eCommerce companies need to take ownership of the delay and issue a formal apology. Track Orders in Real-Time eCommerce companies must watch for any mishaps or delays once the shipment has left their warehouse. While hiccups occur, shipping partners usually offer a resolution. Some propose a money-back guarantee, which helps retail customers. Use Multiple Logistics Partners The supply chain requires multiple processes at different stages. Using multiple logistics partners is advisable for eCommerce businesses so they can fall upon someone else if one service provider falters.  How Can WareIQ Help Increase Shipping Speed for eCommerce Players? WareIQ is a shipping and eCommerce fulfillment enterprise. They provide their eCommerce clients with high end updated technologies like an advanced warehouse management system, RTO Shield, a team of specialists, multiple warehouses across India, information regarding the best courier services (area-wise), etc. This series of offerings enables eCommerce businesses to store inventory closer to their customers throughout the country, thus facilitating faster order fulfillment and improving delivery speed. WareIQ's team and tech, combined, offer efficient solutions for Intelligent inventory placement and courier allocation to the eCommerce industry. They employ a full-stack approach that offers complete fulfillment solutions, last-mile delivery software for tracking, COD and returns management. After all, they are a seasoned logistics service provider. Sign Up Now with WareIQ to take advantage of our superior fulfillment tech platform & accelerate the growth of your online business. Shipping Speed FAQs How can WareIQ improve delivery time & provide fast shipping speeds to your business?WareIQ offers multiple fulfillment services including it's custom WareIQ RUSH platform that enables companies to provide seamless same-day and next-day delivery. How is Shipping Speed calculated?Shipping speed for an order depends on the processing time and transit time. Factors affecting it are the customer’s delivery location, the route leading up to it, any unforeseen contingencies and the number and nature of products that need to be delivered. Can there be different charges for odd-hours shipping?Yes. If a customer selects odd-hour delivery timelines, eCommerce companies can charge a fee for such shipments. Such orders affect the average shipping speed executed by the company. They demand specialized planning, which might have to be advanced or delayed depending on the customer’s request. Does faster-shipping speed increase sales in eCommerce?Fast shipment contributes to greater conversion rates.  49 percent of customers agree that speedy shipment encourages them to shop online. This means that a single day's delay in delivery might make or break a purchase. When delivery times are too slow, 85 percent of customers look for better options elsewhere.WareIQ is an eCommerce fulfillment company that provides Prime like logistics with the fastest shipping speed to online brands in India enabling next day & same day delivery. Can complaints or requests received in transit affect the shipping speed?Any customer requests received in transit are usually not accepted as they can delay the shipment. However, 3PL shipping partners know how to handle such contingencies and can assist the eCommerce businesses in managing the situation.

May 21, 2022

How to Reduce Shipping Costs? 10 Most Effective Tips to Reduce Shipping Costs For Online Businesses in 2024

How to Reduce Shipping Costs? 10 Most Effective Tips to Reduce Shipping Costs For Online Businesses in 2024

eCommerce sales have dramatically increased as technology advances and customer experiences become more personalised. However, most organisations face the dilemma of whether to reduce shipping costs to remain profitable or to provide high-quality shipping services to customers.  Shipping costs are a substantial expense for every company, but you may risk providing a poor customer experience while trying to save money.  Continue reading to learn how to efficiently reduce shipping expenses without sacrificing service quality, customer experience, or operational efficiency. What are Shipping Costs? In the broadest sense, shipping costs are the total rates of getting the order delivered to the customer. When looking at door-to-door delivery from the manufacturing unit to the customer’s location, multiple prices are involved.  The total shipping cost can be divided into 2 types - shipping and handling. This entire process will have the following associated costs: Warehouse storage costsPacking materials costsPicking and packing costsLabour costsLoading costsFuel costsTransportation costsPostage costsSurcharges and customs costsDelivery labour costs [contactus_gynoveda] Top 10 Factors to Consider While Calculating Shipping Costs Now that we understand the various price components involved in shipping costs, we will take a look at other factors that impact how much a package will cost to be delivered. They are listed below:  Weight of Package The package's actual weight is a significant factor in increasing shipping costs. A heavy package/delivery item will require more space and energy to deliver to the customer's location. The packaged weight translates to higher shipping costs while delivering heavy packages. Dimensions of Package Apart from weight, the dimensions of the package also influence shipping costs. The larger the order, the more space is required in the delivery fleet for a seamless experience.  Distance to Delivery Locations The distance between the package pickup and delivery location is another major factor that determines the shipping cost. Delivery fleets divide delivery locations into zones depending on delivery speed, type of package (domestic or international), mode of delivery (sea, land, or air), the feasibility of delivery, etc. The further the delivery address, the higher the costs associated with it will be. Fuel Fluctuations Changes in fuel prices contribute drastically to the associated shipping charges. Higher fuel costs automatically increase the cost of shipping orders. When fuel prices are stable and manageable, it also lowers transportation charges and is able to decrease shipping costs. Delivery Speed The time it takes to deliver an order affects the shipping cost. Many delivery fleets have standard timelines to deliver packages across various distances. Opting for same-day delivery or overnight shipping increases the costs associated with delivery. Type of Delivery Location It is cheaper for delivery personnel to drop packages off at a commercial site or office building than to go to individual houses. It is cheaper to ship orders to apartment complexes than to individual houses, since apartments receive multiple orders on the same day, balancing out the costs. There may also be additional fees for deliveries to hospitals, military areas, and out-of-the-way locations like rural addresses that may take longer to fulfill the delivery. Weather Conditions A factor that many businesses don't consider is the weather's impact on delivery. Bad weather at the warehouse or fulfillment center location, while in transit, and even at the delivery location can cause delays. Weather conditions can also adversely impact ports, container ships, air cargo, and trucking services. Shipping Insurance Keeping in mind that shipments can be damaged, delivered to the wrong address or could have delivery-related delays so it is vital to protect and insure your orders. Especially when shipping an expensive order, it is indispensable to use shipping insurance. This helps to recover any costs involved in replacements. Most package carriers charge a percentage of the product value as shipping insurance. Customs and Duties International shipping charges can vary based on delivery location. Different countries have customs and other obligations that need to be