Amazon fulfillment services play a crucial role in today’s online retail stores. These services allow store owners to outsource fulfillment and supply chain operations to Amazon’s logistics network.
Today’s e-commerce era is defined by speed and accuracy. Customers will leave your store if you cannot deliver products within 48 hours. Here is where Amazon fulfillment services come into play, especially for small startups or SMEs competing with the big brands.
Here, we look at some of the top benefits of Amazon fulfillment services.
Operational Efficiency and Outsourced Logistics
Anyone who has run an online business can tell you how easily things can become complicated and challenging. Amazon fulfillment services allow retailers to outsource logistics and supply chain functions to Amazon’s network.
It’s easy. All you need to do is ship your inventory to an Amazon warehouse or fulfillment center, and they will handle the rest. Transferring logistics to Amazon means that you rely on their fulfillment centers, inventory management systems, and transportation network.
This makes supply chain operations more efficient than they could be if you ran everything in-house.
Faster Delivery and Enhanced Customer Experience with Amazon Fulfillment Services
One thing many online shoppers look for is delivery timelines. How quickly can this get to my address? Customers will abandon a cart at checkout if your store doesn’t offer two-day delivery.
Using Amazon fulfillment services changes things on this front. They have fulfillment centers across the country, with most located near major transportation hubs. Delivery options include same-day, next-day, and two-day shipping, depending on location and the customer’s region.
Amazon also has a reliable order tracking feature. Once their order is confirmed, customers get timely tracking updates through their accounts until the order is delivered. This is massive when it comes to boosting customer experience.
Besides order tracking, Amazon fulfillment services also include customer service and returns handling for eligible orders. This ensures that the post-purchase process stays consistent and customers’ issues are handled on time.
Scalability for Growing Retail Businesses
One day, you are getting fewer than 50 orders a month, while the next you have over 500 orders. This can be challenging, especially if you have been running your fulfillment operations in-house. So, you need extra space for the inventory, new couriers to deliver the orders, and employees to sort and pack the orders.
3PL companies such as Packageman that offer Amazon fulfillment services can help you scale with ease. You can grow order capacity or explore new routes without needing to invest in warehouse space, staff, or shipping operations.
The network of fulfillment services supports growth and adjusts depending on demand. You can send your order to your 3PL company, and they will handle it regardless of the size.
Also, most 3PL companies offering Amazon fulfillment services support multi-channel fulfillment, making it possible to open multiple stores on other platforms using the same inventory. This service allows businesses to grow without outsourcing to separate fulfillment solutions for each sales channel.
Simplified Returns and Customer Support with Amazon Fulfillment Services
Many online buyers are always conscious about return policies and support. Handling returns and customer complaints can be challenging, especially if you have no experience. Partners offering Amazon fulfillment services handle customer returns on behalf of sellers.
Providing 24/7 customer support for orders, product inquiries, and delivery times goes a long way in improving customer experience. Offering good experiences translates to more positive reviews and more leads.
Wrapping up
While running your delivery or order fulfillment operations in-house can be tempting, online retailers should consider partnering with 3PL companies offering Amazon fulfillment services. The benefits outweigh the costs involved, making operating your online store simpler. Moreover, you can scale faster, reduce operational expenses, and have more time to work on business and product development.
