Tag: LA Fulfillment Warehouse

Posted on

Saved from the Sheriff: Choosing the Right Fulfillment Partner

We got there one step ahead of the sheriff! Alvin wasn’t a client yet when he called us in a panic. He had recently moved his extensive inventory into a new fulfillment house and it had just gone belly up. The Sheriff was on his way to lock the doors and Alvin’s business was in peril. Without his inventory, Alvin would be out of business.

We instantly rerouted some of our trucks and raced across town. Our fast-moving crews loaded Alvin’s stock and moved it out right before the padlock clicked shut. Most of that other company’s customers were not as lucky, and their inventories languished for months in a warehouse they could not access. Without missing a beat, our staff cataloged and stored Alvin’s considerable inventory, and we started shipping his orders in record time. He has been a highly satisfied customer ever since.

Your inventory is the lifeblood of your eCommerce business. When you trust a third-party logistics (3PL) provider to handle your products, you are putting your company’s future in their hands. Alvin’s story serves as a stark reminder that choosing the wrong partner can lead to catastrophic consequences for your brand, your revenue, and your stress levels.

You need a partner that acts as an extension of your own business. You need a team that will drop everything to solve a crisis and strategically position your brand for long-term growth. Read on to learn how an experienced fulfillment partner with bi-coastal warehouses can safeguard your assets, keep your shipping costs low, and deliver the scalable solutions your business needs to thrive.

Problem Solving and Customer-Focused Flexibility

Most fulfillment centers view their job as a simple transaction: pick the item, pack the box, and hand it to a carrier. We take a distinctly different approach. As a dedicated partner, we believe our job is to solve your problems and facilitate your growth.

Because Alvin operated his educational counseling business entirely by mail, phone, and fax, he never embraced computers. Many modern fulfillment centers would have turned him away. Instead, we used our flexibility to accommodate his specific business methods. We leveraged our state-of-the-art computer technology on the backend to help him track inventory, expedite order taking, and maintain detailed accounting records. We even helped him transfer his inventory from its original VHS format to DVD using our media duplication services, significantly increasing his sales.

When you run an eCommerce business, unexpected challenges will arise. Printers will miss deadlines, carriers will misplace pallets, and urgent orders will arrive at the eleventh hour. A great fulfillment partner does not offer excuses. They offer immediate, hands-on solutions.

The Strategic Advantage of Bi-Coastal Warehouses

Customers expect their orders to arrive quickly and affordably. If your inventory is sitting in a single warehouse in the middle of the country, you are likely paying premium shipping zones to reach the coasts.

Operating bi-coastal warehouses is one of the most effective ways to optimize your supply chain. We maintain state-of-the-art fulfillment centers in Los Angeles, California, and Boston, Massachusetts. This strategic positioning gives your business a massive competitive advantage.

Here is how a bi-coastal fulfillment strategy directly benefits your bottom line:

  • Faster Delivery Times: By splitting your inventory between the West Coast and East Coast, you place your products physically closer to the vast majority of the US population. Your customers get their orders faster, leading to higher satisfaction and repeat purchases.
  • Lower Shipping Costs: Shipping zones dictate your postage rates. When you ship from Los Angeles to New York, you pay the highest zone rates. With a bi-coastal setup, East Coast orders ship from Boston, and West Coast orders ship from LA. You bypass high-zone shipping fees entirely.
  • Easy International Access: Both of our locations offer immediate access to major shipping ports. We are located near the Port of Los Angeles and offer seamless global fulfillment outsourcing from our Boston facility.
  • Unified Inventory Management: Managing two warehouses sounds complicated, but our seamless software integration makes it effortless. Our unified system allows you to manage ordering and shipping from the warehouse of your choice using a single, intuitive platform.

Rooted in Family Business Values

Unlike venture-backed startups that burn through cash and disappear overnight, Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics has been serving business owners for over 30 years. We started in the Kent family garage and grew into a national enterprise.

Because we are a family-owned and operated business, we deeply understand the pressures and problems our clients face. We know what it feels like to build a company from the ground up, manage cash flow, and worry about keeping customers happy. We treat your business with the same care and respect that we apply to our own.

