The Ins and Outs of an eCommerce Fulfillment Company Part 2

eCommerce Fulfillment Warehouse Workers Packing the Delivery Truck.

Now that you know the tasks that an eCommerce fulfillment company handles, it’s time to focus on how this is done. Companies can approach fulfillment in different ways, with the overall goal being to fulfill orders quickly and efficiently. From handling everything in house to working with a fulfillment warehouse, these are a few strategies companies might use.

Staying In House

This strategy involves keeping all fulfillment tasks in house rather than working with any third-party fulfillment companies. Businesses with a smaller volume might find this option suitable, especially if it helps them save money. However, companies with a large volume of orders might find in-house fulfillment a challenge.

Using Dropshipping

An eCommerce company that dropships can save money on startup costs. This option involves having orders sent to a manufacturer or supplier who handles picking, packing, and shipping. Companies who use dropshipping only pay for merchandise that customers purchase, which can keep costs down. However, they need to make sure the manufacturers or suppliers who handle picking, packing, and shipping are reliable and efficient to ensure customer satisfaction.

Using Third-Party Logistics

Third-party logistics (3PL) involves having another company handle all fulfillment tasks, as well as supply chain management. This includes storing inventory, shipping orders, receiving merchandise, and more. This option is a good choice for eCommerce companies that have a large volume of orders to fulfill. Using a 3PL company means that businesses don’t have to find their own space to store merchandise or worry about making sure orders are shipped promptly. Instead, they can focus on other aspects of their eCommerce business to help it succeed.

If you’re searching for a dependable fulfillment warehouse, contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics. We can help ensure that your orders are fulfilled promptly to increase customer satisfaction.

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

Image of a person taking a picture of clothing with their phone to post on social media.

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.

The Ins and Outs of an eCommerce Fulfillment Company Part 1

Warehouse Fulfillment Company Workers Planning for the Day.

With a big increase in online sales, businesses are depending more and more on eCommerce fulfillment companies to handle their orders. From picking and packing to shipping and delivering merchandise, the fulfillment process is a large part of a store’s success. Find out more about what an eCommerce fulfillment company does and how it can help your business thrive.

What Does eCommerce Fulfillment Mean?

Fulfillment includes the processes involved in fulfilling customer orders, from picking items from warehouse shelves to delivering them to customers’ doors. Ecommerce fulfillment also includes packaging, inventory management, transportation logistics for delivery, and more.

eCommerce Fulfillment Procedures

Several procedures are involved the eCommerce fulfillment process, with the main goal being to ensure customer satisfaction. These procedures include all of the following:

  1. Managing inventory for eCommerce businesses involves ordering products and storing them to help ensure that companies have enough merchandise on hand to fulfill orders promptly.
  2. Storing products in a warehouse is a service many eCommerce businesses rely on fulfillment warehouses for as this allows the ecommerce company to focus on selling rather than inventory.
  3. Receiving orders for companies after acquiring customer orders; eCommerce fulfillment companies can process the orders and prepare them for shipping.
  4. Packaging products for shipping procedures involve getting products ready to ship to customers in protective packaging, branded packaging, or a combination of both.
  5. Shipping products to customers is one of the most important procedures in eCommerce fulfillment. Shipping products to customers as quickly as possible and minimizing delays helps ensure customer satisfaction.
  6. Handling returns involves handling products that customers return to businesses, such as preparing them for reshipment or resale.

If you need a dependable fulfillment company to help your business, contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics. Our solutions ensure that customers receive their purchased items as efficiently and quickly as possible.

How Will Google’s SGE AI Experience Change Shopping Ads for Ecommerce Stores?

Image of a Person on a Laptop with AI Influencing their Ad Experience.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, was once limited to an element in science fiction movies portraying a distant future. Now that time has arrived, and AI is already having a major impact on everyday life. Our fulfillment company experts take a look at how Google is harnessing the power of AI for online shopping.

Introducing Search Generative Experience

Google used their I/O 2023 event to announce the rollout of their new Search Generative Experience (SGE) as part of their Search Labs Program. SGE incorporates AI as well as a large language model (LLM) that facilitates more nuanced and personalized interaction.

SGE improves the user experience by providing answers to queries that would usually involve more than one search. Where a standard Google search returns a list of links based on keywords, queries with SGE generate a snapshot of information that includes helpful tips providing a deeper response.

If the user wants more information, a box at the bottom of the snapshot takes the search into Conversational mode. Users can enter follow-up questions that a chatbot will answer, using context from the original query and response.

AI Enters the World of Commerce

So what does this mean for eCommerce shoppers? When a consumer begins a search for an item, SGE will present relevant factors to be considered in the purchasing decision, along with a list of suitable options and overviews of each.

Unlike general queries, buying-related searches incorporate ads. They appear along the top of the snapshot, labeled as “Sponsored.”

A Fulfillment Company for Today and Tomorrow

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics is constantly innovating to keep pace with the latest developments in eCommerce. Are you looking for a fulfillment company partner that will take you into the future? Contact us today to learn more about our full-service and personally tailored programs.

Shipping Issues Expected for Summer 2023

image concept of transportation.

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.