trends

May 5, 2020

eCommerce Business Trends

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As ever, the way that people shop is changing. As it has been for the past decade, e-commerce is leading the way on most of those changes. Now, we’re taking a look at some of the most recent trends in e-commerce. As the digital market continues to grow, here are a few trends you should follow.

AI-driven shopping

E-commerce stores have, for a long time, lacked the helpfulness of the in-store assistant that brick and mortar retail offered. With the increasing use of AI chatbot assistants, that may not be the case for much longer. Companies collect a lot of data on their customers. Now, AI-enable sites are using that data to make more tailored recommendations and provide more specific help.

A more personalized experience

Hand-in-hand with the rise of AI e-commerce is increased personalization. The data we store on customers can be used to make sure the shopping experience is as catered to them as possible. This has already been done for years through product recommendations. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to e-commerce personalization.

People are subscribing

A lot of businesses are using subscription plans to keep customers returning month after month. Not only does it allow businesses to better predict profits and fulfillment requirements. It also creates a greater incentive for customers to keep shopping when paired with loyalty programs.

Voice search is growing

Smart speakers such as the Google Home and Amazon Echo are driving a large volume of voice searches. People are getting used to speaking their queries aloud at a pace they never did with smartphones. As such, e-commerce stores are expected to implement voice search functions more commonly in the future. Search engine optimization may rely a lot more on voice search, too.

The rise of augmented reality

Augmented reality is when digital images and overlayed on a real-world backdrop. More stores are starting to use AR-enabled devices to help customers make better choices. For instance, some furniture brands will use AR to show customers how certain pieces of furniture will look in their home. More lifestyle and fashion brands are expected to start using AR previews, too.

Mobile shopping continues to rise

The past decade has already seen smartphone e-commerce rise to overtake the amount of shopping done on laptop and desktop. That rise is continued to only expect more as mobile devices offer smoother shopping experiences and better online connections. As such, many stores are focusing on creating better mobile UE and more efficient customer journeys on mobile.

A choice of payments

Customers expect to be able to pay in their preferred method. Traditionally, e-commerce businesses offer the choice of credit or debit. Then they added PayPal and other online payment services. Now, many are offering cryptocurrency. It’s recommended that business owners keep an eye out for the next biggest payment platform. There could be profit in catering to it first.

The above trends are just some of those expected to shape e-commerce in the coming months. Online businesses that invest in them could see big profits before too long.

May 5, 2020

Order Fulfillment Trends

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Recent years have seen a significant shift in the way consumers shop. This has led to notable changes in order fulfillment trends across seller landscapes. In e-commerce, especially, supply chain managers are starting to serve consumers directly.

According to Ryan Kelly of FedEx, this has led to a drive for ‘fast and free’ fulfillment solutions. “Consumers love fast. They love free. They overwhelmingly prefer free, but their expectations are that free gets faster.”

Unsurprisingly, then, online retailers with the best shipping, cost, and speed are all coming out on top. Companies looking to compete must find ways to work around them. But, what exactly are the order fulfillment trends that you should be looking out for?

Small Sellers In The Big-Time

According to third-party logistics providers (3PLs), it’s no longer enough to assume small customers have simple needs. Instead, the rise of social media and celebrity endorsements mean small brands can explode at any time. This, along with the fact that small online businesses stand side-by-side with global brands, means fulfillment is changing fast. And, 3PLs need to account for this in their warehouse solutions.

According to Kelly, a long-time FedEx employee, much larger order fulfillments are now standard in short time frames. She reports that “…small merchants are competing with really, really large companies and so they have got to meet the consumer expectations.” And, keeping on top with order fulfillment is their best chance of doing that.

The Onset of Omnichannel Sales

Remember, customers right now want ‘fast and free.’ Omnichannel sales achieve that by offering faster solutions than ever. Using localization from key’ flow centers,’ brands like Target are already better able to provide speedy delivery. And, they do it all with less cost to them or their consumers.

This is because such omnichannel focuses shorten lines between stores and warehouses. Far from outdated single orders, retailers now need single order management systems. These allow them to optimize shipping for sales and increased margins. As speed becomes ever-more the name of the game, that’s an order fulfillment trend guaranteed to pay.

Augmenting Reality

As with every industry, technology has infiltrated warehouse solutions. This is evident in cloud computing, but also augmented reality. After all, the need for speed doesn’t start once products leave the space. Warehouses also need to implement efficient processes.

Products like AR glasses achieve that by simplifying picking processes. Early trials have even revealed increased employee satisfaction. This technology is so promising that DHL supply chain is already testing various pilots. Further, MHI expects such technology in 70% of their facilities in the next five years.

Going Global

Online sales also allow companies to trade globally. Order fulfillment trends need to account for this to make the most of new markets. That means implementing tools to simplify everything from cross-border taxes to transportation expenses. Remember, after all, that consumers want items fast and free. Only by learning markets and adapting can 3PLs satisfactorily meet this order fulfillment trend. And, only then can e-commerce sellers truly compete.

March 2, 2020

The Top 5 Trends Shaping eCommerce In 2020

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shipjoy, trends, ecommerce Today’s consumers hold more power than ever. They have choices, and they know it. They want the right products, at the right price, and they want them delivered almost immediately.

In order to keep up with the sophisticated demands of 2020 eCommerce trends, companies need to get their strategies on point so that they don’t fall behind their competitors.

Your choice of fulfillment partner can make or break your business. In the eyes of the consumer, they are you. There’s no distinction between them clicking ‘buy’ online and the product arriving at their door.

eCommerce fulfillment operations know this and are leading the charge to bring the industry up to the very highest technological standards.

Here are some 2020 eCommerce trends that we’ll be seeing over the next year.

#1 Rise Of The Machines

Automation is becoming key to fulfillment activities. High levels of productivity and efficiency give them a competitive edge.

Organizations such as Amazon are already using robotics and enhanced automation in their warehouses alongside their human workers.

At present, this technology is still relatively new and extremely expensive, but as it evolves, the price of technology starts to come down, we will see more companies adopting it in the near future.

#2 Adoption Of Emerging Technology

It’s not just robotic automation we’re seeing utilized, warehouses are getting to be extremely creative in their use of new tech.

The same programs that allow consumers to virtually decorate the rooms in their home or try out a new hair color are now being used in warehousing to identify and locate stock.

#3 Tracking Products In Real-Time

Consumer demands around their online retail experience are driving eCommerce and fulfillment partners to share real-time information throughout the entire buying process.

Websites, marketplaces, apps, logistics, payment portals, and couriers are now interconnected, providing a seamless experience for the customer and allowing up to the minute reporting on stock and fulfillment.

#4 Accessing The Global Marketplace

The rise in the number of online marketplaces is fueling the retail sector at a rate never seen before.

Retailers now have access to customers all over the world beyond a physical store. Fulfillment partners like ShipJoy are now providing services across multi-channel fulfillment.

In 2018, 1.8 billion people bought something online. That is over 21 percent of the world’s population. This number is expected to reach 2.14 billion by 2021.

#5 Offsetting Of Increasing Costs

The warehousing industry is going through significant change at present. Poor working conditions in some areas have been highlighted in the press and have lead to an industry-wide push for better pay, conditions, and benefits for workers.

In response to these increased costs, the industry is now looking at ways to reduce and streamline their processes, offer new value-added services and cushion the financial blow being passed on to the end-users.

Contact ShipJoy today for more information on how to take advantage of 2020 eCommerce trends shaping the industry.

February 3, 2020

eCommerce Trends in 2020 and Beyond

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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!