Author: blogger

It might surprise you to learn that the average US household spends nearly $1,500 on clothing each year. This is great news for clothing brands, as there is a constant demand for new clothes all across the country. Dealing with this demand can be difficult, though, and understanding fashion industry logistics is essential.

Leveraging 3PL services can help take your performance to the next level, but not everyone understands what they need to know. Let’s explore the key information you should consider.

Cost Savings

One of the primary benefits of 3PL for clothing businesses is cost savings. Maintaining a warehouse on your own requires a level of capital that many businesses don’t have access to.

You would also need to budget for logistical vehicles, which cost a large amount of money to maintain. When outsourcing, though, they will handle these obligations for you.

You can also take advantage of reduced costs on large-volume shipment orders. This will help you minimize your overhead costs and allow you to reinvest the savings into other areas of your business. It’s worth noting that working with the right 3PL service can help you eliminate shipping errors.

These are expensive to correct when they occur, so it’s in your best interest to avoid them at all costs.

Scalability

As your clothing brand grows, so will its apparel fulfillment needs. If you want to scale your business successfully, it’s essential to have a plan in place that can help you accommodate the growing needs of your customers.

More often than not, this would involve either expanding your warehouse or relocating to a new one. Neither of these options comes at a low cost. A 3PL service has the capacity to manage your clothing company inventory no matter how fast your business grows.

Be sure to consider this when moving forward.

Increased Efficiency

It’s no secret that running a clothing business on your own can be very time-consuming.

Order tracking and inventory storage, for example, are responsibilities that can quickly add up on top of all the other obligations you have. Instead, let a third party handle them. This will free up time to focus on major responsibilities like product research and advertising.

As your efficiency increases, so will your revenue.

Improved Reach

There will often come a time when a clothing brand is ready to expand outside of its country.

3PL services have supply chain networks and warehouses across many different countries. This will help streamline international shipping, storage, and inventory delivery.

International expansion comes with many obstacles business owners need to avoid, so it’s best to have a professional on your side.

Peace of Mind

Outsourcing can provide you with much-needed peace of mind. The stress of running a clothing brand can sometimes cause entrepreneurs to burn out and give up entirely.

As long as you work with a reputable company, you’ll find that you have much more mental energy to dedicate to other areas of your business. This can help you scale much faster than anticipated.

How the Process Works

The process is simpler than most people believe.

First, you’ll need to find a reputable provider. They should be able to help you fully meet your goals while providing ongoing support. After you’ve found a business to work with, you will send them your inventory.

This will help them fulfill orders as soon as they get them. Your 3PL company will handle storage and warehousing, so you don’t need to worry about anything once you send the products. Once you begin to receive customer orders, the 3PL service can handle picking and packing for you.

They will have a comprehensive list of where all of your products are stored, allowing them to ship items as soon as possible.

Your 3PL provider will then handle shipping obligations. Depending on who you work with, they will either ship products themselves or outsource to a shipping provider. Determine this information before you make your choice.

Candidacy

Not every clothing brand is a prime candidate for 3PL services. However, there are certain metrics you can keep an eye out for to help you determine when it’s time to take the next step.

If you are regularly fulfilling over 10 orders a day, it’s time to upgrade to a 3PL service. This is generally around the time clothing companies will begin to become overwhelming for a single entrepreneur or small team.

If you sell to customers in other countries, you should also outsource your logistics responsibilities. As mentioned before, a professional can help you navigate the complications of international expansion.

Brands that want to offer expedited shipping are also prime candidates. People have become highly used to Amazon’s fast shipping speed, and it’s essential that you offer short shipping times to your customers.

Finding a Professional

When searching for someone to work with, consider their past reputation.

This will provide insight into what you can expect from them. Check what their clients had to say about shipping times, what their buyers have said about their experiences with their clothing brand, etc. They should also be easy to get in touch with and be willing to help you meet your goals.

The more interested they seem in your brand, the better service they will provide.

Don’t Overlook 3PL Services

Utilizing 3PL services is an amazing way to take your fashion brand’s performance to the next level.

Consider the above information so that you can determine when they’re appropriate and find the best professional to work with. Get in touch with us today at DDA Holdings. Our team has all of the necessary tools and resources to help you hit your target metrics.

When you think of successful fashion brands, Nike, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Adidas probably come to mind.

There’s one thing all profitable fashion brands have in common: an apparel fulfillment strategy. Many people start their fashion companies and fail because they don’t spend enough time focused on apparel inventory management. 

Distributing, shipping, order processing, and keeping your warehouse organized may not be the most glamorous side of running a fashion brand, but it is one of the most important. 

If you fail to invest in apparel fulfillment, your company will lose money faster than you can make it. 

