Warehousing & 3PL Services
Streamlining Shipping: Why Order Consolidation is Essential
Order consolidation is a crucial part of streamlining shipping processes. By combining multiple individual orders into a single shipment or delivery, businesses can save time and money while providing their customers with a better shopping experience. This process is especially important for businesses in China, where order consolidation can help reduce logistics costs and ensure orders arrive in a timely manner. In this blog post, we’ll explore why order consolidation is essential for streamlining shipping and discuss the advantages it provides.
What Is Order Consolidation?
Order consolidation is a shipping strategy that involves combining multiple individual orders from different customers into a single shipment or delivery. Instead of shipping each order separately, these orders are grouped together and shipped as one package.
This approach can be especially beneficial for e-commerce businesses that process a large volume of orders. It allows them to maximize efficiency and minimize shipping expenses, ultimately leading to increased profitability.
In order consolidation, all the products ordered are grouped together and packed into one box. Each item is then labeled individually for easy identification. The consolidated package is then shipped to the destination, where it is sorted and distributed to each individual customer.
Advantages of Order Consolidation
While order consolidation requires careful planning and coordination, it offers numerous benefits for businesses and customers alike. Let’s explore some of these benefits in more detail.
Reduced Shipping Costs
Consolidating orders allows businesses to optimize their shipping expenses. Shipping costs can be substantial, especially when sending out multiple small packages. By combining orders into one shipment, companies can take advantage of bulk shipping rates and reduce overall transportation costs.
Lower Handling and Packaging Costs
When orders are combined, there is no need for extra packaging or handling, which further reduces costs.
Reduced Packaging and Material Waste
When orders are consolidated, the need for individual packaging for each item decreases. This leads to a significant reduction in packaging materials, such as boxes, bubble wrap, and filler materials. By minimizing packaging waste, businesses can contribute to environmental sustainability and reduce their ecological footprint.
Improved Warehouse Efficiency
Consolidating orders can improve the efficiency of warehouse operations. Instead of managing and shipping multiple small orders, warehouses can focus on processing and consolidating larger shipments. This streamlining reduces energy consumption within the warehouse, such as lighting, heating, and cooling, leading to energy savings.
Improved Transit Times
Consolidated shipments tend to have faster transit times compared to individual shipments. Instead of separate packages taking different routes or being delayed at different stages of transportation, a consolidated shipment follows a more direct and efficient path. This results in quicker delivery times, which enhances customer satisfaction.
Enhanced Inventory Management
Consolidation helps businesses optimize their inventory management processes. By consolidating orders, companies can assess their stock levels more accurately and allocate resources accordingly. This reduces the chances of stockouts, overstocking, and inefficient storage practices, leading to improved supply chain management.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Order consolidation also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of shipping operations. By combining multiple orders into a single shipment, businesses can significantly decrease the overall carbon emissions associated with transportation.
How To Implement Order Consolidation in Your Business?
Now that you understand the benefits of order consolidation, it’s time to implement this process in your business. Implementing order consolidation in your business requires careful planning and coordination. Here are the steps to follow when introducing order consolidation:
Evaluate the Pattern and Order Volume
Analyze your order data to identify patterns take a closer look at your current order volume so you can determine which orders can be consolidated effectively. Look for commonalities such as similar shipping destinations, compatible product types, or orders that can be fulfilled from the same location.
Determine Consolidation Criteria
Define the criteria for order consolidation based on factors like shipping costs, package sizes, weight limits, and delivery timeframes. Establish guidelines that ensure orders can be combined efficiently while meeting customer expectations.
Optimize Warehouse Layout
Reconfigure your warehouse layout to facilitate order consolidation. Designate specific areas for consolidating orders and ensure easy access to the products that are frequently combined. Streamline your inventory management systems to track consolidated orders accurately.
Identify Common Delivery Destinations
Look for common delivery destinations for your orders. Grouping together orders going to the same location can significantly reduce shipping costs.
Communicate With Your Customers
Inform your customers about the order consolidation process. Explain how it benefits them, including faster delivery times and lower shipping costs.
Invest in Technology
Implementing order consolidation may require some initial investment, but it can yield significant cost savings and other benefits in the long run. Implementing order consolidation software can simplify the process by automatically grouping orders based on the delivery destination and optimizing the packing process.
Collaborate With Your Logistics Provider
Work with your logistics provider to ensure that they understand your order consolidation process. They can provide valuable feedback on how to streamline the process further.
If you are interested in seeking assistance with order consolidation, we are happy to help with all of your warehouse and fulfillment needs. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs.
Effective Strategies for Streamlining Your Warehousing Process
Warehousing plays an essential role in supply chain management, and for businesses dealing with inventory management, it is essential to have efficient warehousing practices in place to maximize efficiency. But where should you start? In this blog post, we will explore some effective strategies for streamlining your warehousing process, with a focus on warehousing in China. From optimizing your storage solutions to utilizing the latest technology, there are many ways to improve your warehousing process. Let’s explore some key steps to get started with Shield Works.
The Importance of Efficient Warehousing
Effective warehousing practices are critical to any business that deals with inventory management. From e-commerce businesses to retail stores, proper warehousing is essential to optimizing operations. But why is efficient warehousing so important?
Firstly, efficient warehousing ensures that the right products are in the right place at the right time. This means that orders can be processed quickly and accurately, leading to improved customer satisfaction. With today’s fast-paced business environment, customers expect their orders to be delivered quickly and accurately, so ensuring that your warehouse is efficient is key to meeting these expectations.
Additionally, effective warehousing can help to reduce costs. By implementing streamlined processes and optimized workflows, businesses can save time, reduce labor costs, and minimize waste. With the right inventory management system in place, businesses can also prevent overstocking and stock shortages, leading to costly supply chain disruptions.
In short, efficient warehousing is crucial for businesses looking to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment. By optimizing warehouse processes and implementing best practices, businesses can improve order accuracy, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the bottom line.
Analyzing Your Current Warehouse Process
The first step to improving your warehousing process is to analyze your current process thoroughly. This means identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your existing warehouse operations and evaluating how they align with your business goals. Consider asking the following questions during your analysis:
- How do you receive and manage inventory?
- What is your process for fulfilling orders and shipping products?
- How do you handle returns and reverse logistics?
- What equipment and technology do you currently use?
- How efficient is your current warehouse layout?
- What is your current staff capacity and skillset?
- What metrics do you use to track your warehouse performance?
By answering these questions, you can gain valuable insights into where your warehouse process could improve and where it excels. Once you have this information, you can start building a plan to address any areas that need attention.
By analyzing your current warehouse process, you can gain valuable insights into where your warehouse process could improve and where it excels. Once you have this information, you can start building a plan to address any areas that need attention. With the right plan in place, you can streamline your warehousing process, reduce costs, and optimize your overall supply chain operations.
Effective Strategies for Streamlining Your Warehousing Process
Optimizing your warehousing operations is a continuous process that involves improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Here are some key steps to help you start optimizing your warehousing practices:
Define Your Warehousing Objectives
Clearly articulate your warehousing objectives. Are you looking to maximize storage capacity, improve order fulfillment speed, minimize inventory loss, or enhance overall operational efficiency? Setting specific goals will help you align your warehousing practices with your business needs.
