Retail Fulfillment Services | B2B Fulfillment Solutions

Employee fulfilling orders at Kable Product Services

What is retail order fulfillment?

Retail order fulfillment is a multistep process that involves receiving, picking, packing, and shipping a customer’s order.

As an eCommerce retailer, it’s imperative to establish a strategic order fulfillment process. In doing so, this improves quality control and customer satisfaction ratings.

A qualified 3PL partner, like Kable Product Services, will have many years of experience and streamlined expertise in processing e-commerce order retail fulfillment solutions.

Workflow and steps of the Retail Fulfillment process

An efficient workflow is key to ensuring that your products are available and shipped out as quickly as possible to your customers.

When choosing a retail order fulfillment service provider, evaluating your supplier’s workflow processes is essential.

One of the most important elements of retail fulfillment solutions is managing reorders.

Your retail fulfillment partner should have inventory management software that integrates via EDI with your production software. This setup ensures an accurate account of items in stock at all times.

To fully leverage the benefits of retail fulfillment services, consider incorporating both B2B fulfillment and wholesale fulfillment into your strategy. These solutions not only streamline your operations but also expand your market reach, ensuring that your business can efficiently handle a variety of order types. By partnering with experts in retail fulfillment services, you can achieve seamless integration and superior management of your supply chain operations.

Warehousing your product

Retail warehousing is the process of storing inventory until it’s ready to be used.

Once the merchandise comes off the loading dock, your fulfillment partner will have an inventory management strategy for where it goes next, how it gets there, and how it will be stored while waiting to be shipped for customer order fulfillment.

Understanding the fulfillment process is vital, even if you use a third-party logistics partner.

Ask your potential fulfillment partners how they choose which items will be part of a shipment.

You’ll want to know if they use the “First In, First Out” (FIFO) valuation method, or they may use the “First Expired, First Out” (FEFO) approach.

Find out if they have policies for every product category to decide which fulfillment method is most appropriate for your needs.

You need a fulfillment partner who will work with you to ensure that the warehousing process is as effective as possible and aligns with your expected order volume for each product.

In addition to effective warehousing, retail fulfillment plays a crucial role in the supply chain. It’s essential to choose a partner who excels in retail fulfillment solutions to streamline your operations. Whether you are dealing with retail order fulfillment or looking for comprehensive retail fulfillment services, the right partner can make a significant difference. For businesses that operate in both B2C and B2B spaces, having robust b2b fulfillment and wholesale fulfillment capabilities is critical. These services ensure that all types of orders, from individual consumers to large wholesale buyers, are handled efficiently and accurately, enhancing overall customer satisfaction and business performance.

A key aspect of managing your inventory effectively is partnering with a fulfillment provider that understands the nuances of retail fulfillment. They should offer tailored retail fulfillment solutions that address your specific business needs, ensuring that retail order fulfillment is handled smoothly and efficiently. Comprehensive retail fulfillment services can significantly enhance your ability to meet customer expectations. Furthermore, incorporating b2b fulfillment and wholesale fulfillment into your logistics strategy ensures that you can manage a diverse range of orders seamlessly, optimizing both your retail and wholesale operations.

Order picking and packaging

After warehouse team members pick your items, they must go through the packaging step for safe shipping to your customer.

Most deliveries require high-quality shipping materials to guarantee safe arrival. Kable Product Services takes extra care to ensure each package is safe and secure before transitioning to a shipping partner.

The items may be fragile, requiring the package to be filled with void fill or be bubble-wrapped to protect the products from getting broken during shipping.

We take packaging seriously and maintain high-quality control in this area.

Order shipping

The final step in the retail fulfillment process is shipping.

Customers should receive your items on or before the estimated date posted on your website at checkout.

Selecting a retail fulfillment partner close to most shoppers, like Kable Product Services, will benefit your customers regardless of location.

We work with several major shipping partners, fulfilling orders out of our Midwest facility. This location offers 1-3 day ground shipping to almost every zip code in the contiguous United States.

Returns Processing

Shipping is not the final step in the retail fulfillment process.

Customers will inevitably return your products from time to time (approximately 20.8% of online orders will subsequently be logged as returns). You want a retail fulfillment partner with a well-designed returns management process to keep costs down, and inventory accurately managed.

It’s essential to create a stringent workflow regarding return processing.

Steps in the returns process should include: receiving, inspecting, repackaging, and restocking your inventory.

Partnering with a 3PL who can manage this process for you will allow you to devote more time to the daily operations side of your business —cultivating new relationships, tailoring products and services, and growing your business.

Our goal is to minimize returns, and our quality control process includes weight checks, process audits, and random product inspections. This process allows us to keep orders moving quickly and accurately.

Restocking returned merchandise

The final step in retail fulfillment solutions is restocking returned merchandise.

An experienced order fulfillment partner will be ready for this possibility with integrated technology that allows an item to be returned to inventory while simultaneously updating records on the customer’s side as well.

