Starting Your Own Online eCommerce Business Part 2

Worker Taking inventory of a eCommerce Warehouse.

So you’re ready to start your own online eCommerce business? Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can just set up a website, choose a fulfillment company and go.

In many important ways, an online business is just like a brick-and-mortar business. Here are some major considerations that should be on your start-up checklist.

1. Determine your overall business concept.

“Selling products” may be your ultimate goal, but it’s not a viable business concept. With all the competition you’ll be facing, you need to figure out where you can offer something different. Having a solid business concept will also provide focus for easier decision-making.

2. Create a business plan.

Once you have a concept, you can start planning how you will achieve it. Think of a business plan as a blueprint for the structure of your business. Include elements such as:

3. Choose a business structure.

Limited liability company (LLC), limited liability partnership (LLP), sole proprietorship or corporation? Each one has different specific implications for your personal assets, tax liabilities and company operations. If you’re not sure, seek professional advice.

4. Obtain the necessary licenses.

  • Research your business name to make sure it’s not the same as another registered business in your county or state. Also, decide whether you’ll be using a DBA, or “doing business as.”
  • Register your company with the appropriate business agency in your state. Once that’s done, you can apply to the IRS for an employer identification number (EIN).

A Fulfillment Company That Works for You

With all the business hats you have to wear, wouldn’t it be great to turn order fulfillment over to an experienced source? Family-owned Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics has been successfully providing fulfillment company services for decades. Contact us to learn more.

Five Essential Benefits of a 3PL Warehouse for Your Small Business

Science technology concept. AI (Artificial Intelligence). Deep learning.

When you are trying to grow your small business, handling all of the tasks involved in your supply chain can be challenging and time-consuming. The use of third-party logistics (3PL), such as a fulfillment warehouse, can take these tasks off your hands, so you can focus on other aspects of your business. Using 3PL warehouse solutions offers the following benefits for small businesses.

Better Customer Satisfaction

Using a 3PL warehouse means your customers can receive their packages on time. This helps your business build a reputation for being reliable. Timely package shipping and deliveries result in customers who are more satisfied with your business.

Reduced Costs

A 3PL warehouse solution can help your small business save on operating costs and other expenses. Using this type of service means you will not have to spend money on renting a warehouse, transporting goods, and handling other logistics tasks on your own.

Expanded Markets

Using a 3PL warehouse can make it easier and more cost-effective for your business to expand into new markets. You will have greater access to other markets, while saving money on the cost of managing inventory in these markets.

Increased Scalability

When you use 3PL solutions, you will have the adjust the use of supply chain resources based on how busy your business currently is. This scalability helps reduce waste when business is slow or quickly meet customer needs when business picks up.

Knowledge and Expertise

Relying on a 3PL warehouse to handle your fulfillment needs means you can depend on their expertise and guidance. They can help you expand into new markets, including overseas markets, while ensuring compliance with international regulations.

If you need a dependable fulfillment warehouse to help your business grow, please contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics to learn more about our services.

The Top 3 Benefits of a 3PL Warehouse Partner

3PL Parners

Running a retail business can be lucrative, but it comes with certain challenges. With more customers purchasing items online, making sure orders are fulfilled as quickly and efficiently as possible can be difficult. Partnering with a fulfillment company that offers third party logistics (3PL) services is a smart solution. Working with a 3PL warehouse partner can provide your company with the following advantages.

Reduced Risks

From supply chain problems to product shortages, businesses can run into many issues that cause delays. This can have a ripple effect that leads to less business overall as customers turn to other companies to purchase the products they want or need. While you can’t prevent some of these problems from occurring, working with a 3PL warehouse partner can help mitigate these risks. Your 3PL partner can explore possible solutions to these issues, while you focus on other areas of your business.

Faster Delivery Times

Customers who make online purchases expect to receive them as soon as possible. Instead of having to wait several days or weeks for the items they buy, they look for businesses who offer fast deliveries, such as next-day or even same-day delivery. Handling this on your own can be incredibly tough to do. However, your 3PL warehouse partner can help ensure that customers are able to receive their purchases in a much shorter timeframe.

Lower Costs

Having a 3PL warehouse partner can lead to lower shipping costs. These businesses are in a better position to negotiate rates with shipping companies, which can help you save money on the cost of shipping your products to customers. With these savings, you’ll have more room in your budget to spend on marketing or other areas.

If you need a reliable fulfillment company to help your business thrive, please contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics.

Starting an Ecommerce Store? What to Know to Succeed

Small Business Owner Fulfilling an Order

Ecommerce has gone from a rarity to an established way of business. If you’re planning to start an Ecommerce store, the road is already laid out for you. Follow these useful tips from entrepreneurs who have been in your shoes, as shared by our fulfillment warehouse experts.

1. Know your customers.

This is one piece of advice carried over from the brick-and-mortar world. Customers purchase based on what they want and what they need, so make sure you understand these wishes and how best to fulfill them. Remember that tastes and trends are always shifting and be flexible enough to pivot as needed.

2. Build your brand.

No matter what product or service you’re selling, you’re competing with thousands of companies that are selling the same thing. Identify the unique selling point that makes you stand out from the rest and build your brand around that concept.

3. Protect your profit margins.

Novice Ecommerce owners sometimes feel obligated to prime the pump with free shipping and discounts in hopes of quickly building a customer base. As a result, sales may look good on paper but they’re not actually making any money. Have the confidence to let your product or service stand on its own merits and be judicious about offering costly incentives.

4. Go all in.

Successful entrepreneurs don’t do things halfway. If you’re going to start an Ecommerce business, you need to be all in with your online presence. Invest the time and learn how to maximize your web page and social media platforms.

Fulfillment Warehouse Services That Grow with You

You don’t have to go it alone. Contact Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics to learn more about our full range of solutions for your Ecommerce business, including our Amazon replenishment warehouse service.

Five eCommerce Trends Emerging in 2023

eCommerce Trends

When you run an eCommerce business, staying aware of the latest trends is essential. Knowing what these trends are can help you adjust your approach to running your business in order to help it thrive. From using a fulfillment warehouse to relying on chatbots for customer support, these are some of the top eCommerce trends in the new year.

Chatbots as Customer Support

Did you know that using chatbots for customer support can lead to higher revenue for your eCommerce business? While you might think customers prefer interacting with a live person, many find it easier to use a chatbot for support.

Increased Competition

The number of eCommerce stores continues to grow as new businesses open up and brick-and-mortar stores launch online services. This increased competition makes it more important than ever to focus on customer satisfaction and marketing.

More Online Customers

Although the number of online shops is increasing, so is the number of customers who shop online. This can give you a better chance of attracting more customers and rising above the competition. Figuring out your target audience and finding ways to market your products to them is the key to success for your eCommerce business.

Live Video Shopping

A newer trend involves the use of live streaming for online shopping. How does this work? Businesses show the products they have available and sell them in a live video.

Third-Party Logistics

Third-party logistics (3PL) services can take a number of tasks off your hands. You can depend on these services to fulfill orders for you in a timely manner and handle other tasks that help your business thrive.

If you’re looking for a dependable fulfillment warehouse, please contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics. Our services can help your business run smoothly and boost customer satisfaction.