cleared for smooth delivery. Multiple Orders If a customer has placed multiple orders, shipping and packaging costs can increase. Sometimes, some orders have n increased delivery timeline because they are perishable. In this case, additional shipping costs will be involved to make multiple deliveries to the exact location on different days. Numerous orders should be packed and shipped together to save time and money whenever possible and decrease your shipping costs. Keeping all these factors in mind, companies can decide which type of cost structure to choose when it comes to shipping: Flat Rate Shipping Vs Standard Shipping. You can learn in detail about how to calculate shipping costs here. 10 Best Ways to Reduce Shipping Costs to Boost Profits in 2024 The key to excellent order fulfillment involves good planning, sticking to timelines, and ensuring that overhead costs are not too high. Striking a balance can help increase the profits of a business and improve customer satisfaction. Here are ten ways to reduce shipping costs for eCommerce in 2023: Make Packages Lighter While product weights remain the same, ensure to use minimal packaging material to reduce the overall weight of the package. Use more lightweight, efficient materials like air pillows to protect items. You can also use lightboxes to pack. For durable products that won't cause spillage, try switching to plastic bags with branding rather than bulky boxes to reduce shipping costs, you can learn more about branded shipping here. Use Smaller Boxes Make sure that the box used for packing items is slightly larger than the actual product so that minimal packing fillers are needed to keep it secure and will ultimately decrease shipping costs. The bigger the box, the more space it will take in the delivery vehicle, leading to more expensive shipping costs.  Keep DIM Weights in Check Smaller boxes can keep DIM weights in check while packing your order which will help reduce shipping costs. Carriers calculate the DIM weight by considering the package dimensions. There are chances that the DIM weight can be higher, even for lightweight items, solely because of the box's size. It is good to create custom packaging that will keep the products snug and free from movement by using the purchased item's original packaging as well. Shipping products in their own packaging can prevent the need for an additional box to ship to the customer, which will also decrease shipping costs. Club Orders Wherever Possible It is much cheaper to ship a single box that is bigger and heavier than multiple small boxes with single items. Bundling orders is possible when the same customer orders various products; this can help reduce shipping costs. You can also provide discounts on order volumes to increase customer delight. Have a Network of Multiple Shipping Partners Having various shipping aggregators to negotiate with will help get better rates and will decrease shipping costs. Shipping companies decrease shipping costs if the business has consistent order volumes. This provides an excellent opportunity to negotiate with multiple providers based on prices offered by competitors. Use Packaging Provided by Carrier Partners Since shipping costs are affected by package dimensions, it's better to use packaging materials offered by the carriers themselves. This will eliminate associated dimensional fees and reduce shipping costs, overall. Opt for Third-Party Insurance Shipping insurance is higher when taken directly from the carrier partner. Also, consider shipping insurance for fragile and high-value items. You may not need to insure every single package. Third-party insurance providers are cheaper than native carrier partners, helping businesses decrease shipping costs by almost 50%. Use Prepaid Shipping Prepaid shipping can help sellers decrease shipping costs by at least 20%. You can opt for prepaid shipping and buy shipping labels from carriers in advance. This is ideal for businesses with consistent orders of the same package size and weight. Look for Hybrid Solutions If you can manage same-day order processing, it is best to choose a hybrid model for order fulfillment. It can help to reduce shipping costs for eCommerce. eCommerce Shipping companies partner with carriers who can have it picked up from a business location and get it to customers quicker with last-mile delivery. However, keep in mind that orders need to be processed as soon as possible after a customer places the order to meet delivery expectations. There may also be other factors to consider with this hybrid approach, such as specifications of weight, dimensions, order volume, etc. Reduce Shipping Distance Keeping inventory at locations closer to areas of high demand will help decrease shipping costs drastically. The closer the products are to delivery locations, the less money and time businesses need to spend in getting their orders to customers. Having a third-party fulfillment partner will optimize the delivery experience and decrease shipping costs.  Suggested Read: Ways to Provide Free Shipping to Costumers. Conclusion: Does Outsourcing Fulfillment to a 3PL Partner Like WareIQ Help to Reduce Shipping Costs? The best way to decrease shipping costs, reduce order processing times and improve customer satisfaction is to outsource fulfillment operations. Here is how a 3PL fulfillment services provider like WareIQ can help businesses maximize profits and reduce shipping costs: Flexible Warehouse Space WareIQ allows businesses to pay only for the warehouse space that is actively used without the businesses having to invest anything in warehouse management. Packaging Optimization Having experts manage fulfillment ensures that products are packed with suitable materials that provide damage-free delivery and avoid an increase in the DIM weight. Provision of Discounts Having a fulfillment partner helps improve shipping costs as they buy packaging materials in bulk and can help reduce overall fulfillment costs. Inventory Management With access to fulfillment centers, businesses can easily manage optimal stock levels and scale the business without high capital investments With a centralised platform for core fulfillment, eCommerce shipping operations, and post-shipping apps, WareIQ manages the entire range of complex eCommerce operations in the eCommerce fulfillment process. Inbound functions like scanning and quality check, 100% accurate pick and pack, and inventory management across all channels provides a delightful experience and zero to minimal supply chain leakages. Customers of WareIQ enjoy significant cost savings and a broader reach with no minimum order quantity (MOQ) limit. [signup] Reduce Shipping Costs FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) What costs are involved in sea cargo?For delivery by ocean cargo, businesses will have to consider ocean freight, various surcharges incurred for peak season, low sulphur, emergency risk, etc., and other factors like currency adjustment, bunker adjustment, etc. What costs need to be considered when shipping across international orders?If packages have to be shipped by land and need to cross international borders, various costs involved will include documentation, customs for port, road and rail, customs brokerage, delivery order fee, wharfage, cartage, chassis usage, etc. Which is better to reduce shipping costs? Self-Fulfillment or Third-Party Fulfillment.When businesses themselves ship orders, the costs will always be higher. With 3PL partners fulfilling orders, companies get transparent pricing, better inventory management, faster delivery, and better opportunities to scale the business. How can WareIQ help your business to reduce shipping costs?WareIQ offers multiple services across the fulfillment spectrum and offers the choice of every major shipping courier service in the country, to always provide the cheapest rates and most competitive services to its users. 