As a brand owner and manager, it’s time you start focusing on the back end of production. Don’t know where to start? 

Well, you’ve come to the right place. This guide has all the information you need. Keep reading! 

Understand the Basics 

Apparel fulfillment isn’t just one factor. A lot goes into it, including storing, picking, packing, and shipping the clothing out.

It also includes the management of inventory. Knowing when to restock and when to get rid of dead stock is also part of this process and can make or break your business.

Having a strategy for order processing, packaging, and shipping can make all the difference when you’re trying to run a successful company. If your processes are disorganized, there’s a higher risk of mistakes and errors, leading to unhappy customers.

You also need to understand the basics of perfecting the handling of returns. 

The first step is to learn and understand the basics of all the processes. Ensuring that your team is knowledgeable and comfortable with the basics of appeal fulfillment will also increase your chances of being successful.

Fulfillment Model

As a brand owner, you’ll have to decide what the suitable fulfillment model is for you and your company.

The first option is self-fulfillment. If you choose this one, you will handle everything in-house. This will include inventory storage, packaging, shipping, and order processing.

The next option is third-party logistics (3PL). You will hire a professional who specializes in apparel fulfillment to manage your processes. They will manage all the operations for you.

They will be in charge of inventory, picking and packing all the products, and they will also ship the items on your behalf.

Working with a third-party company that is well-versed in inventory management will make all the difference. It will take a lot of stress off of you as well. You won’t have to worry about inventory management and apparel fulfillment being inefficient. 

Packaging and Shipping Method

Part of apparel fulfillment includes choosing what packaging you’re going to use and what shipping method is going to be the most beneficial for your company and consumers. 

There are some apparel products that may need extra packaging in order to keep them from getting ruined. For example, a leather jacket may need thicker packaging because it weighs more than your cotton or silk clothing. 

You also need to decide what shipping method you want to use. Some options will be more expensive than others but will provide more protection.

You’ll need to consider the speed of the shipment as well. Think about your customers. How fast do they want their products and are they willing to wait a few extra days?  

Find a Fulfillment Partner

Finding the right fulfillment partner should be at the top of your to-do list. 

There are several options out there, but they aren’t all worth your business. You’ll want to research before making a decision and be sure to ask a lot of questions.

Find out about their experience and reputation. They should be willing to share what technology they use and be upfront about what they can and cannot handle as a company.

A reputable company can provide you with references or case studies that show their track record and their success in the fashion industry. 

Test and Monitor Performance

There is always room for improvement when you’re running a business. Even if you feel your clothing inventory management processes are working well, you must take the time to test and monitor performance. 

Conducting trial runs and monitoring the fulfillment process can give you a lot of useful information. You can take the data that you gathered from the test runs and improve your systems and processes. 

Every so often, take the time to review your key performance indicators. You’ll want to evaluate your order accuracy, and the speed of your shipping, and always take customer feedback into consideration.

This information will allow you to make improvements as you go and keep your company from collapsing. 

Communicate with Consumers

Your fashion company is dependent on your customers. You want to do everything you can to build their trust and ensure that they are satisfied not only with the products but the entire process from placing the order to receiving it.

You’d be surprised by how much communicating with your consumers can boost customer satisfaction. Consider offering tracking information and be sure to list clear instructions for returns.

This may not seem like a huge factor when you’re focusing on fashion industry fulfillment. However, many companies and brands forget to consider communication and fail because of it. 

Apparel Fulfillment

Running a business is without a doubt challenging. There are a lot of factors to consider and one wrong decision could make or break your profits. 

The good news is working with a professional apparel fulfillment team will take a lot of stress off of you. Our company specializes in omnichannel fulfillment and can help you take your business to the next level. 

Don’t wait to take your company to the next level. Give us a call today!

When people think of the best package delivery service, they immediately think of Amazon. This is, after all, the company that does free shipping that arrives the same day or even overnight. Despite the tremendous cost of maintaining such a massive logistics network, Amazon plans to invest another billion dollars into its improvement.

However, its blistering fast delivery services pale in comparison to what makes it truly brilliant: its legendary inventory management. After all, Amazon has very few first-party products. Nearly everything they ship is in fulfillment for other companies.

The point is proper inventory and fulfillment services can do a lot to grow your business. Keep reading as we discuss how a fashion retailer benefits from outsourcing the inventory management process.

Inventory Management Services Reduces Overstocking and Shortages

Logistics are very prone to shortages. Just take a look at the events of the past few years. Delays in manufacturing and shipping at origin led to worldwide delays for all industries.

This is especially apparent for small apparel and fashion brands. Fast fashion trends have led to huge surges in purchases at online clothes retailers. When handling thousands of payments, shipments, and even returns, it can quickly get overwhelming.

