Tag: Fulfillment Company

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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.

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Can and Should Your Store Move to Free Shipping? What to Consider

Free Shipping Infographic

To offer free shipping or not to offer free shipping. That may not have been a concern in Shakespeare’s time, but today it’s an issue that all eCommerce companies have to consider. Our fulfillment company experts share some tips for making it work for your business.

1. Not everything has to ship for free.

Some products are just too heavy or too bulky to make free shipping a reasonable perk, and consumers understand this. Do a careful evaluation of your product lines and determine if any of them fall under this category.

2. Protect your margins.

How do you make money? Do you sell primarily high-ticket items, or do you earn on low-margin items with a high volume of repeat customers? The answer to this question will help guide you.

3. Leverage free shipping to boost customer loyalty.

Here are some successful methods that companies have used to link free shipping to other programs:

  • Provide free shipping on subscriptions, where products auto-ship at regular intervals.
  • Create a program that rewards loyal customers with free shipping. You could also take a page from Amazon and charge a nominal fee for a customer membership.
  • Offering free shipping on returns can tip the scales for shoppers who are buying items such as clothing and footwear.

4. Conduct testing.

Nothing has to be set in stone. Review your average orders and shipping costs, then check out what your competition is doing. Choose free shipping options that make the most sense for you and test them out to see which one(s) generate the best response.

A Fulfillment Company That Makes Shipping a Breeze

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics has favorable relationships with UPS, FedEx and most common carriers. Contact us to learn how our full selection of services can be a valuable solution for your eCommerce company.

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Smart Tips for Increasing eCommerce Sales – Many That Are Actionable with Minimal Effort

Female entrepreneur sitting at a desk with orders.

Does the term “marketing plan” conjure up visions of intricate programs requiring large investments of time and money? While it’s true that increasing ecommerce sales involves some effort, the adage, “Work smarter, not harder” also applies to online retailing.

Watch your sales grow when you incorporate these quick, easy and effective tips. Our ecommerce fulfillment services are ready to handle your needs every step of the way.

1. Honesty Is the Best Policy

How important is customer satisfaction? Studies show that companies have an average success rate of 60 to 70 percent when selling to existing customers, compared to 5 to 20 percent with new ones. Combine that with the five times more it can cost to acquire a new customer, and the picture is clear. Keeping existing customers happy is a top priority.

But you can’t assume that someone who bought from you once will buy from you again. If their customer experience falls short of the glowing promises made on your website, they won’t be back. Review your copy and make sure it’s consistent with your brand.

2. Foster a Sense of Trust

Thanks to the rise of social media, people post reviews about everything from restaurants to auto repair shops. Did you know that, according to Inc. Magazine, 84 percent of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations?

Leverage this power by placing genuine testimonials in strategic spots on your website, such as product and pricing pages. Another way to build credibility is by posting trust signals, which are logos indicating membership in professional associations and other reassuring information.

3. Create a Sense of Urgency

Social media has given rise to an astounding amount of acronyms, with one of the more popular ones being FOMO, or “fear of missing out.” If buyers are still on the fence, you can often tip the scales with limited-time offers such as discounts, free shipping or bonus gifts. Have your marketing perform double-duty with pop-up windows displaying opt-in offers, such as a 10 percent discount for joining your email list.

4. Avoid Information Overload

Have you ever been lured into an online rabbit hole, where you had to make so many decisions you finally became intimidated and quit? Having an extensive product offering may seem like an advantage, but it can backfire if it creates paralysis by analysis in your potential customers.

Stop trying to be all things to all people. Give shoppers well-defined categories and a carefully curated selection of options that will appeal to the broadest range possible without veering into overload.

5. Streamline the Checkout Process

Online checkout is another black hole in which customers frequently get lost. Business Insider reports that a staggering $4 trillion worth of purchases were left behind in shopping carts last year. For an ecommerce business, any abandoned sales are too many.