May 21, 2022

What is Returns Management: A Detailed Guide for D2C and eCommerce Businesses, 7 Best Practices & How to Handle and Improve Product Returns & Exchanges Processes

What is Returns Management: A Detailed Guide for D2C and eCommerce Businesses, 7 Best Practices & How to Handle and Improve Product Returns & Exchanges Processes

With a drastic increase in online purchases, especially after the health crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic, the eCommerce industry is booming like never before. Most eCommerce and online businesses focus on forward logistics and last-mile delivery to reduce the overall delivery time. But unfortunately, the majority of them miss one of the most critical aspects of the supply chain – the returns management of goods. The bad news is that almost 30% of online purchases are returned. There may be numerous reasons behind it, but customers often get discouraged from committing to a purchase if the returns management process is complicated. Statistics revealed that 92% of buyers stick to businesses if they can manage returns in a simple way.  What is Returns Management? Source According to research, after-sales service, where returns management is a prominent factor, ranks as the most important metric in building customer trust. Returns management, also known as reverse logistics, is a process where a customer returns the goods they have already purchased. The company then needs to arrange a pick up of the returned items from the end buyer and take them to the warehouse. Mainly, the whole process is triggered, tracked, and controlled through software solutions or mobile applications. The process does not end here. After receiving the returned product, the company decides whether to dismantle it and keep the useful parts, recycle it, repair the product or scrap it as a whole. The decision depends on the situation and condition of the returned item. How to Manage Returns and Exchanges? The returns management process depends on the type of purchase - online or in-store. But regardless of the type, it should be simple and easy. 5 steps of returns management are mentioned below: Initiation of a Return or Refund by the Customer The process starts when the customer requests a return of the product that they have purchased. There may be several reasons for wanting to return it such as receipt of a defective product, delivery of a wrong product, improper packaging of the item, buyer’s remorse, or multiple other reasons. The buyer then requests a return through the order tracking page or by contacting customer service and needs to mention why they are initiating the return and whether they need a refund or replacement. Suggested Read: Why are return labels used? Acceptance or Rejection of the Request by the Company Depending on the company’s return policy, the dedicated personnel either accepts or rejects the return request depending on various factors such as the reason for the return and the condition of the product. Usually, the status immediately reflects on the platform, and the customer receives a notification. Pick-up and Inspection of the Product From the Delivery Address by the Seller After the acceptance, the seller mentions the expected pick-up date and time and arranges the relevant reverse logistics processes. Though it is a daunting task for the logistics team to manage the forward and reverse logistics, it is crucial for the company’s brand image and customer retention. Some companies often delegate this task to a 3PL logistics company. Delivery partners will assess the condition of the product and report the information back to the seller. Delivery of the Product to the Warehouse After collection, the returned product travels back to the warehouse or storage facility. It is then sorted and goes through a strict and detailed quality assessment. If any aesthetic or functional defect is found, further decisions are taken on whether to repair, refurbish or scrap. Else, it moves to an auditor for further analysis. Restocking the Product in the Inventory If the product passes the quality check, the warehouse stores and stocks it as per the inventory policy. The product is eligible for sale once again. How to Make the Most Out of Returns and Exchanges? Customer returns are an inevitable fact. But you need to find out how to manage returns. Here are some interesting and effective ways to utilize returns management to the fullest extent: Automatic Data Collection and Analysis To improve the process, it is imperative to collect all the data you can. Investigate the reason for the return and try to get the customer’s feedback about the return, refund and replacement process. During the analysis, consider all the demographic factors like age, gender, etc. It is helpful to identify all the possible metrics that lead to return so that those same factors can be mitigated in the future. Better Understanding of the Preferences of Your Customers An efficient returns management process can tell you about the choice and trends of your customers. The information shared by the customer during the returns management process is beneficial to understanding your buyers’ persona and assists in lead generation and refining your target audience. Construction of a Robust Return Policy Prevention is better than a cure. A customer's return request and how it is managed are indicative of whether your business is able to manage returns or not. Data helps avoid such scenarios. You can get a better understanding of the loopholes to reduce excess costs associated with it. It can highlight the weak points of the return policy and you can craft a more stringent yet customer-friendly policy to avoid losses. 6 Key Metrics to Track for Efficient Management of Returns and Exchanges in eCommerce Return rate: This is the percentage of orders that are returned, and it can help you understand the overall effectiveness of your returns process.Return to origin (RTO) rate: This is the percentage of returned orders that are not successfully resold and are returned to the supplier or warehouse. A high RTO rate can be costly for your business, so it's important to track this metric and find ways to reduce it.Return on investment (ROI): This is a measure of the profitability of your returns process. You can calculate ROI by dividing the net profit from returned items by the cost of managing returns.Customer satisfaction: Tracking customer satisfaction with your returns process can help you understand how well you are meeting their needs and expectations. You can use customer feedback, surveys, and other methods to measure satisfaction.Cost of returns: This includes the direct costs of processing and handling returns, such as shipping and handling fees, as well as indirect costs such as lost revenue and lost customer loyalty.Time to process returns: The speed at which you process returns can impact customer satisfaction and the overall efficiency of your returns process. Tracking the time it takes to process returns can help you identify opportunities for improvement. 7 Ways to Improve Your Returns Management Systems. [Best Practices in 2023] The need to manage returns is painful for every company. But it is a part of business and an efficient returns management process can help you to reduce your expenses drastically. We have summarized some key methods for you below: Understand the Controllable and Uncontrollable Aspects of Returns Customer rejections are costly. If you can identify and analyze the controllable and uncontrollable parts of the returns management process, you can strategically implement the improvements that are necessary. Measure the Cost of the Returns Process Customer satisfaction is one of the critical aspects of measuring a company’s success. But the ultimate goal of a business is to make money. If the cost of customer return is very high and impacts the business's bottom line, you need to think of ways to streamline it and reduce some of those costs. A refund could be a more economical option than an outright replacement. Implement a Clear Return Policy A transparent return policy plays a vital role in mitigating any complications regarding returns management. It helps you to manage returns efficiently, without offending the clients. You can share it on your website, send a hard copy with the shipment, or make it visible on your selling page of every online platform you are listed on. The policy should be easily accessible to the buyers to remove any disparities that could arise later. Analyze the Reasons for the Return This aspect provides the deepest insight into your returns management process. To manage returns effectively, ask your customers to mention the reason for the return while sending a return request. You can perform the analysis in different ways such as measuring the frequency of the returns of certain items, shortlisting specific geographic locations, manufacturers, etc. Provide a Quick Response and Pick Up Customer retention is now the focal point of every business. In order to improve their experience, a quick response and returns management process play a crucial role. According to statistics, 88% of buyers do not prefer to buy from a company that has a late response, return or refund process. Focusing on this area helps you retain clients and is also good for better inventory management. Provide a Transparent Tracking Process Just like the forward logistics during the delivery of an order, a transparent tracking system to manage returns can also help you improve efficiency. An update on the fulfillment status, delivery, and expected time of return through a digital medium or email and SMS notifications improve the trust quotient of your brand. Use a Return Fulfillment Center Having a separate fulfillment center for returns is a good option if you do not have enough time to manage returns. Nowadays, several 3PL fulfillment companies provide such services. This system provides you with ample time to focus on your core business activities so you do not need to worry about returns management. Top 5 Benefits of Optimized Returns Management Process Return management is a cumbersome process. But if you can manage the customer return process efficiently, it can benefit you in several ways: Improves Profit Margins Return management is an integrated part of every eCommerce and online business. It is hard to avoid, but if one can manage returns correctly, the process can be improved to increase profit margins. You can do this by: Optimizing the transportation expenses of reverse logistics.Exploring the option of reselling rather than scrapping returned products. This will save you from a complete loss.Trying to repair or refurbish damaged products to be able to resell it.Do a detailed rejection analysis, find the root cause, and eliminate the vital issues first. That way, you can reduce the reoccurrence of similar concerns. Boosts Customer Satisfaction Returns management may be an underrated aspect from a business perspective. But it is a vital point from a customer’s point of view. If you are unable to manage returns properly, it will directly impact the customer’s feelings about your brand image. The after-sales service is more important than just ensuring your products get sold.  