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Nobody is perfect when starting in e-commerce. This is not so bad in general, since you will learn from your mistakes. However, there are false moves that can cause unwanted costs if you lose customers or spend more money than necessary. Such mistakes should be avoided right from the start – we will point out two of them.
Inefficient shipping processes
Some of the most elementary mistakes in e-commerce are inefficient shipping processes. Inefficiency starts when items are not commissioned correctly, continues with packaging that does not protect the goods sufficiently and ends with deliveries that take way too long. What is annoying for your customer can cost you, the merchant, actual money: such inconveniences directly effect your customer satisfaction and consequenty your turnover.
When it comes to shipment, big players like Amazon or Zalando have set high standards. Customers will expect that same standard from you as well, whether you are a novice to e-commerce or an expert with long-term experience in mail-order business. An efficient ERP lets you automatize important standard processes with time-controlled actions. A picking process that guides your employee through the warehouse on the shortest route possible is one parameter that can help you avoid that items are commissioned incorrectly.
Often not enough: one provider for all needs
If all ordered articles are commissioned correctly, they need to be dispatched as soon as possible. For morst orders, well-known providers like DHL, UPS or Royal Mail seem adequate. More than 50 percent of all online-retailers rely on only one service provider – and waste money in the process, since shipping costs can be reduced in this area as well. A closer look at the tariff lists of different providers reveals that prices differ with parcel size, weight and shipping destination. Additional services such as tracking ids, dispatch to collection points or free choice of timed delivery cause additional costs, while not every provider may offer them.
For your successful start into e-commerce, efficient logistic processes are highly important. This is why you should settle for a powerful software that allows you to set up efficient processes right from the start. Choose your service providers according to your requirements. This way, you will set a solid foundation for quick growth and increasing turnovers right at your start into e-commerce.