When you choose a fulfillment services company, you aren’t just choosing a services provider; you’re choosing a business partner. Your fulfillment company will have a direct influence on your brand, customer satisfaction and even your profits. You need to be careful about which company you select. Here’s what to look for in a fulfillment company.
Software Integrations
Most ecommerce these days is done using some version of software or app. Your company may use Shopify or WooCommerce, for example. For the sake of efficiency, look for a fulfillment service company that offers software integrations that work with what you already use or what you’d like to be able to use. This will streamline the order fulfillment process and thereby make delivery that much faster.
Long-Term Growth Potential
If you’re like most business owners, you’re hoping to grow your business over time. Every time you have to change fulfillment companies, that puts an obstacle in the way of growth. It takes time to transition to a new way of doing things, put new systems in place, and train employees on the new methods. When you are looking for a fulfillment services company, choose one that can handle your long-term growth needs. That way it will be able to continue to serve your needs even after your company grows, and you won’t have to switch fulfillment companies over and over again.
Variety of Shipping Methods
One point of customer service no company can afford to ignore is offering a choice of shipping methods. Customers often like to have a choice in carriers, especially when that difference means a difference in price. Choose a fulfillment company that offers several different shipping methods such as DHL, UPS, USPS, etc. The more options you can offer your customers, the happier they will be.
Excellent Customer Service
The customer service of any fulfillment company reflects on how that company will treat your customers. If they offer you excellent customer service, chances are they’ll go to great lengths to ensure your customers get excellent service, too. That means fulfilling orders in a timely manner, packing products so they arrive undamaged, and ensuring that each package is correctly addressed. When your fulfillment services company takes care of your customers, your company brand will continue to have the stellar reputation that you’ve worked so hard to create.
These are the most important features to look for in a fulfillment services company. Before committing, be sure to speak to the customer service representative to ensure that all your present and future needs, as mentioned above, can be met.
