The COVID-19 pandemic caused many interruptions in global supply chains. These include worker shortages, lockdowns, and slow port turnaround times. Both retailers and customers have felt the effects of increased shipping delays. With shipping delays, retailers may lose revenue from being unable to stock their high-demand products. As a result, their customer relationships suffer.
How do poor eCommerce Logistics Services impact retailers?
Damage to Brand Trust
Consumers tend to blame retailers for damaged goods. It is mainly because they rely on retailers to deliver products perfectly and feel disappointed when their orders don’t show up when they expect them to.
This disappointment may lead to future concerns with the brand regarding delivery times. As a result, customers may be less inclined to re-order products in the future.
Loss of Revenue
It significantly causes a loss of revenue for the business. Customers prefer to avoid shopping from companies having negative word-of-mouth circulating.
As a result, they may abandon their purchases, such as with cart abandonment, or shop from competitors.
Shipping Delays -What is making that happen?
To avoid shipping delays, businesses need to understand the causes. It will also help improve customer satisfaction and the entire customer experience. It includes mastering and understanding last-mile delivery and how it can affect customer retention. eCommerce Services in San Francisco, such as 6g Logistics, ensure efficiency and rapid services. However, some factors listed below can be the cause of shipping delays:
Holidays
The holidays are something that many people look forward to each year. During the holiday season, online orders increase, especially for an eCommerce business.
This increase in online orders comes from businesses capitalizing on their customers’ urge to purchase gifts. They offer discounts, promotions, and significant sales in their online stores.
With the increase in orders comes shipment volumes, and 3PL fulfillment warehousing services may lead to overwhelming shipping capacities. Businesses must plan to establish efficient logistics systems to avoid shipment delays due to the large volume of orders.
Such logistics systems may include:
- Learning how to print shipping labels.
- Using a shipping policy template.
- Utilizing different eCommerce shipping and 3PL fulfillment warehousing solutions.
It’s also possible to strategically plan out your business’s promotional offers over multiple days to avoid having too many orders in a short period.
Incorrect Documentation
Not having the proper documents for your shipments can cause shipping delays. It is possible during different parts of the shipping process, including when the package leaves the port of origin, clears customs, or arrives at the final destination.
Inadequate Technology
Using old software during shipping isn’t efficient. It may cause problems due to the inability to integrate new features and technologies that may help avoid or mitigate shipping delays.
By investing in updated shipping technology, such as using cloud-based software, businesses can provide a more streamlined approach to the shipping process. It includes 3PL, which allows transportation companies to stay connected using real-time data.
Weather Conditions
Delivery businesses must prioritize safety at all times. With this, they also have to consider weather conditions, which are out of their control. Harsh weather conditions may cause road shut-downs and, in turn, cause delays due to slow transits.
It can get frustrating for businesses and customers alike. However, there aren’t many businesses can do to ensure timely deliveries when harsh weather conditions are to blame.
Customs
Regarding international shipments, customs are a massive factor in shipping delays. It’s crucial to have all required documents handy to avoid issues and holds as much as possible.
Delays are inevitable without the necessary documentation, which can jumpstart additional complications with cargo inspections. If customs hold up items, businesses should have a backup plan ready. It includes having relationships with courier services that keep up with accurate documentation.
Make the most of 3PL Warehousing and 3PL delivery partners.
Get connected for a quote now. 6g Logistics provides fulfillment and warehousing solutions at unbeatable rates and quality service. We ensure eCommerce businesses and clients benefit from our best 3PL services in San Francisco.