Benefits of 3PL retail fulfillment partner

Outsourcing retail fulfillment with a 3PL will save your business time and costs.

Managing retail order fulfillment solutions in-house is possible, but it will take significant bandwidth to streamline and integrate your IT systems, document procedures, hire and train trusted employees, and designate adequate space for inventory.

By partnering with a 3PL provider, businesses can access a wide range of retail fulfillment services that ensure efficient handling of orders and inventory. This partnership allows companies to focus on core activities while leaving the complexities of b2b fulfillment and wholesale fulfillment to experts. Whether it’s managing large volumes of retail fulfillment solutions or providing specialized retail order fulfillment for B2B clients, 3PL services are designed to optimize every aspect of the supply chain.

Additionally, using professional retail fulfillment services enhances your business’s ability to scale and meet market demands without the burden of logistical challenges. This approach not only improves customer satisfaction but also contributes to sustainable business growth by leveraging the advanced infrastructure and expertise of 3PL providers.

Here are a few benefits of a 3PL retail product fulfillment partner.

Experienced logistics professionals

When you choose an experienced retail logistics partner, like Kable Product Services, you don’t just get outsourced shipping, you get a wealth of expertise.

We are an extension of your business. We work with you to help you achieve your unique goals. Our team’s objective is to exceed your customers’ expectations so they return to you repeatedly.

Our retail fulfillment services extend beyond just shipping. We provide b2b fulfillment and wholesale fulfillment services that cater to your business’s specific needs, whether you’re handling large-scale orders or intricate business transactions. At Kable Product Services, we are committed to providing solutions that support your growth and success.

Ability to scale and grow your business

When you do your own fulfillment, you’re limited by your own capabilities; how much space you have, how many employees you can spare for order fulfillment, and how well your systems can keep up.

All these are barriers to your business growth—but they don’t have to be.

Outsourcing your fulfillment to a qualified retail fulfillment partner means you can scale your business faster with fewer capital needs. Your own logistics capabilities no longer limit you.

Kable Product Services is proficient in helping businesses like yours scale resources and manage volume.

Inventory storage

If you do your own fulfillment, you need significant space for inventory storage. With a 3PL partner like Kable Product Services, storage space is not an issue.

Our secure facility specializes in B2B, B2C, and multichannel shipments.

Kable offers over 206,000 square feet of secure warehouse space, including temperature-controlled storage and locked/key card access.

Storing inventory with a fulfillment partner doesn’t have to be expensive.

Kable Product Services offers affordable weekly per pallet rates. We provide volume discounts for larger inventory accounts without long-term contracts or hidden fees.

Speed of fulfillment

Fast shipping is the new expectation of your customers.

Without advanced systems, receiving, processing, and packaging orders to meet customer expectations can be a real challenge.

This process takes additional hands on deck, and outsourcing to a 3PL partner will help minimize labor costs and expedite all functions related to fulfillment.

Choosing a retail partner, like Kable Product Services, will provide you with retail fulfillment systems that expedite the shipping process.

Additionally, our software integrates with your CRM, ERP, and eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Cratejoy, Amazon, NetSuite, and many others. This complete and seamless integration ensures order accuracy and accelerated shipping.

Closer proximity to your customers

Your business needs a central location for optimal order fulfillment execution.

Kable Product Services’ central location will enhance your business’s fulfillment process by reducing ship speeds.

Faster shipping results in happier customers and, ultimately, repeat business and referrals.

Retail refurbishment

Reviewing Product

Returned items go through inspection as part of our product retail fulfillment service before they return to inventory.

At Kable, we take great care in the process of retail refurbishment. Our inspections will ensure your brand standard needs.

As we re-pack each return, we ensure it’s placed into inventory in its original condition.

We take extreme care in the process of retail refurbishment.

Our job is to put our customers’ best face forward; if your customer receives an item that “looks used,” the satisfaction rating automatically drops—and so does your brand integrity.

As your 3PL partner, it’s our privilege to help you complete retail fulfillment with merchandise and packaging that’s passed the retail fulfillment warehouse quality control expectations of our team.

Re-tagging

All returned inventory is re-tagged and returned to its original condition, ready for a quick resale.

Re-stickering

Returned merchandise is re-labeled and returned to inventory to ensure quality control.

Kable Product Services does this for your business directly from our warehouse.

Choosing the right retail fulfillment partner

Selecting a provider that specializes in retail fulfillment solutions can significantly streamline your operations and improve customer satisfaction. It’s crucial to evaluate their experience in handling retail order fulfillment to ensure they can meet your specific demands. Additionally, consider if they offer comprehensive b2b fulfillment and wholesale fulfillment options, which can further enhance your supply chain efficiency.

In today’s competitive market, having a robust retail fulfillment strategy is essential for success. Businesses should prioritize partners that offer tailored retail fulfillment solutions to meet their unique requirements. These solutions should encompass all aspects of retail order fulfillment, ensuring timely and accurate delivery to customers. Furthermore, leveraging retail fulfillment services that include b2b fulfillment and wholesale fulfillment can provide a competitive edge by optimizing both retail and wholesale operations.