Improves Turnaround Time A quick return process can help you get back products faster. You can then repair or resell it faster, which helps to eliminate the cost of a new purchase. Improves Inventory Management By tracking data on returns, you can gain insights into customer preferences and behavior, which can help you optimize your inventory management and reduce the risk of overstocking. Reduces Wastage Efficient returns management entails proper handling of returned products as well. You need to analyze every product and explore ways to be able to reuse or monetize it. A thorough inspection can give you an insight into which products can be resold, which can be repaired at a minimum cost and what items need to be scrapped.   Conclusion It is now evident that to run a successful eCommerce or online business, you need to take returns management seriously. This does not mean that you need to spend large amounts of money on research and development. You just need to understand the importance of providing a solid returns management process as it will benefit customers as well as your business, in multiple ways. Partnering with a 3PL fulfillment company like WareIQ will give you access to advanced features at competitive prices that you may not have had prior access to.  How Can WareIQ Lower Returns Management Expenses for Your eCommerce Business in 2023? Quick TAT (Turn around time) Logistic partners provide an estimated delivery timeline based on which the customers anticipate the delivery. If it fails to reach them as per this expectation, there is a risk of an RTO and the customer opting to order from a competitor. This also affects the customer retention rate. With WareIQ’s Prime-like shipping, data-driven insights, PAN-India network of warehouses and excellent supply chain management system, orders reach the customers on time as promised. This ensures a higher rate of First attempt delivery, thus reducing the breach of TAT. Higher and Efficient First Attempt Strike Rate (FASR) Delivery success in the first attempt ensures happy customers and helps in their retention. This is an important metric since lower returns imply lower logistics costs on RTO. With WareIQ’s structured incentive plans, delivery partners are encouraged to deliver maximum shipments in the first attempt thereby increasing the FASR. Improved Non-delivery Report (NDR) Conversion Knowing the customer’s intent before performing the last mile delivery can save a lot of time costs related to RTOs. This can be achieved by validating the attempted shipments by directly communicating with customers via phone calls, SMS, e-mail, WhatsApp, etc. Any change of preference or cancellation or order can be recorded and shared to the shipping and delivery partner in real-time to decide whether to “Reattempt the delivery” or “Make RTO”. Performing this manually at scale is almost impossible. With WareIQ’s innovative solutions, most of it can be automated via IVR (Interactive voice response) calling, auto-SMS, auto-mailer, WhatsApp alerts, etc. This also keeps the customer well informed and creates an impact on improving the delivery conversion percentage. In the auto NDR process, the customer will get an IVR call immediately after a failed delivery or when the NDR remark is updated by the delivery personnel. Automation makes the entire process quick and efficient. Wrong or Incomplete Address Amidst the huge traffic across the supply chain and sometimes because of consumer’s ignorance, deliveries often end up attached with wrong or incomplete addresses. This is also one of the major reasons for RTO. Address validation becomes important in this context. WareIQ ensures this authenticity with various checks on the same. This increases the chances of successful delivery. In case of an incorrect address, shipping is cancelled prior to dispatch. It allows not only for lower RTO but also avoids wasteful shipping costs. Automated Partner Pin Code Allocations With WareIQ’s cutting edge technology, pin code allocation is automated. This altogether eliminates the hassles of manual allocations thus reducing logistics costs & shipping costs & RTO as well as increasing fulfillment serviceability and speed of delivery. Making changes in allocations is complex and takes a good amount of time. The system analyzes historic RTO percentages and cost per shipment (forward + RTO) to optimize the allocation and ensure that the courier with the lowest possible cost is chosen for the given pin codes. Such efficiency and cost reductions are not possible with manual processes. This also saves a lot of time in processing and shipping the orders. RTO Shield WareIQ’s RTO Shield provides eCommerce/D2C firms with a comprehensive checkout strategy to reduce RTO losses and increase revenue. Why WareIQ’s RTO Shield? Request a refund for any RTO order that was predicted to be safe by the company.Smart COD checkout option based on technology to detect problematic customers and save on shipping costsDisable COD for untrustworthy and blacklisted customers automatically.Identification and deletion of duplicate ordersVerification of shipping addresses and intelligent shipping selections based on address completeness Benefits of RTO Shield Increase conversions and decrease cart abandonment.The quickest checkout time is under 10 seconds.Identify high RTO risk consumers using data sets from telecom, banks, hyperlocal, and OTT providers.Identify scammers using previous data on their past purchasing behavior and win over them. How Does it Work? Integrate the website/application with WareIQ3 months of historical data will be needed to train the model to predict accurately.Go live in 3 to 5 days Sign Up Now with WareIQ to avail our superior fulfillment tech platform & app store & enhance your online business growth by reducing RTOs with RTO Shield. [signup] Returns Management System: FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions] What is RMA?RMA or return merchandise authorization is a process used by online and eCommerce businesses to allow the buyer to return the product. You need to have a proper process in place to respond to issues before setting up an RMA. It can help to reduce returns management costs and boosts customer delight. Why is it suitable to offload your returns management processes to 3PL companies?3PL companies specialize in fulfillment processes across the board and this includes returns management. They are able to offer you means to reduce the frequency of returns, strategize efficient returns policies and implement detailed reverse logistical procedures to ensure that products are returned safely. What are the reasons for a return?There may be several reasons for customers to return a product. Some common factors are:- Products are damaged when recieved- Products appear different than the descriptions on the website- Remorse after the purchase has been made- Delayed delivery- Poor quality product delivered How can I optimize my eCommerce returns process?Here are some tips for optimizing your ecommerce returns process:i) Make the process easy for customers: The returns process should be straightforward and easy for customers to follow. Consider providing clear instructions, a pre-paid return shipping label, and a simple online returns form.ii) Offer multiple return options: Give customers the option to return items in-store, by mail, or through a third-party carrier. This can make the process more convenient for them.iii) Process returns promptly: Aim to process returns as quickly as possible to minimize any inconvenience to the customer and to prevent a backlog of returns.iv) Communicate with customers: Keep customers informed about the status of their return and provide timely updates. This can help improve customer satisfaction.v) Use technology to streamline the process: There are various software solutions available that can automate and streamline the returns process, such as return management systems and order management systems.vi) Review and analyze data: Regularly review data on your returns process, including the reasons for returns, the cost of returns, and customer satisfaction. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and make changes to your returns process as needed.vii) Consider offering incentives: You may want to consider offering incentives, such as store credit or discounts, to encourage customers to keep their purchases rather than returning them.viii) Train your staff: Ensure that your staff is well-trained on the returns process and able to handle customer inquiries and complaints effectively. How is returns management linked to business growth?Efficient returns management can help the growth of a business in several ways. It improves customer satisfaction, which in turn improves customer retention. A happy customer can become your brand's advocate without any cost spent on advertising. Good references always help to generate leads and thus more sales and growth. What is the difference between Reverse Logistics and Returns Management?Returns management refers to the process of managing customer returns of products or services, including the processes of receiving, inspecting, and handling returns, as well as determining the disposition of returned items.On contrary, Reverse logistics, on the other hand, encompasses the broader process of managing the flow of goods from their point of consumption back to their point of origin for the purpose of recapturing value or proper disposal. Does WareIQ manage returns?Yes, WareIQ is a logistics platform that offers a range of ecommerce fulfillment and shipping services. According to their website, WareIQ offers returns management as part of their fulfillment services. They provide a returns portal for customers to initiate returns, and offer real-time tracking and notification for returns. WareIQ also offers a range of returns analytics and reporting to help businesses understand and optimize their returns process. It has solutions for every touchpoints across the value chain. What returns management processes does WareIQ provide?WareIQ provides multiple services that can assist in your returns management processes such as Non-Delivery Report (NDR) conversion, liability protection, RTO Shield, customer support, real time order tracking and much more. How do I handle returns and exchanges in a D2C fulfillment model?Handling returns and exchanges in a D2C fulfillment model can be a complex process, but there are a few key steps you can follow to make it as smooth as possible for both you and your customers:i) Clearly communicate your return and exchange policy: Make sure your customers are aware of your policy before they make a purchase, so they know what to expect if they need to return or exchange an item.ii) Set up an easy-to-use process: Consider offering a return or exchange form on your website or providing prepaid shipping labels to make it easy for customers to send items back.iii) Process returns and exchanges quickly: Try to process returns and exchanges as quickly as possible to minimize any inconvenience for your customers.iv) Offer multiple options for returns and exchanges: Consider offering a range of options, such as store credit, a refund, or an exchange, to give your customers flexibility.v) Consider offering free returns: Some D2C brands offer free returns to make the process even easier for their customers.By following these steps, you can help ensure that your return and exchange process is smooth and hassle-free for your customers.

