Fulfilment Services and ROI
Lots of e-commerce businesses usually have problems with fulfilment costs brought about by spoiled shoppers on the web. Nonetheless, it’s possible to make speedier fulfilment a great opportunity. Many e-commerce players across the divide offer almost similar products with comparable prices. Amazon, eBay or Alibaba among others could also be covering a similar area geographically, which makes it really hard to differentiate amongst a severe competing range of service providers.
Next day delivery sought
A recent study done by a consultant related to supply have indicated that over 65% of buyers on the internet want a speedier delivery, particularly next day delivery. When it comes to a robust cross-border business, a significant number of online shoppers are ready to wait for about five days or even more for a delivery around the world. Online shoppers also look forward to choosing from various transporters to make the most of discounts if offered. This is why a competitive advantage can be gained with a quick delivery if it meets the taste of the online shopper.
As such, assuring same-day delivery is very important. For instance, an order done before a certain period of time, say eleven in the morning can be provided on the same day, including super-fast delivery opportunities within three hours depending on the city the shopper is located. This means a wonderful customer experience can be provided if a company operates its own fleet and warehouses. A great deal of e-commerce players across the world usually outsource their own warehousing, including last-mile deliveries for a number of reasons and in the process do not have full control of the entire supply chain.
Applying automation in the warehouse
Automation of a speedier delivery ensures an online shopper gets the product within the expected duration. Automated solutions for handling products easily reduce the ordering period, which includes labelling as well as packing and picking inside a warehouse. If time is saved from a shortened period of processing an order, a company can expand the cut-off time of an order or raise the period of transport. A late cut-off period provided to web shoppers mean an improved customer service is provided as longer transportation period widens the geographical reach. Additional fulfilment centres can also be positioned to customers, accelerating fulfilment while saving on inventory costs.
Faster fulfilment and positive impact on ROI
During the calculation of ROI (return on investment) of a novel warehousing solution, a number of factors are usually considered. Cost savings of labour from automation, reduced pick error savings, high-density storage space systems savings, less damaged goods savings and savings on energy particularly in areas of controlled temperature are not just obvious parameters but a part of the return on investment equation. It means evaluating an investment on a warehouse and benefits accrued from a speedier fulfilment from reduced inventory and additional sales as indicated need to be considered as well.
Those winning the e-commerce battle and cutthroat competition are those meeting the changing needs of shoppers anywhere. As a result, fast fulfilment is definitely a main differentiator with a positive impact on the return on investment.