In the age of online shopping, customers have come to expect fast, accurate, and reliable order fulfilment. Businesses must have effective processes and strategies to ensure that orders are fulfilled promptly and correctly. From managing inventory to shipping and delivery, each step in the order fulfilment process and strategy is crucial in providing a positive customer experience. 

By creating efficient and effective operations for eCommerce order fulfilment, businesses can meet customer expectations and increase satisfaction and loyalty. In this context, creating processes and strategies with the help of 3PL eCommerce fulfilment in the UK is crucial for businesses to retain existing customers, attract new ones, and ultimately grow their revenue.

What is Order Fulfilment?

Inventory is stored in order fulfilment, products are picked and packed, and online orders are shipped to customers. E-commerce companies or third-party logistics providers can handle or outsource this process in-house.

B2B e-commerce order fulfilment involves sending large quantities of products to large retailers, while B2C e-commerce order fulfilment means shipping directly to individual shoppers. Consumers may place their orders online through merchant websites or on marketplaces for B2C purchases.

The eCommerce fulfilment providers begin the process once the customer completes their purchase. There are four types of order fulfilment. Businesses require different models to meet their needs.

• In-house: In-house order fulfilment refers to performing all steps internally.
• Third-party: 3PL companies in the UK performs all order fulfilment activities on your behalf.
• Drop shipping: The manufacturer produces and ships the order. Startups and e-commerce companies benefit from the lower entry barrier and reduced overhead costs. A buyer can save money by eliminating the middleman. The downside is that merchants may lose control, particularly over inventory management and order fulfilment. Furthermore, many manufacturers are located overseas, far from the merchant’s customers, which can lead to considerable delays in customer shipments. Shipping may take longer and cost more, so the items are shipped from a distribution centre.
• Hybrid: Hybrid models combine two or more of the above models. During peak periods, such as the holidays, and when big and bulky items are needed, the company may outsource fulfilment. However, it can also drop big and bulky items directly from the manufacturer.

Process Followed for Order Fulfilment

As part of the process, 3PL logistics companies in the UK receive, manage, and deliver customer orders. The following is a general overview of the process typically followed for order fulfilment:

• Receiving Orders: The first step in order fulfilment is receiving customer orders. Orders can be received through various channels, such as a website, email, phone, or in-store.
• Order Processing: Once an order is received, it is processed, which involves verifying the availability of the product, checking the order details, and preparing the order for shipment. This may also include confirming the payment and shipping details.
• Picking and Packing: After the order is processed, the items are picked from the warehouse or shelves and packed into the appropriate shipping boxes or envelopes. This process also includes labelling the package with the necessary shipping information.
• Shipping: Once the order is packed, it is shipped to the customer using a preferred shipping carrier. The tracking information is shared with the customer so that they can track their package.
• Delivery: The last step in order fulfilment is delivering the package to the customer’s address. The carrier or a third-party logistics provider may do the delivery. The delivery can be made to the customer’s home, office, or designated location.
• Customer Support: After the order is delivered, it’s imperative to ensure they are satisfied with the product and delivery experience. Customer support can also handle any returns or exchanges that may be required.

Developing Strategies for your Order Fulfilment.

Location efficiency

A brick-and-mortar location is still important in e-commerce, regardless of whether you operate one. When meeting customer expectations around delivery costs and speed, where you fulfil orders is as important as the size of your storage space. 

Reduced shipping zones or the distance that packages travel typically lowers the costs of transportation, as well as the duration of transportation. Urban e-commerce fulfilment centres are on the rise because they enable businesses to deliver quickly and cheaply to clients in cities with large populations.

Use Automation:

Automation is a powerful tool that can help speed up the fulfilment process and reduce errors. It can help streamline tasks such as order processing, inventory management, and shipping label printing. Using an order management system (OMS) or a warehouse management system (WMS) can help automate tasks and reduce the likelihood of mistakes.

Optimise Inventory Management:

Effective inventory management is crucial for ensuring that products are available when orders are placed. Regularly updating inventory levels and using an inventory tracking system can help ensure that you have the right products at all times. Setting up reorder points can help trigger restocking when inventory levels get low, which can help prevent stockouts.

Streamline Order Processing:

Streamlining order processing can speed up order fulfilment, reduce errors, and increase customer satisfaction. This can be done by implementing barcode scanning, utilising order templates, and automating order routing. By streamlining order processing, orders can be fulfilled more quickly and accurately, which can help improve the overall customer experience.

Offer Multiple Shipping Options:

Customers have different needs and preferences when it comes to shipping. Offering multiple shipping options, such as standard, express, or same-day delivery, can satisfy customers and improve the overall customer experience. Offering such options via 3PL Manchester can also incentivise customers to purchase.

Provide Real-Time Visibility and Tracking:

Another best 3PL for eCommerce strategy is providing customers with real-time visibility; tracking information can help improve their overall experience. This can be achieved by sending automatic notifications and providing tracking information through a customer portal or email. Keeping customers informed about their order status will make them more confident in their purchase and more likely to make future purchases.

Optimise Returns Process:

Processing returns can be time-consuming, but it’s important to have a streamlined and efficient process. Clear return policies, a user-friendly returns portal, and a dedicated returns team can help minimise returns and quickly process them when they occur. By providing easy and hassle-free returns, customers will feel more confident in their purchases and are more likely to make future purchases.

How can 3PL Fulfilments help you?

If you’re looking to improve your order fulfilment process and deliver a better customer experience, 3PL fulfilment can be an invaluable partner. Our team of experts can help you implement the best strategies for your business, providing guidance and support to optimise your fulfillment process and increase efficiency.

We offer various e-commerce fulfilment services, including warehousing, inventory management, order processing, and shipping, utilising advanced technology to streamline processes and reduce errors. With our scalable solutions, you can easily accommodate growth and handle increased volume during peak seasons. Additionally, 3PL Fulfilment can help reduce overhead costs, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

We aim to ensure a smooth and efficient fulfilment process and work tirelessly to ensure your customers receive their orders quickly, accurately, and in good condition.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let a suboptimal order fulfilment process hold your business back. Contact us today to learn more about how our best eCommerce fulfilment services can help you implement the best strategies and deliver a better customer experience.