Even knowing that shipments are delayed, customers can be impatient. If you are unable to anticipate a delay in the pipeline, you may receive order cancelations.

Falsely anticipating higher throughput can also lead to overstocking. Overstocking wastes precious warehouse space and takes more manpower to organize and track.

This push and pull could lead to unpredictable overstocking and shortages. Companies can alleviate a great deal of the load by contracting inventory management providers and distributors.

It Allows You to Focus on What’s More Important

As a budding fashion retailer, you have a lot on your plate. It’s not just the design of new product lineups and sourcing the materials to make them. You have to handle tricky manufacturing issues and market your product.

All of this is to say that you have less energy and time to handle the inventory management system. Remember Amazon as an example. The vast majority of their business model is about inventory management, fulfillment, and distribution.

Building your own warehouse and distribution system can be incredibly tricky, even relying on existing shipping providers. At least in the beginning, it can significantly reduce your business capabilities. That’s why it’s best to let somebody else handle it.

Fulfillment-centric businesses have honed their ability to handle every step of the process. They can fulfill orders from credit card processing to shipping. And if you choose the right company, they likely have experience with brands similar to your own.

It Allows You to Take Advantage of Modern Automation

Going back to Amazon as an example, their warehouses make full use of automation. Machines are able to handle virtually everything, from order processing to order picking. Needless to say, automation makes the job faster and more efficient. 

Now, the most important automation happens with software. Employees no longer need to waste time with manual data entry or error correction. Orders can process in seconds, and shipments not long after.

Even in a warehouse that uses human pickers, things are far more efficient than ever before. The faster you can process and ship orders, the better. If you build a reputation for prompt service, your customers will take note.

It Maintains a High Level of Accuracy

Mistakes and errors in shipments happen all the time. For the customer, they are a mere inconvenience. But for businesses, they amount to large losses in revenue. 

It takes a lot of money to correct transit errors. Packages get lost. Orders get confused, resulting in customers receiving the wrong orders.

Just a single order mistake can cost a lot of money. But having so many orders wrong at the same time can take a huge bite out of your ROI. So, avoid these issues by having a third-party handle your inventory management.

A small business suffers the most when order accuracy is poor. Large companies can afford to have significant losses. But when you don’t have that privilege, a series of bad orders could make a lean year worse.

Contract your work out to inventory management services, and you will get a very high rate of reliability. After all, they have to do a good job to get your business. This means making sure mistakes are comparatively rare.

It Creates a Happy Customer Base

As a fashion retailer, you have a ton of competition. There are literally thousands of clothing brands being created every year. Many of them originate from foreign countries which can afford to drop their prices very low.

Competition is fierce in fashion, whether it’s luxury or fast fashion. Customers pay close attention to how companies treat them. People can leave vicious online reviews that will stay on review sites for years to come.

It’s important to prioritize your customers from day one. Building a strong, loyal customer base is something you can’t buy with money. It’s something that you cultivate over the course of years with high-quality products and good service.

A great deal of the frustration that customers experience comes down to order and shipping issues. Don’t drive away customers with a bad experience getting their product to them. If you make this whole process as painless as possible, they will recommend you to all of their friends.

Work with DDA Holdings

Inventory management is the core of all great retailers. If you have an effective and efficient means of controlling inventory in and out, your ROI will reflect it. Consider outsourcing your inventory management to a company that specializes in servicing fashion retailers.

At DDA Holdings, we handle the entire process of inventory management for you. We have three tiers of management services to best assist your fashion retailer business. Contact us today to see how we can help you provide unparalleled fulfillment.

The e-commerce logistics industry is expected to grow by 22.3% from 2023 to 2030. Many more e-commerce companies are relying on logistics to fulfill orders these days. 

If you own an online apparel business or any other type of business that sells products online, then you’ll want to understand what a logistics company is. When handling logistics in a company, a logistics provider can provide warehousing and help fulfill orders for your business. They can make overall operations much easier to handle.

So what is a logistics company and what do logistics companies do exactly? In this tell-all guide, we’ll explain what you should know about using a logistics company.

What Is a Logistics Company?

A third-party logistics (3PL) provider is a company that will fulfill and process orders for a business and will provide various services that relate to logistics. These companies can offer warehousing services and will pick, pack, and ship orders for businesses they work with. They can also help coordinate the movement of supplies.

When a merchant receives an order, a logistics company can do all of the heavy lifting and can pack and prepare the products that have been sold. They can then work with carriers to ship the items to the customer and ensure that they get them in a reasonable time frame.

Working with a logistics company can be very beneficial for fashion brands and e-commerce businesses. They can provide services quickly and efficiently.

With quick fulfillment, 3PL companies can boost customer satisfaction. This can allow merchants to focus on other important tasks in their businesses, such as marketing and developing new products. 