May 20, 2022

Flipkart Integration with WMS: How to Fulfill Flipkart Orders with WareIQ in 10 Easy Steps in 2024?

Flipkart Integration with WMS: How to Fulfill Flipkart Orders with WareIQ in 10 Easy Steps in 2024?

Flipkart was founded in 2007 and instantly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the still growing eCommerce industry at that time. Since then, especially with the entry of Amazon into the Indian market in 2013, Flipkart has been forced to up its game and adapt to the ever-changing trends in the rapidly-expanding Indian eCommerce market, which it has successfully achieved. It was acquired by Walmart in 2018, which has only bolstered its status as one of India’s leading eCommerce selling platforms, which can be seen in the 49% increase in its revenue in 2021, compared to Amazon’s 32%. In recent years, Flipkart has emerged as a worthy competitor to Amazon, with both of them capturing around 31% of the eCommerce retail market. In today’s blog, we will dive deeper into how you can fulfill Flipkart orders, the benefits of selling on Flipkart and how to integrate WareIQ with a Flipkart seller account. How Can You Fulfill Flipkart Orders? Retailers can currently choose between 2 options to fulfill Flipkart orders - Flipkart Fulfillment and Self Ship Fulfillment. Businesses that choose Flipkart Fulfillment to fulfill Flipkart orders can take complete advantage of all the facilities offered by Flipkart such as order processing, storage and management of inventory, order shipping, reverse logistics and customer care. The only downside is that you are not able to integrate Flipkart Fulfillment with other selling platforms so you will have to maintain different accounts for each platform. Conversely, Self Ship Fulfillment enables retailers to fulfill Flipkart orders on their own or by opting to partner with a 3PL fulfillment company such as WareIQ. There will always be advantages and drawbacks, regardless of which option you opt for. Read our article on Seller Fulfilled Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon and Shopify Fulfillment to get an idea of fulfillment services offered by competitors. Services Offered by Flipkart Fulfillment Inventory Storage Flipkart provides its users with storage facilities in warehouses and fulfillment centers. Inventory can be placed in multiple locations, depending on the type of commodity and areas with high demand for specific products. Delivery Services When you opt to fulfill Flipkart Orders with Flipkart fulfillment, you can take advantage of their delivery services to ensure that your orders are delivered to your customers on time. Product Quality Checks Flipkart ensures that all products are inspected rigorously to mitigate any deformities or quality discrepancies between units. This ensures that customers receive what they expected. Packaging Facilities Flipkart Fulfillment offers packaging services to its customers. Goods can be wrapped in standardised Flipkart packaging to make sure that products are delivered safely and securely and also look attractive in the process. Services Required from Sellers in Self Ship Fulfillment Entire Fulfillment Process If sellers choose Self Ship Fulfillment to fulfill Flipkart orders, they will have to perform all the processes that are associated with order fulfillment such as packaging, distribution and eCommerce logistics. Partnering with 3PL Fulfillment Companies Sellers can opt to partner with a 3PL fulfillment company of their choice to fulfill Flipkart orders. This ensures that they still have access to cutting edge features and technology, while also maintaining the flexibility to be able to integrate with multiple other selling platforms so that they don’t have to put all their eggs in one basket. Compliance with Flipkart’s Rules and Regulations Sellers who choose to fulfill Flipkart orders on their own or through a 3PL eCommerce fulfillment company need to make sure that they abide by all the rules and regulations that have been laid out by Flipkart. Seamless Customer Experience Since Flipkart isn’t directly involved in the D2C fulfillment process of sellers who choose to fulfill Flipkart orders by themselves, they need to make sure that retailers follow the same measures to ensure that customers have a good and speedy delivery experience. Benefits for Retailers who Use 3PL Fulfillment Companies as an Alternative to Flipkart Fulfillment Access to Custom Packaging Facilities Most big eCommerce selling platforms, Flipkart included, want to highlight their own brand the most and this is reflected in their packaging. Customers will only interact with your brand after they have torn off most of the outer Flipkart-centric packaging. However, retailers who partner with 3PL retail fulfillment companies to fulfill Flipkart orders usually have access to custom packaging facilities where they can opt from a whole host of different themes, styles and materials and can choose to highlight their own brand as much as they desire. Access to Faster and Cheaper Distribution Facilities In today’s day and age, 10-minute, same-day and next-day deliveries have become conventional and most 3PL fulfillment companies have been able to adapt to the growing demand for speedy delivery. Sellers that choose to fulfill Flipkart orders through 3PLs are able to take advantage of ultra-fast delivery while also paying way less due to the reduced prices offered by these companies. This is mainly achieved by the intelligent placing of inventory in warehouses and micro fulfillment centers that are located near areas of strong demand. Access to Strategically Placed Fulfillment Centers Retailers who choose third-party fulfillment services, gain access to a large network of warehousing facilities and fulfillment centers, scattered in different regions of the country. They can choose where they want to store specific products based on areas of high demand for those specific products and also based on things like proximity to large population centers and access to distribution networks, among many other factors. The storage facilities provided by 3PL companies are also much cheaper than the in-house storage that is offered by Flipkart. Complete Management of Inventory Most 3PL fulfillment companies offer advanced and detailed Warehouse Management Software (WMS) to enable efficient and smooth tracking of inventory, across multiple warehouses and selling platforms. These software solutions can also forecast future demand so you can optimise the storage of inventory and offer smart suggestions on inventory placement based on a variety of factors such as demand, expiry dates, perishability etc. Offloading of Order Management Retailers who partner with 3PLs to fulfill Flipkart orders, gain access to high-tech and advanced order management software where orders from multiple different platforms can be accessed and tracked in one software suite. This is in sharp contrast to Flipkart’s offering, where you cannot integrate with other platforms so you can only keep an eye on your Flipkart orders while orders from other platforms are left lacking. More Freedom and Fexibility Since retailers who opt to fulfill Flipkart orders on their own don’t have to rely on Flipkart directly for order fulfillment, they have more freedom to make their own choices in how they want to go about things, as long as they abide by Flipkart’s guidelines. They also have more flexibility in their choices by being able to choose if they want to fulfill Flipkart orders on their own or offload eCommerce fulfillment requirements to a dedicated fulfillment service. Access to Cheaper and More Transparent Pricing Retailers who use Flipkart Fulfillment to fulfill Flipkart orders are constantly at the mercy of varying prices. An increase in any of the multiple variables associated with order fulfillment can trickle down to retailers, who will then have to share some of that price increase with their customers. In addition, there are more hidden logistics costs as Flipkart needs to make sure that they can make the most money and this happens by putting the most risks on retailers. On the other hand, most 3PL fulfillment companies offer transparent and no-frills pricing in order to attract customers. They also do not have a monopoly in the market so they cannot increase their prices on a whim as that would enforce retailers to choose another company with cheaper pricing. Ability to Sell Across Multiple Channels If the retailer restricts themselves to selling on Flipkart and fulfilling Flipkart orders only, they are depleting themselves of a huge chunk of potential customers that may use other platforms. Retailers who seek to expand their business operations need to be visible in every corner of the market. 