Are all Fulfillment Companies Created Equal?

Keith Milburn

President

Innovative Fulfillment Solutions

Are all Fulfillment Companies Created Equal?

To maintain loyalty from on-line shoppers, e-commerce companies must provide the following:• Good value

• Excellent customer service

• Dependability

• On-time delivery

Are all Fulfillment Companies Created Equal?

Can you maintain a high level of product fulfillment activity while engaged in other aspects of running your business?• Developing sales strategy

• Managing human resources

• Meeting with suppliers

• Overseeing administrative tasks

Are all Fulfillment Companies Created Equal?

Maybe you should hire a fulfillment company!

Are all Fulfillment Companies Created Equal?

If you think all fulfillment companies do is “pick, pack and ship,” you need to do your homework!

It won’t take long for you to see that...

Are all Fulfillment Companies Created Equal?

All Fulfillment Companies

are Not Created Equal!

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

As with any business category, every fulfillment company has its own strengths...• Some are geared for only large companies

• Some specialize in certain industries

• Some are focused on serving specific geographic markets

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

The important thing is to find a company that...• has the capabilities to meet your needs

• has the flexibility to grow and change with your business

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

It’s important to get it right the first time. Spending the money and time to replace

an ill-fitting fulfillment partner can cost you revenue, as well as customer loyalty.

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

When interviewing a potential fulfillment provider, find out how the company handles the following:

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

Accuracy• If a company uses general terms like “our

accuracy rate is over 99 percent,” it probably means they do not track their accuracy and are only trying to impress you.

• Ask for how they measure their accuracy and request specific customer examples.

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

Accuracy• Accuracy can mean the difference between a

satisfied customer and one that never returns.

• This is especially true when it involves receiving an order that is incorrect just before a special occasion with no time to return and replace the item.

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

Timely delivery• In today’s fast-paced world, customers don’t

want to wait too long to receive an item.

• A centrally-located fulfillment company should be able to provide ground delivery within three business days to all parts of the country.

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

Customer Service• While shoppers appreciate the convenience

of online shopping, they don’t want to discuss customer service issues via email.

• Shoppers prefer to address service issues with a live customer service representative who can provide an immediate remedy or explanation.

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

Cooperation• A fulfillment provider should be committed to

doing what it takes to make your business successful.

• Check references to see what other companies have to say about a provider’s willingness to go the “extra mile” for them.

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

Account Management• Look for a fulfillment company that will provide

you with a dedicated Account Manager.

• When an issue arises you will have a single contact who is knowledgeable about your business and focused on correcting any errors.

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

Flexibility• Do you have plans for your company to grow?

• Do you require special conditions for product storage or shipping?

• If so, make sure you hire a fulfillment provider that is flexible enough to change with your business.

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

Flexibility• Many fulfillment companies do a wonderful

job when everything is working according to plans.

• What a company does in a difficult situation is the best gauge of the degree to which they are watching out for your company.

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

When meeting with a potential fulfillment provider, if you get the feeling it is going to be their way or the highway, hop off at the next exit ramp to find a provider that has the facility, the technology, the personnel and the management style that complements your business.

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

Innovative Fulfillment Solutions (IFS) was founded in 1998.

The company is centrally-located in Kansas City, Missouri – the heart of the Midwest.

All Fulfillment Companies are not Created Equal

For more information, about IFS visit www.ifssolutions.com.

To learn more about how IFS can provide your company with the highest quality fulfillment services, contact Keith Milburn, at kmilburn@ifssolutions.com or 1-888-275-3000.