On Dec. 6 and 7, the beverage industry will gather in person in Santa Monica, CA, to learn and take action at BevNet Live! Experts will speak to the community about innovations and challenges within the industry.
Team Taylor will be there, and we want to talk with you! We are here for you if you have any questions or want to chat on areas of interest in fulfillment, food-grade certifications, packaging, eCommerce, operations, supply chain management, and transportation.
There are several marketplaces for eCommerce sellers, but one of the largest in the game is Shopify. Why has Shopify snowballed? Its bulletproof no-code design allows sellers to set up a store, sell, accept payment, manage inventory, showcase product pages, and connect with partners.
Are you using Shopify and looking to transition your fulfillment to a third-party logistics provider? Yes, it might sound a bit intimidating, but we promise it’s easier than you think! Your Shopify inventory dashboard will match your logistics partner WMS inventory, returns will be seamless, and you can focus on your core business by leaving the logistics to a 3PL (cough, cough, Taylor).
Shopify x 3PL Partner
Just like Shopify, your 3PL is here to help your business grow. A logistics partner can help with fulfillment management, inventory control/ planning, transportation, and excellent parcel shipping rates. Utilizing outsourced logistics, you’ll have more time to launch new products, make some TikToks, expand your brand, and focus on your business goals.
Find a 3PL Who Loves a Shopify Integration
A solid 3PL will have a Shopify integration widget that enables sellers to manage their Shopify storefront, design, new products, sales, etc. but connect it to a 3PL to handle fulfillment and shipping. In addition, the integration will allow sellers to see real-time inventory info within the Shopify dashboard. So selling out products will never be an issue; it will also help you forecast future demand.
Here’s how it works, when orders are placed through Shopify, it will go straight into the 3PLs warehouse management system. Making order management simple because it’s automated, there’s no need to upload a spreadsheet, download, or even click the mouse. Once you set up the Shopify store and connect via EDI, orders will flow directly to the fulfillment center and will be processed. The advantage of partnering with a logistics company is that you have real people handling your inventory and business. You can call on your personal assigned rep, tech superuser team, operations managers, and even the COO. There’s no call center, no putting in a ticket, no waiting for support.
CINCINNATI — Taylor Logistics Inc. (TLI), a Cincinnati-based third-party logistics company, announced plans to open another public fulfillment center outside Cincinnati later this month. At 5257 E Provident Dr. in Cincinnati, Ohio, the new location will be the companies third public multi-client warehouse in Cincinnati. Their headquarters (World Park 1) is positioned just down the street at 9756 International Blvd and World Park 2 on the same road at 10095 International Blvd.
“Our customized solutions, time-sensitive scalability, and technology have proven we are not merely a vendor for our customers but a partner, a team,” said Director of Warehouse Operations AJ Raaker. “This new addition for team Taylor is perfectly positioned for any business’s supply chain; Cincinnati’s ever-changing industry landscape and proximity to the consumer makes 5257 the perfect spot; here we grow, again!”
The brand new 130,000 square foot warehouse located on Provident Dr. is conveniently positioned next to two major interstates, rail ports, and cargo hubs. The Cincinnati/N. Kentucky International Airport is located 30 miles south via I-75/I-275, CVG, DHL, Amazon Prime Air. Being true to our food, beverage, flavoring, and pet food partners, this new building will be in Taylor standard as food grade.
Brand New Building | 5257 E Provident Dr. Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
About Taylor Logistics, Inc.
Taylor Logistics Inc. is the Nation’s Most Progressive Family Owned logistics company. From their founding in 1850 to today, Taylor is currently in sixth and seventh-generation ownership. Taylor’s passion is finding solutions for their customers through their various services. From warehousing both contract and public, freight brokerage, packaging, kitting, drayage, and trucking. All of which are customizable and technology-driven. Their 170 years of logistics experience have proven that they are not merely a vendor for your company – they are an extension of your team with a clear understanding of our responsibility to replicate your organization’s strategic business goals.
