E-commerce is changing the dynamics of businesses around the world. Online shopping trends are increasing, and the pandemic has only accelerated the shift in dramatic fashion. U.S. e-commerce sales grew a staggering 39% year-over-year to $199 billion during the first quarter of 2021, according to Adobe, which expects e-commerce spending in the country to top $1 trillion in 2022.
A fundamental component of any e-commerce business model is a successful partnership with a fulfillment warehouse. As consumers search for an ecommerce provider that offers faster and more accurate deliveries, it’s up to fulfillment warehouses to leverage automation and technology to provide efficient, cost-effective product fulfillment.
An experienced warehouse and fulfillment center like PDC Fulfillment (a division of Distribution Technology) allows its e-commerce partners to focus on marketing and maximizing revenue, while the fulfillment company manages the logistics of order fulfillment and shipping. Together, this e-commerce integration enables businesses to keep pace with the demands of online consumers by emphasizing reliable picking, packing, shipping, and returns at a lower cost.
Here are four important ways a fulfillment center can help you manage the unique demands of your e-commerce business:
Accurate e-commerce shipping and delivery
No matter the order volume your business experiences, fulfilling and shipping orders can put a strain on internal supply-chain processes and cause bottlenecks in the system. If you offer free delivery or next-day delivery, our fulfillment center can ensure orders are pulling and shipping within the specified timeframe. For example, if you primarily operate on the east coast, an east coast fulfillment center with access to a proven distribution network and 3PL experience can provide end-to-end order fulfillment and visibility. Orders will arrive complete and in a timely manner — leading to satisfied customers, repeat business, and positive brand reputation.
Innovative technology and automation
An essential part of warehousing and fulfillment is the technology and automation that governs the operational processes. Fulfillment centers use a centralized order and inventory management system, so that when your customers place orders, the software instantly routes them accordingly based on your customized specifications. Third-party fulfillment centers like PDC Fulfillment have invested in this technology on your behalf, allowing you to enjoy streamlined ordering and inventory management through outsourcing. You can track the availability of products, the status of orders, and view accurate reporting.
Cost-efficient business processes
Managing costs is necessary for making your e-commerce growth profitable and sustainable. Through our existing supply chain distribution network and 3PL background, we’re able to provide the warehousing scalability that an e-commerce business would be unable to achieve on its own. With PDC Fulfillment as your partner, you have access to our dedicated warehouse space, packaging, shipping with volume discounts, and more. As you expand your customer base, we can use our networks and resources to help you broaden the reach of your business into new areas without sacrificing quality and customer service.
A focus on flexibility
A fulfillment warehouse can help you manage the ebbs and flows of demand that are inevitable in the marketplace. Because of our fast network of resources, we can respond quickly to increases in order volume or navigate slower periods without forcing you to incur unnecessary costs for labor and shelf space. With a fulfillment company handling B2B and B2C order completion, you have more time to focus on the other aspects of your business, seek new opportunities, and capitalize on your potential to grow your online presence.
With PDC Fulfilment as your e-commerce partner, you can enjoy integrated logistics and transportation solutions as your business grows. Let us enhance your operation and accelerate your company’s growth with inventory storage capacity, processes that improve efficiency, and technology that enables innovation. For a free quote, contact us today.