E-commerce Logistics: 5 things Start-ups Should Know

For every e-commerce start-up, logistics is the key to success. Once your start-up has developed from an idea into an operational business with real customers and substantial revenue, you have defied all the odds.

However, spending too much on logistics and shipping can spell the downfall of your start-up business. Regardless of your products, your business must work hard to outgrow your current logistics crises.

As a start-up, you can incorporate the best practices from the start and streamline your logistics processes sooner rather than later. Whether it’s the inventory or transportation, each aspect of the logistics management must be handled carefully.

This blog will highlight some of the most important things start-ups should know about e-commerce logistics.

Planning is Crucial to Success

If you were a traditional company, you would manage your inventory planning by looking at past data and records. But as a start-up, you have no such data available. So, you should examine the website traffic and social media sharing.

All your marketing efforts on social media may prompt a spike in demand for your products. Also, you must monitor seasonal trends and changes that can shift demand. All you need to do is anticipate demands and plan your inventory accordingly.

Strive to Enhance Visibility

With the evolving needs of your growing e-commerce businesses, it may become difficult to see things holistically. This may lead to miscommunication and performance disruption.

You should be in sync with your logistics to ensure operational discipline and develop better systems.

Free Shipping is a Must 

Free shipping plays an integral role in shaping customer buying decisions. Free and fast shipping is one of the most requested features online shoppers want from e-commerce retailers.

Businesses must ensure that the shipping is disciplined, fast, and costs as low as possible. Moreover, marketing strategies like minimum order sizes or other promotional offers may attract customers looking for free shipping options.

Last Mile 

The last mile service takes up almost 28 percent of all shipping costs. Last-mile refers to the final delivery step to the customers.

Customers may evaluate your entire logistics process based on this last step. So, the last-mile service provider must ensure customer satisfaction.

Handling Returns

Return policies are as important as delivery terms and conditions. They help customers shop with confidence and enhance the customer experience.

However, it’s important to keep your returns, and new inventory separate as assigned employees take care of the returns.

Let Us Help You on Your Start-Up Journey

If you’re a start-up wondering where to find the right third-party logistics provider, let us at 3PLWOW help you out.

We’re the perfect e-commerce fulfilment provider with extensive knowledge, experience, and tools to provide you and your business with highly accessible, reliable, and top-notch third-party logistics at all times.

By choosing us as your order fulfilment company, you can benefit from a wide range of services, including warehousing, shipping, pick and pack solutions, third-party logistics, and more. Check out our services here, or contact us to request a quote today!