Peak season is right around the corner and the last thing you want is to fall short of your customers’ expectations. Here’s a checklist of items for you and your 3PL to review to make sure you’re ready for the upcoming shopping season:
1. Custom Packaging: DON’T RUN OUT!
Running out of custom packaging for peak season can cost you! Holiday shipping packaging enhances customers’ first impressions, often making the customer associate high-quality packaging with the quality of the brand. Make sure you’ve thought about branded packaging solutions and ordered enough to avoid workflow disruptions!
DM Solution: With help from our FP&A team projecting lines and orders, as well as our dedicated Sales Operations team in close communications with clients about upcoming promotions, new SKUs/bundles, etc., we can forecast peak projections (daily) to make sure the right packaging quantity is on-hand and ready to go.
2. Review your SKUs and channel integrations
Now is the time to double check that your SKUs are up to date across all selling channels and that your 3PL is integrated with the right platforms to quickly and correctly pick, pack and ship out those items and on-time!
DM Solution: We’re connected with one of the most comprehensive lists of industry-leading integrations providers and ecommerce platforms. Whether you’re using an off-the-shelf system or need a custom connection for fulfillment services, our in-house team of IT professionals make the process seamless and simple.
Additionally, our in-house warehouse management system (WMS) allows you to monitor your inventory and see real-time updates.
3. Can your 3PL manage returns?
Unfortunately, returns are inevitable and can get pretty messy for all involved. Efficient holiday returns are key to your business and its reputation. Ask your 3PL to review their returns policies and procedures to make sure you’re both on the same page before the Q1 “returns rush” hits.
DM Solution: Opt for Just-in-Time return labels at the request of your customers or choose to include a Return Service Tag in every outbound shipment. Returns are also included in our standard reports, so you are notified when a product is returned to our facility and when it’s back in inventory to be resold.
4. Seasonal fulfillment solutions
Are you planning any holiday promotions? Think about the materials you’ll need, including branded holiday promo items and custom marketing flyers to add a nice touch and help drive repeat business!
DM Solution: Take advantage of our on-demand, custom Instant Insert program delivered with your products to help drive sales and grow your business! To learn more, CLICK HERE.
5. New SKUs and packaging capabilities
Adding new SKUs to the mix is fun…until it’s not!
New SKU options and virtual bundles can give you a competitive advantage. Talk with your 3PL provider about strategies to avoid shipping disruptions and unexpected costs when introducing new SKUs. Keep in mind that packaging may need to change to accommodate the weight/size/dimensions of the new SKUs/bundles, which can impact cost.
DM Solution: Our Virtual Bundling capabilities allow you to immediately go live with an unlimited number of bundles made up of an unlimited number of SKUs, all while systematically managing your inventory at the item level for accurate inventory reporting.
Conclusion:
Don’t skip over these areas when preparing for the upcoming holiday season. Talk with your 3PL provider about custom packaging for peak season, bundle SKU management, returns management and cost-effective fulfillment solutions for new products. If you would like to chat with a real person about your 3PL needs, reach out below.
🙋♂️ Tyler Walton
📞 303-587-2575
📧 tyler.walton@distributionmgmt.com