Understanding eCommerce Fulfillment: Definition, Process, Resources

Many businesses have turned to eCommerce fulfillment services to capitalize on the opportunities of an online presence. According to Statista, global eCommerce sales topped $5.2 trillion in 2021 and are expected to grow steadily year-over-year, forecasted to grow 56% over the next few years. It is expected to reach about 8.1 trillion dollars by 2026.  

Increasing interest in eCommerce comes with a need for efficient and cost-effective fulfillment solutions. 

How do you keep up? This is where eCommerce fulfillment services come in. 

Read on to find out more about how to get started with your eCommerce fulfillment service.

What Is eCommerce Fulfillment?

ECommerce fulfillment is receiving and processing customer orders and shipping them to their final destinations. It encompasses every step of getting a product from point A to point B, including inventory management, order picking, packing, labeling, and delivery. 

eCommerce fulfillment centers are equipped to handle online retailers' ordering, processing, and shipping orders. They provide several key benefits, such as streamlining order processing, freeing internal resources, and providing superior customer service experiences. 

To understand how they do this, it's essential to understand the core components of eCommerce fulfillment. This article will overview the definition, process, and resources needed for efficient eCommerce fulfillment.

Several steps must be completed to ensure the order is processed, packed, and shipped correctly. 

These steps include:

• Receiving orders: This involves receiving the customer's order information from an eCommerce platform, such as Shopify or Magento.
• Inventory management: The fulfillment center must track what products are in stock and available for shipment.
• Order picking: The fulfillment center pulls the products ordered by customers from its inventory and prepares them for shipping.
• Packing: The fulfillment center packs the products in boxes or other appropriate packaging materials.
• Labeling and shipping: The fulfillment center adds labels to the packages, which include information such as the brand logo, customer's address, tracking number, and other pertinent details. The packages are shipped to their destination through a courier or postal service.
• Returns handling: Customers may need to return products for various reasons, such as incorrect sizes or damaged items. The fulfillment center must be prepared to handle these returns and provide refunds or exchanges as necessary. 

A robust task management software will help organize most of these processes. 

Resources Required for eCommerce Fulfillment:

To effectively manage the eCommerce fulfillment process, businesses need specific resources. 

These include: 

• Warehouse Space: A warehouse is necessary for storing products and housing fulfillment operations.
• Labor Force: Businesses must allocate enough personnel to handle the daily operations of their fulfillment centers.
• Technology: Fulfillment centers must have the necessary technology to manage orders, track inventory, and process shipments.
• Shipping Supplies: Businesses must ensure they have the right supplies for packing products, including boxes, labels, and other materials.
• Logistics Partners: Fulfillment centers need reliable logistics partners such as courier services and freight companies to deliver customer orders.

Here are some real-life examples of eCommerce Fulfillment:

1. Amazon Fulfillment: Amazon is one of the biggest eCommerce companies in the world, and its fulfillment centers help streamline the delivery process for products sold on the platform. Customers can rest assured that their orders will be shipped quickly and accurately with Amazon's vast network of warehouses around the globe. 
2. Walmart Fulfillment: Walmart's fulfillment centers help ensure customers receive their orders on time. Thanks to the company's sophisticated technology and efficient processes, customers can be sure that their demands will arrive promptly. 
3. eBay Fulfillment: eBay has been around for a long time and offers an effective eCommerce fulfillment solution for businesses. Its network of warehouses, logistics partners, and efficient processes make it easy to get products out to customers quickly and accurately.   

Different Types Of eCommerce Fulfillment

Now that you know what eCommerce fulfillment is, you must understand the different types of eCommerce fulfillment available to you and choose the appropriate one during the project discovery phase. This way, you can use the right strategies to meet customer demands efficiently and cost-effectively.