First things first, let’s define what it means to be nimble.
nim·ble | /?nimb?l/ | adjective
Quick and light in movement or action; agile.
It might not be a term you use in everyday jargon, but hey, it’s a great word, and it translates exceptionally to the eCommerce supply chain world. How? Well, nimbleness relates to how quickly an eCommerce business can adjust to ever-changing expectations in speed and delivery. To maintain customer expectations, stay competitive, and grow, a nimble supply chain must also react promptly to delays, changes, and unexpected consumer patterns.
In this riveting blog post, you will learn how critical it is for your supply chain to be nimble, what it means for your business, plus some strategies and best practices to improve your eCommerce supply chain.
What does it mean to have a nimble supply chain?
Having a nimble supply chain means how quickly and efficiently an eCommerce company can react to consumer trends and market changes. It also relates to the ability to forecast, maintain, and bounce back from unforeseen events. Here are some ways to create a nimble supply chain:
Optimize and improve logistics operations efficiently
Working with an amazing 3PL (cough, cough, Taylor)
Gain visibility into operations and real-time access data
Quickly implement the latest technology and automation
How to meet and exceed market demands
We’ve said market and consumer trends six times by now. But, for a good reason, one of the most significant benefits of having a nimble supply chain is that it enables you to consistently meet customer demand around fast, affordable shipping, despite fluctuations in order volume. To develop supply chain “nimbleness,” a company needs to consider different ways to guarantee customer satisfaction despite possible disruptions or sudden changes in the market. Here are some examples of staying on the cusp of consumer trends by having a nimble supply chain:
Integrating logistics automation and technology
Working with an amazing 3PL (cough, cough, Taylor)
Having a mix of parcel carriers
Cut costs
One essential part of running a successful eCommerce operation is finding ways to optimize logistics costs, including:
Warehousing and storage fees
Labor
Order fulfillment
Shipping + parcel costs
There are several ways you can optimize costs and keep your business nimble from sourcing products closer to home to reduce transportation costs to using an excellent 3PL partner like Taylor.
Get a 3PL partner
Cough, cough Taylor. But in all seriousness operating your own warehouse network, investing in technology, and improving operations is highly time-consuming and costly, and it doesn’t always directly tie to driving revenue. Taylor is a solutions-based third-party logistics provider that offers a full suite of supply chain services like fulfillment, packaging, kitting, FBA/FBM, transportation, drayage, and shipping. Partnering with #TeamTaylor can help you worry less about making your supply chain nimble, so you can focus more time on other initiatives, such as generating sales, product development, and marketing.
It’s almost the end of summer, and pumpkin-spiced everything season is right around the corner, and it’s also the start to peak shipping. Our team of experts is looking at how to succeed during this busy season and how 2021 could shape up differently from years past.
What is peak season shipping?
There are four seasons of freight shipping and the peak season of shipping starts at the end of the summer. This time is considered a peak shipping season because there is a combination of demand from different markets. Businesses start stocking up for the upcoming holiday season, there is back-to-school shopping time, and retailers try to sell out their inventories from the summer season. During this peak time, freight rates are at the highest, and the capacity is tight.
What are the four seasons of freight shipping?
The Quiet Shipping Season (January – March)
The Produce Shipping Season (April – July)
The Peak Shipping Season (August – October)
The Holiday Shipping Season (November – December)
How to be successful throughout the peak shipping season
Knowing the market
The key to navigating peak shipping season is to understand the truckload demand and market specifics across various industries. In 2020, demand was low, and freight rates were higher than usual. In 2021 however, shippers are less cost-sensitive, and freight volumes are extremely hot. If you plan to work with high-quality carriers, start navigating the market during spring and early summer. Create a proper shipping strategy to help you define the market trends and successfully ship goods.
During the peak shipping season, you need every advantage you can get! Here’s an example, you can efficiently utilize a transportation management system (TMS) to optimize route planning and ensure efficient deliveries. You can also use other supply chain technology to automate warehousing processes and inventory control, providing up-to-the-minute data on your entire operation.