Why Partner With a Logistics Provider?

There are many reasons why you may decide to work with a 3PL.

The main reason to switch to using third-party logistics is that it can help to improve efficiency. If you’ve been struggling to keep up with the volume of orders you’ve been receiving or if your business suffers from slow delivery issues, then you might want to hire a professional company to help with logistics.

Depending on the size of your business, it can be tough to fulfill all of the orders you receive in a timely manner. A 3PL can help you manage this aspect of your business and ensure that you never leave customers waiting too long for a product.

What Do Logistics Companies Do?

There are many benefits of partnering with a 3PL. Here’s why you should consider it.

Warehousing

One of the top benefits of partnering with a logistics company is that they can provide warehouse space.

Business warehousing is a very important part of logistics. Working with a logistics partner that provides warehousing can allow you to store your products without needing to pay for additional storage space to manage inventory on your own.

For fashion brands and e-commerce businesses that have little room for inventory, working with a logistics company can be a great solution. Doing so can cut down on the rental costs that you pay and can also reduce the stress associated with managing inventory on your own.

Packaging Products

Fulfilling customer orders and packaging items in a sensible and safe way is essential when running a business.

A professional 3PL will have the process of packaging and shipping products down pat. They’ll have reliable staff and the needed technology to fulfill orders with accuracy.

A 3PL can meet any level of customer demand that’s necessary for your business’ level of activity.

Transporting and Shipping Items

Handling the actual logistics of getting products to your customers and transporting packages from Point A to Point B can be tricky.

A logistics company will have the necessary, equipment, resources, and relationships to ship and transport items in the most efficient way. They’ll be able to get products to customers quickly. They’ll help ensure that customers don’t have to wait long after placing an order to actually receive the items they bought.

Provides Flexibility

Another benefit of working with a logistics company for supply chain management is that they can be flexible.

A 3PL can change its activities based on customer demand at any given time. If you have slow times during the year or if customer demand grows suddenly, a professional logistics company will be able to keep up. They can scale their services based on your needs and can make changes as necessary. 

A 3PL can also make changes to shipping routes and transportation plans if there are any disruptions in the supply chain. 

Choosing a Logistics Company

When choosing a logistics company to work with, there are many factors to consider. Here are some of the most important things to look for.

• Capabilities: The company you hire should have the specific services, transportation methods, and capabilities that you need
• Customer Service: A 3PL should provide excellent customer service and should be easy to communicate with
• Technology: A 3PL should have modern technology that will offer real-time information and synchronize with your business ordering system
• Reputation and Reliability: A logistics company should have a great reputation and should be known for reliability
• Price: Ensure that a logistic company’s pricing is clear and that it will work for your budget

Take the time to evaluate a logistics company carefully when hiring them. There are many logistics companies out there. Don’t choose a partner to work with until you’re sure you’ll be satisfied with the service that they provide.

Understanding Logistics in a Company

So what is a logistics company and what do logistics companies do? If you need help handling logistics for your e-commerce business, then a 3PL can be a great help. A 3PL can help improve the efficiency of logistics in a company. They can help ensure that your customers receive products on time and are satisfied with the service you provide.

Want to learn more about business fulfillment services? Read this blog post now to find out more about what we can do for you.

Are you struggling to manage your company’s supply chain? Are you experiencing transportation delays, inventory management issues, or supply chain disruptions?

Logistics in a company plays a crucial role in a company’s success, as it involves the movement of goods from suppliers to customers. However, managing logistics can be challenging. This is true due to transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and supply chain optimization.

Effective logistics management can benefit a business significantly. For example, efficiency, reduced costs, improved customer satisfaction, and better inventory management. That’s what this article is about.

Businesses can optimize processes by researching options on the market. This is followed by choosing a provider that aligns with their needs and values. Read on to learn more.

What Is a Logistics Company?

A logistics company specializing in transportation, warehousing, and distribution.

It is responsible for managing the movement of products from one point to another. This ensures they reach their intended destination on time and in good condition.

Logistics companies use various transportation modes. For instance, trucks, ships, and planes move products across the supply chain.

Logistics companies play a vital role in the supply chain. They provide a wide range of services that include:

Transportation

Logistics companies make sure that goods are transported efficiently and effectively. They coordinate the movement of products from one location to another using different modes of transport.

Warehousing

Logistics companies provide storage facilities for products. This ensures they are kept in the right conditions until they are ready for distribution.

Inventory Management

Logistics companies manage inventory levels. This guarantees that products are available when needed and that there are no stockouts or excess inventory.

Order Fulfillment

Order fulfillment is a crucial part of the supply chain process. Logistics companies ensure customer orders are fulfilled accurately, on time, and correct quantity.