1. Dropshipping: Dropshipping is a type of eCommerce fulfillment in which the seller does not keep any inventory on hand and instead passes on their customers' orders to a third-party supplier, who will then ship the order directly to the customer. This type of fulfillment eliminates the need for the seller to manage inventory and store goods.
2. Batch Fulfillment: Batch fulfillment involves grouping orders together in batches and fulfilling them all at once rather than completing them individually as they come in. This can help businesses save time and money by allowing them to process multiple orders more quickly and efficiently. 
3. Direct Fulfillment: Direct fulfillment is when an online business fulfills orders directly from its warehouse or fulfillment center. This helps them maintain control over the order process and ensures that customers receive their products as quickly as possible. 
4. Third-Party Fulfillment: Third-party fulfillment involves outsourcing the entire order process to a third-party logistics provider. This type of eCommerce fulfillment is beneficial for businesses that don't have the necessary resources or capacity to manage orders in-house.  
5. Automated Fulfillment: Automated fulfillment is when a business uses an automated software system to fulfill orders automatically with minimal human intervention. This helps reduce manual labor costs, speed up fulfillment times and improve accuracy rates.  
6. White Glove Fulfillment: White glove fulfillment is when businesses provide additional services to their customers beyond just fulfilling orders. This can include packaging, assembly, and installation of products, as well as delivery and setup.  
7. Global Fulfillment: Global fulfillment involves managing shipments across countries and continents using a vast network of warehouses around the globe.

All these types of eCommerce fulfillment have one common goal — to deliver orders quickly and accurately to customers at an affordable cost. The kind of fulfillment chosen will depend on the size of the business, its budget, available resources, and customer requirements. 

The Benefits Of eCommerce Fulfillment

There are a lot of different types of fulfillment to choose what's right for your business, and as you decide, here are just some of the benefits you can get:

1. Increased Efficiency:  eCommerce fulfillment reduces the time and effort needed to process orders, allowing businesses to deliver orders faster without compromising accuracy or quality. This increased efficiency can result in improved customer satisfaction and higher sales conversions.
2. Lower Costs: By outsourcing to a third-party provider, businesses can save on storage costs, shipping fees, and labor costs associated with order processing.
3. Improved Inventory Management: A reliable fulfillment partner can help businesses better manage their inventory by providing real-time data about stock levels. Hence, they know when to order or restock existing items.
4. Increased Scalability: With the help of an experienced eCommerce fulfillment provider, businesses can quickly scale up their operations as needed without worrying about the logistics of order fulfillment.
5. Automated Order Processing: Automation can help streamline and standardize the order fulfillment process, reducing manual labor costs while ensuring accurate orders.
6. Improved Customer Satisfaction: Customers expect fast delivery times and quality service when ordering online so having a reliable eCommerce fulfillment partner is key to meeting their expectations. Also listening and solving customer queries are very important. All of this contributes to customer experience management.
7. Global Reach: With an experienced global fulfillment provider, businesses can quickly expand into new markets, and extend their reach to customers worldwide by using translations to complement their eCommerce websites
8. Reduced Errors: A good eCommerce fulfillment partner can help reduce errors in order processing by using high-tech systems to keep track of orders and shipments. This will allow businesses to avoid customer complaints, prevent disputes, and protect their revenue.
9. Comprehensive Tracking: An eCommerce fulfillment provider can provide businesses with detailed information about each order, including tracking numbers, transit times, and delivery status. This gives them greater visibility into the process and helps ensure that orders are delivered on time.
10.  Customized Solutions: eCommerce fulfillment providers can customize their services to meet the specific needs of businesses, allowing them to access a wide range of features and services tailored to their requirements. 

eCommerce Fulfillment 101: How To Do It Properly

eCommerce fulfillment is essential to running a successful online business. Now you know all the benefits, you should know the steps to start your fulfillment that'll lead to eCommerce success.

Step 1: Develop a Fulfillment Strategy. The first step in proper eCommerce fulfillment is to develop an effective strategy. This includes setting clear goals, such as reducing costs, improving customer satisfaction, and deciding when and how orders will be fulfilled.

By having a clear eCommerce fulfillment strategy, businesses can ensure that orders are processed and shipped on time, maximizing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Step 2: Choose a Fulfillment Partner. The next step is to choose a reliable eCommerce fulfillment partner. This should include researching providers to determine which one best suits the business's needs in terms of cost, services offered, and more. 

Selecting an experienced fulfillment partner can help companies to access better services and more features while reducing costs associated with order processing.

Step 3: Set Up Technology Solutions. Businesses must set up the right technology solutions to automate the order fulfillment process. This includes integrating systems such as inventory management databases to email marketing automation solutions. 