3PL fuflillment companies offer their users the service of integrating with and beauty fulfilling orders on multiple eCommerce platforms and make life easy for them by consolidating all the order and inventory information in one place to increase efficiency and mitigate any bottlenecks that could have otherwise occurred. Flipkart Marketplace Integration: 10 Easy Steps to Integrate WareIQ with a Flipkart Seller Account in 2024 When eCommerce retailers opt to partner with WareIQ to fulfill Flipkart orders and outsource all their fulfillment requirements, they instantly gain access to WareIQ’s country-wide network of fulfillment centers, cross-country courier partners and the advantage of being able to integrate WareIQ with a Flipkart seller account, which gives users access to 20+ other online marketplaces and platforms and state-of-the-art inventory and order management software. Sellers can integrate WareIQ with a Flipkart seller account in just 10 easy steps: Step 1: Logging In The seller can sign up at https://wareiq.com/contact-us/ & integrate WareIQ with a Flipkart seller account for managing end to end fulfillment of eCommerce their business. The seller gets the user ID & password from WareIQ’s customer onboarding team to log into WareIQ’s WMS portal. Step 2: Access to WMS Dashboard Once the seller logs in, the seller gets access to the WMS dashboard with an option to set up the account. Step 3: Navigating the Dashboard Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the WareIQ’s WMS dashboard. Step 4: Accessing Account Settings Click on “Account Settings”. Step 5: Adding Company Address The “Company Information” would have already been added to the portal by WareIQ’s customer onboarding team. Click on “Address”. Step 6: Adding Channels Fill up the “BILLING ADDRESS” and “DISPATCH ADDRESS” and click on “Add Channels”. Step 7: Adding Flipkart as an Integration The seller can view all the online marketplaces & website builders with which WareIQ’s WMS can be integrated. The platforms already integrated will appear at the top like the “Shopify” logo. Scroll over “ADD NEW INTEGRATIONS” & choose the Flipkart logo under “Select Marketplaces”. Step 8: Adding Credentials A screen pops up to add a few credentials of sellers like Seller ID, Location ID, Application ID etc. for connecting a Flipkart Account with WareIQ’s WMS. Step 9: Identifying Seller ID and Other Information Follow the steps below to identify seller ID and fill out the other required fields like application ID, Location ID and others: #1: Recording Location of Shelf Once you add the channel,  the Smart panel's shelf location of Flipkart needs to be recorded in EasyEcom.  You can do this by going to "Inventory >> Manage Listings" and selecting the "Update Listings" option.  After this, choose "Flipkart Smart" as your marketplace and download the listing data. You then have to record the shelf location of every product and upload those files to EasyEcom.   You can contact customer care at EasyEcom post updating the shelf location in Easy Ecom. #2 Flipkart Seller Panel details  Identifying Your Seller ID To begin with, you need to sign in to your Flipkart Seller Panel and press Ctrl+Shift+i and then select network.  You need to copy the Seller ID and paste it into the “Seller ID” column. Identifying Your Application ID and Secret You can start by opening this link: https://api.flipkart.net/oauth-register/login which will take you to the page below: Sign in with your account details and select “Register new application”.  After this, you can copy the Application ID and Application Secret. Then you can select the “Flipkart Smart” option and you will get a popup where the information can be pasted.  Identifying Your Location ID  In order to identify your Location ID, sign in to your account via this link https://seller.flipkart.com/. After this, scroll to “Orders>>Smart Fulfilled Orders”. You can then copy your Location ID from the URL. Note that the Location ID always begins with “LOC”. ​​Step 10: Syncing Channels Select the “Close” option to close the pop-up window and then select the “Sync Channels” option. The process to integrate WareIQ with a Flipkar seller account has now been achieved. The seller can start storing inventory for fulfilling orders from WareIQ’s fulfillment centers. Also read our blog on Amazon marketplace integration with WareIQ's WMS to get a better idea of competitor services to Flipkart and Amazons fulfillment. Why Should Merchants Choose WareIQ as a Fulfillment Partner to Fulfill Flipkart Orders? There are a vast number of reasons why merchants should choose WareIQ as their partner to fulfill Flipkart orders. Not only do we offer a seamless ability to integrate WareIQ with a Flipkart seller account but we also offer many more features, both in the forward and reverse supply chain, that will be sure to enrich your business with the tools it needs to tackle growing online demand and order fulfillment. We also offer cost-effective and transparent prices compared to our competitors. Here is a list of some of the features that we offer: Forward Supply Chain Smart Inventory Placement We analyze order density, SKU velocity, seasonality, & market trends by location for smart inventory placement to mitigate any delays and errors. Quality Assurance We offer services such as inbound management, coupled with rigorous product checks while adhering to Legal and Metrology compliance. Customization/ Personalization We enable through branded shipping, the creation of custom curated kits and custom packaging to meet every seller’s brand standards & requirements and help them highlight the unique aspects of their brand. RTO Shield Our in-house RTO Shield allows sellers to intelligently identify high-risk RTO orders and insures them against any RTO losses to maintain their profit margins and eliminate wasted resources. First-Mile Sourcing We offer centralized sourcing hubs to conveniently obtain all your materials and resources in one place. Prime-Like Badges Sellers can boost customer conversions by 30% using WareIQ’s Prime-like badges, which showcase varying levels of delivery speed and services offered. Smart Courier Allocation We give sellers the option to leverage data-driven insights to match them with the most suitable courier partner and the ability to ship with flat rates across each zone. Post-Purchase Experience With WareIQ’s Branded Tracking offering, sellers can deliver a premium post-ship experience. It also enables them to re-target & cross-sell thus increasing revenue and profit margins. Reverse Supply Chain Smart RVP We enable last-mile partners to verify product quality by leveraging reference checklists and images, eliminating returns of damaged or misplaced goods by customers and thus, mitigating reverse logistics expenses. Reinventorization We provide liability protections for our customers with simplified Seller Protection Fund claims and seamless settlement processes. Value Recovery We assist in recovering the value of returned goods through liquidation to the secondary market, upcycling and recycling, donation, and converting waste to energy to help businesses utlize every ounce of their capabilities and mitigate any wastage that might occur. Disposal We offer services for the sustainable disposal of products across categories such as food, apparel, electronics, health & hygiene etc. Over 300 of the fastest-growing eCommerce brands such as The Man Company, Future Group, Kama Ayurveda and Wingreens Farms, already trust WareIQ with the fulfillment process of their companies, so they can focus entirely on core aspects of their businesses such as sales, marketing and R&D. You can also reap all these amazing benefits while stepping up your eCommerce game. We are tailored to every kind of business and offer the most competitive prices in the industry. Sign Up Now with WareIQ to take advantage of our superior fulfillment tech platform & accelerate the growth of your online business. Fulfill Flipkart Orders & How to Integrate WareIQ with a Flipkart Seller Account: FAQs What is Flipkart marketplace integration?Flipkart Marketplace Integration is a facility offered by Flipkart where 3PL services can integrate their WMS with a Flipkart seller account to enable complete offloading and automation of the entire order process. This assists in compiling orders and inventory details from multiple platforms in one place. What is Flipkart Self Ship Fulfillment?Flipkart Self Ship Fulfillment is a means to fulfill Flipkart orders where retailers can opt to perform the entire process on their own or with the help of a 3PL Fulfillment company such as WareIQ. What is the difference between Flipkart Fulfillment and Self Ship Fulfillment?Flipkart fulfillment is a service offered by Flipkart where they take care of their customers' entire fulfillment process, in-house. Conversely, Self Ship Fulfillment is when retailers opt to not utilize the services offered by Flipkart to fulfill Flipkart orders and instead, seek to do it on their own or partner with a 3PL fulfillment company. How many online selling platforms can you integrate with WareIQ's WMS?WareIQ offers integrations with over 20 of the largest eCommerce platforms in addition to Flipkart such as Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce and many others by following a similar easy-to-use process for all. How can it benefit your business to integrate WareIQ with a Flipkart seller account?There are multiple benefits involved with integrating WareIQ's WMS with Flipkart such as being able to track and monitor orders and inventory, across multiple platforms, in one centralised hub as well as transparent and cost-effective pricing, flexibility, ease of use and much more.

