February 2020

February 18, 2020

How To Shine With Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime!

SJoyAdmin Blog amazon, fulfilled, prime, seller

Outsourcing Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime and Scaling Your Business

You know the hassles that can occur when ordering something from Amazon not fulfilled by Prime. Packages can be delayed, lost or damaged making delivery more challenging. Not to mention eCommerce owners and profit margins can take a hike. However, ShipJoy has solutions for scaling your business and protecting your assets. Here you can take the new road, scaling your online business. It’s time to shine with Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime!

What’s the Difference Between FBA and SFP?

The difference between FBA or Fulfillment by Amazon and SFP or Seller Fulfilled Prime are: Amazon ships and fills your orders versus you shipping or outsourcing and meeting the demands of both consumer and program. By not using Amazon as your inventory center or warehouse you’ll benefit in more ways than one.

How Can eCommerce Owners Benefit?

Some ways you can benefit becoming an SFP is being in control. You and ShipJoy can pick, pack and ship items to the consumer avoiding costly delays, mishandling and other logistical nightmares. You’ll also provide quality in shipping to your customers. In addition, you’ll be trumping Amazon’s algorithms resulting in higher rank and potentially qualify for the Buy Box.

What is the Buy Box?

The Buy Box is a cute set of words which Amazon seeks advantages with product and buyer. Advantages can be least expensive seller, type of shipping offered or availability of goods. Amazon decides based on their criteria, awarding sellers the best of all worlds. If you own an eCommerce business, you’ll want to get in on the action as much as possible because, the Buy Box ultimately creates more profits for the seller.

Become an Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime company and outsource your shipping giving both you and your customers the win-win.

Buckle Down with ShipJoy

Just like the Buy Box, the seller must meet all requirements to qualify for seller fulfilled prime services. Outsourcing your shipping to a reliable company like ShipJoy buckles you up, meeting Amazon’s rules. Here are the rules you must meet and follow for SFP.

Requirements for Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime:

Complete and maintain your professional selling account with Amazon.
Must send out at least 30–premium shipping orders within 30-days or less. Both One-Day and Two-Day Shipping are key. This is where a good company like ShipJoy places you ahead of your competition.
Select your buy shipping service delivery partners and set up designated times of 4:00 PM or later. The correct partners would be USPS, FEDEX and UPS to name a few.
Maintain a 4.5-star rating or higher
Provide valid tracking i.d. numbers
Have less than 1% shipping order cancellations
Deliver on time.
Provide Amazon with details on your recent orders including ID number, printing labels and how you manage your orders.
Provide SKU’s to the prime trial orders

You’re on a 90-Day Probation with Amazon

Falling behind the ball on any of these requirements within 90-days could lead to cancellation or termination of your privilege. Leave the shipping to the company leading your progress. ShipJoy is on the inside track for the ASF program and will ultimately help you shine all the way to the bank.

While these may seem like strict guidelines, partnering with an excellent shipping company such as ShipJoy helps you stay on target and on point with both Amazon and the consumer. Contact us today and partner with “The” eCommerce shipping experts.

February 3, 2020

eCommerce Trends in 2020 and Beyond

SJoyAdmin Blog ecommerce, shipping, trends

2019 was a year for growth and innovation in eCommerce trends. Major shifts occurred in demand and heightened customer expectations. New delivery and logistics management solutions are making fulfillment companies smarter, faster and more cost efficient for retail businesses. Based on what we know and what 2019 has shown us, there are some major eCommerce trends that fulfillment centers will be seeing in 2020.

Technology & Artificial Intelligence

Due to the nature of the industry there tends to be a lack of visibility and transparency in eCommerce trends. This has a negative effect on the supply chain from start to finish. Companies are now trying to reduce that risk through increasing access and utilizing information. Preferably in a way that helps to streamline inventory management. New inventory management software is making it easier to track and organize products stored in warehouses. To further speed up the process machines are taking on a bigger role in picking, packing, and shipping products.

What we predict in 2020 is a significant increase in digital workflows that companies are adopting to help reduce costs. Of course, rolling out new systems and training comes at big costs. But as business owners, it’s imperative to look at this as an investment that will pay off as operating costs are reduced year-by-year. While this all sounds like a no brainer it’s important to point out that infrastructure should be in place before making these investments for the best results. Keep an eye out for drawbacks to the customer that may affect their experience.