Supply Chain Visibility

Logistics companies provide real-time visibility into the supply chain. Thus, allowing businesses to track their products at every stage of the distribution process.

Logistics in a Company

Logistics in a company plays a critical role in the success of any business. It helps businesses to optimize their supply chain. This reduces costs and improves customer satisfaction.

Logistics companies use their knowledge to ensure products are delivered in good condition. By hiring a logistics company, businesses can benefit from their experience in managing the movement of goods.

There are four main types of logistics:

1. inbound logistics
2. outbound logistics
3. reverse logistics
4. third-party logistics

Inbound logistics refers to transporting, storing, and delivering goods coming into a business. It includes managing raw materials, components, and other supplies needed to produce goods.

Outbound logistics refers to the movement of finished goods from a business to the end customer. It includes the management of order processing, packing, and delivery of goods.

Reverse logistics refers to the process of managing the return of products from the end customer to the manufacturer or retailer. It includes product recalls, repairs, and recycling.

Third-party logistics (3PL) refers to outsourcing logistics services to a specialized logistics company. 3PL providers offer various services, including transportation, warehousing, and inventory management.

Key Components of Logistics

The critical logistics components include:

1. transportation
2. warehousing
3. inventory management
4. order fulfillment
5. supply chain visibility

Transportation is a critical component of logistics. It involves the movement of products from one location to another using different modes of transport.

Warehousing involves storing goods in a warehouse or distribution center until they are ready.

Inventory management involves the administration of stock levels. This is to guarantee that products are available when needed and that there are no stockouts or excess inventory.

Order fulfillment involves the management of customer orders, order processing, packing, and delivery. Many companies hire a logistics company just for this.

Supply chain visibility provides real-time visibility into the supply chain. This allows businesses to track their products at every stage of the distribution process.

It helps companies to identify potential issues and resolve them quickly. This ensures that products are delivered on time and in good condition.

Challenges in Logistics Management

Logistics management is not without its challenges. Common challenges include:

1. transportation delays
2. inventory management issues
3. supply chain disruptions
4. cost management

Transportation delays can occur due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen events. These delays can cause product shortages, delivery delays, and transportation costs.

Inventory management issues can arise due to inaccurate forecasting. This comes with poor demand planning or inadequate inventory tracking systems. These issues can lead to stockouts, excess inventory, or obsolescence.

Supply chain disruptions can occur due to natural disasters, political unrest, or other events that affect the flow of goods. These disruptions can cause delays, increased costs, and damage a company’s reputation.

Cost management is a critical challenge in logistics management. Businesses need to balance the cost of transportation, warehousing, and inventory management. This is balanced against the cost of lost sales, stockouts, and excess inventory.

Benefits of Effective Logistics Management

Logistics management can provide several benefits to a business. Some of the benefits include:

Effective logistics can help businesses streamline their supply chain. This reduces the time and cost of moving products. Efficient logistics management can help businesses to reduce their transportation and inventory costs.

It can also help businesses improve their delivery times and product quality. This leads to higher customer satisfaction.

Besides that, it helps businesses to optimize their inventory levels. This reduces the risk of stockouts and excess inventory.

Trends in Logistics

Logistics is a dynamic and constantly evolving field. Some of the current trends in logistics include:

Businesses increasingly focus on reducing their environmental footprint. Green logistics involves using eco-friendly transportation modes and reducing waste in the supply chain.

The growth of e-commerce has led to an increased demand for last-mile delivery services. Logistics companies are investing in technologies such as drones and autonomous vehicles. This is done to improve their last-mile delivery capabilities.

Logistics companies embrace digitalization and automation to streamline their supply chain operations. This includes the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics.

Logistics companies collaborate with other businesses and partners to optimize their supply chain. This includes sharing data, resources, and expertise.

Logistics for the Future

Logistics in a company is a critical component of any business. Effective logistics management can help businesses to optimize their supply chain. It helps to reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. t evolving customer expectations.

In conclusion, logistics is a vital component of any business involving goods’ movement. Get in touch with us if you’re interested in full-service management and logistics for apparel brands.

There are tens of millions of small businesses in the United States. If you want yours to stand out, you have to make sure you’re delivering your products at a fast rate. 

But how can you keep up with all of your competitors? Especially under the pressure of storing, packing, and delivering all of your own products. How are you supposed to keep up with the busy side of things if you have to deal so much with the practicals? 

This is where fulfillment services come in. But what are fulfillment services? And how can they benefit your business? 

Keep reading for more info. 

What Are Fulfillment Services? 

Fulfillment services are a category of services that involves gathering orders, logging them, dealing with the warehouse, packaging the orders, and shipping them off. It’s essential the process of “fulfilling” your customer’s orders. 

