eCommerce Shipping is the entire process by which an order is confirmed, created, and fulfilled. This process has a multitude of minute and complex tasks that ensure the system functions in a streamlined manner. These tasks include everything from warehousing to last-mile delivery. Ecommerce shipping companies must first handle stocking the inventory, creation and manifestation of orders, generation of shipping labels and order packing and picking. Only then the long process of final delivery begins which comes with its own set of tasks and challenges. To enable a truly seamless delivery experience for customers, eCommerce service providers must rely on the latest trends in ecommerce shipping. This usually means the inclusion of advanced technology, better collection of data and use of more strategic workflow.
Different Stages of eCommerce Shipping
Order Receipt
Receiving an order is a function that falls into 2 categories. The first is the receipt of the order on the ecommerce platform. This is when the customer makes their selection, enters their pin code details, and confirms their intent to purchase the order. The second is the creation of the order with the concerned shipping partner. Shipping partners are selected on the basis of the respective delivery destination and previous delivery data. Once the shipping partner has been chosen, the order is created on the shipping partner platform.
Order Processing
After the order has been created on the shipping partner’s platform, the shipping partner must process the order. The process of readying an order for pickup and delivery is called order manifestation. It may also include other labor tasks required for shipment, like unstocking and packaging the order.
Order Fulfillment
The actual transportation of an order can be a complex process. This can be doubly so for cross-border shipments. Reaching a wider customer base is an important element in the growth of any E-commerce business. So, a big part of eCommerce shipping is ensuring vehicles are available and orders can be tracked.
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