More Warehouses

As ecommerce trends shift away from brick and mortar retail locations to online shopping, so does the supply-chain process. With less inventory being processed through retail storefronts, you need to be able to accommodate for the influx of online orders. This includes having ample amounts of space to store the product before it ships. The larger companies will begin to purchase their own warehouses where smaller companies with less capital will still need to outsource to major warehouses.

Lower Costs

As the eCommerce industry booms so does the demand for shipping needs. To meet demand the shipping frequency has increased along with competition. Increased shipments and competition allow for fulfillment providers to broker an even better deal. This further lowers distribution costs for retailers which pass the shared savings onto the consumer.

While shipping costs appear to be lowering, there are new hurdles that companies are facing due to the political climate. New trade disputes are beginning to change operational costs as tariff policies are put into place. There is much unrest as we have yet to see how rising tariffs will increase prices and ecommerce trends. This of course will have an impact on consumer demand making it difficult for smaller businesses to compete in market space.

Expert Fulfillment Services

We are eCommerce shipping experts that make growing your business enjoyable. With ShipJoy’s eCommerce fulfillment support you’ll have the guidance and technology you need to delight customers, maximize growth, and scale your business joyfully. Our specialists work tirelessly to ensure we provide the best e-commerce fulfillment, warehousing, and shipping solutions for your business. Contact us today to stay ahead of the competition!

February 3, 2020

Don’t Get Gypped When You Ship

SJoyAdmin Blog costs, ecommerce, shipping

Controlling eCommerce Shipping Costs

Cost with eCommerce returns can offset a profit in lightning speed. Damage control for shipping is becoming more important today as most products are being bought online. If you’re not looking to throw away more money, then look at these tips to help control your eCommerce shipping costs.

Tip 1: It’s All in the Handlers

Select a company who is reliable and respectful of your goods. Be sure to find reputable people to manage your items who offer shipping insurance. Tracking the packages during transit and pre-delivery is also a big responsibility where most trustworthy companies will take recourse on missing items. Beyond all, the handlers are professional packers who understand the importance and take pride in their jobs ultimately delivering quality of results.

Tip 2: Shrinkage Starts and Stops with Packaging

Several issues arise from the warehouse to delivery destination. From flooding to dropping the package anything is possible where using appropriate dunnage and packaging is key for protection.

The pros ensure safe packing with plenty of wrapping or cushion without overusing .

Tip 3: Damage Control Uses the Rule, Less is More

Many times, the cost of doing business happens before the item ever leaves the warehouse. Overused packaging materials can be very expensive. In addition, sturdy boxes that can resist impact and act as a shock absorber are crucial to ensure your products reach the final destination in one piece without excessive eCommerce shipping costs.

Tip 4: Use the Right Packaging Materials for the Job

Your shipping company can make suggestions for using the right materials for the job. Things like solid plastics, bubble wrap and air pillows may be more suitable depending on the items you are delivering. But, if you need to cut back costs and still want to avoid damage, items like kraft paper and wood chips might be a good alternative.

Tip 5: Thieves, Rodents and Other Damaging Elements

Since the world of eCommerce is exploding, there are more factors to determine during the pre-shipping stage. For instance, rodents can be a nuisance when shipping things like food. Also, porch thieves are more prevalent and not just during the holidays. Not to mention, if they leave your package in the rain, water can significantly damage the contents inside the box. The company you select to move your items to their recipients will ensure they address these potential hazards prior to items leaving the warehouse. While the cost may be more for the delivery, it should offset the eCommerce shipping cost of returning damaged items.

Tip 6: Use a Tracking System and Keep a Log of Packages

You could lose future business if you’re not keeping track of your eCommerce shipping costs. Determine who, what, where and how the packages became damaged and use a tracking system where you’re keeping a log of the occurrences. Sometimes, you may need to get more involved with the shippers or stop using them altogether.

These are just a few ways to prevent damage and keep your customers happy. It’s not realistic to think you’ll have a 100% batting average with shipping your eCommerce items. However, by following these quick tips, you will be on the fulfillment cutting edge without losing as much in the long run.

Improve your operations with ShipJoy to help control your eCommerce shipping costs. Our experts have decades of experience and are ready to serve your brand at the highest levels.