May 19, 2022

Flat Rate Vs Standard Shipping: 7 Key Differences in 2024

Flat Rate Vs Standard Shipping: 7 Key Differences in 2024

In the eCommerce market, shipping is quite important. If you're selling tangible assets, shipping is the only way for them to get to their intended destination. Customers, on the other hand, want their orders delivered at their convenience. Are you unsure about flat rate vs standard shipping? Don't worry we've got your back. Many of you have probably heard of these terms and must be aware of Flat Rate vs Standard Shipping costs and processes related to them. In this post, we will discuss flat rate vs standard shipping and how to select the most appropriate and cost-effective delivery option. Flat Rate and Standard Rate Shipping Flat rates and standard shipping rates are the two different price options for shipping your products. You may offer your customers a fixed shipping fee for each zone or weight slab, or you can offer them a standard shipping rate that varies within a zone and is determined by various criteria. What is Flat Rate Shipping? Flat rate shipping is also known as linear rate shipping. Every parcel is assigned a set value. As a result, the value is unaffected by the dimensions, size, or weight. That is why delivering heavy items via flat rate shipping is more beneficial than shipping smaller parcels. Flat rate costs vary depending on the time zone or a weight slab, however, all parcels that fall within that weight slab will be charged the same flat fee. The goal of the flat shipping charge is to unify and standardize your package. If it fits the specific size and weight standards, the same fee applies to shipments in a single region, such as local national delivery. It means you may choose from a variety of box and envelope sizes, each with its weight restriction. You can send it with basic shipping if the item you're sending fits in the lowest parcel size and the weight allowance isn't exceeded, Advantages of Flat Rate Shipping include transparency, simplified management, and rare weighing errors, among various other benefits. Read more on Flat Rate Shipping, to gather additional information on it. What is Standard Shipping? Standard shipping, also known as ground, economy, or regular shipping, this module of shipping can save your money by generating prices that are tailored to your specific needs. Standard shipping is intended for small businesses or individuals who mail packages of various sizes and weights. It also supports shipping to a variety of locations, including international operations. Standard shipping usually includes a fair delivery time and a comprehensive tracking option, allowing both the sender and the receiver to follow the shipment in real-time. The standard delivery time is three to seven business days, however, if the destination is far away, it may take a bit longer. The majority of standard shipment is done by road. Standard delivery is cost-effective, but it is also slow. Some customers who are accustomed to next-day or same-day deliveries may be put off by this. [contactus_gynoveda] Advantages of Standard Shipping The following are the key benefits of standard delivery rates Liability is minimal to non-existent One of the most important benefits of going with a normal delivery fee is that you have little to no liability. This is perfect for new fulfillment sellers or firms who are unable to determine their true reach at first. In this scenario, regular shipping prices assist to avoid any confusion or loss. It assists in providing a full breakdown of each order's cost. Provides a Classic Approach When a company doesn't have many consumers in a given time zone, a standard delivery fee is an easy choice. It might help you avoid the continual switching of shipping partners. How Does Standard Shipping Work? Standard shipping is suitable for companies who need to send small to big packages at a low cost. The cost of shipping varies depending on the distance, weight, and size of the package. When a consumer selects this option, provide them with a comprehensive shipping policy that covers shipping rates and procedures, as well as delivery timelines. The shipping businesses choose, sort, and pack orders that are shipped via regular delivery. They are then transported by ground transport, which takes 3 to 7 business days to reach clients. There is no need to purchase boxes with precise dimensions for standard delivery. You may pack it in any box that matches your merchandise. Standard international shipping takes substantially longer, depending on where you are. Customs fees and taxes may also be applicable. Many courier companies also provide eCommerce order tracking, which keeps you and the customer informed about the parcel's exact location until it is delivered. Now when we have the basic idea about flat rate vs standard shipping. Hence, choosing the correct shipping partner for an eCommerce courier business is a difficult undertaking. There are dozens of them throughout the world, each with its own set of charges and terms. We compiled a list of the best eCommerce shipping companies in India, along with eCommerce Fulfillment Services guide. Flat Rate Vs Standard Shipping: Key Differences Every shipment is charged a predetermined amount under flat rate or linear rate shipping arrangements. The charges for this shipping plan are not affected by the size or dimensions of the package. The flat delivery charge is frequently preferred when transporting large products. Flat shipping charges may differ based on time zones and destination location. Standard rate shipping is the most popular method used by businesses to deliver their items to customers. The pin-code, box dimension, weight, time zone, and other factors are all taken into account when determining the final shipping charge. The majority of shipping service companies give a normal delivery period of 3 to 7 days. Flat Rate Vs Standard Shipping: Key Differences Table [table id=18 /] Flat Rate vs Standard Shipping: Differentiating Factors There is a set delivery time with flat rate shipping that cannot be changed. Standard shipping is based on ordinary shipping prices, which are computed based on pin codes and zones. A flat rate simply indicates that any item may be sent for the same fee, generally within zones. In most circumstances, the eCommerce site calculates and sets this pricing after consulting with its delivery partner. Shipping Cost Flat rate shipping is calculated based on different shipping zones. For example, flat charges may vary depending on the region and zone where the item must be delivered. Standard Shipping prices are computed based on pin codes and zones, and standard delivery is priced accordingly. To ensure that buyers receive only one shipping price, you do not need to adopt any special flat-pricing method. Customers will pay a single shipping charge for shipments within the city, regardless of their quantity. As a consequence, if you need to send to an address inside a specific zone near your business, this kind of shipping is suitable. Alternatively, if you have frequent consumers who travel from specified areas. There is a set arrival time for flat rate shipping that cannot be changed. Delivery Time In Flat rate Shipping, the deliveries take place between two to four days, while Standard Shipping takes three to seven days for the delivery of the package. Advantages Flat Rate vs Standard Shipping, both have their own advantages, in flat rate, the destination is pre-determined which saves time while delivering the package, and in Standard Shipping the cost for shipping is custom calculated, hence it saves money spent on the shipping. Flat Rate Shipping is mostly done by MNCs shipping identical packages in bulk, while Standard Shipping is for small businesses with a variety of packages. Flat Rate vs Standard Shipping- Choose Ideal Shipping Process for eCommerce in 2024 It is critical for you to understand which delivery method is ideal for you as an eCommerce vendor, as far as Flat Rate vs Standard shipping is considered. You must have an estimate of the cost and select the most cost-effective way. Flat shipping is excellent for routine shipping deliveries within short distances in most circumstances (for example, within the country). Standard shipping is preferable for remote shipping zones since it is more reliable. You can charge the consumer for a portion of the shipping costs in the form of delivery fees. Before selecting to use flat rate shipping, you should consider the number of shipments you make. When you pick flat rate shipping, you may be required to pay additional shipping expenses. This implies that Flat Rate Shipping is ideal if your clientele is heterogeneous. How WareIQ Offers Shipping to eCommerce Players? Partnering with WareIQ can let you offer a diverse variety of carriers, transit times, and shipping alternatives to your clients. Also, WareIQ's next-day delivery helps to gain trust and credibility amongst our clients. WareIQ provides comprehensive eCommerce logistics support in addition to providing regular shipping alternatives that are dependable, fast, and accurate. You get free shipping materials, order tracking capabilities, a large network of fully operating fulfillment centers, and an on-demand logistics solution that connects with your online business when you outsource fulfillment to WareIQ. WareIQ also enables the brand to distribute to all places within 24-48 hours just like Amazon guaranteed deliveries, while lowering fulfillment expenses by 25%, as WareIQ is well aware of all the pain points in the eCommerce industry. The last thing you want to worry about is shipping, whether you sell on your website or through a vendor fulfilled prime, or on a marketplace. WareIQ has partnered with all the major national & hyperlocal courier service providers for efficient shipping. We at WareIQ seek to remove logistics operations totally off your plate so you can focus on growing your business in other ways. [signup] Flat Rate vs Standard Shipping FAQS Flat Rate vs Standard Shipping: Which is the most cost-effective delivery option?Standard shipping is the least expensive delivery option. It helps you earn the best margins. As far as Flat Rate vs Standard Shipping is considered Flat Rate vs Standard Shipping: Which shipping is best for the fastest delivery?Flat Rate Shipping takes 2-5 Days to deliver while Standard shipping takes 3-7 days, it might take weeks for International Standard Shipping. Flat Rate vs Standard Shipping: Which is best for my business?Both the flat rate and the standard shipping have their own benefits. This implies that you must make a decision based on your company's needs. Make an informed decision based on your company's needs and aspects such as reach, purchasers, and so on. Choose cautiously because it can impact your revenue generation. Flat Rate vs Standard Shipping, difference between Flat Rate and Standard Shipping.There is a set arrival time for flat rate shipping that cannot be changed. Regular shipping prices are calculated based on pin codes and zones, and standard delivery is priced accordingly. Standard shipping is employed for lengthier or non-prioritized deliveries instead of flat rate delivery. Flat Rate vs Standard Shipping: What is the difference in costs?Standard shipping is more variable than flat rate shipping because it includes a steady price for packages. Standard shipping fees may be applied based on package type, size, shape, weight, or distance travelled. Each carrier determines its own shipping charges.

May 19, 2022

What is EOQ – Economic Order Quantity? What is the Importance of EOQ for eCommerce Business in 2024?

What is EOQ – Economic Order Quantity? What is the Importance of EOQ for eCommerce Business in 2024?