Work with reliable a 3PL
Reliable 3PL here, and we will make sure you have fast and reliable shipping services. Our team knows that freight, more often than not, is time-sensitive, and capacity can be tight. So we work with a wide variety of professional, high-quality carriers to ensure your products are delivered timely and with ease.
Since our founding, we have taken tremendous steps, amplified what is possible. So here’s to the next great leap. We will go with new systems, bold designs, and a sustainable mission. We train, test, and press our solutions spirit into everything we do. We are just getting started.
Raise your hand if you have an Amazon Prime account? Oh wow, 150 million+ hands raised? In the 25 years since Amazon was launched, it has become a household name, and is the biggest eCommerce site in the world. Having your products sold on Amazon immensely increases your audience. Amazon allows sellers to fulfill orders themselves or let Amazon handle fulfillment. Let’s dive into your options as an Amazon seller.
FBM can be more cost-effective if you can ship orders for a more sensible price compared to what FBA will charge by using your delivery partners and network, or your 3PL’s network.
FBM is a great Amazon seller shipping option it allows you the freedom to run your business as you like in terms of scalability, fulfillment methods, and inventory level control.
What is Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP)?
Similar to FBM, you store, pick, pack, and ship your products to the customers yourself and handle all communications with the customer.
However, this shipping option also allows you access to prime customers, competing with businesses that pay the enormous fees for FBA.
SFP is ideal for sellers who have warehouse space and staff that can handle the order fulfillment or companies with a 3PL that can offer scalability and flexibility. To be successful as an SFP seller, you need to make sure that it would be more profitable for you than FBA or FBM.
Becoming an SFP seller streamlines your fulfillment process as you only need to manage inventory in your warehouses, instead of managing that inventory as well as additional inventory in Amazon’s warehouses.
Partnering With A 3PL | Amazon Fulfillment
Have experience with the program. Dealing with SFP requirements can be difficult.
Your 3PL should have advanced software that integrates directly with Amazon and gives you real-time visibility into order status and metrics.
You need a 3PL who is focused on customer service. Putting your SFP reputation into someone else’s hands is a leap of faith. Make sure you pick a partner who’s on your side, 100%.
Amazon Solutions Experts
Our team knows that all of the Amazon seller shipping options can be complicated and overwhelming. It can be challenging to decide which option is best for your business, especially when one option doesn’t fit all. It depends on the product you are selling, fulfillment capabilities, profit margins, and more. Our team knows how to meet Amazon’s stringent requirements for whichever option you choose. We have the solutions to help you scale your business, and we have the technology to execute the specifications for any Amazon shipment.
Talk With Taylor
Remember, the holiday season is around the corner. If you don’t have your fulfillment partner in place soon, you could be left out in the cold. Contact us today, and leave Black Friday and Cyber Monday to us. Fill out the form below and we will be in touch ASAP!
There’s a great deal to talk about on this episode of #TaylorTalk, from organizational shifts to preparing and forecasting for the upcoming Amazon Prime Day to shifting away from “low hanging fruit” and even going to space. Tune into Taylor Talk wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can listen here.
Food safety has a demanding role in confirming that our food inventory stays secure at every level of the food supply chain. With a business dedicated to food warehousing and distribution, Taylor Logistics has a culture of continuous improvement regarding food safety. We are committed to upholding the highest certifications from the SQF for practices in the handling, storage, and delivery of food products.
SQF TLI Food Grade Warehousing
TLI SQF Warehouse
Taylor Logistics Inc. Cincinnati Food Logistics
What is SQF?
In early 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized the Safe Quality Food (SQF) rule as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The rule was created to help prevent both intentional and unintentional contamination of the food supply chain from farm to fork.
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality program that is recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers world-wide. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the SQF family of food safety and quality codes are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all sectors of the food supply chain – from the farm all the way to the retail stores.
