How Can I Use AI for My Ecommerce Store?

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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?

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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.

How Our Warehouse Management System Improves Customer Service

Woman Utilizing a Warehouse Management System

In today’s ultra-competitive marketplace, elite customer service makes your eCommerce company stand out above all the rest. Find out how the warehouse management system from our full-service fulfillment company can be the secret weapon in your arsenal.

Benefits of a Warehouse Management System

1. Carry a balanced inventory.

Do you sometimes find that your investment is tied up in slow-moving items? Maybe you have disappointed customers who discover that the item they want is out of stock. Our WMS lightens your load by tracking the best-selling products and making sure your digital storefront displays an accurate inventory.

2. Fill orders quickly and effectively.

Gone are the days of, “Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.” Today’s sophisticated consumers don’t want to wait, and if you can’t provide prompt delivery, they’ll move on to someone who can. With our WMS, orders can be processed faster with fewer bottlenecks and errors. This also dovetails with having a balanced inventory, which is essential for rapid order fulfillment.

3. Deliver the right products in pristine condition.

No matter how well you manage the rest of your operations, the job doesn’t end once the parcel lands on a customer’s doorstep. Few things will anger shoppers more than opening an eagerly-awaited package to find a broken or damaged item or the wrong product altogether.

This scenario is damaging enough with a regular customer, but if it’s a new buyer, you’re not likely to get a second chance to make a good first impression. Our WMS covers inventory control and supply chain to make sure all segments mesh smoothly.

Our Fulfillment Company Services Let You Focus on Selling

Don’t let your valuable time get eaten up dealing with the nuts and bolts of order fulfillment. Contact us at Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics to learn more.

Changing Trends in Apparel eCommerce Will Lead to Greater Need of Warehouse Space

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The rise in online shopping in recent years has affected many consumer markets, including apparel. An increasing number of shoppers are becoming more comfortable with purchasing clothing online instead of in brick-and-mortar stores. The latest trends in apparel eCommerce point to a growing need for online businesses to invest in warehouse space, such as partnering with an apparel fulfillment warehouse.

Increased Online Shopping

One of the biggest trends in eCommerce is that more consumers are shopping online, especially in some parts of the U.S. Consumers in the eastern U.S. are turning to online stores more overall. Online shopping is expected to remain stable. This makes it important for apparel eCommerce owners to make sure they have plenty of space for storing clothing items, so that orders can be handled right away.

Consumer Loyalty

More and more online shoppers stay loyal to certain retailers or brands when shopping for apparel. Many of these turn to fast-fashion stores and specialty stores that they have shopped at in the past. Building a loyal customer base can help online apparel stores thrive and stay ahead of the competition. Part of encouraging customers to remain loyal involves ensuring that their orders are fulfilled and shipped as quickly as possible.

Social Media and Influencers

Roughly a third of adults in the U.S. consider social media an influence on their apparel purchases. Some of these consumers are inspired to buy fashion products after watching or seeing social media influencers wear them or recommend them. Making use of social media can help apparel eCommerce owners benefit from this trend.

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics Your Apparel Fulfillment Warehouse

If you are looking for a fulfillment warehouse for your apparel eCommerce store, please contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics. We can provide your business with the space and fast shipping times needed to fulfill orders promptly in order to ensure customer loyalty.

Shipping Issues Expected for Summer 2023

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Over the last few years, the global supply chain has been an indirect victim of the pandemic. Widespread shutdowns caused unprecedented interruptions in both consumer purchasing and availability of goods and materials.

Are there any lingering effects from this historic event? Our fulfillment company staff shares industry expert predictions about what to expect this summer.

Freight Rates

• During the pandemic, logistics costs rose sharply, which was one of the elements contributing to high inflation. Over the last year, ocean freight charges have declined, with some lanes back to pre-pandemic levels.

• Falling rates are attributed largely to a drop in consumer spending, which had risen over the last two years as importers enjoyed increased sales.

• Carrier alliances are in a period of flux, as seen with the pending split between Maersk and MSC. Some experts believe this may be the beginning of a rate war.

Despite these changes, experts caution that freight rates and shipping prices have not yet leveled off.

Shipping Demand and Inventory Volumes

• Consumer spending remains low, with more money being spent on services rather than goods.

• Job markets and wages continue to be strong. Whether this leads to growth in spending depends on consumer sentiment in the face of recent bank failures and rising interest rates.

• Shipping demand is beginning to creep back up as inventory levels are depleted. Import volumes saw monthly increases during spring, and this trend is expected to continue into July.

• Labor disputes involving Local 13 of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) may impact traffic at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.

Streamline Operations With Our Fulfillment Company

Experts recommend partnering with a fulfillment warehouse to mitigate the effects of demand fluctuations and changes in shipping rates. Contact Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics for a solution to fit your specific needs.