Handling fulfillment yourself for an e-commerce store can be both rewarding and demanding. It gives you full control over how orders are handled, packaged, and shipped. This can help you save money and add a personal touch, but it also takes time and effort. You need to decide if this fits your business needs, especially as your store grows.
Doing your own fulfillment lets you see how your operations work firsthand. But it also comes with challenges, like staying organized and keeping things running smoothly. In this article, we will go over several of the essentials you need to know.
1 – Decide on shipping
Picking the right shipping carriers is a big part of handling your own fulfillment. The carrier you choose will impact your costs, delivery times, and how happy your customers are. If you’re shipping a lot, you might even be able to get discounts by working out a deal with them.
Many business owners opt to use third-party carriers with their own dedicated transportation fleets to save on costs and resources. A 3PL using a dedicated transportation fleet helps maintain a high level of control and efficiency. This approach is particularly beneficial for businesses with the capacity to justify the investment, allowing for customized management of routes, pick-up times, and delivery schedules.
To keep things running smoothly, take time to understand how each carrier works. Weigh your packages correctly and use the right-sized boxes to avoid extra fees. As you gain experience, you’ll figure out the best shipping methods for your business and your customers.
2 – Set up a workflow
Setting up a system is key to handling fulfillment on your own. Start by organizing your inventory so it’s easy to find what you need. Label each product clearly and store them in a way that makes sense, whether that’s on shelves or in bins. Using simple tools like spreadsheets or inventory software will help you keep track of stock and prevent running out of popular items.
It’s also important to create a smooth process for fulfilling orders. From the moment you get an order to when it’s shipped, have a clear, step-by-step system. Set up a process for picking the items, checking them for accuracy, and packing them well. A final check before shipping can help avoid mistakes and ensure your customers get exactly what they ordered.
3 – Manage your costs
Managing costs is important when you handle fulfillment yourself. One way to save money is by buying packaging materials in bulk. Buying things like boxes, tape, and padding in larger quantities usually costs less, helping you save over time.
You can also reduce shipping costs by using tools like Shopify Shipping or ShipStation. These tools can help you find better shipping rates and may offer discounts, especially if you ship often.
Another way to manage costs is by optimizing your packaging. Don’t overpack your items, as this can increase shipping costs because of dimensional weight charges. Use the right-sized boxes and packing materials to keep costs down while still protecting your products during shipping.