These are sometimes called “logistics” services as well, because they take a lot of coordination and understanding. These businesses deal with inventory management, supply chain management, processing orders, quality control, and sometimes even customer support. 

Because of this fulfillment companies often have to deal with several different companies in order to make sure your orders are fulfilled. 

Inventory

Any bit of inventory that comes in needs to be examined. Your products won’t be at the top of their game unless every element of them are up-to-par. You might not have enough time to do this when you’re running fulfillment by yourself, which can result in negative customer experiences and a decrease in your reputation. 

Storage Service

As your business grows, you might not know where to put all of your stuff. Because of this, your business can get sluggish and not complete customer requests quickly. If your business gets a reputation for being slow, you might just lose business 

A great fulfillment center knows which items to put in short-term storage and which to put in long-term storage. 

Packing

Packing can cause a lot more stress than you might even realize. Packing materials are key to measuring because a miscalculation in the weight of a package could result in shipping that’s sub-optimal. You might not be able to fit as many packages on your truck as you could, which could cause you problems when it comes to speed. 

Customers might want to return your products. If you don’t have the systems in place to let them do this, they can become unhappy with your business and go to your competitors. Fulfillment services allow you to provide this service as well. 

Shipping

There are many options when it comes to shipping a product. You might have to go through Fed Ex, the US Postal Service, your own delivery trucks, planes, boats, etc. The amounts of people you might have to interact with to ship your products are endless, and the number of problems you can run into are just as many. 

Delivery

Of course, once all of the above has been accomplished, you have to actually deliver the products to your customers. As stated above in the shipping section, you might use several different resources when it comes to the world of delivery. You also might use a different company for delivery than you do in the world of shipping. 

“Delivery” usually involves the last mile of a delivery service. Shipping is sending the product from your warehouse to a location central to your customer, and delivery is when the product is actually brought to your customers’ locations. When you order something and it’s said to be “out for delivery” this is what it means. 

Types of Order Fulfillment 

As you can see above, fulfillment services are all about making sure your business is executing to the top of its ability. However, different types of order fulfillment are beneficial for different people. 

Self Fulfillment

Self fulfillment is likely what you have going on right now. You might not have the language to use the term “fulfillment” yet, and might not think about it in these terms; but if you’re sending out products to your customers, you’re dealing with order fulfillment.

You might as well embrace this aspect of business, and start organizing around the idea of “fulfillment.” 

Third Party Fulfillment 

Third party fulfillment is when you hire a company to handle your fulfillment for you. It’s essentially the type of fulfillment you just read about above. 

Our own fulfillment services are a third party service that can provide your fulfillment for you. There are different levels of service, however, for you to use depending on what your business needs. If you’re pretty good at handling fulfillment services, and enjoy the advantage of learning more about the process, you can go with a less hands-on service. 

Drop Shipping

Drop shipping is a very contemporary way to make fulfillment work for a business. In businesses that make use of drop shipping, a business doesn’t actually keep stock of the product that it sells.

The business is responsible for advertising a product, setting the standards for a product and creating the overall experience for the customer. The creation, handling, and shipping of the product are done by someone else. 

Obviously, this is a very 21st-century way o handling business, as it can really only work if you have an online store. 

However, we recommend going with a third party service rather than drop shipping, unless you completely start a business around drop shipping. It will keep your profit margins high.

The Best Fulfillment Services

At the end of the day, fulfillment services are about making sure that you deliver your products to your customer quickly and at the top of their game. Invest in a great fulfillment service, and you have a great model for a business. 

For more information on fulfillment services, contact us today. 

Online orders represent a huge part of sales in the United States. Every day, Amazon sells 1.6 million products. 

Whether you are new to the order fulfillment industry or looking to brush up on the basics of inventory management, you came to the right place. Read on to learn how to sell products online while improving the customer experience for your buyers. 

What Is Order Management?

Does your brand sell products online? In today’s modern economy, it almost certainly does. 

Order management, also known as order processing, refers to the tracking and receiving of a customer’s order. Order management is an incredibly important part of managing any sales-related business. 

Here are a few reasons why order management is so important. First, the ordering process is an important part of inventory management. Order management allows you to avoid overstocking issues. 

Second, order management affects customer satisfaction and retention. Shipping errors can lead to wrong products being shipped to the wrong customer. This can adversely affect the relationship your business has with customers. 

Finally, order management affects your company’s bottom line. Improper orders waste resources.

How Does Order Processing Work?

One important component of order fulfillment is order processing. This includes sorting, packing, and shipping, among other steps. All of these steps are monitored through distribution management. 

First, the order comes through. Then it is sent along via the fulfillment team to be prepared for shipment. Customers place orders over the phone, in person, or through an online service. 

Packages are updated and shipped as needed before arriving at the final location. 

