Inventory Storage and Management
Inventory is stored off-site, enabling the small business owner to store a larger variety and quantity of inventory. The fulfillment center will receive and organize your inventory. Most have a web-based application where you can login and view your current inventory, as well as, the history of each item.
Automatic Order Fulfillment
Fulfillment warehouses usually accept shipping requests via a web-based application, by emailing your invoices or an order spreadsheets e-mailed directly to the warehouse. When the shipping requests are received, the items are automatically packaged and shipped to the customer. Most fulfillment warehouses have a web-based application where you can login to view the status of an order. Some warehouses even notify your customers of their order tracking numbers.
Return & Exchange Processing
In the world of e-commerce, where consumers aren't able to examine products before they are purchased, returns and exchanges are commonplace. Fulfillment centers manage returns and exchanges by examining the returned items. Then the items are placed back into inventory or into the damaged item bin.
Free You Up To Grow Your Business
The time that you normally spend packaging orders, tracking inventory, and dealing with returns, can now be focused on growing your business. Use this time to expand your product line, enhance your website, promote your business or expand into new markets.
You can find fulfillment centers online or in your local phone directory. Although all order fulfillment centers offer the same basic services, their individual methods and costs will help you choose one over the other.
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