Our longevity in the industry means we have established rock-solid relationships with major shipping carriers. We leverage these relationships to secure better rates and resolve transit issues swiftly. When you partner with us, you gain the stability of a financially sound, well-respected firm staffed by long-term employees who genuinely care about your success.

Scalable Services Designed for Growth

Your fulfillment needs today will look very different from your fulfillment needs a year from now. A rigid 3PL can severely bottleneck your growth if they cannot adapt to your changing order volumes or new sales channels.

We designed our fulfillment services to be entirely scalable. Whether you are shipping 50 orders a month or 50,000, we have the infrastructure to support you.

We offer a wide range of services to streamline your operations:

  • Startup Programs: For new businesses, Etsy stores, or test marketers, we offer a Flat Rate Fulfillment Starter Program. This allows you to test new products with set fulfillment expenses that protect your limited capital.
  • B2B and B2C Fulfillment: We handle both direct-to-consumer eCommerce shipments and large business-to-business wholesale orders, including less-than-truckload (LTL) freight.
  • Seamless Tech Integrations: Our software integrates smoothly with all popular shopping cart platforms, ensuring automated, fast order processing without manual data entry.
  • Amazon Replenishment: We provide Amazon stock warehouse replenishment services, helping you avoid strict FBA storage limits and expensive long-term storage fees.
  • 24/7/365 On-Call Support: For clients who need parts or critical items shipped immediately, we provide round-the-clock counter-to-counter air service and local couriers.

Partner With a Fulfillment Center That Has Your Back

Selling your products and growing your brand is what you know and love. Managing warehouse staff, negotiating shipping rates, and packing boxes takes you away from those vital revenue-generating activities.

Handing over your logistics to an experienced fulfillment partner frees up your time and protects your inventory from unforeseen disasters. Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics provides the responsive customer service, bi-coastal warehouse reach, and flexible technology required to take your business to the next level.

Keep your eCommerce shop running smoothly and profitably, no matter what challenges arise. Complete our quick online form today to get a free price quote, and discover how our personalized fulfillment services can accelerate your business growth.

Posted on

Highlights of Our Family Business Fulfillment Approach that Has Been the Key to Our Success

Cardboard box package with blur hand of Asian shopper woman picking product from shelf in warehouse. customer shopping lifestyle in department store or purchasing factory good concepts.

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics is a family owned-and-operated business and we treat our clients as members of our family as well. Are you looking for a Long Beach fulfillment partner? Here are the qualities that set us above the rest.

1. State-of-the art technology

Fulfillment services include a number of moving parts that need to be coordinated to ensure that the whole process runs smoothly. We use a full range of top-of-the-line high-tech tools for a seamless experience from start to finish. This also affords us the ability to find creative solutions for any of your specific needs.

2. Elite customer service

Without customers, your business doesn’t exist, and neither does ours. Everyone in our Long Beach fulfillment company, from top to bottom, understands the importance of keeping customers happy. Every caller receives personal attention to ensure that their questions and problems are resolved to their satisfaction.

3. Flexible services

Your eCommerce business doesn’t stand still. It’s constantly growing and adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Medallion Fulfillment is with you every step of the way. Our services have the flexibility to scale along with your needs, whether it’s seasonal fluctuations or long-term operations.

4. Affordability

It’s always tempting for eCommerce entrepreneurs, especially with start-ups, to wear all the hats in order to preserve precious budget dollars. In reality, our fulfillment services are surprisingly cost-effective. You save on payroll and other expenses associated with order fulfillment, resulting in more money to spend on developing your business.

Partner with Our Long Beach Fulfillment Services

Don’t be fooled by the cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach used by other fulfillment services. Every business is unique and we work with you to create a program that addresses your specific needs.

Contact us at Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics to take the next step in growing your eCommerce business.

Posted on

Google’s Going Local, Why Google Business Profiles Are More Important than Ever

Small business owner using Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics.