Chris and Noelle are back on Taylor Talk chatting about probiotic sodas and seltzers, kitting, PR boxes, mental health awareness month, getting rid of the phrase “new normal,” and discussing eCommerce vs. e-commerce. Tune in now click this link.
This award recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments leverage supply chains for competitive advantage
Fort Atkinson, WI — March 17, 2021 — Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain, announces the winners of its 2021 Pros to Know award.
This award recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments offer a roadmap for other leaders looking to leverage supply chain for competitive advantage. This year’s list includes individuals and teams from software and service providers, consultancies and academia, trucking and transportation firms, professional development agencies, sourcing and procurement divisions, and more, all who have helped supply chain clients and the supply chain community at large prepare to meet many of today’s—and tomorrow’s—challenges.
“While many companies have struggled to re-gain their footing as a result of COVID-19, this year’s Pros to Know winners stepped up to the plate to deliver innovative solutions and programs in a time of crisis and need. These winners collaborated, optimized, developed, educated and played a critical role in the survival and success of their company amid a global pandemic,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics. “I am honored to recognize these individuals and teams, and extend my utmost gratitude to everyone in the supply chain industry for their time, efforts and innovations to keep our nation’s supply chains afloat.”
Go to www.sdcexec.com to view the full list of all 2021 Pros to Know winners.
About Supply & Demand Chain Executive
Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Go to www.SDCExec.com.
At Taylor, we know your products have important places to be, like a child’s 5th birthday, signing the papers for a new car, running a marathon, or happy hour. We’re here to help make sure they get there, from getting your products to Whole Foods or Ralphs to creating multipacks so people can enjoy more of your brand. We help brands explode & we go where you need us.
Noelle and Chris are back on the pod talking all things grocery and CPG trends. From which pandemic-related consumer behaviors are temporary vs. here to stay to the future of national grocery chains. Not to mention they talk groundhogs (yep), Kim Kardashian, and the NY Mets. Want to be on the next episode or have a topic you like us to cover? Inbox us at info@taylorlog.com
GroceryShop brings together the grocery and CPG industry’s community of leaders across a wide range of job titles and areas of expertise, including digital and eCommerce, marketing, technology, merchandising, supply chain, and store operations curated, double opt-in meetings and to participate in peer-group discussions.
Team Taylor will be there, and we want to talk with you! If you have any questions or want to chat on areas of interest in operations, supply chain, and logistics, we are here for you. Cya on Zoom!
We know it can be challenging to find a logistics partner to handle all of your brand’s needs. While a lot of partners can manage certain aspects, they can’t handle the others. What do we mean by this? Oftentimes you might have to outsource your transportation and shipping needs to one partner while doing your fulfillment and distribution at another. In the end, it can be difficult to have complete supply chain transparency when two or more companies are running your brand’s logistics.
What Is Supply Chain Visibility?
Supply chain visibility is the ability to track raw materials and components from origin suppliers and manufacturers through the organization’s manufacturing facilities to customers. This definition extends to include tracking goods from suppliers through to end customers (B2C or B2B) for retail operations.
How Can We Solve This Problem?
Today’s businesses rely on comprehensive and often multi-layered networks of vendors, suppliers, and customers, resulting in complex supply chains incorporating vast amounts of information from a range of sources. Effectively managing your networks, and therefore visibility is essential for an optimized supply chain. It would help if you had a partner that can handle your products from the ports in New Jersey to Ralphs’ shelves in California and everything in between. The between can be anything from relabeling cases, Amazon FBA/FBM, creating multi-packs of products, and POP in-store displays. Rest assured, you should have fast, efficient, and reliable delivery, as well as outstanding service, for you and your customers.