Assess Your Space Requirements
Evaluate your current inventory volume and forecast future growth to determine your space requirements. Shield Works provides expert advice on space optimization, helping you make the most of your available area. They offer efficient racking systems, shelving solutions, and layout designs tailored to your specific needs.
Optimize Inventory Management
Implementing a robust inventory management system is crucial for efficient warehousing. Shield Works offers advanced inventory management software that provides real-time visibility into stock levels, tracks movement, and automates replenishment processes. This helps prevent stockouts, minimize excess inventory, and streamline order fulfillment.
Streamline Warehouse Layout
A well-organized warehouse layout is key to improving operational efficiency. Shield Works’ experienced consultants can assist you in designing an optimized layout that reduces travel time, minimizes congestion, and ensures easy accessibility to products. They can help you implement efficient material handling equipment, such as conveyor systems or forklifts, to streamline processes further.
Enhance Safety and Security
Warehouse safety and security should never be overlooked. Shield Works offers comprehensive solutions to ensure a safe working environment. This includes implementing safety protocols, providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), installing surveillance systems, and implementing access control measures to protect your valuable inventory.
Implement Warehouse Automation
Embracing warehouse automation technologies can significantly improve productivity and reduce errors. Shield Works can guide you through the implementation of automation solutions such as barcode scanning, RFID tracking, automated picking systems, and robotic automation. These technologies enhance speed, accuracy, and overall efficiency in your warehousing operations.
Continuously Monitor and Improve
Warehousing is an ongoing process, and continuous monitoring is essential to identify areas for improvement. Shield Works provides data analytics and reporting tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as order accuracy, on-time delivery, and inventory turnover. These insights enable you to make data-driven decisions and optimize your warehouse operations.
Start Optimizing Your Warehousing Practices
Now you have learned more about the warehousing process, you just need to find one. There are several companies online and middlemen who will help you navigate the process.
If you need precision engineering, manufacturing, or warehousing in China, then Shield Works should be your first stop. Partnering with Shield Works gives you access to a team of warehousing experts who understand the industry’s best practices and can tailor solutions to your specific needs. By following these steps and leveraging Shield Works’ expertise, you can start warehousing the right way and set yourself up to successfully manage your inventory and fulfill customer demands effectively. We can provide a range of solutions, lowering your costs and improving efficiency. Contact us to discuss your needs and let our expert staff begin increasing your company’s efficiency.
Understanding the Risks of Order Consolidation
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, order consolidation has become a popular strategy for streamlining supply chain operations and optimizing costs. By combining multiple orders into a single shipment, companies can minimize transportation expenses, reduce inventory holding costs, and enhance overall efficiency. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with order consolidation. This article aims to shed light on these risks, their impact on businesses, and provide practical solutions for mitigating them effectively.
Inventory Management Challenges
One of the primary risks associated with order consolidation lies in inventory management. When multiple orders are consolidated, it becomes essential to manage inventory levels accurately to meet the varying demand of individual customers. Without proper control, there is a higher likelihood of stockouts or overstocking, leading to dissatisfied customers or unnecessary carrying costs. Implementing robust inventory management systems and leveraging advanced forecasting techniques can help strike the right balance and minimize these risks.
Increased Lead Times
Order consolidation often involves the synchronization of different orders from various locations, suppliers, or customers. This synchronization process can increase lead times, resulting in delayed deliveries and potential customer dissatisfaction. It is vital for businesses to closely monitor lead times and establish clear communication channels with all stakeholders involved in the consolidation process. By improving coordination and employing real-time tracking solutions, companies can minimize the impact of increased lead times on customer satisfaction.
Quality Control Issues
Consolidating orders can sometimes introduce quality control challenges. With multiple orders combined into a single shipment, there is a risk of overlooking or missing defects, especially when the individual orders have varying quality standards. To mitigate this risk, businesses should implement stringent quality control processes at various stages of the consolidation process. Conducting thorough inspections, implementing quality checkpoints, and establishing effective feedback loops can help maintain consistent product quality and customer satisfaction.
Increased Transportation Risks
While order consolidation offers cost-saving benefits by reducing transportation expenses, it also introduces certain transportation risks. Combining multiple orders into a single shipment increases the value and volume of the cargo, making it an attractive target for theft or damage during transit. To mitigate these risks, businesses should invest in robust security measures, such as GPS tracking systems, tamper-proof packaging, and insurance coverage. Additionally, selecting reliable logistics partners with a proven track record can help ensure the safe and timely delivery of consolidated orders.
Regulatory Compliance Challenges
Order consolidation often involves compliance with various regulations, especially when dealing with international shipments. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, delays, or even legal issues. To mitigate regulatory compliance challenges, companies should stay updated with the latest rules and requirements in the relevant jurisdictions. Establishing strong relationships with customs brokers, conducting regular audits, and maintaining accurate documentation can help ensure smooth order consolidation while adhering to legal and regulatory obligations.
Customer Expectations and Communication
Consolidating orders may impact customer expectations and communication. Customers accustomed to receiving individual shipments may be surprised or disappointed when their orders are combined. To manage customer expectations effectively, businesses should proactively communicate the benefits of order consolidation, such as reduced costs and enhanced sustainability. Additionally, providing accurate tracking information, timely updates, and exceptional customer service can help maintain transparency and build trust with customers.
Order consolidation can be a valuable strategy for optimizing supply chain operations and reducing costs. However, it is crucial to understand the associated risks and implement appropriate measures to mitigate them effectively.
Striking a balance between cost-saving measures and potential drawbacks is essential to achieve a streamlined and efficient supply chain while ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term success in today’s competitive business environment.
If you are new to this business with a need for order consolidation partnerships, feel free to contact Shield Works!
E-commerce Shipping Consolidation Tips and Tricks
One recent survey says only 15% of US online shoppers are happy about current delivery speeds. It is more important than ever for businesses to optimize their shipping strategies. They must meet customer demands and remain competitive.
One effective method for achieving this is through ecommerce shipping consolidation. In this article, we will explore the benefits of consolidated shipping. You will learn tips and tricks for implementing it well.
What Ecommerce Shipping Consolidation Means
Consolidated shipping is also referred to as freight consolidation or groupage. It is the process of combining many smaller shipments into a single larger shipment.
This means combining many customer orders from different locations into a single shipment. This saves on shipping costs and reduces delivery times.
Consolidated shipping occurs through several methods. One common approach is through a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. They join shipments from many businesses into a single larger shipment.
Another method is for businesses to work together to merge their shipments. This is either direct or through a freight broker.
By consolidating shipments, businesses can take advantage of economies of scale. This results in lower shipping costs per unit.
Consolidating shipments can lead to more efficient use of transportation resources. This reduces the carbon footprint of shipping.
Consolidated shipping needs careful planning and coordination. You must deliver orders on time and in good condition. It is important to consider factors such as:
- the volume of orders
- the destination of shipments
- the carrier selection
Consider all these factors when implementing a consolidated shipping strategy. This needs proper planning and execution.