Have you noticed the change in Google.com results? Have you seen all the red icons in front of listings whenever you do a Google search that contains a city location in the query? Are you noticing that your website’s organic (unpaid placement) seems to be pushed down below a myriad of local results? Welcome to the new world of Google’s localized results!

With Google pushing location specific listings pulled from their Google Business Profile index, it’s getting harder for prospects to find your “real” website. Localization is the rage with search engines right now; even Bing has gotten into the act. It is now more important than ever to use your local business profile page as a doorway to bring visitors into your website. As Google is the big player in the world of search, we’ll focus on discussing Google Business Profile accounts in this article, but be aware that Bing has similar service.

If you have a business, you most likely already have a Google Business Profile even if you never created one. Google has planned ahead for you, and has created a profile page just for you, based on the information that it has found on the Web about your business. It’s your job to claim it, and then work the page over so it can be a selling and review tool to funnel customers and prospects to your “real” website.

How do you claim your listing?
First, visit this page: http://www.google.com/business/. On the right you will see a section for business owners. Your listing is free, but you will need to set up or tie an existing Google account login to your new Google Profile account. One word to the wise, if you are paying a third party to do set up for you, make sure that they tie the Google Profile account to you and not to themselves. You want to retain ownership of your Google Business Profile page as long as you have your business.

The sign up and set up interface is easy to use. You will enter in your physical address (no P.O. Boxes allowed), your phone number, email address, website URL, business description, and then select service or product categories. Don’t be afraid to choose custom categories that are short keywords of the services or products you provide. You can only set up a maximum of five categories.

Your Business Profile page is not complete until you enter details about your business such as: operating hours, types of payment accepted, photos, YouTube.com videos, and finally the important “additional details.” Take time to add “additional details” that make sense. We recommend using keyword phrases for these “additional details”. Keep in mind that what you enter here should be considered like a bulleted list, with a one to three word clarification in the second field to the right of the entered keyword. Focus on keywords that are indicative of what you sell and in a very short concise format.

Although you are done, your Business Profile page will not go live until Google has verified that you are really located at the address your have listed in your Google Profile account. Plan on two weeks for a postcard or plain envelop to come to you via regular mail at the listed location. This correspondence will contain a PIN. You must enter this PIN number in your Google Profile account for your page to be put in the indexing queue. It may then take another one to four weeks for your listing to actually become live. Unfortunately setting up and verifying a Google Business Profile page is not quick process but make sure to follow the instructions carefully. If someone has already claimed your physical location you may not be able to claim it as well. This is an important note to remember for office buildings and even businesses sharing physical spaces with the same street address.

How to maintain top position with your Google Business Profile?
As Google Profile pages are so important now in the organic results, how can you improve placement and then retain it once you win it. We recommend that you do monthly updates of your photos and videos on your Google Profile page. If you don’t have videos, now’s the time to start getting creative and make several short videos using your digital camera. Just load your video files to YouTube.com (tied to the same Google account that you used for your Google Profile page). Insert the YouTube.com link to the video into your Google Profile account in the video section. You can show up to five videos at a time. As for pictures we recommend sizing 20 or so into a square shape and then rotating ten different ones each month. Google seems to like and reward Profile pages with better placement that are actively managed on a regular basis.

Google also seems to reward Google Profile pages with better placement when the business offers coupons and has more review than their competitors. Not all markets seem to have a clear cut path to top placement, but we do know from information found online that in major markets reviews and coupons are just one of the keys for top placement of a Google Business Profile page. Your geographic proximity to the person who has searched is still the top determining factor in which businesses are shown and then coupons and reviews will additionally rank the returned business listings.

Where do the reviews come from that appear on my Google Business Profile page?
Google scans the Web and may pull reviews from all over and embeds them on your Google Profile page. But more often than not, it is real business users that leave reviews directly by visiting your Profile page if they are logged into their own Google account.

Unfortunately, you have no control of the reviews that appear on your Profile page. However, as the page’s owner, if a poor review is posted, you can respond to the review, but there is no “remove this review” button. You can however flag the review for Google as inappropriate, but Google may leave the review at their option.