Setting up the right technology solutions can help streamline order processing and reduce manual labor costs, resulting in faster fulfillment times.

Step 4: Monitor Performance. Once everything is set up, businesses must regularly monitor their eCommerce fulfillment partner's performance. This should include tracking data such as delivery times and customer satisfaction ratings to ensure that orders are handled correctly. 

Regularly monitoring performance helps businesses identify areas where they could improve or adjust their strategy, resulting in better customer service and overall satisfaction.

Step 5: Offer Additional Services. To keep customers happy, businesses should consider offering additional services such as gift wrapping or express shipping options. These features help differentiate them from competitors and provide added value for customers. Always send an order confirmation email so customers have a digital receipt of their purchase.

Offering other services can help businesses stand out from the competition and provide customers with a better overall experience, leading to higher sales and more loyal customers.

The Top Ten Free Tools For eCommerce Fulfillment

Now that you know how to start your eCommerce fulfillment, you must get familiar with the tools you can use. Check out the top ten tools below, a first-hand testimonial by a user, and a step-by-step guide on how to use them. 

1 . ShipStation: ShipStation is a powerful and intuitive web-based shipping software for eCommerce stores of all sizes. It allows you to quickly process, fulfill, and ship orders from any marketplace or shopping cart. With its easy setup wizard, you can connect your store with hundreds of carriers in minutes. 

Its advanced features include automation, bulk order processing, barcode scanning and printing, customized reports and analytics, multi-carrier shipping options, and more.

Step-by-step guide on how to use ShipStation:

• Sign up for an account with ShipStation through its website or app.
• Connect your store(s) and select which carriers you'd like to work with.
• Set up your shipping preferences and product categories (if applicable).
• Create rules to automate specific labeling, pricing, and order fulfillment processes.
• Add payment gateways so customers can securely pay for their orders online.

2 . PluginHive Shipping Solution

PluginHive Shipping Solution is an integrated eCommerce fulfillment software. It enables you to manage your orders within your Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce stores.

It integrates with 80+ carriers around the globe & takes care of your end-to-end shipping requirements starting from displaying live rates at the checkout, printing shipping labels, scheduling pickups, and tracking orders in real-time.

Its advanced features include customizable shipping methods, multiple parcel packing options, cost adjustment, and more.

Step-by-step guide on how to use PluginHive Shipping Solution

• Go to the Shopify app store to add the app/ Download the WooCommerce Plugin Zip file
• Install and activate the app/plugin within your eCommerce store
• Set up the rates, services, packages
• Manage placed orders inside your online store
• Print shipping labels and ship your orders 
• Track the dispatched orders within the Tracking Lookup Page

3. Shipworks: Shipworks is another powerful eCommerce fulfillment tool helps you streamline your shipping process. Its intuitive design and easy setup process enable you to manage orders from a single platform for multiple stores and marketplaces. 

It offers features such as automated integrations with popular shopping carts, real-time tracking of every shipment, quick item selection for packing slips and labels, customizable rules for faster order processing, export capabilities for accounting systems like QuickBooks Online, volume discounts from carriers like UPS and FedEx, data mapping between platforms or files formats like CSV or XML to simplify the integration process, and more.

Step-by-step guide on how Shipworks:

• Create an account with Shipworks.
• Connect your store(s) and select the carriers you'd like to work with.
• Set up rules for order automation or manual sorting.
• Add payment gateways to click and print them quickly in multiple formats (PDF, thermal printer, etc.).
• Track orders in real-time as they make their way from you to the customer's doorstep

4 . ShipBob: ShipBob is a cloud-based order fulfillment and shipping platform designed for eCommerce stores of all sizes. It allows you to quickly and efficiently fulfill orders from any marketplace or shopping cart with its easy setup wizard. 

Its features include bulk order processing, automated tracking information updates, real-time reporting, custom packing slips, and labels, shipping cost optimization, and more.

