What is ECommerce logistics?

While the world was battling Covid-19, and struggling with new norms of social distancing, eCommerce platforms were able to overcome all the obstacles and deliver essential goods to people at their doorstep. Not many industries have seen a sea change as those in eCommerce logistics, in the past couple of years.

The pressure to keep up with the flaring demands of the customers paved the way for innovations to take place within the logistics sector. In the year 2020 itself, the growth in the eCommerce sector was accelerated by a decade. According to several eCommerce, providers, the trend of virtual buying is here to stay, and it is important that businesses have an online presence.

 But what is eCommerce logistics? How does one manage eCommerce logistics? Read everything you need to know about managing eCommerce logistics in this article.

What is eCommerce logistics?

Ecommerce logistics is defined as the supply chain of a company’s online customer orders being fulfilled. It is the process of getting a product from the point of manufacturing to the point at which it is delivered to consumers. It involves managing inventory, shipping, warehousing, and distribution.

An eCommerce company  has an effective management system when it comes to logistics. They need to manage their inventories, plan and forecast so that they do not run out of products during peak sales periods. They are required to have a system in place for shipping products both domestically and internationally,  and also for warehousing them when necessary. Finally, it is for them to ensure that distribution channels continues to run efficiently and are reliable,that ascertaining timely delivery of goods to customers.

Customer’s expectations for fast delivery and low prices have now changed which changed the whole way of looking at ecommerce logistics. To keep up the changing dynamics of business here are some ways that cam assist you optimize your logistics operations for a better customer satisfaction and improved delivery experience

How to operate and run eCommerce logistics?                                                                                          

1. Know your customers:

The first step towards managing eCommerce logistics is to know your customers and their expectations. This will help you figure out what kind of shipping service they need. Offer them various delivery options to assess what suits them best.

2. Understanding international deliveries:

When it comes to international deliveries, there are several things that you need to understand. Firstly, there is a difference between international and domestic deliveries and how these affect different modes of transportation like air and sea freight services, speed and so on. Next, one must understand the nuances of shipping goods internationally as it differs from country to country. There is also an issue with customs that needs attention as this might lead to delays in deliveries as well as customs duties and taxes on some items.

3. Keep tabs on your inventory:

Tracking your inventory is vital for any kind of business but for eCommerce logistics, where products need to be delivered fast, it becomes even more important. It helps keep track of stock levels and reorder times while also reducing losses due to theft and damage done by suppliers/customers/theft etc., during transit.

4. Choose a reliable logistics partner:

One of the most important aspects of managing eCommerce logistics is to have a reliable and dependable shipping partner. There are many companies that offer domestic, international, and even air freight services. Take your time in researching these companies to identify the best for your needs. For businesses that sell internationally, it is essential to have a reliable international shipping company for handling orders coming from other countries. Remember, there are different rules and regulations for each country, so it is important to figure out which country you will be exporting from before finalizing a shipping company.