Be careful if you are using a third party set up service that the creation of fictitious reviews is not part of your package. Your Profile page could be dropped from the index by a violation of Google’s terms of service.

In conclusion, with the advent of search engine localization, claiming your Google Business Profile page is a very important aspect of managing your online presence. With Google Profile pages being ranked higher than websites for search queries that contain a location, we recommend using this Google tool to your advantage to funnel clients and prospects to your website.

Posted on

Top Ten Questions a Startup Should Ask an Accountant

What Should You Ask Your Accountant?

When you’re starting up a new company, the temptation is to wear all the hats. After all, it’s your baby and no one understands it like you do. Of course, there’s also the matter of that pesky budget. It stretches a lot further when you’re employing a staff of one.

Of course, the reality is that you can’t do everything yourself. And speaking of budgets, the one area where you truly need some help is your finances. It would be so much simpler if business accounting was just a matter of addition and subtraction. But it’s a complex minefield that takes experience to navigate.

It’s too important of a position to leave to chance. In other words, don’t Google “accountant” and select the first one that pops up. Shop around for a financial expert just like you would for inventory, supplies and equipment. He’ll be working for you, so he should meet the qualifications that you’re looking for.

You don’t have to meet with a prospective accountant in person, but don’t rely on email. If you can’t meet, use Skype or the telephone. Hearing an actual voice helps you get a better sense of a person. Is he confident and well-spoken? Does he hem and haw while searching for answers? This could be the first step in an ongoing relationship, so start it on the right foot.

Be sure you do your homework before your meeting. Here is a checklist of questions that will provide much of the information you’ll need to make an assessment.

  • How long have you been in business? A fledgling firm may not yet be experienced enough to handle your concerns. On the other hand, an accountant who’s been in business for many years may be on the verge of retirement. Find out what the plans of succession are so you’re not left hanging.
  • Will I be assigned to one person? Some accounting firms operate on a call center basis, with associates taking calls on a rotating basis. If your account is specifically assigned to an accountant, the two of you will be able to develop a relationship and he’ll get to know your particular business much better.
  • What services do you offer? There are several subcategories under the heading of finance. Are you looking for tax preparation help? Do you want someone to handle budgeting and cash flow management or strategic planning?
  • How often will we be in contact, and by what means? You want to be on the same page with this issue. If you want to be able to consult on a weekly basis, you don’t want to find out afterwards that he’s available only once a month. Just as with your initial meeting, you should also be able to have personal contact, at least for the major meetings.
  • Are you available year-round? Some accounting firms are open only during tax season when demand for their services is at its peak. However, as a new business you’ll need advice during the rest of the year as well.
  • Make sure you and your accountant are on the same page.What types of businesses do you work with? Restaurants have a different financial agenda than contractors, who in turn are different from graphic artists. It helps to find an accountant who’s familiar with the type of business you’ll be operating.
  • How do you bill for your services, and what’s included in your fee? Some accountants bill by the hour while others charge a flat rate. You might want to consider the former if you’ll be handling most of your finances in-house and consulting only on major issues. Find out exactly what’s covered in the rates so you don’t end up getting nickel-and-dimed on services that turn out to be an extra charge.
  • Do you follow a conservative or aggressive approach? Nearly all financial matters come with risk, and business finances are no exception. For example, some accountants will beat the bushes to write off every possible penny. Others are reluctant to put a client in a position of possibly being red-flagged for an audit. Determine where you fall on this continuum so you find an accountant whose views are compatible with yours.
  • How will I be informed of relevant changes in my industry? A good accountant should keep you abreast of current news and events pertinent to your business, particularly changes in tax regulations.
  • What type of accounting software do you use? If it’s not the same as yours, ask how information and data will be exchanged.

This list can be supplemented or modified based on the needs of your specific business. Overall, it gives you a solid platform to find an accountant who will work as hard for your company as you do.

At Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics we make it easy for startups and new businesses to grow with thoughtful services and flexible order fulfillment options. Call us today to get a free price quote so you can focus on growing your business and leave the shipping to us.

