Along with the rapid increase of ecommerce worldwide, Third Party Logistics or 3PL is increasing at the rate of 12 to 15% a year. Outsourcing their marketing supply chain management enables ecommerce businesses to streamline operations and to focus on core functions like production and marketing. For every segment of the ecommerce industry – food and beverage, alcohol, medical and wellness, health, cosmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, outdoor lifestyle, home goods – marketing logistics can be simplified by using 3PL for order fulfillment, warehousing and distribution.
The rapid growth of ecommerce
Convenience, lower costs and greater selection are the major factors in the worldwide expansion of ecommerce. Total E-commerce sales are projected to reach almost $500 billion by 2018. As many as 80% of Internet users have bought something online at least once, and 50% have made online purchases more than once. The rapid expansion of online sales however poses challenges for ecommerce product fulfillment. Outsourcing order fulfillment can help ecommerce businesses to meet their warehousing, shipping and distribution needs.
With customers wanting orders to be shipped quicker and more securely, more and more businesses are choosing 3PL to handle their marketing supply chain management. Customer service is a primary factor in customer satisfaction and repeat sales. With a dedicated company handling logistics solutions, orders are fulfilled rapidly and efficiently. This translates to satisfied customers and repeat orders.
Ecommerce order fulfillment services
Ecommerce order fulfillment services include all aspects of marketing supply chain management. Third Party Logistics providers offer the following services and more:
- Supply chain software
- Ecommerce order sites
- Ecommerce order fulfillment
- Marketing and print management
- Pick and pack
- Inventory management
- EDI and big box retail distribution
- Bar code labeling
- Assembly and kitting
- Custom packaging and messaging
- Returns processing
Third Party Logistics offer speed, accuracy and lower costs
Third Party Logistics can provide fast, accurate, cost effective logistics solutions. With warehouses located strategically across the nation, they can help businesses to optimize their marketing supply chain management. This frees up businesses to focus on building their brands and customer base.
Improved customer relations are a major benefit of 3PL. For online shoppers, fast and accurate shipping and the ability to track packages online is nearly as important as ease of online check-out and the selection of brands and products available.
For ecommerce business, outsourcing their marketing supply chain management enables them to get their products to customers quickly and accurately. All ecommerce businesses, from internet starts-ups to established eTailers to Fortune 1000 giants, can benefit from outsourcing logistics.