If you run a business that involves package delivery to your customers, it is obviously essential that order fulfilment is smooth and efficient. During slack times, you can probably pick and pack the items yourself, then use a local courier for deliveries.
Here are a few packaging and delivery hacks to help you with your order fulfilment.
Outsource All Logistics To A 3PL
Perhaps the best hack of all is to use the flexible services of a local third-party logistics company. Create an account with courier service Melbourne or the city where you are located offers, and they will bill you monthly. You only pay for the services that you actually use. They have the resources to pick, pack and deliver your products to waiting customers. All you need to do is deliver your products and packaging to the 3PL provider and forward all orders by email. Such an operator would have a very flexible approach. You might prefer to handle the logistics and only use the 3PL company during seasonal surges.
Create An Account With An Express Courier
An established courier company would have a fleet of motorcycle couriers, and they can guarantee same day delivery. Register as a customer and you can use their express delivery hotline for speedy collection and delivery. You simply settle the bill at the end of every month and all your express deliveries are taken care of. When you compare outsourcing to in-house, you can see why so many businesses look for 3rd party logistics providers.
Use A Package Tracking System
Today’s technology empowers the business owner in many ways. Once a package enters the system, it can be tracked at any given time; even your customers can enter their package ID into a search window and instantly discover its location. All logistics company Melbourne trusts use such a system, whereby packages are scanned and logged into the network. This eliminates the need to call the courier to enquire about the delivery time.
Connect Customers With Delivery Drivers
This is very doable using state of the art digital connectivity; indeed, many 3PL companies use a mobile app that customers can download for free, and that enables you to chat directly with the driver. If the customer isn’t at home, they can call the driver and tell them where to leave the package.
Ask Customers For A Phone Number
If you have the customer’s phone number, you can be sure of being able to contact them in the event their package is delayed. People appreciate being kept up to date and most have their smartphone handy; failing that, you could outsource your logistics to a 3PL company.
If you run a busy e-commerce business, order fulfilment is always a challenge. By forming an alliance with a leading 3PL provider, you can forget about logistics and concentrate on other aspects of your business.