Then you can reap the benefits of consolidated shipping. You’ll provide a better customer experience.
Benefits of E-commerce Shipping Consolidation
E-commerce shipping consolidation offers several benefits to businesses. These include cost savings, faster delivery times, and more.
One of the primary benefits of e-commerce shipping consolidation is cost savings. By consolidating businesses can take advantage of lower shipping rates.
This results in significant cost savings over time. This is true for businesses with a high volume of orders. The savings can add up.
Ecommerce shipping consolidation can also lead to faster delivery times. Businesses can optimize their shipping routes.
This reduces the number of stops needed for delivery. This can lead to faster transit times. It leads to a more efficient delivery process.
Better Control and Lower Carbon Footprint
Consolidated shipping also provides businesses with better control over the shipping process. You get more advantages by working with a single carrier and consolidating shipments.
Businesses can track their shipments better and make adjustments as needed. This can help to reduce shipping errors. It improves the customer experience.
Finally, e-commerce shipping consolidation can have a positive impact on the environment. It does this by reducing the carbon footprint of shipping.
You reduce the number of vehicles needed for delivery when you merge shipments. This leads to a lower level of emissions.
In summary, e-commerce shipping consolidation offers significant benefits to businesses, including:
- cost savings
- faster delivery times
- better control over the shipping process
- a reduced carbon footprint
By implementing a consolidated shipping strategy, e-commerce businesses can improve their shipping efficiency. Your business will provide a better customer experience.
Factors to Consider When Implementing Ecommerce Shipping Consolidation
We’ve seen that ecommerce shipping consolidation offers many benefits. It is important to consider several factors before implementing a consolidated shipping strategy. These factors include:
- the volume of orders
- product type and size
- destination of shipments
- carrier selection
The volume of orders is an important consideration when implementing e-commerce shipping consolidation. Businesses with a high volume of orders may find it easier to merge shipments. There are more orders to combine.
Businesses with a low volume of orders may find it more difficult to join shipments. They may need to work with a third-party logistics provider to achieve consolidation.
Product Type, Size, and Destination
Product type and size are also important factors to consider. Businesses that sell large or bulky items may find it more challenging to join shipments. These items may need special handling or transportation.
Businesses that sell fragile items may need to take extra precautions. They must ensure that these items remain safe and secure when shipping.
The destination of shipments is another important consideration when implementing shipment consolidation methods. Businesses that ship to a variety of locations may find it more difficult to merge shipments. Each destination may need its own shipment.
Businesses that ship to a limited number of locations may find it easier to merge freight. This helps achieve cost savings.
Carrier Selection
Carrier selection is a final but important factor to consider in shipment consolidation. Businesses should choose a carrier that can handle consolidated shipments. They should have a proven track record of delivering shipments on time and in good condition.
It is also important to consider the carrier’s shipping rates and freight charges. Ask about any discounts that may be available for consolidated shipments.
Tips and Tricks for E-commerce Shipping Consolidation
Implementing an effective e-commerce shipping consolidation strategy requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips and tricks to help businesses achieve shipping success:
Analyze Order Volume and Shipping Patterns
Businesses should analyze their order volume and shipping patterns. This helps to identify opportunities for consolidation.
This may involve looking for orders that are going to the same destination. Look as well at those that have similar shipping requirements. You may be able to ship them together based on product type or size.
Choose the Right Carrier
Choosing the right carrier is critical to shipping success. Businesses should look for carriers that have experience with consolidated shipments. They should offer competitive rates.
It is also important to consider factors such as:
- transit times
- reliability
- customer service
Use Technology to Streamline the Shipping Process
Technology can play an important role in streamlining the consolidated shipping process. Businesses can use shipping software. It can help to:
- manage orders
- print labels
- track shipments
They can also use transportation management systems (TMS) to optimize shipping routes. This will help reduce transportation costs.
Package and Label Shipments Well
The proper packaging and labeling of shipments is a must. This ensures that orders arrive at their destination on time and in good condition. Businesses should use high-quality packaging materials.
Label each package with the correct shipping information. They should also include any necessary documentation. These include customs forms or shipping manifests.
Communicate with Customers
Effective communication with customers is essential. This provides a positive customer experience with consolidated shipping. Businesses should keep customers informed about the status of their orders.
Provide tracking information so that customers can track the progress of their shipments. They should also be available to answer any questions or concerns.
Use a Fulfillment Center
Fulfillment centers provide valuable support. Ecommerce businesses looking to merge their shipments should use them. These centers can:
- receive
- process
- ship orders
This makes it easier to achieve consolidation and reduce shipping costs.
Optimize Inventory Management
Strive to achieve effective inventory management. This helps with consolidation and reducing shipping costs. Businesses should review their inventory levels and reorder points often.
This ensures that they have the right amount of stock on hand. They should also look for ways to join their inventory. Such as using a single warehouse for many products.
Explore Alternative Shipping Methods
Traditional shipping methods are often used for consolidated shipments. But there are other options to consider. Businesses can explore alternative shipping methods.
These can include rail or ocean freight. These may be more cost-effective for certain types of shipments.
Negotiate Shipping Rates
Businesses should negotiate shipping rates with their carriers. Try to get the best possible prices for shipments.
They can do this by leveraging their shipping volume. They can also explore alternative carriers. Negotiating shipping rates can help businesses achieve significant cost savings over time.
Track and Test Shipping Performance
It’s important for businesses to track and test their shipping performance often. Identify areas for improvement. You can use shipping analytics tools to track key metrics such as:
- delivery times
- shipping costs
- customer satisfaction
By monitoring and evaluating shipping performance, businesses can improve their consolidated shipping strategy.
Challenges and Solutions
While e-commerce shipping consolidation can provide many benefits, there are also several challenges. Businesses may face this when implementing this strategy. Here are some common challenges and solutions to help businesses overcome them:
Inventory Management
One of the biggest challenges with e-commerce shipping consolidation is managing inventory. Consolidating shipments requires having the right inventory in the right place.
You must also have it at the right time. This is often difficult to achieve.
Businesses should put in place effective inventory management practices. These can include:
- real-time inventory tracking
- demand forecasting
- safety stock levels
This ensures that they have the right amount of inventory on hand to meet customer demand.
Timely Delivery
Timely delivery is another challenge with e-commerce shipping consolidation. Consolidating shipments may result in longer transit times.
You can experience delays if not executed well. Businesses should work with their carriers to optimize shipping routes.
This ensures that shipments get delivered on time. They can also use tracking and monitoring tools. These keep customers informed about the status of their orders.
Cost Control
Controlling costs is a major concern for businesses when implementing shipping consolidation. Consolidating shipments can help reduce shipping costs. But businesses need to balance this with other costs.
Balance these costs with your inventory management and technology investments. Businesses should often check their shipping costs.
Look for ways to optimize your shipping strategy. You can reduce costs while maintaining service levels.
Integration with Existing Systems
Integrating e-commerce shipping consolidation with existing systems is a challenge for some businesses. Consolidating shipments may need changes to existing processes and systems. This can prove difficult to put in place.
Businesses should work with their shipping and technology providers to integrate their systems. See to it that there is a clear understanding of how the consolidated shipping process will work.
How to Find a Consolidated Shipping Partner
Finding reliable carriers is crucial for successful e-commerce shipping consolidation. Here are some tips to help businesses find the right carriers:
Research and Compare Carriers
Businesses should research carriers. Compare to find the best options for your needs.
You can use online directories. You can try industry associations. You can ask for referrals to identify potential carriers.
Businesses should also compare carriers’ rates and service levels. Check their full capabilities to ensure that they can meet their shipping needs.
Check Carrier Credentials
Businesses should verify that carriers have licenses to operate in a legal way. Check also for insurance, and certifications necessary in this industry.
They can check carrier credentials with industry associations. They can also check government agencies and online resources.
Assess Carrier Performance
Assessing carrier performance is essential for determining if they can provide high-quality service. Businesses should review carrier performance metrics. This includes:
- on-time delivery rates
- damage claims
- customer satisfaction
Consider Carrier Specialization
Some carriers specialize in specific types of shipments. They may carry hazardous materials or oversized items. Businesses should consider carrier specialization when selecting a carrier. This ensures that they have the equipment to handle their needs.
Negotiate Rates
Businesses should negotiate rates with carriers. This helps them get the best possible prices for their shipments. They can:
- leverage their shipping volume
- explore alternative carriers
- consider long-term contracts to negotiate favorable rates
Test Carrier Service
Businesses should test their service by shipping a few orders with them. Do this before any commitments.
Testing carrier services can help businesses assess their reliability. You’ll get a chance to experience their customer service and performance.
Partner with Experts
Ecommerce shipping consolidation is an effective strategy for businesses. By consolidating many orders into a single shipment, businesses can gain several benefits.
Shield Works Manufacturing is a reliable manufacturing partner. We can help you with e-commerce shipping consolidation. Our team of experts can help you optimize your shipping strategy.
We provide high-quality custom manufacturing solutions to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business grow.
Order Fulfillment Best Practices for Businesses
Sixty-nine percent of online shoppers say they are less likely to shop with a retailer if their order arrives more than two days late. On top of that, 14% of online shoppers say they would take their business elsewhere if their order delivers late just once. There are so many important steps that happen between placing an order and delivery. If you don’t have an efficient order fulfillment process in place, you could risk losing customers. Keep reading to learn more about best practices and how to improve your processes.
Tips and Best Practices
Order fulfillment is a crucial part of your business’ success and continued growth. There will be challenges along the way, but there are things you can do to improve your processes. Below are several strategies and best practices that will lead to satisfied customers.
Streamline Receiving
Make sure you process incoming shipments quickly. Take note of any damaged goods and return them to the manufacturer for immediate replacement. This will make it easier to keep items in stock and keep your customers happy.
Organize Your Warehouse Efficiently
Place your best-selling items in the front of your warehouse. This will give pickers easy access and allow them to get orders out faster. Organize the rest of your inventory based on demand, with the least popular items in the back of the warehouse.
Optimize Your Inventory
Make sure the amount of inventory you hold matches the demand. If you don’t have enough inventory, you could run out of stock, causing delays in product fulfillment. If you have too much inventory, you might not be able to offload all of it, increasing your storage costs
Choose the Right Order Picking Strategy
An efficient order picking strategy will help improve your warehouse order fulfillment. Evaluate how many orders come in every day and how many staff members you have to pick orders to determine the best strategy. Two common picking strategies are discrete order picking and batch order picking. With discrete order picking, one order is picked at a time. With batch order picking, several orders are picked at a time.
Automate Your Processes
Automate as many of your processes as you can. With manual operations, you run the risk of human error. This can hurt your order fulfillment performance which can hinder growth.
Integrate Data Systems
Enhance your order fulfillment process by integrating with your suppliers. Having access to the same data helps get orders out faster. It also keeps your suppliers accountable for shipping the correct items to your warehouse.
Prioritize Shipping and Logistics
Shipping partners play an essential role in order fulfillment. Negotiate the best shipping rates and delivery schedules for your customers. Make sure you always have a backup plan for shipping. While a certain carrier might be reliable most of the time, that doesn’t mean that things will never go wrong. You don’t want your orders to be delayed because you didn’t think ahead.
Manage Customer Expectations
Set expectations with your customers about when they will receive their orders. If there are any shipping delays or other issues, notify the customer right away. Open lines of communication are essential to keeping your customers satisfied.
Prepare for Returns
Returns are inevitable, especially when it comes to e-commerce fulfillment. Rather than handling returns on a case-by-case basis, implement a standard return policy. This will improve customer satisfaction and help you account for the extra inventory. Include a return label with every order for easier processing. Make sure to have quality control checks as part of the return process. If a customer returns an item because it’s malfunctioning, you need to ensure that the item doesn’t get restocked by mistake.
Types of Order Fulfillment Models
While there are best practices you can follow, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all model for order fulfillment. There are a few different common models, each with its own pros and cons.
In-House
In-house order fulfillment means that all steps are completed internally. This model allows you to manage the entire process from end to end and is a good solution for small businesses. As your business grows, in-house order fulfillment can start to become too much to manage.
Outsourcing
Under this model, warehouse management is outsourced to a third party. This takes a lot of work off your plate and frees up your staff to work on other tasks. It’s also helpful because you don’t have to worry about storing your inventory yourself. One of the downsides of outsourcing is that you give up control over your order fulfillment. Also, outsourcing only works well for stocked items, not custom or made-to-order products.
Drop shipping
Drop shipping is when an order is produced and shipped by the manufacturer. This is a good choice for e-commerce companies because it helps keep overhead costs down. It also helps save your customers money by cutting out the middleman. Like outsourcing, drop shipping takes control of order fulfillment away from you. Also, shipping times might be longer if the manufacturer is in a different country than your customer base.
Hybrid
With a hybrid method, you use a combination of these models. For example, you might fulfill popular products in-house and outsource everything else. This model gives you the flexibility to fulfill your orders in a way that will help both your business and your customers.
Work With A Trusted Partner
Order fulfillment is crucial to customer satisfaction, so it’s important to get it right. There are plenty of best practices you can follow to improve your processes, but at the end of the day, you need to do what’s right for your business. Shield Works offers a wide range of services, including warehousing and fulfillment. We’re the trusted partner you need to take your business to the next level. Contact us today and let us know how we can help your business.
The Benefits of Outsourcing Product Distribution
One of the most important aspects of running a business is product distribution but it can also be one of the hardest to manage as well. The logistics of finding somewhere to store your products and then transporting them out to stores or customers can be a nightmare to figure out.
Product distribution ends up being the downfall for many companies. Problems in this area bleed out into other facets of the business. And result in a major loss of revenue that’s hard to overcome.
Even knowing how difficult it can be, many business owners avoid outsourcing product distribution and try to manage on their own. Life and business would be much simpler if they let the experts take control of these tasks and focused on their specialty.
Read on to learn all the benefits of having a distribution partner for your small business.
