You can’t be a great product company if you don’t get products to customers on time. All you’ll do is lose customers due to frustration and see your business decline.
The problem is that setting up a supply chain isn’t easy. It’s why 90% of Fortune 500 companies use third-party logistics in some form in their supply chain.
With how important shipping is to running a product business, you can’t afford to make the wrong choice when you choose a logistics provider. Read the short guide below to learn how to filter your options for logistics providers and find a fantastic partner.
Check the Number of Services
There is a lot that goes into a supply chain. You have to store products in a warehouse, be able to find them quickly, and ship products to the correct location. Your supply chain partner can help you with as many or as few of those tasks as you need.
Figure out what you need with a logistics partner. Do you only want help with part of the process, or do you want to work with a full-service provider? Once you understand your needs, find a logistics company that offers every service your company requires.
Learn About Shipping Specialties
There are many products you can throw in a box, add some filler to protect the package, and ship to your customers. However, that won’t be the case for every product.
If you have products that have special requirements to ship safely, not every company will be able to meet your needs. Look for a provider with experience handling common logistics problems with your product type to ensure your provider knows how to handle your offering.
Consider Shipping Reach
It’s one thing to ship a product a few states over. It’s another thing to have coverage for the entire county and be able to shop globally.
You need to know your logistic company’s reach if you plan to grow your company beyond where you are now. You need a provider with connections worldwide and can easily ship your products across the globe.
Learn How Much You’ll Pay
It’s not cheap to ship products. You must pay for warehouse workers, packing materials, and shipping fees.
That adds to a lot of packing and labor expenses.
Many logistics companies charge things in different ways. You’ll need to create a logistics service budget and find a company that meets your expectations. Just be sure you get value for what you pay and don’t pay the lowest option out there.
Read Customer Testimonials
Reading online reviews is a great way to learn more about a company, and a third party logistics company is no different. Many people post their impressions of companies online and discuss their pros and cons.
You can use those reviews to learn information about companies that you wouldn’t otherwise get. Make sure you consider these reviews to avoid making a bad choice.
Do Your Research When You Choose a Logistics Provider
Your supply chain is critical to get right. You can’t properly serve your customers if you can’t reliably get your products to their doors. All you’ll do is frustrate people and lose customers.
The right logistics partner can help you offer excellent service and ship your products on time. Use the tips above when you choose a logistics provider to find the perfect partner for your needs.
Head back to the blog to find more great tips that will help you run a better company.