Look No Further
Taylor has been in business for 170+ years; they have altered their business to better suit customers’ needs throughout their extensive history. There’s a saying that goes, ” I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two,” and that’s deep-rooted in Taylor. From fortune 500 companies to small businesses and special projects, they’ve seen a lot of things come through their dispatch center, fulfillment warehouses, and brokerage team—no task too big or too small for a team within Taylor to tackle. They are a solutions-based company that prides itself on innovation, safety, and technology. They can cover whatever your needs are, eCommerce, LTL shipping, port-to-door services, SQF food-grade distribution, finding a new logo for your packaging, kitting time studies, and anything else your brand might need help with; they will be the expert, or they will find the expert.
Chris Baum and Noelle Taylor discuss an ideal third-party logistics team, complete with packaging, shipping, IT integration, eCommerce, and transportation experts. They dive into how Taylor is different from other 3PL’s, the Taylor “sauce,” applying a fast-food business model, and strategies and trends they are seeing from their customer base.
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has radically shifted consumer shopping habits to online marketplaces we’ve been purchasing everything from dog food to potting soil to TikTok Amazon trends and outdoor heaters. Retailers have altered inventory as a response to these shifts, and they’ve taken note COVID-19 buying patterns are here to stay. Here are the three industry trends impacting this shift.
Sustainable / Eco Purchasing Habits
Over two-thirds (65%) of consumers want to impact the environment through their everyday actions positively. This is a key reason why brands are shifting their products from plastic to eco. As temporary custodians of this planet, we understand that we have a job to make it as clean as possible for generations to come. We’ve said absolutely not to all bubble wrap in every part of our business; that word isn’t even in our vocabulary. We’ve got a couple of brands we partner with to look into bubble wrap alternatives that are sustainable. Not only is it great for our planet, but it’s also fantastic for your brand, and it’s what your customer wants! The growing awareness of our collective impact on the environment has elicited increasing demand for companies to demonstrate their sustainability commitment beyond just the end product to responsible sourcing and operating standards.
The Need for Efficiency
The hurdle we see is maintaining information accuracy in every stage of the supply chain, which can be difficult when dealing with information overload. Another risk attached to information overload is inventory overload. Research suggests that inventories are essential when creating the optimal pricing strategy for food and beverage products. At a point in your company’s lifecycle, it comes time to partner with a 3PL to optimize your business efficiencies. Focus on your core business, expanding your brand, getting into Erewhon, new products, etc. We will fulfill orders, store your product, and get it to your customers. Scaling as you scale with multiple services under one roof, like customized packaging to an eCommerce task force that can de-bug any inventory or eCart issue.
Regulatory Requirements
The food supply chain requires all players to adhere to strict operational practices to ensure food safety and quality from the fulfillment center to the wheels that bring it to the consumer. Food safety is our middle name, Taylor food safety Logistics. Jokes aside, food safety is essential to us and has been our business’s foundation for the last 171 years. Each year all of our food handling fulfillment centers undergo a Safe Quality Foods audit to obtain the highest level of food safety by the Safe Quality Foods Institute and are all FDA certified.
Stay Ahead of the Trends with Taylor
Our team will work with you to build scalable fulfillment, eCommerce, packaging, kitting, transportation, and shipping solutions for your food and beverage brand.
We have an entire team ready to assist. Fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch asap. If you’d rather email us that works too! info@taylorlog.com
From the Taylor Talk podcast vault: Transitioning to eCommerce fulfillment with Grant Taylor, while this episode initially aired months ago, it seems more relevant now than ever.
Our operations, IT, and superuser teams have been working vigorously to transition five distribution centers into eCommerce centers. This was a massive undertaking for our team because; eCommerce granted customers can break open cases, which was an entirely different process for Taylor.
The decision to change your third-party logistics provider (3PL) provider can be a time-sensitive process that requires a lot of consideration and planning. It can be an excellent move that will help grow and push your business forward. We’re covering everything you need to know for a seamless transition!
When is it time to switch?
Are your customers receiving damaged products? If your current provider is messing up orders in any capacity, this can significantly impact your reputation. We absolutely do not want that; it’s time to change!