More Effective Processes
It’s so easy for product distribution systems to become inefficient very quickly. There are so many details to manage to get from product assembly to get them to stores, things can get missed in the mix of things.
Too often businesses find a system that works and stick with it for far too long. Instead of updating the process with new technology or structures, they let their company continue with what was good in the past. This can lead to major delays, product loss, or lower profit margins. Efficiency is key in product distribution and that means constant evolution.
Working with a product distribution center means you have access to all of the latest systems in the industry.
These professionals keep a sharp eye out for any areas of the process that are slowing things down or not running as smoothly as they should. They then implement changes to resolve those issues as fast as possible to keep your products moving to where they need to go.
Variety of Transportation Types
Transportation is an integral part of product distribution. In fact, none of it could happen without a variety of types of vehicles to move your shipments from place to place. But the industry is so vast, it can feel very overwhelming to try to figure out the best way to utilize the options in front of you.
Many business owners don’t have access to larger transportation operations because of how small their loads will be. Utilizing your distribution partner can help you tap into a whole new transportation arena.
Not to mention how much relief you’ll feel when you don’t have to figure out all of the logistics of moving your products. They can handle scheduling routes, managing port documentation, and all the other details that go into moving large shipments. These teams have relationships with many transportation vendors that can help get the job done.
For many of these transportation vehicles, larger shipments are needed to make the travel worth it. So working with a larger distribution partner can help get your products in with others to create the necessary volume.
Ability to Sustainably Grow
For most businesses, growth is a major priority. They want to scale all of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the company so that they can sell more products and have a larger revenue.
But too many businesses push this growth too quickly and end up burning out. They can’t sustain the resources they’ve taken on and have to close down prematurely. Growth needs to happen in a systematic and logical way that builds piece by piece. This is the only way you can maintain what you’re building.
One of the ways businesses scale too fast is by trying to get their own distribution resources when they don’t have the backing (or really the need yet). Utilizing an already-in-place partner for warehousing and transportation can save you from this mistake.
A business can have access to all of these tools without the major investment of getting into them themselves. They can utilize their partnership but only for the amount they need, which can grow slowly and organically.
Larger Warehouse Opportunities
There are very few times in business when you have a product that needs to go straight from assembly to where it will be sold. More often, it will need to be stored in a warehouse for a time period. Actually, this storage time is very helpful in making sure you always have the products you need to fulfill customer orders.
But finding a warehouse can be very difficult. There are often very limited spaces available, if any at all, that will work for what you need. And they can be very expensive or out of reach.
A huge benefit of working with a distribution partner is having more open access to large warehouse spaces.
These businesses have many spaces already in place, so you can have exactly what you need right away. There’s no need to make sure everything is set up correctly either. These teams can help create a system that works for your specific product lines and will keep your process moving forward.
Inventory Management Services
Having inventory is key to building a lasting small brand that has satisfied customers. There’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to purchase something and finding out it’s out of stock. Businesses can miss out on a lot of revenue when this is a regular occurrence.
It’s important to keep a balance on the inventory; having just the right amount to fill orders but not too much to lose money in production. This means a business needs to have a very clear snapshot of its inventory at all times. But keeping track of everything within your storage center can be very difficult.
Many warehouse and distribution partners will also handle inventory management as well. They will help monitor the products as they move in and out of the warehouse.
These systems make it easy to figure out what needs to be ordered and when so you always have the right amount of product on hand.
Cost Effective Strategies
A concern for many businesses is that they’ll end up losing money when they choose to partner with a distribution company.
There are already so many expenses involved in running a successful company, it’s hard to add something else to the mix without a little extra worry. But this kind of investment can completely change the way a company operates and end up saving them so much money in the long run.
Not only do their effective transportation and warehouse strategies help save money, but it also eliminates the need for hiring and retaining more employees.
Any employee is a huge expense for companies. Even beyond their pay, you have to consider all of the time it takes to train as well. Letting other partners handle those warehouse and transportation employees eliminates so much from the company’s bills. Not to mention the time you’ll save not having to manage these extra employees on a daily basis.
A product distribution team works to find ways to lower your bottom line and make your products more profitable. Their expertise helps to make small changes to your systems to achieve that aim.
Eliminate Lead Time Issues
In order to develop a good reputation for your small business and keep your customers happy, it’s helpful to have as short of a lead time as possible. This means there is a small window between the time a customer places an order and when it shows up at their door. Keeping this kind of timeline on a consistent basis requires your processes to run very smoothly.
Working with a distribution partner is a great way to ensure that that’s the case for your company.
Once your products are made, they can be kept in the warehouse where they can promptly be shipped out using the transportation network when needed. There’s no need to coordinate with several different areas of your business, it’s all happening in the same place and with the same group.
There’s less room for error when you can consolidate aspects of your business like this and leave it to the professionals to manage.
Custom Packaging Options
Successful small businesses work very hard to create a solid brand foundation. Their branding is how their products are presented to the world and what makes them recognizable (and more appealing) to customers.
Some business owners worry that utilizing a large distribution partner will eliminate their opportunity for branding their products.
For the most part, this isn’t the case! Businesses still have control over the branding that’s part of their products and can customize those to look and function how they want. They can work with the fulfillment team to ensure that all of their products have the right packaging, including tracking and bar codes.
These extra steps are what make products stand out among the competition. It also helps the business make sure everything is handled correctly and shipments go out just how they are designed to be.
It may take a little extra effort and time to figure this step out but it’s well worth it to continue to be true to your brand.
Creates a Professional Network
Building a business from the ground up is a very difficult task. There are so many things you have to figure out, it can be extremely daunting. Having a network of professionals to call on can make all of it much easier.
Working with a professional distribution partner is a great way to start building that network. Through these relationships, you can tap into years and years of experience to learn from. Instead of going through so much trial and error, a business owner can see what has and hasn’t worked for other companies in the past and apply that to themselves.
A network of business professionals can also be a great resource for staying on top of advancements and improvements in the industry. Word will travel about new strategies or technologies that can be implemented into all kinds of operations.
These relationships, advice, and guidance can be invaluable to any size company no matter how old or young they are.
One professional relationship often leads to another as well. So a business owner could potentially be linked with several other professionals who can give a boost where needed.
Reduces Responsibility
There’s simply no way a business owner can handle every responsibility on their own, at least not for a long time or at a high level. It will eventually become too much to bear and things will start to fall through the cracks. The better route to take is to outsource the things that they can so they can focus on what only they can do.
Unless the business owner is a logistics, fulfillment, warehousing, or shipment expert, chances are that true professionals can handle these tasks better than they could.
This relief of responsibility not only makes it easier to focus on other tasks, it often means those responsibilities are handled more effectively altogether. Customers and other business partners will be able to see the difference in the company and how it’s run with these kinds of relationships.
Outsourcing is a great way to continue to love to run a business and avoid feeling overworked and burnt out.
Benefits of Outsourcing Product Distribution
Any business that is product based has the same goal; to get its product into as many customers’ hands as possible in the most effective way. Every decision should be based on getting your company towards that aim.
Outsourcing product distribution is a huge step that can help your company push forward. Instead of constantly dealing with logistic problems while also managing every other aspect of your business, you can simply leave it to the professionals. These experts have the experience to implement consistent, effective systems for your business.
Both you and your customers will be happy with the investment into working with a distribution partner. If you’re interested in seeing how our team can help your business, contact us today!
6 Benefits of Purchase Order Consolidation for Your Business
Supply chain management is an industry growing at an 11% rate today. The way that you take care of your warehouse and manage your shipping and orders will help you with your company’s efficiency and productivity.
Order consolidation is one of the best steps that you can take to make this a reality. What are some of the benefits of using this service to your advantage? We’re happy to explain.
These tips will help you handle purchase order consolidation on your terms.
1. Your Business Will Become More Efficient
With purchase order consolidation, you’re combining numerous orders into a single one. This means that it’ll have one purchase order number, along with all of the necessary details for each.
When you consolidate your orders, the first thing you’ll notice is that your business immediately becomes more efficient. It’s only natural that your business will become more organized and efficient when you whittle down a few hundred orders into a single one. You lighten the load of your workforce since people won’t have to expend as much effort and energy tracking smaller orders.
Understanding warehouses and 3PL technology will make sure that your orders get to their destinations without a problem. Creating a single purchase order also means that you’re getting a consolidated shipment, which streamlines the way you run your company and cuts down on a lot of the waste that you create.
2. You Lower Your Costs
By making your purchase orders more efficient, you’ll also be able to reduce your company’s operational and overhead costs. Operating a consolidation warehouse lightens your expenditures so that you get a better return on investment (ROI) and are able to get a better handle on your finance.
You’ll get to lower your holding costs, which makes your company more profitable and effective as a whole. It also reduces your monthly expenses, since you’ll get a better handle on how you send purchase orders to your regular clientele. A company that is being run better as a whole will also be more cost-effective. This lets you scale your business in a way that makes sense for you.
3. Shipping Becomes Quicker
Your shipping time is one of the most critical pieces of the puzzle. Taking your orders from acknowledgment to sorting, to minimizing packaging time, to shipping is an art and a science that will increase customer satisfaction when you get it right.
Today, you’re competing with companies like Amazon and third-party service apps that get products to customers’ doors ASAP. You’ll provide for your customers so that you can generate repeat business and referrals. This makes people more likely to support you long-term.
You will have access to better shipment tracking and will be in a position to fulfill each order in a timely fashion no matter what is happening in your industry or the supply chain as a whole.
4. It’s Easier to Manage Your Inventory
Purchase order consolidation is also helpful because you will get a better handle on your inventory. You’ll be better able to manage your inventory stocking and you’ll appreciate that your shipping becomes more sustainable. Businesses today are moving toward eco-friendliness in all regards, and are also being incentivized for doing so.
Making your shipping process greener lowers your carbon footprint and can even open you up for tax breaks and certifications. In addition to handling your inventory better, you’ll also be better able to manage your fleet and order transportation options.
This lowers the amount of fuel you consume, reduces costs, and ensures that your orders get from Point A to Point B in no time.
5. You’ll Increase Your Order Accuracy
The last thing you want is to have numerous returns to process. Making mistakes can be costly, because inaccurate orders lead to more returns, more time wasted, and less trust in your company. Purchase order consolidation increases your accuracy significantly so that you’re not running into as many issues.
The system brings in checks and balances so that you know that your orders are being handled as accurately as possible. It creates less work for your team and makes sure everyone gets to stay productive without having to double and triple check orders or go back and correct so many mistakes.
6. It Lets You Leverage Your Buying Power
When you consolidate your resources, save money, and make better decisions, your company will also have more buying power. You’ll be able to choose the ideal vendors to work with and will get more bang for your buck with each purchase.
Your company can become more liquid and you’ll be in a better position to leverage each opportunity that comes your way. This also helps you to strengthen your relationships within your industry and do business long-term with the companies that you trust most.
Understanding Purchase Order Consolidation
These tips will explain why purchase order consolidation is the way to go for your business. These six points allow you to do better business and keep your company profitable for years to come.
Regardless of what sort of industry you’re in, make sure that you also shop for the tools and systems that allows you to put these benefits to use. We’d be happy to assist you with your storage, shipping, and logistics optimization.
Shield Works Precision Manufacturing can help you with all of your warehouse and fulfillment needs. Take the time to contact us on our website or by calling (650)666-0050 for more information.
How to Choose the Best Storage Warehouse for Business
Nearly 50% of businesses fail within the first five years in the United States. The good news, though, is that there are strategies you can use to prevent this.
One of the most important aspects of running a successful business is choosing the right storage facility.
This is particularly sure when it comes to choosing the right storage warehouse. Let’s take a closer look at how you can find the best warehouse location for you.
Does It Have Enough Space?
First, consider the size of your business and its needs. You need to make sure that your warehouse has enough room for everything you’re storing, as well as any extra space you may need in the future.
This will play a large role in helping your business run smoothly.
Is It Conveniently Located?
Location is key when it comes to choosing a storage facility.
Look for a warehouse that’s close to your business operations and customers. This will make it easier for you to access your stored goods and deliver them quickly.
Is It Secure?
Security is of utmost importance when selecting a warehouse. Make sure the facility has good security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras, alarms, and guards on site.
Even a minor issue with your inventory can prove to be a significant financial setback.
Can You Make Use of the Available Amenities?
The best warehouses provide a range of helpful amenities such as loading docks, forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment.
The storage facility you choose should have all the features your business needs to operate efficiently. The ones best for you will depend on the type of business you run.
Is It Cost-Effective?
Take into account not only the rental cost of the warehouse but also operating costs such as utilities and maintenance fees. Make sure to compare prices between different warehouses before making your decision.
Otherwise, you may not get the best deal.
What Technology Does It Integrate?
Look for a warehouse that uses the latest technology to improve efficiency and accuracy.
RFID tags, automated sorting systems, climate-controlled units, and other features can all make your storage operations smoother and more convenient. Other aspects to consider include whether the warehouse is offering special discounts or bulk-rate deals.
What Are the Different Types of Warehouses?
Finding the best warehouse for you involves understanding the different ones available. This will help you make the best decision.
Let’s explore some of the most notable options.
Last-Mile Warehouse
A last-mile warehouse is a type of facility that provides distribution services for companies operating on an eCommerce platform. These warehouses are located close to the customer, allowing them to deliver goods faster and more efficiently.
Private Warehouse
Private warehouses are owned and operated by individual businesses or organizations.
They offer a high level of flexibility and time savings, as well as the advantage of having direct control over the stored inventory. Keep this in mind when moving forward.
Public Warehouse
A public warehouse is owned by a third-party provider and is used for short-term storage or fulfillment services. It’s often less expensive than private warehouses.
It also means you don’t have full control over your goods.
Fulfillment Warehouse
Fulfillment warehouses are geared toward businesses that require quick turnaround and delivery times. They provide an efficient way to reach customers without worrying about inventory management or warehousing costs.
