The level of attention you pay to the ecommerce order fulfillment system of your online business can truly be a deal breaker. When people order products online they want to get through the checkout process quickly and seamlessly, and they want their order delivered to their doorstep as quickly as possible. It may seem pretty straight forward, but if you need a second opinion, just listen to the experts at Internet Retailer. They recently published a report that listed two metrics that are most essential in order fulfillment success for ecommerce retailers: how quickly the order fulfillment process is completed, and how quickly the product is delivered. According to the report, most orders are delivered to the customers within three days of fulfillment. Here are a few tips to help keep you on the right track:
Create and Maintain a Routine
Implementing a routine is the only way to stay on top of your ecommerce orders; otherwise chaos will ensue. A good routine will include several hours dedicated to fulfilling orders every day and a checklist to go through before each order is considered complete. It’s also a good idea to work on order fulfillment during a time of day that normally isn’t too hectic, and make sure this daily routine comes before things like breaks or conference calls.
Use the Right Packaging Tools for the Job
If you don’t invest in the right supplies and materials you won’t be able to fulfill orders with a high level of quality and attention to detail, and you’ll start losing customers. So invest in custom packaging that reminds customers of your logo and brand, make sure you have all the tools you need and don’t let yourself run out.
Keeping your packaging area organized will also help you make the most of your tools and avoid running out of important items.
Keep Your Eye on the Prize
Since many ecommerce business owners do much or all of the work themselves, and often from a home office, it can be hard to stay focused without someone else telling you what to do. You have to be a tough boss when you’re your own boss. Create goals and milestones, and reach them. Find the working hours that are most productive for you, and stick with them. Write a to-do list every day, and finish it. Set alarms and reminders if you have to.
Find Ways to Improve Your Fulfillment Process
Even if you’ve found an ecommerce order fulfillment process that works for you, there are always ways to improve it, make things more organized and increase efficiency. Consider integrating automation if you haven’t already, for example. Automation tools can apply not only to orders and shipments, but also package tracking, returns processing, general accounting, inventories and more.
While quickly fulfilling and shipping orders are the most important factors to consider, customers will also be pleased with low shipping costs and a fair return policy. Keep these things in mind and you should be golden.