Think about all that’s changed in the past couple of years; TikTok has taken over; consumers expect one-day delivery, and we can purchase anything from our phones. Can your 3PL keep up with the constant shift? Suppose your fulfillment provider hasn’t improved or expanded their technology, operations, or facilities since you started working with them. In that case, they might not be thinking ahead. It’s time to change!
Has your business significantly grown? It’s critical to find a team that will scale with your business. If your current 3PL can no longer handle the volume, it could be time to switch.
Do you feel like you have a reliable team that understands your specific business needs and will jump through hurdles for your business? You need that person you can text at any time of the day, even though they are in an entirely different time zone—a person who knows the ins-and-outs of your products, your brand, and your mission. A team that can collaborate to solve and issues that might arise. If you don’t have this kind of support system, it might be time to switch.
When should you make a change?
When changing providers, it’s wise to consider the timing of the transition. Many merchants search for a new provider to coincide with starting a new calendar or fiscal year. Ideally, switching during a quiet period operationally is best. It can also be helpful to transition to a new provider before adding a new product line or entering a new market. If your needs truly aren’t being met, then switch now!
Ready to make a switch? Below are questions to ask a potential 3PL to assess whether they’re the best fit for your business so you can be confident in your choice.
Does your technology integrate with ours?
What types of products does the third-party logistics provider specialize in?
What will the 3PL provider do to meet my performance metrics?
What predictive analytics are available?
How have you handled or corrected errors in the past?
Is there a minimum monthly order volume to work with the fulfillment center?
How quickly can I expand with the fulfillment warehouse?
At Taylor, we helped hundreds of brands throughout the past challenging year with capacity, resources, expertise, and solutions to better their business. In 2020, we remained agile, kept operations moving with a record volume of orders, and all while keeping our team safe. Specifically, Team Taylor:
Kept all fulfillment centers open and operating safely
Team Taylor is talking! Check out our latest podcast episode featuring Chris Baum & Noelle Taylor. They are breaking down the entire year, everything from eCommerce and packaging to the largest seasonal project in Taylor history. Tune into Taylor Talk wherever you listen to podcasts, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, etc. Click one of the buttons below to listen.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday (#BFCM) are here, make sure you know your shipping deadlines for FedEx, UPS, and USPS. Questions? Inbox us at info@taylorlog.com
Raise your hand if you have an Amazon Prime account? Oh wow, 150 million hands raised? In the 25 years since Amazon was launched, it has become a household name, and is the biggest eCommerce site in the world. Having your products sold on Amazon immensely increases your audience. Amazon allows sellers to fulfill orders themselves or let Amazon handle fulfillment. Let’s dive into your options as an Amazon seller.
Lot’s of Acronyms to Digest When Talking Amazon Shipping; Let’s Break it Down:
Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA)
Self-fulfilled order processing route, like Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM)
Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP)
What is Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA)?
FBA means Fulfilled by Amazon, you sell it and Amazon ships it.
The seller sends bulk products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers for Amazon to pick, pack, and ship products once sold.
What is Amazon Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM)?
Amazon Fulfilled by Merchant is a fulfillment method in which an Amazon seller is responsible for fulfilling its products purchased on Amazon.
FBM can be more cost-effective if you can ship orders for a more sensible price compared to what FBA will charge by using your delivery partners and network, or your 3PL’s network.
FBM is a great Amazon seller shipping option it allows you the freedom to run your business as you like in terms of scalability, fulfillment methods, and inventory level control.
What is Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP)?
Similar to FBM, you store, pick, pack, and ship your products to the customers yourself and handle all communications with the customer.
However, this shipping option also allows you access to prime customers, competing with businesses that pay the enormous fees for FBA.
SFP is ideal for sellers who have warehouse space and staff that can handle the order fulfillment or companies with a 3PL that can offer scalability and flexibility. To be successful as an SFP seller, you need to make sure that it would be more profitable for you than FBA or FBM.
Becoming an SFP seller streamlines your fulfillment process as you only need to manage inventory in your warehouses, instead of managing that inventory as well as additional inventory in Amazon’s warehouses.