They also offer convenient online tracking options and automated pick-and-pack services.
3PL Warehouse
Third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses are managed by a third-party provider, which means businesses don’t have to worry about managing their own warehouse. They offer a range of services such as inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping.
However, these types of warehouses often come with higher costs than other options.
Refrigerated Warehouse
A refrigerated warehouse is a type of facility that provides storage services for goods that need to be kept in a cool or cold environment. These facilities are ideal for businesses dealing with food products, pharmaceuticals, and other sensitive items.
They’re also very secure, making them suitable for long-term storage.
What Red Flags Should I Keep an Eye Out For?
Poor customer service, a lack of security measures, and outdated facilities should be taken into consideration when making your decision. You should also receive a tour of the warehouse before signing any contracts.
Of course, it’s also essential to consider the structural integrity of the warehouse itself.
This includes things like overall condition, insulation, and fire safety.
Am I Limited to the United States?
No, you’re not. Warehousing in China is becoming increasingly popular for businesses looking for a cost-effective solution.
Many warehouses offer international shipping services that can help you save time and money. These facilities also offer more flexible storage options, such as refrigerator and freezer units, for businesses requiring temperature-sensitive products.
How Do I Find the Right Provider For Me?
Not every company will be able to meet your requirements.
To get the best results, always look for a warehouse with experience in your industry or sector.
It’s important to find a provider that offers competitive rates and flexible terms. You should also check reviews from other customers before signing any contracts. This will help ensure you’re working with a reliable and trustworthy provider.
Finally, make sure the warehouse offers the services and features you need, such as inventory tracking and automated order fulfillment. Doing your research will help you find the perfect partner to keep your business running smoothly.
It’s Essential to Choose The Right Storage Warehouse
Otherwise, you simply won’t be able to get the results you need. Keep the guidelines mentioned above in mind so you can find the best storage warehouse for your business.
Looking for more information about what we can do? Reach out to us today to see how we can help.
12 Reasons To Use a Manufacturing Distribution Service in China
China’s manufacturing output is set to pass the $5 trillion mark in 2022.
Manufacturing in China has steadily been on the rise throughout the last decade. This sector even saw a rise in overall production in 2020, showcasing the Chinese manufacturing sector as one of the most robust and powerful segments in the world economy.
China has built on its early success and now finds itself with the infrastructure to manufacture and distribute goods around the world. This opens up opportunities for small businesses worldwide to use Chinese manufacturing and distribution services to lower their overall production costs.
Want to learn more about why businesses worldwide flock to China for their manufacturing needs? You’ve found the perfect blog. Here are twelve reasons why you should consider using distribution services in China.
1. Fewer Regulations
Regulations can often be expensive and time-consuming to pass within the manufacturing industry. This is why manufacturing your goods in China can help save you the headache of trying to work around the stacks of labor and manufacturing regulations. China is incredibly lenient in this regard, helping you get your product made in a much shorter space of time.
There are still safety regulations in place to ensure facilities are safe for production. However, corporate and governmental red tape is significantly cut down. This can help save you both time and money at the same time.
These regulations allow you to enter the Chinese manufacturing market as quickly as possible. With less red tape to worry about, you can focus on the quality of your products and nothing else.
2. Lower Production Cost
The number one reason for shifting manufacturing to China in the past was the low minimum wage. This was a quick way for businesses around the world to lower their labor cost and decrease their overall production costs.
China is home to over 1,4 billion people, meaning that there are tons of people to employ in the manufacturing sector as demand rises. The growing supply of workers also ensures that wages remain quite low, allowing businesses to keep production costs down over long periods.
While minimum wage in China has steadily been on the rise in the last few years, the cost to employ Chinese workers is still significantly cheaper than in many parts of the world. When paired with the infrastructure and experience that China has to offer, it does not make sense to manufacture your products anywhere else in the world.
3. Increased Productivity
Lower labor and production costs can help boost productivity. This is because businesses can use the same amount of money to hire more people in China than in other countries. While this can help boost productivity, manufacturing in China comes with a host of additional productivity benefits as well.
China has fewer regulations and red tape, helping you save even more time and money during the production process. In addition to this, the Chinese manufacturing industry can quickly adapt to changing circumstances. This means that if you want to scale up production for a specific amount of time, China is the easiest place to make that happen.
Chinese manufacturing facilities are also set up to provide manufacturing and distribution services for both small and large businesses.
4. Logistics Services
The production process is not as simple as just making products. The production process begins by cementing a reliable supply chain that can deliver parts and components to the main facility. This process relies heavily on local logistics services to help keep things running smoothly.
China has incredibly efficient and reliable logistics companies that can help you deliver and store products on your behalf. These services are often included in most supplier agreements. This means that the supplier you choose will include transportation costs to make sure that everything arrives just on time.
Just-in-time logistics is a process in which raw materials and components arrive at the production facility exactly when they are needed. This allows you to receive and use components without having to worry about where to store them in the meantime. Chinese suppliers are experienced in this technique and can help minimize your logistics costs in the process.
5. Efficient Ports
China is home to some of the largest and most efficient ports in the world. As the manufacturing hub of the world, Chinese ports are used for transporting trillions of dollars of products throughout the world. This has led to them developing efficient and cost-effective ports.
The ports in China have been regularly serviced and upgraded over the last few decades. These upgrades have helped the ports keep up with demand but have also helped reduce the overall costs to import or export goods.
The biggest port in China is the Port of Shanghai. However, the Port of Shenzhen is responsible for most of the electronic exports. This is because the manufacturing city of Shenzhen is home to some of the biggest manufacturing companies in the world.
There are also several other efficient ports around the country. The availability of ports helps make shipping reliable as you won’t need to worry about backlogs.
6. Global Shipping Solutions
While China may not be as central as the United Arab Emirates, the country is still well positioned for global shipping. The country is incredibly close to the United States, its largest trading partner. This makes production for American businesses incredibly effective as they can get their finished products shipped to them overnight.
China is also home to some of the best distribution companies in the world. These companies can help develop a distribution plan to get your products worldwide. This can help ship products from China throughout Europe and Africa within a few days.
This places China in the center of the manufacturing world. China is also building new highways to enable new shipping routes from China directly to major cities in Europe. These new routes are designed to further reduce the cost of shipping while making the entire process as efficient as possible at the same time.
7. Global Expansion Opportunities
While local economies around the world are on the rise, the global economy is where all businesses want to be. The ability to distribute your product in multiple markets can help you boost the growth of your business in a much shorter space of time.
Manufacturing your products in China gives you access to the global market. This is due to the global shipping solutions and efficient transportation services that are based in China. The Chinese manufacturing industry has already built the logistics infrastructure to distribute products around the world.
China has some of the best airports, ports, and highways in the world. This means that you can easily ship your products from China throughout Europe and the world overnight.
Companies like Apple make use of this infrastructure to distribute their products directly from China to countries around the world. Since the infrastructure has already been built, leveraging it for your business is more accessible than ever before.
In this way, you can get access to the global market at a much more affordable price than if you were to produce your products elsewhere.
