subject: Warehousing – A Neccessity For A Good Quality Order Fulfilment [print this page] Warehousing A Neccessity For A Good Quality Order Fulfilment
Order fulfilment is something that most companies need in order to perform well and excel in the relationship with their customers. This thorough process includes the following steps:
1) Product inquiry analysis of the offerings, catalogue requests, visits to web sites
2) Sales quote availability and budgets
3) Order configuration compatibility of order lines, available selection options
4) Order booking closing of the deal
5) Order confirmation important proof that the order has been placed and received by the vendor
6) Billing receipt for the customer
7) Order sourcing determining the location from which the products will be shipped
8) Order changes if any
9) Order processing the process of inventory, picking and packing and finally shipping the product from a chosen warehouse
10) Shipment transportation of the product
11) Delivery
12) Settlement payment of service
13) Returns if any
A lot of firms in the retail market, and an increasing number of web-based stores are using the services of order fulfilment companies. To most, these companies are a tremendous help and an inseparable part of the business, because the services they offer organize and facilitate the whole process from the point of sale to the delivery of the product at such an extent, that it seems almost impossible to run the business with out them.
Having and carefully maintaining a warehouse is an absolute necessity in the retail business. Everybody likes their orders to be shipped and received on time and the customers expect to be given correct information about availability of a product and an estimate time for delivery. They will certainly return and buy again from the same company if not only the information is correct but shipping quick and without any issues.
Hiring a company to take care of that is a great idea that will not only save time, but also help the business flourish. These types of companies will take care of the products like their own, they will guarantee strict quality control of the products (very important aspect of customer satisfaction) and will control all the aspects of the process, ensuring that it's quick and accurate, using reputable carriers for shipping. Most of these companies have deals with FedEx, UPS, etc. which ensures the quality of the shipping and will also save money as these carriers offer steep discounts for large shipment orders. The services concerning the maintenance of a warehouse for your products include: picking, packing and shipping, inventory management, distribution services, quality control, packing slips, returns, shipment and tracking, product building/kitting and packing.
Fulfilment companies will take really good care of your products, their storage, shipping and delivery and will make the running of your business a little easier.
