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Originally Posted On: https://www.harp360.com/shipping-tips-to-ensure-your-ecommerce-business-runs-smoothly/

If your online business requires fulfillment and you have the right systems and partners in place, your eCommerce business will thrive.  Successful shipping and order fulfillment operations will result in fewer headaches and more importantly greater customer satisfaction. Online order fulfillment is one of the greatest challenges of any eCommerce business.

Creating a beautiful web store on Shopify, Squarespace, or WooCommerce is one thing but being able to get the products to customers in a timely manner with real-time tracking alerts and updates can be challenging.

To alleviate those issues, we’ve put together a list of recommendations that will assist in both tidying up and streamlining the pick, pack, and ship process of your online store.

CHOOSE A RELIABLE 3PL PROVIDER

A third-party logistics provider is responsible for the storage, packaging, and shipping of products. By finding a trusted partner, you can remove the order processing burden from your shoulders.  We recommend contacting a few providers and sharing with them your greatest fulfillment needs to find the best fit for your business.

When looking for a reliable partner, please consider the following:

• The cost of services
• Services included
• Size of the warehouse
• Number of Employees (bigger is not always better)
• Operational hours
• Warehouse condition

Eventually, you’ll find a provider that listens to you and understands what it will take to make your unique eCommerce business fulfillment operations run seamlessly. Below are a few shipping tips for your eCommerce business.

CHOOSE A TRUSTWORTHY SHIPPING SERVICE

Partner with a shipping service that has proven to be reliable. DHL, FedEx, UPS, and other services allow you to ship worldwide, 24×7 for reasonable prices and with convenient terms and conditions. Check their online reviews.

REALIZE THAT THE BOX YOU SHIPPED REFLECTS YOUR BRAND

Biodegradable, recyclable, and with a beautiful label on it. This is a perfect box from a modern brand. Inside the box, a beautifully packaged and secured item or items that will make someone’s day.

Don’t reuse boxes. Receiving a box that has been used before doesn’t represent a high-quality product. There are plenty of places where you can recycle old cardboard shipping containers.

ALLOW CUSTOMERS TO TRACK ORDERS IN REAL-TIME

It’s crucial that your fulfillment chain allow customers to track orders, receive updates and alerts. Web customers name shipping services as one of the main criteria used in determining which online stores they will purchase from.

STEP UP YOUR GAME WITH AN ECOMMERCE FULFILLMENT PARTNER.

These shipping tips and a Reliable 3PL service partner will simplify your eCommerce operational challenges. A secured warehouse and professional staff will make sure every item is packed properly, shipped on time and on budget. Doing so will allow you to focus on marketing and creating top-notch products your buyers will love.

Invest in high-quality, biodegradable boxes with the name of your brand on them. Make unpacking an experience! As a result, you’ll have more repeat customers, and new clients when they find out you ship fast and without blunders.

If you solve the pick, pack, and ship of your eCommerce business, you will thrive.