8. Reliable Supply Chain
When it comes to production, the supply chain is the most important aspect to consider. This is because any disruption to the supply chain can cause production delays. If you’re manufacturing in a single location to distribute around the world, a simple shortage can cause worldwide sales to stand still until that part is replaced.
A great way to build a strong and reliable supply chain is to keep things local. Having local suppliers reduces the overall risk of disruptions as logistics and transportation is kept at a minimum. Manufacturing in China makes this even easier as there are tons of component manufacturers, logistics companies, and suppliers throughout the country.
The widespread availability of suppliers makes it easy for you to locate and procure the various components and parts that you need. The availability of local suppliers also means that replacing a supplier can be done in a shorter space of time. This reduces wasted time to keep production on schedule.
9. Scalability
One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a manufacturing partner is their scalability. This is because you want to find a partner that can keep up with your demand as it rises. If a supplier can’t handle future demand, you will have to spend time and money replacing them down the line.
This is where China can leverage its experience and infrastructure in the world. China is home to thousands of factories that can effortlessly scale up production as your demand rises. Working with a manufacturing and distribution service can make this even simpler as they can help manage the entire process for you.
10. Chinese Business Culture
China has dominated the manufacturing space for a long time. This dominance has evolved into a business culture that is leagues above the rest of the world. Manufacturing experts and professionals in China are experts in their field and can help you streamline your entire process.
China is home to a wide range of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and logistics companies. These companies can work together to develop the best solution for your business. Regardless of how big your company is, the Chinese manufacturing industry can develop a solution for your exact needs.
11. Taxes and Duties
China has always been fair and friendly when it comes to taxes and duties. These taxes and fees were kept at an absolute minimum to encourage people to invest in China. The Chinese government introduced a tax rebate policy in 1985 that cut a variety of taxes to make the market more friendly for international investments.
China also removed the value-added tax on exported goods by including a VAT exemption policy. In addition to this, all consumer products from China were listed as exempt from import taxes. This made it even cheaper for businesses to move their manufacturing to China and save money in the process.
These low tax rates made it incredibly easy and affordable for businesses around the world to manufacture their products in China.
12. Local Currency
International exchange rates are incredibly influential in the global market. The exchange rate can help drive investment into a particular country, making it a useful tool to drive economic growth in the area. China has managed to keep its local currency fairly low, making it perfect for businesses around the world to invest in the country.
The lower currency makes every dollar invested more valuable. This effectively makes the cost of labor and production even lower for international businesses. The Chinese government keeps a close eye on the exchange rate for their currency, with all exchanges being under their control.
This allows the government to keep the currency as stable as possible. This stable currency helps create a stable environment for people to invest in the country without fear of their investments becoming worthless.
Chinese Distribution Services
China is the world’s factory for a reason. From a thriving business culture to a robust and affordable supply chain, the Chinese manufacturing industry shows no signs of slowing down. This means that outsourcing your production and distribution services to China can help streamline your business and increase your productivity at the same time.
If you’re thinking of moving your manufacturing and distribution to China, it’s essential that you work with a trustworthy partner to help guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for more information on how you can effectively move your manufacturing to China.
What Are the Benefits of an International Warehouse in China?
Did you know that China’s industrial output rose by over 9% last year? With low labor costs and great infrastructure, it remains the manufacturing hub of the world. So how can you benefit by conducting business in China?
If you are finding warehousing increasingly costly and hard to manage, then this country could have the answers. Read on as we discuss the benefits of an international warehouse in China.
Global E-commerce Is Competitive
If you want to access a global e-commerce audience, you have to be prepared to work for it. Whatever your product is, you will have numerous competitors, many of whom sell the same items. That means you need to take every advantage you can to get a competitive edge.
Having a new warehouse service in China lets you speed up your fulfillment process. You can reach audiences in the far east and Australia much quicker than you would do by posting from the US. You also get the chance to cut down on costs, which you can pass on to the consumer or absorb as profit.
Efficient Processes
There are numerous different challenges when it comes to warehousing. To deliver the most efficient service, you need to manage inventory, fulfillment, and transportation. Doing them properly requires organization, time, and the hiring of a large team.
By outsourcing to an international warehouse in China, you relinquish these jobs to a third party. You won’t have to manage a workforce or juggle your own team with those handling logistics. Instead, it will all be done for you.
All of this improves the efficiency of you and your team. You can redeploy workers to perform other tasks, and you can concentrate on what really matters: Getting leads and improving conversions.
Cost and Profits
While you save a lot of time, the financial advantages should not be underestimated either. In the US and Europe, warehousing can cost a lot of money. Once you start paying for the space, you also need to hire the staff to operate it for you.
With this model, you don’t have these incurred costs. Instead, you have to pay the third party for their service, which will work out much cheaper.
In China, the cost of labor is lower, meaning these operations can be performed at a reduced price. Added to this is the fact that a lot of the shipping costs are lower, making it competitive to send items across the world.
Access to Major Shipping Solutions
If you find shipping challenges to be a constant and recurring headache, then the right warehouse in China can help. By finding the correct one, you can have your products next door to one of the world’s major ports.
These will often have both land and air routes close by as well, so a whole range of shipping options is accessible quickly. With 24-hour customs clearance as standard at most major ports, your items can be on the way to buyers in an instant. All of this provides a huge advantage when it comes to international trade.
Easy to Scale Up
A time may come when you need to scale up. However, retail is a fickle business and what may be needed one year or season could drop the next. If you invest in space and staff, once in place, you are left with the ongoing costs.
It also takes time to put these things in place. If you want to do it fast and with minimum costs, a warehouse in China is a viable solution. The warehouse management will inform you of any leftover products lying in your inventory, so you are not paying for space housed with products that are not converting.
If you ever need to scale back the business, this works in the same way. You can reduce the space and stock you need without cost.
Human Resources
The last few years have seen what has come to be known as the great resignation. For businesses, this has made it hard to attract and retain employees in a wide range of industries. This process can be long, involving advertising, interviewing, and then the time of settling a new employee into the job.
China has human resources in abundance. There is a large population who are always looking for work, especially in the warehousing sector. Manpower is easy to hire and lets you scale up much more efficiently, without the long processes.
For specialist jobs, these people will already be on hand. You won’t have to train people or even put them through courses and certifications. Instead, the company will have what is needed at its disposal.
Networking and Experience
Once you have a warehousing company, you may need other contacts. It could be a manufacturer, or you may want access to other foreign trade zones. When you don’t speak the language and understand the culture, this can be extremely hard, and making the step is a huge financial risk.
The operators of warehouses will have numerous contacts. You will be able to ask their advice on who to use and, crucially, trust. As well as this, you can tap into their expertise and knowledge on everything from handling to shipping.
Finding an International Warehouse
Now you know the benefits of an international warehouse in China, you just need to find one. There are several companies online and middlemen who will help you navigate the cultural and language gaps.
If you need precision engineering, manufacturing, or warehousing in China, then Shield Works should be your first stop. We can provide a range of solutions, lowering your costs and improving efficiency. Contact us to discuss your needs and let our expert staff begin increasing your company’s efficiency.