Partnering With A 3PL | Amazon Fulfillment
Have experience with the program. Dealing with SFP requirements can be difficult.
Your 3PL should have advanced software that integrates directly with Amazon and gives you real-time visibility into order status and metrics.
You need a 3PL who is focused on customer service. Putting your SFP reputation into someone else’s hands is a leap of faith. Make sure you pick a partner who’s on your side, 100%.
Amazon Solutions Experts
Our team knows that all of the Amazon seller shipping options can be complicated and overwhelming. It can be challenging to decide which option is best for your business, especially when one option doesn’t fit all. It depends on the product you are selling, fulfillment capabilities, profit margins, and more. Our team knows how to meet Amazon’s stringent requirements for whichever option you choose. We have the solutions to help you scale your business, and we have the technology to execute the specifications for any Amazon shipment.
Talk With Taylor
Remember, the holiday season is around the corner. If you don’t have your fulfillment partner in place soon, you could be left out in the cold. Contact us today, and leave Black Friday and Cyber Monday to us. Fill out the form below and we will be in touch ASAP!
The opportunity in food and beverage eCommerce is vast from convenient access to a wide selection of products to subscription-based services. To excel in this complex environment, retailers and food and beverage companies need to improve their eCommerce fulfillment capabilities. Here are some things to consider when venturing the eCommerce landscape.
Optimize Distribution Network
For efficient eCommerce fulfillment, products should be positioned as close to your customers as possible. Strategically located fulfillment centers can help to reduce transit costs and transit time. Utilizing two or more centrally located distribution centers can help meet consumers’ delivery expectations – often using two-day ground service.
Leverage Valued-Added Services
As in any industry, value-added services can offer many benefits for the manufacturer, retailer, and consumer. For the food and beverage companies, seasonal or promotional kitting, subscription boxes, and custom pallet displays can diversify your product offerings and increase sales.
Anticipate Space and Staffing Needs
eCommerce order fulfillment typically demands three times the labor of conventional warehousing operations. It’s crucial to plan accordingly to ensure capacity for maximum potential volume.
Inventory Tracking
With inventory distributed across multiple locations, it is critical to understand where products are and how they move. A comprehensive view of stock across all fulfillment locations, physical stores, warehouses, vendors, and in transit is critical for optimizing your eCommerce. Since inventory must be immediately available and accessible, it is vital to identify fast-moving items to prevent stock-outs and back-ordered items. Not to mention if a product is out of stock in one location, having a single inventory view helps determine another potential source from which to fulfill orders.
How can we help?
Food and beverage eCommerce comes with an added layer of complexity. That’s why so many food and beverage companies turn to tech-enabled solutions partner like Taylor to help with eCommerce fulfillment and logistics. Here’s how our solutions can help your company:
SQF-Certified Fulfillment Centers
A benefit of outsourcing your fulfillment to Taylor is working with a company that already holds a Safe Quality Foods certification. Taylor has a network of SQF-certified fulfillment centers granting our teams as food safety experts.
Established Distribution Network
Ready access to our conveniently situated facilities moves products closer to end customers to save time and money.
Scalable Resources
With flexible staffing and food-grade warehouse space, Taylor can accommodate fluctuating order volumes without a permanent overhead investment.
Cost Savings
Taylor offers more food and beverage supply chain solutions that just fulfillment. Utilizing our multiple service offerings can help increase efficiency and streamline your processes.
Advanced Technology
Taylor’s warehouse management system and fulfillment automation allow us to provide real-time visibility, efficient order routing, and better accuracy. Our WMS also integrates with several eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
Conclusion
As we continue to see an increase in food and beverage eCommerce businesses and as more consumers begin relying on eCommerce food and drink deliveries, optimizing your supply chain is becoming more important than ever before.
Talk With Taylor
Learn how our solutions teams can help your food and beverage eCommerce while you grow your business. Fill out the form below:
