Why Outsource Your Warehouse Operations?
You and your fellow stakeholders are starting to realize that it might be time to hand over your warehouse tasks to experts.
Running your own warehouse may have been a good idea when you first opened your doors for business. However, over time, as you grow in size and scope or attract a much larger customer base, the idea of outsourcing logistics and warehouse operations to a third-party logistics or 3PL company becomes quite attractive.
For example, if your company is trying to become more agile and responsive to increased customer demands, handling warehouse operations by yourself can be challenging. This is especially the case when you address fluctuations in demand due to seasonal buying patterns, or as a result of successful marketing or crowdfunding campaigns.
Word of mouth from happy customers of your electronics business, food subscription box service, or B2B enterprise can lead to higher demand. A viral video could increase orders 10-fold or more, and you will not want to disappoint the new crowd of customers banging on the doors of your virtual e-commerce storefront.
Navigating the Complexities of Retail Fulfillment
As your business scales, so do the complexities of managing retail fulfillment. Coordinating shipments, maintaining inventory accuracy, and ensuring timely deliveries across multiple channels can quickly overwhelm your internal team. Outsourcing to experts who specialize in retail fulfillment can streamline these operations and ensure a seamless experience for your customers. They bring industry expertise, advanced technology, and proven strategies to help you navigate complex logistics challenges efficiently.
Read on for insight into why outsourcing your organization’s warehouse operations is often prudent.
Cost Savings & Efficiency
Outsourcing warehouse operations can reduce costs and boost efficiency, with dedicated third-party logistics professionals looking after your supply chain activities. B&C Logistics follows industry best practices and uses the latest in software and technology to work smarter for our clients so they can better serve their customers with fast, accurate delivery.
Access to Expertise & Technology
Your organization is already focused on its core capabilities, such as sourcing or creating products for B2B or DTC customers. This leaves you with limited time and attention to spare for researching the most efficient technology solutions for warehouses.
Meanwhile, a 3PL company such as B&C Logistics leverages its many years of experience and expertise with 3PL technology to provide you with world-class, customized warehouse services.
How Does Warehouse Outsourcing Work?
Warehouse outsourcing is a way to free up your in-house staff to spend more time on their core capabilities. We will receive your inventory and organize it in our warehouse facilities.
B&C Logistics has deployed customized software and computer systems to keep track of your inventory. You can monitor levels with your dashboard, and receive alerts about items that need to be replenished soon.
As orders come in from your customers, such as through an e-commerce website, our team double-checks the details and then picks each item for packing. We add shipping labels and any promotional inserts you may wish to include.
Initial Set-Up
As you prepare to outsource your warehouse operations, we’ll listen to your questions, concerns, and expectations about how we will fulfill orders.
During the initial set-up, you’ll connect your incoming orders to our computerized system. It’s an easy process. Our team will guide you as needed. We’ll give you access to your dedicated dashboard so you can monitor inventory levels remotely.
Upon request, our graphics team will be happy to brainstorm and create new customized packaging and a logo to improve brand recognition for your shipped products and the company itself.
Day to Day Management
We offer transparent insight into the day-to-day inventory management of your products in the supply chain. When you outsource logistics, you can spend more time on the big picture of running your business and leave the details of order fulfillment to our expert team.
What Are Some Common Challenges in Warehouse Outsourcing
Ability to handle returns, such as mandatory product recalls:
You want to make it as simple and convenient as possible for your customers to send back unwanted items or to comply with recall orders.
Capability to store your products in optimized environmental conditions:
For example, you may require cold storage for food products or a humidity-controlled environment for clothing or nutraceuticals.
Need to be efficient when picking and packing products for shipment:
Accurate and speedy picking and packing requires skills, knowledge, and experience. It’s not a job for amateurs. Customers want their items packed with care, and they naturally expect their orders to arrive complete and intact.
Not all 3PL companies have the experience and knowledge to take care of these challenges promptly.
But you can rest assured that the team at B&C Logistics excels in addressing such issues quickly and efficiently.
How to Choose the Right 3PL Partner
Read reviews from trusted sources to see what other clients say about any 3PL company you’re considering partnering with. Ensure that the company has sufficient warehouse facilities in strategic locations so products will get to customers quickly.
Do the workers have experience in picking and packing, with an emphasis on accuracy?
Are the warehouse facilities safe and secure? You’re trusting the 3PL team to protect your valuable merchandise while it’s still in storage.
Does the 3PL company have a proven track record of accurate, on-time shipping out of its warehouse facilities? You want to partner with a company that will boost your reputation and give customers confidence when they buy your products.
Finally, check what level of customer service the 3PL company offers. They should prioritize transparency and have a helpful attitude when answering your questions.
See How B&C Logistics Can Serve as Your 3PL Partner
As you can see, there are many moving parts to keep track of in third-party logistics. This is why it’s important to work with 3PL experts with years of experience in the industry.
With the right partner, your organization can improve efficiency, save money, and keep customers happy with accurate, on-time deliveries. That’s crucial for building customer loyalty and attracting more word-of-mouth business.
To learn more about B&C Logistics’ 3PL capabilities and expertise in warehouse logistics, inventory management, and order fulfillment, please get in touch with us today! We’re looking forward to hearing from you.