Order fulfillment is at the core of any e-commerce business, be it a small local shop or an international mart with millions of customers. Whether you are just opening an e-commerce store or want to scale up soon, understanding the Ecommerce fulfillment process can help you strengthen your customer experience and improve efficiency. Here are the main stages of order fulfillment for online businesses.
Receiving Inventory
The stage of receiving inventory can differ depending on whether you cooperate with dedicated e-commerce fulfillment services. Assistance like Meest-America, for example, handles every step of the process for your store.
If that’s the case, the product arrives at the warehouse of the chosen service. All items are counted, and each one is inspected and logged into the warehouse management system, so you always know what’s in stock. When working without similar providers, you have to scan and store everything yourself.
Inventory Storage
When all goods are received and logged, they are shelved and stored until the next stage, order processing. Depending on the items you sell and the provider you choose, they can be stored in:
- bins;
- pallets;
These areas let warehouse employees understand where each item is and find it quickly. Without proper storage, the order processing can take longer than needed, and your customers have to wait more.
Order Processing
Once your customer places an order online and the fulfillment provider receives it, the process officially begins. Now, the team can scan for the needed items, check if the quantity is enough, and if the shipping details are correct. In some cases, automation makes it even faster, as employees don’t take part in the step at all.
Packing the Items
When the order is processed, employees or robots receive a list of items they need to collect. They pick them up and prepare for packing. At the packing station, dedicated workers are wrapping the goods in bubble wrap, placing them in a box full of packing peanuts, and securing the seams with strong tape. Eco-friendly materials are used in some facilities. Every package is labeled and assigned for shipping.
Shipping
In case you are doing ecommerce order fulfillment by hand, you have to hand over all packages to the postal or courier services. Business owners collaborating with providers like Meest-America don’t have to worry about that step. Then, the employees do everything for you and deliver the items according to your preferences. Once handed to the deliveryman, every package is equipped with a tracking number — this code is sent to you and the customer.
Returns Processing
Not every order in your store will be successful. When your customer is not happy with the item, they will return it. Handling returns is also your responsibility. The fulfillment team should receive the item back, inspect it, and either restock or discard the product. This is also called reverse logistics.
E-commerce Step By Step
Order fulfillment in e-commerce is like a complex organism. Every step of the process should be smooth and connected seamlessly. Only then can your business grow a good customer base, satisfy all clients, and improve brand reputation.
