Category: Fulfillment Companies

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Ecommerce Store Owners’ Top Ten Challenges – How to Overcome Them and Succeed Online

Male entrepreneur standing surrounded by product in an office.

With more consumers turning to online stores for their purchases, this is a great time to run an eCommerce business. However, online store owners face certain challenges that can make or break their business. From protecting consumer information online to finding better ways to fulfill orders, such as with help from a fulfillment company, these are some of the top challenges eCommerce store owners face.

1. Building Customer Loyalty

With so many online stores to choose from, having customer loyalty can be tough. Encourage customers to be loyal to your business through online interaction, loyalty programs with rewards, transparency, and content marketing. Taking these steps can help you engage with your customers and build a rapport with them.

2. Labor Shortages

Labor shortages have been making it harder for online stores to find staff to handle orders, customer service, and other aspects of keeping businesses up and running. Making improvements to your recruiting process and offering good benefits can help you find employees to help you with your online store.

3. Problems with Logistics

Global supply chain issues have led to logistics problems for online stores, especially when it comes to tracking inventory. Hiring a reputable fulfillment company can help your eCommerce business keep track of products that are in stock, so that you’ll know when it’s time for you to restock.

4. Lack of In-Person Contact Before Purchasing

Customers aren’t able to examine products physically before buying them when they purchase goods online. This can cause some customers to avoid shopping online. ECommerce store owners can make use of newer technology, such as virtual realty or augmented reality to make up the inability to physically try on or feel or hold merchandise.

5. Low Conversion Rates

Conversion rates can be a problem for online store owners, especially for those who are just getting started. Focusing on driving conversion through search engine optimization, calls-to-action, and the targeted messaging can help you increase your online store’s conversion rates.

6. Fraudulent Transactions

Fraud can easily happen in online stores when secure payment methods aren’t being used. This can lead to financial and legal problems while also discouraging customers from doing business with your eCommerce store. Watch for signs of suspicious activity with customer purchases, and use software solutions to make the payment process as secure as possible.

7. Customer Support

Although you can use chatbots for convenient customer support, many consumers would rather talk to customer service personnel on the phone, especially when dealing with complex issues. Offering phone support that allows customers to speak to someone can help improve customer support.

8. Customer Experience

Customers have raised their expectations in recent years when making online purchases. Ensuring that customers receive their orders promptly is crucial for your online business. A fulfillment company can provide you with peace of mind while also meeting the higher expectations that today’s customers have.

9. Cybersecurity Threats

Cybersecurity threats can put customer data at risk and harm your online business in other ways. To lower the risk of these threats, you should update your online store platform on a regular basis, back up data routinely, and use security solutions.

10. Product Returns

Online stores have a higher risk of fraud or other issues when it comes to product returns. Having clear return and refund policies can help lower this risk. Giving customers different options for returns or refunds or offering coupons for those who aren’t satisfied with their purchase can help encourage customer loyalty.

Ready to Get a Price Quote for Our Services?

If you need a fulfillment company to help overcome challenges with your eCommerce business, please contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics today. We offer dependable, quality fulfillment services on both the East and West Coasts.

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How to Handle both Positive and Negative Reviews

Negative Review Response for eCommerce and Fulfillment Services

Thanks to social media, everyone’s a critic. While you would love to have all positive reviews, there’s no need to fear negative ones. Our fulfillment company experts offer some helpful tips on responding to both.

Why Respond to Reviews?

Everyone wants to feel that their opinion is valued. When you acknowledge feedback about your eCommerce business, good or bad, you’re sending the message that you appreciate customer opinions and take them seriously.

According to Forbes Magazine, customer feedback is one of the more valuable tools for growing your business. By listening to what people like and don’t like about your product or service, you gain direction on how to evolve and improve.

Responding to Positive Opinions

If you receive positive feedback, there’s no need to provide a lengthy response. Simply offer your sincere thanks and appreciation for sharing their experience. Any attempt at a sales pitch can backfire by coming off as pushy and opportunistic.

Responding to Negative Opinions

Of course, shoppers with negative feedback require more TLC, but it’s an opportunity to get a second chance from a disgruntled customer.

  • Respond promptly to show that you’re paying attention.
  • Maintain a professional tone. Resist the impulse to take the criticism personally.
  • Ask questions to make sure you understand the customer’s concerns, just as you would if you were conversing in person. Investigate as needed to determine the cause of the problem.
  • If a customer has a complaint about something that’s no fault of yours, don’t feel obligated to apologize, but do offer empathy and compassion.

Team Up with Our Fulfillment Company for Increased Customer Satisfaction

At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we understand the value of providing superior customer service. We offer scalable fulfillment services to accommodate any eCommerce business. Contact us for more information.

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5 Tips on hiring a Fulfillment Company for New eCommerce Business

Business owner On the Phone with a Fulfillment Company.

Partnering with the right fulfillment warehouse can be the difference between steadily growing your sales or floundering in place. Here are five questions to ask when evaluating a potential fulfillment company.

