When it comes to shipping, customer expectations are at an all-time high, highlighting the need for an optimized shipping process. The “Amazon effect” has established a standard that few are willing to compromise. If you can’t offer free shipping, it must be reliable, safe, trackable, and transparent through every step, or you risk losing business to competitors.
Though shipping and logistics may seem like a small aspect of what you do, your ability to meet a customer’s needs in this area dramatically impacts loyalty and brand reputation.
Bottom line? Reliable, affordable shipping equals happy customers, so you can’t afford to drop the ball.
Fortunately, there are ways to build an optimized shipping process that reduces cost and risk for you and ensures customer satisfaction.
Prioritize Customer Experience
Few things are more frustrating than purchasing a product and not knowing when it will arrive—even worse if it is late or damaged in transit. Problems like these create headaches for you, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to lose that customer.
Building an optimized shipping process is a way to put your customers first and ensure the best possible experience. Here’s how to do it.
Three Steps You Cannot Miss While Building Your Shipping Process
The logistics process begins the moment a product is ordered. Knowing your inventory levels and providing fast and cost-effective shipping methods help you maintain high service levels and retain profits. Here are three essential steps to help you build a sustainable shipping process:
9 Tips to Reduce Ocean Freight Costs
1. Choose the right technology
Most ecommerce platforms allow you to connect to third-party shipping software to facilitate the logistics process. If you’re already using an inventory control system, choose a shipping platform that integrates with it to maximize visibility. Fast shipping is great, but poor visibility will impact your results. Take the time to review your options and choose the solution that makes the most sense from a financial, logistical, and technological standpoint.
2. Ensure verification logistics
Verification is essential to ensure the best possible outcome. This includes address validation and proper documentation, without which your shipment may be delayed or held at the dock until problems are rectified. Delays cause frustration for the customer and could result in regulatory fines and lost revenue for you. Again, the right software supports these activities, ensuring all the documents and details are accurate before shipping.
3. Guarantee material stock
Proper crating and packaging are essential, so you must keep adequate stock of the materials you need on hand at all times. Some goods must be classified and require specific labeling, such as hazardous goods, cosmetics, or flammable liquids. You might also want to include personal touches, like thank-you notes or premiums with high-value orders, so be sure to keep enough of these on hand.
Creating a shipping process requires daily effort to ensure it remains optimized and represents a benefit for your company. Working with an experienced logistics provider like DTS World Cargo helps you skip the tedious steps and access world-class service that translates to profit. Speak to us today about our one-stop service.