Step-by-step guide on how to use ShipBob:

• Create an account with ShipBob.
• Connect your store(s) and select the carriers you'd like to work with.
• Set up rules for order automation or manual sorting.
• Add payment gateways to click and print labels quickly in multiple formats (PDF, thermal printer, etc.).
• Track orders in real-time as they make their way from your real timestomer's doorstep.
• Optimize shipping costs by selecting the best carrier for each

5 . Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): FBA is an Amazon service that enables sellers to outsource their fulfillment needs to the Amazon warehouse network in exchange for a fee. It allows you to store your inventory in Amazon warehouses, prepare products for shipment when sold on Amazon's marketplace, and even ship orders directly to customers on your behalf. With the FBA program, you can build and run a six-figure business on Amazon and beyond by following the guides of experienced sellers.

You may also enroll in an Amazon FBA course to learn more about the process.

Step-by-step guide on how to use FBA:

• Create an account with Amazon and apply for an FBA account.
• Connect your store(s) to your FBA account.
• Set up rules for order automation or manual sorting.
• Ship inventory directly to Amazon's warehouses and track it online in real-time. 
• Pack items according to Amazon's guidelines, create shipping labels and print them 

quickly in multiple formats (PDF, thermal printer, etc.). 

• Track orders as they make their way from the Amazon warehouse to the customer's doorstep.
• Generate reports and analyze shipping performance to optimize your fulfillment process.
• Leverage Amazon's reputation for fast, reliable delivery and customer service.
• Automatically update customers with tracking information and shipment notifications.

"eFulfillment Service has helped me save time and keep up with the ever-growing number of orders I receive on my online store." - By Mike Owens, Digital Marketing & Growth Director at HostingRevelations.

6 . eFulfillment Service: eFulfillment service (eFS) is a comprehensive platform for order fulfillment and inventory management. It provides features such as automated shipping rate calculation, real-time tracking information updates, scalable storage capacity, advanced reporting tools, eBay integration, and more.

Step-by-step guide on how to use eFulfillment service:

• Create an account with the eFulfillment service.
• Connect your store(s) and select the carriers you'd like to work with.
• Set up rules for order automation or manual sorting.
• Automatically calculate and compare shipping rates from multiple carriers to get the best rate for each delivery.
• Print labels quickly in various formats (PDF, thermal printer, etc.).
• Track orders in real-time using the tool and check if your process is flowing smoothly.

"Shipwire is an incredible platform for managing my order fulfillment across multiple channels, and it's user-friendly, reliable, and efficient." - By Lisa Johnson, Ecommerce Expert at Geeks Health.

7 . Shipwire: Shipwire is an end-to-end platform for managing fulfillment operations across multiple channels. Its easy setup wizard and intuitive design allow you to quickly connect with popular marketplaces or shopping carts and promptly process orders from them. 

Its features include warehouse optimization algorithms to determine the best location for stocking products based on distance from the customer, an automated system for tracking orders and returns, customizable branded packing slips, an order management dashboard for tracking sales across multiple channels, and much more.

Step-by-step guide on how to use Shipwire:

• Create an account with Shipwire.
• Connect your store(s) and select the carriers you'd like to work with.
• Set up rules for order automation or manual sorting.
• Automatically calculate and compare shipping rates from multiple carriers to get the best rate for each delivery. 
• Print labels quickly in multiple formats (PDF, thermal printer, etc.).
• Track orders in real-time.
• Use the dashboard to monitor sales across different channels and identify customer trends. 
• Leverage Shipwire's optimization algorithms to determine the best location for stocking products based on distance from the customer.
• Automatically update customers with tracking information and shipment notifications.

8 . Fulfillment Logistics: Fulfillment Logistics is a cloud-based order fulfillment platform designed to help eCommerce stores increase their efficiency by streamlining the fulfillment process. It enables you to quickly connect with popular marketplaces or shopping carts and manage orders from them in one place. 

Its features include real-time inventory updates across multiple warehouses, automated shipping rate calculation, bulk order processing capabilities, custom-branded packing slips and labels, advanced reporting tools, and more.