1. Do they provide speedy shipping?

Home delivery is part of the convenience of online shopping. Customers don’t want to wait for their purchases, and they’ve come to expect rapid shipment. Slow delivery times is one of the major reasons consumers switch to another eCommerce company.

2. Are they reliable?

Both you and your customers need to rely on the performance of your fulfillment company. Communication should be open and frequent across all channels, and the company should be providing you with comprehensive and accurate data regarding inventory, delivery times and other metrics.

3. Are they tech-forward?

With all the moving parts involved in the order fulfillment process, it’s nearly impossible to manage it manually. Sophisticated high-tech systems provide real-time data that enables you to respond promptly to any areas that need attention.

4. Are their services cost-effective?

Use of a fulfillment warehouse is a good way to consolidate expenses, but you still have to make it work within your budget. When evaluating costs, go past the initial charges to see if they have tiered pricing schedules, volume discounts and other ways to maximize your investment.

5. Are they scalable?

As your business grows, the last thing you want to do is start over with a different fulfillment company because your original choice can’t handle the increased workload. Look for a company that can accommodate seasonal fluctuations and long-term growth so you can develop a mutually beneficial partnership.

Your Top Choice for Fulfillment Warehouse Services

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics has extensive experience working with eCommerce companies of all sizes and types. Contact us to learn more.

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How Can I Use AI for My Ecommerce Store?

Businessman touching the brain working of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automation, Predictive analytics, Customer service AI-powered chatbot, analyze customer data, business and technology

Here are our tips for using AI for eCommerce. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been making headlines in recent months. While you might think it’s meant more for computer experts, any kind of business can use AI. In fact, combining AI usage with other services, such as a fulfillment warehouse, can help businesses exceed customer expectations. From email automation to chatbots, learn more about how AI for ecommerce can help your online business succeed.

Virtual Personal Assistants and Chatbots

AI tools can offer a convenient way for customers to get assistance while visiting your online store. Chatbots have been in use for many years. This tool can answer questions or give other information while interacting with customers.

Virtual personal assistants provide a more sophisticated way for customers to get help while doing business with your online store. These AI tools help ensure that customers can get assistance around the clock if needed.

Personalized Communication

Chatbots and virtual personal assistants aren’t the only AI tools you can use to personalize customers’ experience with your business. You can use AI to create personalized automated emails for your customers.

Personalization tools can also recommend products to customers based on past shopping experience and other factors. These kinds of tools can help customers feel more welcome in your online store.

Advanced Search Options

When considering AI for ecommerce, keep in mind AI technology allows online store owners to offer highly personalized search results to customers. These tools pull up search results that are more relevant for customers based on their interests. Providing personalized search results with AI technology can encourage customers to keep coming back to your online store for repeat business.

The Top Solution for Massachusetts & California Fulfillment Services

Your need for effective Massachusetts and California fulfillment services doesn’t end after a sale. Medallion’s comprehensive programs are specifically designed to accommodate the ebbs and flows of your company.

Our robust Amazon replenishment warehousing services meet all of Amazon’s standards at a cost-effective price point. Contact us for more information.

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Is Your eCommerce Business Ready to Outsource Fulfilment and Warehousing?

Cardboard box package with blur hand of Asian shopper woman picking product from shelf in warehouse. customer shopping lifestyle in department store or purchasing factory good concepts.

No matter how competent and ambitious you are, you can’t do it all. Successful eCommerce entrepreneurs know when and where to seek help. Are you ready to outsource to a fulfillment warehouse? Use these questions to guide your decision.

1. What type of product do you sell?

Many fulfillment warehouses offer general services that fit a wide range of products. Other companies support specific categories, such as clothing or appliances. Keep in mind that you’re likely to pay more for specialized services.

2. Does the cost fit your budget?

Outsourcing is counterproductive if it eats into your profitability. Crunch the numbers to make sure the value of the expense outweighs the cost.

3. Does the fulfillment company provide complete customer support?

Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, eCommerce businesses can’t provide face-to-face customer service. Email support is helpful, but it’s only part of the solution. A first-rate fulfillment service includes phone and online chat in their communication options. And don’t forget that you are also a customer who deserves quality support.

4. How does the fulfillment company handle mistakes?

While 100 percent fulfillment is always the goal, the reality is that mistakes happen. A customer may receive an incorrect or damaged item, or the order may be lost entirely. Get the company’s policies and procedures for damaged, lost, or incorrect shipments spelled out in detail so you don’t get unpleasant surprises down the road.

5. Are the fulfillment services scalable?

As your business grows, a fulfillment company’s services should grow with you. Don’t forget about short-term scalability, such as fluctuations in business during the end-of-year holiday season.

Experienced and Cost-Effective Fulfillment Warehouse Services

Our family-owned business has grown from a small operation located in a garage to a company with facilities on both coasts. Contact us at Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics to learn more.