1) Choice of Logistics Partner
When considering the impact of post-purchase customer experience on consumers, we need to understand the importance of logistics partners.
With an efficient logistics company, your business can be built on seamless operations. In that case, selecting well-oiled logistics companies is paramount for your business.
Moreover, shipping companies with a fluid 3PL network will reduce or negate friction in the supply chain, directly influencing customers' loyalty.
Top Logistics partners can offer tailor-made solutions that your business demands. And features like specialized shipments and returns management will attract and retain a wide range of customers.
2) Serviceability of logistics company
Serviceability is a critical factor in establishing your online business. It determines how many regions an e-commerce company can service and what quantity of orders it can handle.
So, with better reach, online companies can expand to multiple areas and attract a comprehensive range of customers.
Top logistics companies can handle orders of any bandwidth, be it international, domestic, or remote locations.
However, online ventures should also know precisely the regions they cater to and select the right logistics partner for their operations.
3) Improving the courier selection process and managing shipping costs
If you're an ecommerce business, you know that shipping costs can quickly add up.
Not only do you have to factor in the cost of shipping products to customers, but you also need to account for the time and manpower required.
Unfortunately, many businesses don't realize how high shipping costs can be.
Not only do the costs have to be managed, but they also have to be pre-negotiated with carriers so that the business can get the best rates possible.
Shipping rates will be based on your shipments' frequency, volume, and type.
4) Warehousing and inventory management
Warehouse and inventory solutions are the glue that holds supply chain operations together.
With many diverse commodities moving through the logistics services system, it's crucial to provide relevant storage facilities. Warehousing and distribution require temperature-controlled systems and accurate inventory management.
These logistics solutions will keep end-to-end supply chain operations running seamlessly.
Moreover, 24/7 security and quality checks at various inbound and outbound points maintain the integrity of the supply chain operations.
5) Order tracking and transport
Logistics service providers utilize technology and skillful human resources in managing a wide range of shipping mechanisms. As a result, today, top logistics companies have delivered proactive supply chain solutions.
That includes factors like a well-equipped fleet of transport and accurate tracking systems consistently delivering reliable services.
Moreover, these tracking systems offer accurate real-time shipment visibility for customers with timely notifications.
Furthermore, seamless transportation requires human resources adept at handling modern tech.
So, accurate tracking and secure transport are crucial for an online business to deliver a satisfying customer experience.
6) Delivery services
For ecommerce businesses, delivering orders to customers as quickly as possible is essential for maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
This has led to the development of a number of specialized delivery services like express, same day, next day, and hyperlocal.
These delivery expectations have now become the norm. Businesses that don't offer them may find themselves at a disadvantage.
Moreover, Businesses can extend their services further by offering customers delivery optimizations.
That includes rescheduling the date and time and changing the location to suit the customer's convenience.
As a result, businesses can attract more customers and reduce a lot of failed deliveries.
7) Last-mile delivery exceptions
The last-mile delivery service is the phase of operations between the last transit hub and the final delivery destination in the supply chain.
And delivery exceptions can occur during this phase due to delayed shipments, stuck shipments, and failed delivery attempts.
Failed delivery can be because of an incorrect address, unavailability of a customer, or inaccurate contact information.
These exceptions must be proactively resolved to manage RTOs or Return to origin.
In turn, these resolutions effectively help maintain the reputation of your business and provide a satisfactory customer experience.
8) Reverse logistics
The option for returning products is crucial in attracting customers and maintaining brand loyalty.
Return and exchange processes management is considered reverse logistics or returns management. In reverse logistics, the products are sent back into the supply chain to their origin warehouse.
There the products will await reselling, exchange or refund. Moreover, this process also requires specific return shipping policies with a quick reimbursem*nt and exchange system. If not done competently, reverse logistics can create unnecessary expenditures.
So, a well-managed returns system avoids unnecessary costs or delays. Therefore, top logistics companies constantly update their tech to maintain an efficient reverse logistics system.
9) Automated order manifestation and tracking
As soon as the business receives the order, it is manifested by creating an order on the logistics service provider's platform. After which, AWBs are generated to initiate the shipping process.
And automated tools help businesses manage order manifestation and expedite the order dispatch process. AWBs can be generated hassle-free with top shipping companies, simplifying picking, packing, and delivery.
API integration with automation tools provides a single handle to refine the manifestation process reducing manual efforts and inaccuracies.
That makes API integrations a prominent tool in many software. For instance, logistics intelligence software like ClickPost offers an expert automation system for the order manifestation.
Furthermore, ClickPost also utilizes dual API integration for the push and pull method to receive real-time order tracking data and push notifications to customers for end-to-end visibility.
10) Identification and Management of Delivery Exceptions
SLA is the foundation of partnerships between business ventures and logistics companies. Around 50% of SLA breaches go unnoticed without the assistance of technology, resulting in unnecessary and unknown costs.
So, monitoring these breaches across all carriers becomes simplified with Tracking API integrations and a GPS-enabled tracking system.
Such tech integrations empower your business to proactively correct and manage all delivery exceptions.
11) Insurance Policy
An insurance policy is a good fallback plan if shipments go wrong. And there is high frequency and depth in shipping operations today. As a result, commodities can go lost, damaged, or missing accidentally, or the logistics company can also be at fault.
Therefore, logistics companies should provide a good insurance plan or limited liability compensation for tackling such situations.
12) Customer Service
The logistics industry is one of the most competitive in today's business world. To stay ahead, it needs to offer top-notch customer service matched only by its after-sales support network - behind all your products and services from order confirmation up until they're delivered!
Moreover, automated customer support with the help of chatbots can empower customers to initiate reverse logistics and optimize pick-up and delivery services. And it will also reduce WISMO calls substantially.