Posted on

When Does it Make Sense for a Business to Use a Fulfillment House? What Companies Need to Know

Fulfillment Warehouse

Most ecommerce companies are surprised by how little third-party fulfillment costs, particularly when compared to how much they already spend to warehouse, package, and ship products. Outsourcing order fulfillment is cost effective and allows you to switch variable costs to fixed costs. Gene Kent, President of Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics said, “Many times companies are surprised at the overall cost savings our services have supplied when they review their bottom line after the first six months. As we have heavily invested in technology, both in order processing and bar coding in our warehouse, we are able to process orders faster and cheaper than you can typically do yourself.”

When you compare the total cost of order fulfillment, i.e. maintaining a warehouse, lease payments, staff, benefits, unemployment taxes, insurance etc., to an order fulfillment provider’s fixed cost model, you quickly realize that making the switch saves money. Your business can save from 20 to 50 percent on current order fulfillment expenses.

Minimizing Errors Saves Money

If you’re experiencing even slight errors in the order fulfillment process you might be losing a significant amount of repeat business. Order errors inspire new customers and dedicated customers to buy products from other companies, especially in highly competitive niches. A high quality order fulfillment company satisfies customers which lead to repeat business. “Our warehouse bar coding system eliminates problems. When customer merchandise is received in our warehouse it is immediately bar coded and entered into inventory. Hand held scanners are used by our packers and your inventory is tracked all the way to order shipping. We are using one of the most technologically advanced order and inventory management systems allowing business owners to review stock and order statuses of items on our system 24/7 from anywhere in the world just by using the Internet.” said Gene Kent.

Looking to Expand Your Reach?

Fulfillment houses are ideal for companies seeking to sell products overseas because they have the expertise to ensure your products arrive on time and safely. If you’re seeking to expand your company’s customer base by providing customers more alternatives for ordering products and paying, don’t increase your overhead, outsource the fulfillment process.

Wholesale Orders or Business to Business Orders

As your company expands, a fulfillment company can handle your wholesale or B2B orders. Wholesale orders from large retail chains, catalogs and other mass merchants have different demands than business-to-consumer orders. The penalty for noncompliance with an order from a chain of retail stores for even something trivial can be costly.

Fulfillment houses routinely work with wholesale orders and can develop order processing checklists for your account to assure that your orders are completed based on the requirements of the wholesaler saving you costly charge-backs.

Huge, Sudden Increase in Orders

If you’re considering adding new distribution channels or initiating major new promotions, be prepared for potentially thousands of new orders overnight. A huge increase in orders may overwhelm your back-end system; delaying shipments which leads to unhappy customers. An experienced fulfillment company knows how to properly take care of a large increase in orders. A fulfillment house allows you to ramp up very quickly without increasing your overhead.

If your company has a difficult time maintaining a balance between inventory supply and demand, a knowledgeable order fulfillment company can make a huge difference.

Foreign Companies Selling in the U.S.

Businesses based outside of the United States, partnering with a fulfillment service save time and money because they don’t need a warehouse, office and a staff in the United States; they can focus on obtaining new customers.

The Real Advantages of Partnering with a Fulfillment Service:

  • They know how to handle opportunities and problems which may occur as your business expands.
  • Only pay for fulfillment services when you generate sales.
  • Reduce fixed cost overhead.
  • No need to obtain a larger facility to store products when the business expands.
  • Bulk shipping rates available to fulfillment companies; high shipping cost can break deals with clients.
  • They buy shipping materials in bulk at better rates.
  • An active fulfillment company stays current with the latest software and order processing technology.
  • If your business experiences low volume and high volume days, fulfillment firms eliminate the employee cost associated with the fluctuation.
  • You refine and improve your backdoor operations.

Many nationally known companies reap the benefits of partnering with a third party fulfillment center. Small, medium and large businesses can do the same. With 25 years as a fulfillment service provider, Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics understands your culture, brand, and products from a depth of real world experience.

Isn’t it time to find out how you can save time and money on order processing while you work on expanding your market and sales?