Step-by-step guide on how to use Fulfillment Logistics:

• Create an account with Fulfillment Logistics.
• Connect your store(s) and select the carriers you'd like to work with.
• Set up rules for order automation or manual sorting.
• Automatically calculate and compare shipping rates from multiple carriers to get the best rate for each delivery. 
• Print labels quickly in multiple formats (PDF, thermal printer, etc.).
• Track orders in real-time using the tool and check if your process is flowing smoothly.
• Use the dashboard to monitor sales across different channels and identify customer trends. 
• Leverage Fulfillment Logistics' optimization algorithms to determine the best location for stocking products based on distance from the customer.
• Automatically update customers with tracking information and shipment notifications.
• Generate detailed reports that provide insights into your fulfillment operations.
• Optimize inventory and manage stock levels across multiple warehouses.

9 . ShipEngine: ShipEngine is an easy-to-use web-based shipping software designed to help eCommerce stores reduce shipping costs. It offers automated rate calculations, real-time tracking information updates, bulk order processing, label printing capabilities, and more. 

It also integrates with popular marketplaces and shopping carts such as Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and others.

Step-by-step guide on how to use ShipEngine:

• Create an account with ShipEngine.
• Connect your store(s) and select the carriers you'd like to work with.
• Set up rules for order automation or manual sorting.
• Automatically calculate and compare shipping rates from multiple carriers to get the best rate for each delivery. 
• Print labels quickly in multiple formats (PDF, thermal printer, etc.).
• Track orders in real-time using the tool and check if your process is flowing smoothly.
• Use the dashboard to monitor sales across different channels and identify customer trends. 
• Leverage ShipEngine's optimization algorithms to determine the best location for stocking products based on distance from the customer.
• Automatically update customers with tracking information and shipment notifications.
• Integrate with popular marketplaces or shopping carts such as Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and others.

10 . OrderCup: OrderCup is an automated fulfillment software designed to help you efficiently manage orders across multiple channels. It provides automatic rate calculation, real-time tracking information updates, bulk order processing, customizable packing slips and labels, advanced reporting tools, and eBay integration. 

With its simple setup wizard, it can be quickly connected with popular marketplaces or shopping carts. 

Step-by-step guide on how to use OrderCup:

• Create an account with OrderCup.
• Connect your store(s) and select the carriers you'd like to work with.
• Set up rules for order automation or manual sorting.
• Automatically calculate and compare shipping rates from multiple carriers to get the best rate for each delivery. 
• Print labels quickly in multiple formats (PDF, thermal printer, etc.).
• Track orders in real-time using the tool.
• Generate detailed reports that provide insights into your fulfillment operations.
• Optimize inventory and manage stock levels across multiple warehouses.
• Leverage OrderCup's optimization algorithms to determine the best location for stocking products based on distance from the customer.
• Integrate with popular marketplaces or shopping carts such as Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and others.
• Automatically update customers with tracking information and shipment notifications. 

The Top Ten Paid Services For eCommerce Fulfillment

If you're looking for more than just the free tools, there are more paid services you can explore:

1. Amazon Fulfillment: Amazon fulfillment is free, but some features are paid services. They provide a wide range of services, from basic order processing to advanced shipping and inventory management.
2. Shipwire: Similar to Amazon, Shipwire has some paid features. With its global warehouse network, Shipwire allows customers to customize their distribution center setup and access a wide range of shipping methods.
3. ShipBob: ShipBob provides eCommerce businesses with a cloud-based logistics platform that allows customers to track orders, manage inventory, and optimize shipping costs.
4.  Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA): With FBA, businesses can have their orders fulfilled by Amazon's warehouse and shipping network.
5. ShipStation: ShipStation provides real-time connections with customers' eCommerce stores, allowing them to process orders quickly and manage inventory from one platform.
6. Rakuten Super Logistics (RSL): RSL helps businesses scale their eCommerce operations by providing them with customized order fulfillment and distribution solutions.
7. ShipMatrix: This service provides customers with advanced shipping capabilities that offer the lowest cost, fastest delivery times, and best customer experience.
8. FedEx Fulfillment: FedEx offers a comprehensive suite of eCommerce fulfillment and warehouse management services.
9. DHL eCommerce Solutions: This service offers eCommerce businesses the ability to manage orders, track shipments, and provide customers with a great shopping experience.
10. UPS Fulfillment Services: With UPS Fulfillment Services, businesses can access an array of order fulfillment solutions and customizable transportation options.

