Order fulfillment is one of those jobs that Philly start-ups quickly learn is far more important than it first seems.
In a city where people walk fast, talk faster, and expect their orders delivered without an ounce of drama, getting fulfillment right from the start can set your business apart in lightning speed.
Below are the top five order fulfillment strategies for your brand-new business:
1. Map Every Step
Mapping every step of your fulfillment process might sound like something only big, clipboard-toting companies do, but that isn’t true.
It is one of the most helpful things a growing business can learn to embrace from day one. It lets everyone know exactly what happens from the second on order comes in to the moment it leaves the warehouse.
Start by laying out each step in detail. Once that is done, you can move onto breaking it all down to spot bumps that slow your team down.
2. Inventory Management
Good inventory management is business technology that gives your team insight into what is actually going on inside your business. What stock is plentiful, what’s starting to dip, and what has been quietly collecting dust since last Christmas?
When your team actually knows what’s going on in the warehouse, everything feels a whole lot clearer and easier. Decisions don’t feel like dodgy guesswork, operations stop tripping over themselves, and you end up with fewer crises to deal with minutes before an order is meant to go out.
3. Use Local Couriers
Using local couriers is a bit like giving your entire fulfillment process a warm, hometown hug.
No one knows your city the way a local courier company, like Philadelphia Couriers, does. They know every back road, every shortcut, and every spot where traffic mysteriously appears in seconds.
That kind of street-smart wisdom leads to quicker deliveries and far fewer hiccups along the way. And the best part of all? Your customers get their order faster than they expected, which means great reviews and repeat business.
4. Efficient Picking
The end goal for any fulfillment department is faster, calmer, more accurate picking with zero guesswork or searching.
A huge factor of achieving efficient picking comes down to thoughtful organization. Make sure products are grouped in logical zones, shelves are clearly labelled, and your most popular products are within easy reach.
When your picking space makes sense, orders go out faster and everyone is happier.
5. Focus On Accuracy
Order accuracy is one of the most essential components of fulfillment.
It keeps your customers happy and your start-up’s reputation intact. Every time an order is received exactly as expected, your brand builds trust, and that is the exact currency your business needs to grow.
Trust is as important as any marketing campaign. When accuracy slips, the ripple effects can be devastating to a young business. Make accuracy part of your team’s daily rhythm – when teams live and breathe accuracy, it becomes second-nature to check and double check.
To End
Order fulfillment isn’t rocket science, but it is trickier than it looks. It requires patience, dedication, and a commitment to customer care that goes beyond anything else.
Follow these five strategies above to perfect yours and watch those orders come rolling in.