Tag: Fulfillment Warehouse

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Store Branding Tips for eCommerce Owners

Hand Turning Word and Letter Blocks to Spell Out Brand.

Do you think branding is just for the big guys? No matter what the size of your eCommerce business, branding is the crucial element that will set you apart from your competitors. Our fulfillment warehouse staff shares some expert tips on the best ways to make branding work for you.

1. Be unique.

It can be tempting to “borrow” from companies who have been successful with branding, but that defeats the whole purpose. By all means, study and learn from branding giants such as Apple, Nike and Amazon, but focus on finding and promoting what makes your business special.

2. Create a memorable logo.

As soon as you see their iconic “swoosh,” you immediately think of Nike. A strong, visually striking logo communicates your story in a way that’s instantly recognizable.

3. Keep your branding consistent.

Remember the uproar when Coca-Cola changed their signature soft drink formula that had been in use for nearly a century? Consumers value reliability so they know what they’re getting for their money. Make sure your branding is consistent in all facets of your business.

4. Have a visible social media presence.

Gone are the days when consumers would simply open the Yellow Pages to find what they’re looking for. Today’s shoppers can see pictures of products, compare pricing and read reviews. When your company has a strong presence across social media channels, it raises your profile and projects a professional image.

5. Provide superior customer service.

Technology may rule, but no one likes getting stuck in an endless voice mail loop. Combine robust self-service options with responsive and efficient customer service.

Choose a Fulfillment Warehouse that Fits Your Brand

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics offers flexible programs that mesh with your branding and grow along with your business. Contact us today to learn more.

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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.

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How Can I Use AI for My Ecommerce Store?

An Illustration of Two People Using Electronics around an AI Bot.

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 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

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.

Looking for the most dependable fulfillment warehouse to give your online store a boost? Contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics to learn more about how our services can help your business improve customer satisfaction.

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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.