If you own a business that ships products, then you know how important it is to have an efficient shipping process. A poor shipping process can lead to lost packages, faulty tracking information, and unhappy customers. It’s especially apparent when it comes to unhappy customers; enough negative reviews can make your business go south. It’s terrifying how easily a bad shipping experience could destroy an entire company, but it’s the harsh reality.
So, when it comes to your business, whether it’s e-commerce or not, you’ll need to find ways to adjust the shipping process. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to enhance the shipping of your business, and you’ll find out about a few in this article!
Take advantage of a third-party logistics provider
There are so many shipping companies for small businesses, so why not get one on your side? All businesses need to start outsourcing to others eventually, which could make things easier for your entire team. Getting products to customers quickly and efficiently is the lifeblood of any business. However, as businesses grow and move to new markets, shipping logistics can be challenging.
Third-party logistics (also known as 3PL) companies take over many of these functions, including warehousing, transportation, and order fulfillment. Their expertise and technology can help improve your supply chain efficiency seamlessly. Sometimes, these third parties will even offer same-day shipping, something all customers adore!
Plan for customs clearance
If you’re shipping anything outside of the country, then you need to be aware of customers. Customs clearance is an essential step of the international shipping process. Without it, your shipments may get held up in customs and delayed customer deliveries. Usually, not too much work has to go into it; just make sure to include all required documents for the package. You also need to know how long it will take for your shipments to clear customs. This can vary depending on your country and the carrier you choose.
Automation is the future
If your business isn’t doing this, then you are missing out! Automation is the future, and you should get a head start! Automating your shipping process is one of the best ways to enhance the overall shipping experience for customers and for you as well! It reduces costs, speeds up turnaround times, increases productivity, and improves the accuracy of orders. If you’re watching your business’s spending then you can count on saving money in this route.
For the most part, all you need to do is set it up or even hire an IT professional to help with it. In the end, automation eliminates repetitive tasks, freeing up labor hours that can be used for more important activities, such as product creation, customer service, and marketing. Work smarter, not harder, and let the future of automation take control!
Implement EDI
One of the most efficient ways to enhance the shipping of your business is to implement Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). These are becoming far more common, especially when it comes to logistics. EDI is an industry-standard format that allows two businesses to exchange vital information electronically. You can expect some of these benefits to include a reduction in paper costs, faster processing times, and greater visibility. Implementing this could be the game changer you need.