Do You Need an Order Management System?

One common question companies ask about the order fulfillment process is whether they need an OMS. An order management system uses management software to handle orders through one interface. 

The system streamlines the order process. It also eliminates errors. An order management system is especially important for businesses that use multiple channels for sales. 

Benefits of OMS

When you have an OMS, there are many benefits. The top one is long-term cost savings. Eliminating human errors reduces costly mistakes. 

OMS software also frees up management to handle other important tasks. Cost savings also include reduces inventory control costs and overhead costs. 

OMS also reduces stress at your warehouse. Workers won’t feel overwhelmed by high volumes of inventory. The automation offered by OMS can help with worker retention and satisfaction. 

OMS also helps on the customer satisfaction end. Customers benefit from speedy order fulfillment. 

Customers are unlikely to shop with businesses that deliver late orders. Prompt order fulfillment can help increase sales by 10% or more. 

In short, OMS can transform your ordering processes, which can lead to higher sales. 

What Is Order Fulfillment?

Order fulfillment refers to the process of receiving and shipping orders. Usually, this process occurs entirely within a business’ warehouse. The tasks are completed by workers or an outsourced team. 

Order Picking is the first step in the process. This refers to when a customer places an order. Someone needs to pick up the product from the warehouse. 

Sounds simple, right? Picking up the order is a huge factor when it comes to lead time. If you own a warehouse with millions of products, the task can quickly become daunting. 

If your company does not use best practices, you could be failing to optimize customer satisfaction. 

Order packing is often a tedious task. Proper packing requires using the right materials and labels to package products. All of this has to be done without adding significantly to the weight of the product.  

Labels are also important for documenting the contents of the package prior to shipment. Labels should include weight, dimensions, and other qualities. 

The last step, of course, involves shipping. You will need to consider which shipping carrier you want to use. Shopping around can help your company safe significantly. 

Tips for Improving the Order Fulfillment Process

There are many tricks to improving order fulfillment. Here are the four most effective. 

The first tip is to integrate your software. This cuts down on human error.

Integrated software also streamlines the fulfillment process. This is because orders will not have to be printed and tracked manually. 

You can also avoid unexpected hassles by only working with established companies. Shipping fulfillment times are more important than ever. Less established companies are less likely to have a good system for tracking packages. 

Some may be able to guarantee delivery. Many won’t, though. You are likely better off going with a big-name company. 

Be mindful of warehouse locations. This can play a big role in fulfillment times.

If you work with multiple warehouse locations, stick with one near your target market. This will ensure that your customers don’t become frustrated.

Finally, stay in constant contact with your valued customers. Next, let’s look at order fulfillment and management. Here are some tools that can make your job easier. 

Learn More Tips for Improving Order Fulfillment

Now that you know the basics of order fulfillment, make sure that you are working with a reputable company. DDA Holdings was founded in 1998 in downtown Los Angeles, California. We understand that fashion is both an art and a business. 

DDA Holdings is an expert in management, customers, and distribution. We understand that every designer is unique. This is why our services are fully customizable. 

To learn more about what DDA Holdings can do for you, contact our office today. We look forward to serving your distribution needs. 

Studies show that the fashion industry is worth about 3 trillion dollars. There are a lot of people who are new to the industry and want to find new ways to make their businesses succeed. 

Do you want to scale your fashion brand, turning your vision into something even bigger? If so, working with a distribution company may be just what you need to take your brand to the next level.

If you want to know how distributors are beneficial to fashion brands, keep reading. We will explore the ins and outs of how distributors work.

How Do Distributors Work?

Distribution companies are the middlemen between manufacturers and retailers. Manufacturers make the products, whereas retailers sell them. They require having an organized process and value the relationships on the selling and purchasing ends. 

Distributors are responsible for delivering products to retailers. This means handling shipping,  customer service and sales support. Here is a step-by-step guide explaining how this works at each different level.

Agreement

The first step in the distributorship process is to establish an agreement. You need to settle on one that works for the manufacturer and the distributor. This includes the terms; the product range, pricing, and sales targets.

Product Purchase

Once this agreement is in place, the distributor purchases products from the manufacturer at a discounted price. The manufacturer is responsible for producing and delivering the products to the distributor. 

A client shouldn’t ever have to worry about the logistics or supply chain. The distributor will take care of shipping, storing, or receiving products.

Sales 

The distributor is responsible for selling the products to the retailers. This requires the proper training and support.

Customer Service

The distributor is also responsible for handling customer service. This includes resolving any issues and handling returns.

This can be a huge weight off of the shoulders of fashion companies. Because professionals are handling the situation, it can result in happier customers.

Payment and Reporting

The distributor is responsible for paying the manufacturer for the products they purchase. They should also provide regular sales and inventory reports. 