Given all these free and paid services, you will discover many businesses have already begun to use eCommerce fulfillment services. Companies use eCommerce fulfillment services to manage their inventory levels, process payments, and track orders from start to finish. 

They also leverage the convenience of order management software solutions and dropshipping to ship products directly from warehouses or other distribution centers to customers’ doorsteps. Additionally, these companies often offer white glove delivery services for larger items such as furniture or appliances, providing all necessary packaging materials for a seamless purchase experience.  

Smaller companies like Warby Parker, Everlane, and Bonobos are also taking advantage of eCommerce fulfillment services' cost savings and convenience. 

Examples of bigger businesses that have already begun to use eCommerce fulfillment services include: 

1. Sephora is a well-known cosmetics company that uses fulfillment services provided by Amazon to deliver products quickly to customers worldwide.
2. Nordstrom: This fashion retailer uses FBA, ShipBob, and other fulfillment services to provide customers with fast and reliable order processing and shipping.
3. Newegg: This popular electronics and computer retailer utilizes FedEx Fulfillment, UPS Fulfillment Services, and other services to deliver customer orders quickly
4. Walmart uses its own eCommerce fulfillment services network to fulfill orders on its website. It also leverages third-party logistics providers such as FedEx and USPS to deliver products to customers promptly.
5. Apple has adopted a hybrid approach for their online orders, utilizing self-fulfilled warehouses and 3PLs (third-party logistics) services to manage the delivery of their products. 
6. Best Buy utilizes eCommerce fulfillment solutions provided by its partners at Ingram Micro to provide an efficient ordering experience across all channels. The service offers reliable order management, inventory tracking, and shipping capabilities that integrate seamlessly with Best Buy's existing systems. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What resources are needed for eCommerce Fulfillment? 

A: Depending on the size of the business, a variety of resources may be necessary for successful eCommerce fulfillment. These include an inventory management system, warehouse and order fulfillment software, shipping carriers (such as UPS or FedEx), order 

packing supplies and materials, payment processing platforms, and customer service tools.

Q: Do I need a logo? 

A: It depends. If you are creating a website for your e-commerce business, then having a logo can help visually communicate your brand’s identity and create an impression on customers. Having a unique logo can also act as a marker of distinction that sets you apart from competitors.

However, if you do not have the resources or budget to design something original, there are companies that offer pre-made logos at an affordable cost or you can design your own with a free tool. Ultimately, deciding whether or not to have a logo should be based on what best suits your business needs. 

Q: Which is better? Shopify or Etsy?

A: When it comes to selecting the right eCommerce platform for your business, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option will depend on the type of products or services you are selling, as well as the size and scope of your operation. Shopify and Etsy are both popular options, but each has unique benefits and drawbacks based on a variety of factors. We recommend you research both platforms in depth.

Q: Do I need a CRM?

A: A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is an important tool for any business, but especially in the eCommerce fulfillment industry. A CRM can help your business track customer information and communication, manage leads and sales data, understand customer behavior and preferences, streamline customer service processes, automate marketing tasks, and more.

By integrating a CRM into your eCommerce fulfillment process, you can drastically increase customer satisfaction (which you can measure with a customer effort score). Additionally, using a CRM helps to ensure that your customers’ data is properly managed so that it remains secure and protected from unauthorized access.

Ultimately, implementing a comprehensive CRM solution will help you gain valuable customer insights as well as improve your overall customer experience.

Q: How do I track my parcel online?

A: There are many ways to properly track the progress of your parcel online. Most major shipping companies offer tracking services that allow you to monitor the status of your shipment in real-time and provide updates on its location.

Many also offer live customer service agents who can answer questions or provide additional information about your order. Additionally, some marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay have their own tracking systems that enable customers to easily follow the journey of their packages from start to finish.

By utilizing these tools, sellers can keep an eye on their parcels and ensure they arrive safely and promptly at their destination. But 

Q: What is task management software?

A: Task management software is a type of computer program that enables users to organize and manage tasks within their business. It allows users to create, assign and track the progress of tasks assigned to team members or departments.

Task management systems often provide features such as collaboration tools, reminders, scheduling options, notifications, priority settings, document sharing, and more. Many task management solutions also offer integration with other enterprise applications for improved data visibility and increased productivity across the organization.

