Fragile items need to be carefully packaged, shipped, and delivered. Whether you sell glassware, musical instruments, or tech products, damaged items lead to negative customer experiences and costly returns.
The right 3PL partner will provide specialized services to safeguard your fragile products from the warehouse to the consumer’s door. These include:
Customized Packaging Solutions
Fragile items require extra care in order to ensure they arrive intact. Breakages and damage in transit can lead to expensive customer returns, re-shipping costs, unsellable inventory, and the loss of future business.
To reduce your risk, consider partnering with a 3PL that specializes in fragile goods packaging and shipping. These 3PLs are familiar with a range of shipping regulations and can help you avoid fines for non-compliance.
When choosing a packaging solution for your fragile products, it’s essential to select the right size. You want the box to fit snugly around your product, but also leave room for padding and fillers and try this web-site https://efex.vn/vi/blog/kinh-nghiem-gui-hang-di-my-cho-seller-pod. Consider using mailer boxes, which have a built-in lid that locks into place and are available in standard and custom sizes.
Another option is chipboard partitions, which are a great way to prevent multiple items in one box from colliding with each other during transit. These partitions come in a variety of thicknesses, and are customizable to your box’s size.
Advanced Inventory Management
To prevent stockouts, it’s essential to have accurate inventory data. According to McKinsey, businesses can reduce inventory costs by up to 20% with more precise inventory information.
The inventory management features of NetSuite can help businesses achieve this goal. For example, it allows businesses to track inventory by site, which is helpful if they have multiple warehouses, different areas of a warehouse, or consignment locations. It also helps businesses track the quantity on hand for each site and alerts them when they need to reorder.
Moreover, the software lets businesses manage multiple stock-keeping units (SKUs) for a single product and manage matrix items, which are products that have different styles, colors, or sizes. It also helps businesses record the landed cost of goods, which includes charges such as customs, freight, and shipping, and use this cost to determine profitability. It also helps businesses set up a vendor-managed inventory replenishment system that monitors in-stock inventory and triggers automatic product reordering from vendors when the inventory reaches a predetermined threshold.
Shipping and Carrier Selection
Fragile items need to be carefully packed in protective boxes and wrapped for shipping. These packaging solutions also need to be able to pass a shake test so they don’t get damaged in transit. Adding an additional layer of cushioning like foam can further protect these fragile goods.
It’s also important for DTC brands to make sure their fragile products are shipped with a reputable carrier. Choosing an experienced carrier that has a history of handling high-value and fragile items can help businesses avoid any product damage or delays.
Managing inventory for fragile goods is complex, and it’s critical to have accurate forecasting for demand and seasonality. Working with a 3PL that offers advanced fulfillment solutions can help companies maintain optimal inventory levels, ensure a seamless customer experience, and reduce stockouts and returns. This can ultimately save money and boost profitability. In addition, advanced warehouse management systems can provide the data needed for inventory optimization and supply chain visibility.
Transparent Communication
The most successful companies share important information openly in a lateral, upward and downward manner. This style of communication allows everyone to make informed decisions, a vital component of holacracy. It also builds trust between employees and leaders.
For example, Everlane is transparent about their supply chain and provides a detailed breakdown of how they source materials and labor to create their products. This openness has helped them develop a loyal customer base. Fairphone, an ethically-sourced smartphone manufacturer, communicates about their sourcing practices in a similar way to inform customers and build trust.
When it comes to shipping fragile and high-value items, finding a specialized fulfillment provider is essential. A company that has experience in handling these types of shipments will be familiar with the rules and regulations for each country they ship to, making it easy to comply. They will also know how to pack these delicate items properly and securely to ensure they arrive in pristine condition.