Fashion Distribution

When it comes to fashion, distributors play a crucial role in helping brands reach a wider audience. They can help fashion brands get their products into new places. Brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers, and department stores are all options for your brand.

Distributors can also provide valuable market insights. This helps brands expand into new territories that they might not have thought about. 

Examples of Fashion Distribution

There are a few different types of fashion distribution to consider. Each type of distribution has its own benefits and challenges.

The best approach for a brand will depend on its goals, target market, and resources. Fashion brands can grow their business by choosing the right type of distribution.

Wholesale Distribution

Wholesale distribution is a common form of fashion distribution. The distributor purchases products from the manufacturer at a discounted price in bulk. They then turn and sell them to retailers who want their products.

This is the most common form of fashion distribution. Many well-known fashion brands utilize it. 

Exclusive Distribution

This is a form of fashion distribution where the distributor has the right to distribute the manufacturer’s products within a specific geographical area. This is a selective form of distribution that allows the distributor to focus on a specific market of their choice. This helps build a strong relationship with retailers in that area that you will be able to utilize. 

Online Distribution

Online distribution is a quickly growing form of fashion distribution. It involves selling products through e-commerce websites or marketplaces.

These can include shops such as Amazon and eBay. This lets fashion brands reach a wider audience. They can then sell products to customers around the world. 

Direct-to-Consumer Distribution

Direct-to-consumer distribution is a distribution strategy where manufacturers directly sell products. Bypassing traditional retail channels is a growing trend in the fashion industry. Fashion companies are now selling their products to customers through their own websites.

Benefits of Using a Distributor

While there are people who have a hard time letting go of their business, there are benefits to hiring a company to help. There are several reasons why a brand may choose to work with a distribution company. Here are a few things that you can expect if you make the jump. 

Reach a Wider Audience

Distributors have established relationships with retailers that establish trust. This can really help brands get their products in front of a wider audience.

Save Time and Effort

Distributors handle the day-to-day operations of shipping products to retailers. This frees up time and effort for brands to focus on design and product development. Everyone wants time to really develop their business how they dreamed. 

Improved Customer Service

Distributors handle the important operations of getting products to customers. This does include customer service and support as well. It can really improve the overall customer experience and help build customer loyalty.

Access to Marketing and Sales Support

Distributors have a wealth of wisdom and expertise in sales, marketing, and distribution. They can provide helpful support and guidance to help brands succeed. This is including product training, merchandising support, and marketing materials.

Increased Product Visibility

Distributors can help improve product visibility by showcasing products in their showrooms. They can also attend trade shows, and do marketing campaigns. This can help increase brand awareness and drive sales up because people see your products more. 

Reduce Costs

Brands can reduce costs associated with distribution and logistics, by working with a distributor. They can cut back on shipping, handling, and storage. 

Grow Internationally

Distributors can help brands expand into new international markets that are different. They help with providing market insights and navigating local regulations and customs.

What Is It Like To Work With a Distributor?

Working with a distributor can be a really positive and helpful experience for a fashion brand. Distributors have resources that can provide valuable support and guidance to help brands succeed. Below are some things that you can expect when you work with a distributor. 

Establishing a Partnership

The first step in working with a distributor is to establish a lasting partnership. This involves negotiating the terms of the agreement like the product range, pricing, and sales targets. 

Collaboration and Communication

Effective communication is key to a successful partnership with a distributor so you know what to expect. Brands should work closely with their distributor. This ensures that they have transparency with their goals and expectations.

Customization and Adaptability 

Especially when it comes to fashion, every brand is unique. A good distribution company should be able to be customizable to meet the specific needs of each brand. The distributor should adapt and be able to make changes as needed to support the brand’s growth and success. 

Product Training and Support

Distributors can provide valuable product training and support to the sellers. This can include product demonstrations, merchandising support, and marketing materials. The staff needs to be knowledgeable. 

Sales and Marketing

Distributors can help brands reach new customers. They can drive sales through their established relationships with retailers and their products. Their expertise in sales and marketing in the industry is helpful. 

Keep Your Passion

Distributors handle the day-to-day operations of getting things to retailers. This can include handling returns, resolving customer issues, and providing product information.

Working with a distributor can be a very positive experience for a fashion brand. Distributors can provide the help that you need so you just worry about the fashion. By working closely with a reputable distributor, fashion brands can ensure that they are able to reach their full potential.

Hire a Distribution Company Today

Working with a distribution company can be an amazing partnership for fashion brands. Distributors can help brands reach a bigger audience, save time, and provide valuable marketing and sales support. By leveraging the expertise and resources of a distribution company, fashion brands can reach new levels of success.

Contact us for more about how you can transform your company today.