These days, order fulfillment for eCommerce sellers has become a relatively easy task due to the emergence of multiple high-quality logistics partners with huge supply-chain networks. From picking and packing to shipping services, they are also responsible for collecting payments post-delivery and managing inventory. But in the end, the seller is in the driver's seat so they need to determine the type of products they want to sell and price them competitively. To decide this, they need to do market research and study the demand and supply of similar products. This is where economic order quantity can help them streamline their decision making process. Things like minimum order quantity (MOQ) and economic order quantity (EOQ) assist sellers to get an accurate estimation of batches as per their requirements while also ensuring that there is enough free space for storage as opposed to an uninformed seller who may keep placing orders to their supplier only after their inventory gets depleted. What is Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)? Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) is the appropriate order quantity for a company to purchase goods in order to reduce inventory costs such as holding charges, shortage costs, order costs, etc. Inventory management, which oversees the ordering, holding, and usage of a company's inventory, requires the use of economic order quantity. EOQ is responsible for determining how many units a company should add to its inventory with each batch of orders, to lower the total inventory expenditure. The EOQ model aims to ensure that the appropriate amount of inventory is ordered per batch so that neither does a company have to place orders too frequently nor have an excess amount of inventory in hand. Sellers need to understand the difference between inventory setup costs and industry holding costs. When a seller can minimize both, only then can the inventory cost be minimized.  How is Economic Order Quantity Calculated? To calculate the EOQ for your business, you must know the components listed below: D: Demand Rate (Quantity Sold Per Year)Q: Volume per OrderS: Ordering Cost (Fixed Cost)C: Unit Cost (Variable Cost)H: Holding Cost (Variable Cost)I: Carrying Cost (Interest Rate) Source ​Order Cost It is a variable cost. It refers to the sum of all costs associated to fulfilling the order of products from sellers to buyers. This cost includes packaging (branded packaging), shipping (branded shipping), managing, etc. Before we arrive at the ordering cost, we will have to find the number of orders per annum. The number of orders annually can be found by dividing the ‘annual demand’ by ‘the volume per order’. The formula can be expressed as: Numbers of Orders = Annual Demand / Volume per Order (D/Q)  Now that we know the number of orders, we need to find the annual ordering cost for each order with a fixed ordering cost (independent of the number of units- S) by multiplying the number of orders by the fixed cost. It is expressed as: Annual Cost Order = Numbers of Orders * S = Annual Demand / Volume per Order (D/Q) * S Demand Rate Demand rate is the cumulative number of units of products that a retailer sells in a year. Might from retail fulfillment, drop-shipping etc. Holding Cost  In any business, you need to have inventory to fulfill demand. Offline businesses can store their products in a shop whereas online businesses do not have access to a physical shop. For them, holding inventory is more expensive than maintaining the website or listing their products on multichannel eCommerce selling platforms. This cost can be a direct cost that is incurred by spending on the storage of inventory or the cost of holding inventory. Holding cost includes eCommerce warehousing costs, logistics costs, securing costs, insurance costs, etc. The per-unit holding cost is often expressed as the cost per unit multiplied by the interest rate, expressed as follows: H = IC The Economic Order Quantity formula is   EOQ = square root of (2*S*D)/H How Does Economic Order Quantity Work? Ordering a huge amount of inventory for the purpose of hoarding ultimately increases the cost which reflects in the per-unit cost of products. Conversely, ordering small amounts of inventory increases the frequency of orders which also increases the setup cost. So this is where economic order quantity helps. It finds out the actual quantity required which mitigates all the risks.  Example/Case Study: Let's speculate that a company uses EOQ to assess demand, order costs, and holding expenses per unit per year over the previous year and anticipates comparable demand next year. If the information is as follows:  Annual Usage is 20,000 units Ordering Costs are ₹400 rupees per order Carrying Costs is ₹4 per unit per annum Solution: square root of (2AO/C) square root (2*20000*400)/4=2,000. The EOQ is 2000 units. In case a seller is short of inventory, they need to order 2,000 units. If a seller wants to order 10,000 units which is 5 times 2,000 units then you need to multiply 2000 by 5. Note: economic order quantity can change if any of the variables change. What is the Importance of EOQ? As the name suggests, economic order quantity is the economic means of ordering inventory, keeping in mind the size of the business(small scale/large scale) and increasing future demand and supply requirements. A few of the benefits of EOQ are: Gives sellers a figure to order and maintain their inventoryMitigate the risk to sellers of facing a stock shortage.Makes the supply-chain activities hassle-free.Helps eCommerce sellers as well as merchants in dropshipping. 5 Benefits of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) Bulk Order Discounts: Sellers can take advantage of the best bulk-order or economies-of-scale discounts offered by vendors if they plan and time their orders correctly. Improved Order Fulfillment: When a certain item is required for a customer order, optimal EOQ ensures that the product is available, allowing you to complete the order on schedule and keep the customer satisfied. It enhances the consumer experience of your customers and possibly increases sales. Lower Storage Costs: You should have fewer things to store when your supply effectively meets your demand. This can save you money on real estate, utilities, security, insurance, and other expenses. Prevents Over-Ordering: Over ordering and locking up too much cash in inventory can be avoided with a precise estimate of what you need and when you need it. It creates a smoother cash flow in the business. Reduces Wastage: More streamlined order schedules should reduce irrelevant inventory, especially for organizations with perishable commodities that can result in dead stock. Challenges of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) Business Growth: For organizations with consistent inventory demands, the EOQ formula is perfect. Using economic order quanitity in a fast-growing business might lead to inventory shortages. Also it is mainly needed in scenarios of constant demand and inventory storage.  Outdated Systems: Old and obsolete systems may contain incomplete data, resulting in missed savings opportunities. This issue can be solved with an inventory management software solution or a cloud-based ERP. Seasonal Needs: Seasonality makes EOQ more difficult, but not impossible. This is because client demand may fluctuate significantly throughout the year. Flawed Data: Access to correct and trustworthy data is one of the most difficult aspects of estimating economic order quanitity. Manual or spreadsheet-based solutions may generate erroneous calculations due to poor quality or obsolete data. Inventory Shortages: If you’re a new user of this method, you may often generate smaller orders. Also, if you are conservative with your calculations and expenditure on inventory then you will end up under-ordering. How to Use EOQ to Improve Inventory Management in 2024? In 2024, If you are operating a large eCommerce business then before you get to important tasks like creating a website, registering on third-party selling platforms and partnering with a 3PL logistics company, you have to take care of inventory management and here,  theories like minimum order quantity and economic order quantity are useful. While calculating the economic order quantity, you can figure out what order size is the best for your business. It eliminates guesswork and reduces the risk of over-ordering or running out of stock. You can use the stats and data to make a long-term inventory selection for your company. If you run a large organization, especially one that requires expensive inventory, or one that has high inventory holding costs, EOQ could have a significant impact on your operations, cash flow, and earnings for years to come. Conclusion When you are in a business, you need to take care of the demands of your customers. You can regularly check what they want and try to fulfill their requirements in the best possible way. Economic Order Quantity helps a seller in many aspects such as reminding them to reorder stock and running their supply chain smoothly. If the seller runs out of stock, they would not be able to deliver the product to their buyer on time. Inventory Management is an issue for most big as well as small eCommerce businesses. They face problems choosing between the Newsvendor Model, the Continuous Review (ROP), the Periodic Review (FOI), the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and lack of appropriate forecasting leads to several inventory management issues at the beginning of the supply chain inventory which travels down eventually causing the Bullwhip Effect. These days, many sellers are claiming to provide same-day or next-day delivery with the help of fulfillment partners like WareIQ, a full-stack platform for eCommerce companies. Their USP is using state-of-the-art technology to provide Amazon Prime-like delivery and fulfillment services for every eCommerce company. With the emergence of eCommerce as a full-time business, WareIQ provides its partners with several advantages. Other than calculating economic order quantity, WareIQ can assist in the following ways: Choosing multiple warehouses in which you can divide your inventory according to location or market-specific orders.Minimizes your inventory holding cost by charging only for the area occupied by the seller's product.Provides accurate data of inventory in real-time which helps sellers to get insights into their sales figures and forecasts demand and supply.Keeps EOQ logistics costs low with smart warehouse locations near cargo and shipment centers.Does all the economic order quantity calculations for a seller so that they need not get hassled and can focus on their core business operations. Sign Up Now with WareIQ to take advantage of our superior fulfillment tech platform & accelerate the growth of your online business. Economic Order Quantity FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) How does EOQ help in inventory management?Economic order quantity (EOQ) is a statistic that defines a company's ideal order size, allowing them to meet demand without going over budget. EOQ is calculated by inventory managers to reduce holding costs and surplus inventory. What are the assumptions of EOQ?The Economic order Quantity implies inventory depletion and steady demand at a constant rate until it reaches zero. A particular number of conclusions arrive at that point, restoring the inventory to its original state. There are no such inventory shortages or associated costs because the model assumes instant replenishment. Who uses Economic Order Quantity?Economists in businesses use the EOQ model to plan operations since it is a quantitative approach that provides significant cost savings. Furthermore, because the model is based on a consistent or regular pattern, total expenses can be accurately projected. Why is EOQ necessary for eCommerce?Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) is a formula for calculating inventory stocking levels. Its main goal is to assist a corporation in maintaining a steady inventory level while also lowering expenditures. Variable annual usage amount, order cost, and warehouse carrying cost are used in EOQ. When can EOQ be implemented?It can be implemented only when demand for a product is stable throughout the year and each new order is delivered in full when inventory reaches zero. Regardless of the amount of units requested, each order has a fixed cost.

May 18, 2022