What is e-commerce fulfillment?
Having discussed the advantages of outsourcing your e-commerce logistics and relying on 4PL logistics to support you on a daily basis, we’ve decided to explain in detail a concept that is stillunclear to some:fulfillment.
In this article, we’ll explain the definition of fulfillment, its benefits and why our solution, the Rakuten Fulfillment Network, could well revolutionize your approach to e-commerce.
Definition of fulfillment
Fulfillment is an English term meaning “realization” or “execution”. In e-commerce, it is used to designate all the logistical operations that a merchant may encounter. Worth knowing:
1/ Inventory management
Anticipating future orders based on the shopping season, replenishing stocks accordingly, storing in one or more warehouses, regular monitoring to minimize costs linked to overproduction or overstocking… These are all key actions for the successful management of your merchandise. Properly managed, inventory management can greatly help companies to ensure that products are available to meet customer demands, while minimizing costs and losses.
2/ Receiving orders
Order processing and prioritization according to the delivery method chosen. Order reception must be seamless, and accompanied by real-time stock updates to avoid any disappointment for buyers.
3/ Preparation of orders and packaging
Collection of ordered products from the warehouse, verification ofthe order to ensure conformity, packing in appropriate materials, labeling of packages with shipping information.
4/ Shipping
Choice of carrier and prompt dispatch of the customer’s order to ensure maximum customer satisfaction . Today, consumer loyalty depends on responsiveness. Reducing delivery times must be an integral part of your e-commerce strategy to increase the performance of your business.
Once these steps have been completed, a good fulfillment strategy also focuses on 4 other steps, just as crucial to your company’s outreach:
5/ Package tracking
An informed customer is a buyer who is reassured about the status and estimated arrival of his order.
6/ Invoice printing
Invoicing and payment tracking are two of the most important aspects of careful invoice management.
7/ Returns management
Also known as reverse logistics, this involves providing buyers with an easy, convenient returns procedure. Fulfillment then takes care of receiving returned products, inspecting them to determine their condition and eligibility for refund or exchange, and managing refunds or exchanges in accordance with company policies. Here, fulfillment is an excellent partner for documenting returns to help identify recurring problems and improve the quality of the company’s products and processes.
8/ AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Provide support and assistance to customers when needed. After-sales service is not to be taken lightly, which is why fulfillment is a valuable ally in meeting all consumer needs, quickly, clearly and accurately.
The advantages of e-commercefulfillment
By choosing the right logistics provider, you increase your chances of ensuring exemplary performance and profitability, with growth as the watchword. E-commerce fulfillment is a real partner for your e-commerce strategy , with the following strengths:
Cost optimization
You can outsource e-commerce fulfillment operations to specialized service providers to reduce warehouse management costs, hire staff andinvest in infrastructure tailored to your needs.
Enhanced customer experience
A smoother shopping experience with faster, more reliable delivery options.This marketing strategy is designed to appeal to a growing number of consumers and build customer loyalty over time.
Flexibility
Your companycan quickly adjust its fulfillment strategy in line with demand and seasonal fluctuations such as sales, Black Friday and the Christmas period. This means you can respond to market and business growth without having to invest in costly and time-consuming additional resources.
Time-saving
Relying on an external service provider to help you manage your e-commerce logistics saves you around 25% of the time you would otherwise spend on your core business. For example, devising new marketing approaches and further developing your offering.
Visibility
Outsourcing your e-commerce logistics has its costs, but these are quickly recouped in view of all the benefits . E-commerce fulfillment providers offer real-time tracking tools that enable companies to monitor their inventory, shipments and returns, improving the visibility of their supply chain.
What is the Rakuten Fulfillment Network?
As mentioned above, e-commerce fulfillment allows companies to devote more time to their core business, while offering consumers a fast, reliable delivery experience. As a direct consequence, this helps to strengthen customer loyalty and stimulate growth. Provided you find the external service provider that meets your needs in every respect..
With the Rakuten Fulfillment Network, you offer yourself a key solution to increase your company's reach .Here are our key benefits:
- Support for all your fulfillment needs from a dedicated account manager.
- Intuitive Rakuten Merchand Dashboard for simplified business management .
- Clear pricing with fixed prices and no hidden costs, based on your needs.
- Storage in one of our globally dispatched and connected warehouses.
- Real-time stock management and replenishment requests.
- Fast order preparation and dispatch.
- After-sales service and reverse logistics.
- Possibility of opening an e-commerce store on our Rakuten marketplace .
- Manage your business from any other e-commerce site, your own or that of one of our competitors.