Make a purchase on your own website and see where the procedure ranks on the frustration scale. Note any specific bottlenecks or time-eaters and have them corrected immediately.

6. Optimize Your Site for Mobile Searching

If your website isn’t optimized for mobile searching, what are you waiting for? Mobile usage has already overtaken desktop usage, and the share continues to grow. Can you afford to be left behind?

When your site is optimized for mobile, your products are literally at buyers’ fingertips no matter where they are. Even if the sale isn’t converted during the first session, it’s more likely to close later because you’ve made it easier.

Medallion: Your Premier Choice for Ecommerce Fulfillment Services

Partner with Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, a fulfillment service that can grow along with you. Contact us to learn how we can handle your needs from both coasts today.

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Trends Continuing to Shape eCommerce in 2023

Graphs and Electronics on a Table Depicting eCommerce and Warehousing Trends

Online merchants are exploring or implementing ways to improve customer experiences and ensure safety for online payments. Whether online store owners handle everything themselves or use a fulfillment company, it’s important to be aware of these trends. The following are some of the top trends in eCommerce this year.

Fraud Detection

Many online store owners are looking into new tools that help with fraud detection. This helps lower the risk of phishing attacks and other kinds of fraud. Some store owners are planning on using better fraud analytics, while others are focusing on improving automated detection accuracy and improving the process of chargeback disputes.

Chatbots and Other Digital Tools

Online merchants are turning to chatbots to help improve customer experience, since these bots are able to reply to questions or concerns quickly. Online store owners are also making use of connected devices that offer touchless transactions and a more streamline experience on multiple channels.

New Payment Methods

An increasing number of online store owners are offering other payment methods, such as digital wallets. Other payment methods that online merchants are adding include buy now pay later (BNPL) and localized digital payment methods, such as account-to-account transactions. Offering additional payment methods helps improve the customer experience.

Machine Learning and AI

Some online merchants are using machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) to handle certain applications, such as authorizing payments and improving fraud management.

Fulfillment Companies

As eCommerce increases, more online merchants are using fulfillment companies to process and fulfill orders, ship merchandise to customers, and handle other tasks. This helps online store owners ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction.

If you’re looking for the right fulfillment company to help your online store thrive, contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics. We offer order processing, internet store fulfillment, 3PL services, and much more.

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How a Trusted Fulfillment Partner Can Positively Impact a Customers Experience

Ecommerce Business Owner and Fulfillment Warehouse Provider Shaking Hands.

Did you know that 90 percent of online shoppers are less likely to purchase from a retailer after a disappointing experience? That’s one of the findings from a survey conducted by Körber, a major provider of supply chain software and automation solutions.

Here are some consumer concerns revealed in Körber’s survey and how partnering with a fulfillment warehouse can help you exceed customer expectations.

1. Price is the most important factor in shipping.

Spiraling inflation and lingering effects from pandemic shutdowns continue to drive the cost of living higher. Customers don’t want the price of goods compounded by high shipping costs. A fulfillment service allows you to enjoy the benefits of preferred shipping rates that are generally not available to independent retailers.

2. What’s outside is just as important as what’s inside.

Survey participants indicated that they form an opinion of an eCommerce retailer before a shipped product is even opened. The size and shape of a container, use of sustainable materials, and overall appearance of the package all factor into their evaluation. It’s also important to note that many respondents believe that the seller, not the shipper, is responsible for poor packaging.

A fulfillment warehouse employs experienced personnel who are able to select the appropriate containers and packing materials for all shipments, regardless of size and shape. They can also assist with design and creation of custom packaging.

3. Customers value returns options.

Nearly 90 percent of survey respondents said that returns options affect their choice of retailer. Processing returns can be a hassle, but a quality fulfillment service will efficiently handle them for you, regardless of the reason.

Partner with Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics for Superior Service

Don’t take on customer concerns by yourself. Contact us to learn more about why you should partner with our fulfillment warehouse.