Since spring 2020, online retailers face the unparalleled challenge of the new global market: fast and free shipping on almost all orders. Amazon has set the bar really high for new and experienced merchants, and now more than 60 % of online retailers offer free shipping on orders meeting certain criteria according to Digital Ecommerce 360.
These are the new rules, and merchants who cannot deliver literally fall behind. Customers expect the quickest deliveries at the lowest cost possible. People are more likely to abandon their cart because of shipping cost or delivery delays.
When the rules change so fast, merchants must adapt rapidly. But how can small and medium businesses (SMBs) survive among the giants of ecommerce and eventually thrive? Here are a few tips.
Improve your Inventory
By selling products that are unique and harder to find online, you can sell your products at their real market value. You won’t be forced to lower your prices because the very same item is sold at a lower cost by several merchants on a given ecommerce platform. A unique inventory attracts customers with a specific need. They will be willing to pay for the asked price.
Find the Ecommerce Platform that Works for You
Amazon is not your only resort. There are other ecommerce platforms better suited for niche customers based on interest and country. Take the time to look for a website where your products will not only shine, but shine with their sister products from different brands. There are ecommerce platforms for custom t-shirts, arts and crafts, organic products, sporting goods, electronics, etc. Who knows, you could attract more customers by being on a smaller, but more specific platform. Plus, you might pay less per order to the website and make more profit!
Outsource your Ecommerce Operations
There is no way around that one. Small businesses that do well online eventually receive more orders than they can process. If you don’t want to pack boxes on evenings and weekends, you have to consider doing business with a third-party logistics service provider (3PL). 3PLs do more than just ship your orders: they take over after an order is placed until its delivery. Their services include:
- storing inventory
- packing and labelling orders
- shipping and customs clearance
- processing returns
At Mantoria, we have also adapted our logistics services to the demands of the new global market. Ecommerce fulfillment has become one of our most requested services since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are equipped with the technology, the facilities, and the manpower to take care of your customers and your inventory. As an expert 3PL service provider, we work seamlessly with you on your platform to fulfill your customers’ orders within the best delays.
Among our ecommerce fulfillment services, we offer:
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) prep
- Returns management (RMA)
- B2C and B2B order fulfillment
- Section 321 fulfillment to the USA from Canada
- Inventory management
- Customer service
- Custom value added services (VAS)
- Shopping cart and systems integration via EDI or API
- Contract last mile delivery
Find out more about our ecommerce solutions for your business here.
Ask one of our representatives how we can assist with your ecommerce operations. Contact us today!