This type of technology has become increasingly popular among businesses of all sizes as it offers an efficient way to monitor project performance, improve communication between stakeholders and ensure the timely completion of tasks.

In short, task management software helps organizations stay on top of their operations so they can deliver better results in less time. However, each software is different so if you want to try it out, make sure you choose the right task management software for you.

Q: How do you retain customers?

A: A successful retention strategy includes providing timely delivery of products, user-friendly website navigation, easily accessible customer service contact options, personalized promotions, and discounts, clear return policies, and offering value-added services such as free shipping. This applies to most business models, from software-as-a-service to restaurants, and more.

Conclusion

Here's a recap of everything we've discussed for you to get started with your eCommerce fulfillment journey:

• What Is eCommerce Fulfillment? eCommerce fulfillment manages orders, tracks shipments, and provides customers with a great shopping experience to increase customer satisfaction and sales.

eCommerce fulfillment involves selecting the right delivery partner, managing inventory, and optimizing shipping costs. Many businesses now use paid services such as Amazon Fulfillment, Shipwire, and ShipBob to fulfill their eCommerce needs and provide customers with a convenient shopping experience, as well as tracking all of the above through a dedicated CRM

• What Are The Different Types Of eCommerce Fulfillment? eCommerce fulfillment services can range from basic order processing to advanced shipping and inventory management solutions provided by companies such as Amazon, Shipwire, ShipBob, and Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA).

These services offer businesses the convenience of managing order fulfillment operations without investing in staff or warehouses, allowing them to deliver orders quickly and efficiently for better customer satisfaction.

• The Benefits Of eCommerce Fulfillment:  eCommerce fulfillment services provide businesses with the convenience and cost savings of outsourcing their order processing and shipping operations. 

These services offer customizable transportation options and optimized costs, allowing businesses to manage their inventory more efficiently and deliver orders quickly for better customer satisfaction. 

Additionally, eCommerce fulfillment services provide businesses with an array of tools that help them track shipments, manage returns, improve customer service, reduce returns rates, and increase sales. By utilizing these services, companies can create a seamless shopping experience that boosts customer loyalty and leads to increased revenue.

eCommerce fulfillment also provides companies with improved visibility into their supply chain which helps them identify any potential issues before they become a problem while providing invaluable insights into consumer behavior patterns. 

• eCommerce Fulfillment 101 How To Do It Properly: Properly managing eCommerce fulfillment requires businesses to select the right service provider, manage inventory, and optimize shipping costs to provide customers with a great shopping experience.

Businesses must ensure they have the right staff, technology, and infrastructure. Additionally, companies must effectively manage inventory levels, product selection, pricing strategies, payment processing, shipping options, and customer service protocols to optimize their eCommerce operations. 

By utilizing best practices such as automated systems for tracking shipments and returns, integrating third-party logistics providers for enhanced scalability, and providing customers with accurate delivery estimates, businesses can improve their order fulfillment process while achieving cost savings and increased sales. 

Finally, by actively monitoring customer feedback, companies can identify areas of improvement and make adjustments to enhance the user experience further. With proper implementation of eCommerce fulfillment processes and strategies, businesses can enjoy increased sales and improved customer satisfaction.

• The Top Ten Free Tools For eCommerce Fulfillment: Some of the top ten free tools for eCommerce fulfillment include ShipStation, ShipWorks, ShipBob, Fulfillment by Amazon, eFulfillment Service, Shipwire, and ShipEngine, all of which can help businesses manage orders, track shipments, and provide customers with a great shopping experience.
• The Top Ten Paid Services For eCommerce Fulfillment: The top ten paid services for eCommerce fulfillment include Shipwire, ShipBob, Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA), FedEx Fulfillment, DHL eCommerce Solutions, and UPS Fulfillment Services, all of which offer businesses comprehensive order fulfillment solutions and customizable transportation options to deliver orders quickly and efficiently.

With proper understanding and execution of the eCommerce fulfillment process, businesses can maximize profits and provide customers with an exceptional shopping experience. ​   

If you know someone running an online business, now's the time to share this article so they can start optimizing their eCommerce fulfillment process.