By integrating these specialized retail fulfillment solutions, businesses can achieve greater efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve overall customer satisfaction. Look for the following factors when you choose retail fulfillment services companies.

Choose a centrally located warehouse

Choose a 3PL that’s centrally located for the fastest fulfillment.

A centrally located warehouse can offer the most efficient shipping speeds. As your customers shop around—shipping speed is a significant factor in your customers’ buying decisions.

Ask potential fulfillment partners where they will store your inventory and learn more about the location it will ship from en route to the customer.

Shipping time and distribution

You’ll also want to manage expectations by discussing upfront shipping time and distribution details. Ask your fulfillment partner how long most orders will take to leave the warehouse.

You should also familiarize yourself with their shipping partners. Will those options work for your business model and your customers?

Software integration capabilities

The 3PL partner you choose must have a fulfillment software platform that integrates with your systems.

This integration will ensure fast and accurate ordering, picking, packing, shipping, and returns. Additionally, your fulfillment partner needs to provide real-time monitoring tools, which include transparent access to data and other essential metrics for making decisions about your business.

Fulfillment analytics dashboard

Does your potential fulfillment partner give you ungated access to analytics on-demand?

The best practice is to have a retail fulfillment analytics dashboard to segment your data according to the metrics you are currently interested in seeing.

What is B2B order fulfillment?

Business to Business (B2B) Fulfillment services differ slightly from retail fulfillment. The B2B fulfillment model involves the process of shipping bulk orders to other companies.

Shipments may include deliveries to physical retail outlets or involve wholesale fulfillment to retailers. These are typically not individual B2B orders.

Retail fulfillment solutions are designed to meet the specific needs of businesses selling directly to consumers, whereas wholesale fulfilment focuses on bulk orders shipped to retailers or distributors.

Evaluating B2B order fulfillment services

A qualified 3PL can handle both B2B fulfillment and direct-to-customer orders. Here are a few conditions to consider when determining the best B2B order fulfillment partner or wholesale fulfillment partner for your business.

Understanding EDI and Retailer Compliance

Maintaining EDI compliance means sending Personally Identifiable Information (e.g., credit card transactions) electronically.

EDI, or Electronic Data Interchange, is the prevalent secure communication method between businesses. Data is encrypted for safeguarding if a retailer wants to send invoices via EDI.

If you have an SLA (Service Level Agreement) promising to use EDI, your systems must stay in compliance. If they do not, your B2B customers can collect financial penalties from your business.

There could also be a number of unique processes that may be required based on your specific retailer’s compliance guidelines.

Easily accessible customer support

In a perfect world, all eCommerce operations would run flawlessly.

Unfortunately, mistakes in day-to-day operations are a cost of doing business. When discrepancies happen, having a capable customer support team on your side will make all the difference.

Customer Support Excellence in B2B Order Fulfillment

Look for a 3PL with a history of outstanding customer support. The account management team should understand your brand experience, and there should be a cultural fit.

Location to clients

As with direct-to-consumer shipping and fulfillment, the warehousing location of B2B/wholesale fulfillment companies is critical.

Kable Product Services offers shipping from our Midwest facility. This location offers fast ground shipping to almost every zip code in the United States.

Integrated dashboard analytics and inventory management

Quick, on-demand access to analytics and data is essential to making predictive decisions about your business.

Transparency is necessary for accurate communication with B2B customers. Visibility and KPIs you can access and manipulate on a dashboard are vital to improving your processes.

Look for a 3PL that offers access and transparency into your integrated dashboard analytics and inventory management 24/7/365.

Why choose Kable Product Services as your 3PL fulfillment partner?

At Kable Product Services, we partner with your business to help you achieve your fulfillment goals.

We deliver efficient and competitively priced services through our fully integrated systems, flexible and scalable storage plans, central location, and returns capabilities.

We offer a comprehensive fulfillment analytics dashboard. This tool provides the necessary insights to monitor the retail order fulfillment and shipping process.

Retail product fulfillment and B2B e-commerce fulfillment solutions are significant investments.

They require time, a high level of industry knowledge, and fluid financial resources.

When you outsource with a 3PL partner like Kable Product Services, you partner with expert-level team players who know the fulfillment industry inside and out.

We are happy to help you extend your business’s logistics by delivering services that elevate the customer experience.

At Kable Product Services, our retail fulfillment services encompass a wide range of capabilities tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you require wholesale fulfillment solutions or retail fulfillment, our flexible approach ensures seamless integration with your operations. Our b2b fulfillment services are designed to optimize efficiency and reduce costs, allowing you to focus on core business activities. With our commitment to excellence and industry-leading expertise, Kable Product Services stands ready to support your growth and success in the competitive marketplace. Partner with us today and experience the difference firsthand.

Let’s discuss your unique retail fulfillment or B2B fulfillment outsourcing needs. Speak with one of our industry experts by calling (800) 596-0030 or by filling out our form to receive a customized quote.