5 Signs It’s Time To Outsource Your Business Fulfillment.

Posted August 9, 2017

Fulfillment is a critical aspect of your business, and the efficient and accurate process of handling and shipping orders can make or break your business. As your business grows, you may need to face the reality that hiring outside help for fulfillment is necessary for the future success of your business, and yourself. Here are 5 signs that it’s time to outsource your business fulfillment.

1. Inventory size

If your inventory and business is taking over your home or garage, it may be a sign that it’s time to outsource. When several boxes and pallets are involved, you need the right equipment to easily and safely handle your fulfillment duties, and you will save a lot of time with a fulfillment company handling such large quantities of product.

2. Report Generation

Do you create regular reports yourself? Do you have easy access to the numbers you sold, earned, lost, etc. from last quarter? Last year? The last 5 years? These reports take time, and labor if a system is not in place. You need to be aware of how fast or slow your shipping options have been, how many items are returned, etc. in order to make changes and grow your business. Outsourcing fulfillment to a company that can generate these detailed reports can help you track your expenses and plan best for the future.

3. Time management

If you absolutely love packaging, labeling, and shipping items, perhaps your time is well spent handling all of the fulfillment, but most people started their own business because of different goals. Some good uses of your time as a business owner and entrepreneur include:

Interacting with customers
Attending conferences and meetings to learn more about your industry
Meeting with various vendors to find alternative resources or better prices

Even having time to read books about business and self-improvement should be prioritized as a business owner, so consider shifting around your responsibilities and delegating to free up your valuable time.

4. Missing or later orders

Poor customer feedback is a big sign that it may be time to start outsourcing for fulfillment needs. Using an e-commerce company that automates fulfillment means your orders are packaged, shipped, and will arrive on time. This is critical for the success and growth of your business.

5. Delaying milestones

Perhaps your 5-year plan has become a 10-year plan, and you are constantly having to set back goals and business milestones because you simply can’t put in the time necessary to grow and expand. You may be the one in the way of your own growth, and admitting that outside help is the answer to the growth of your business means getting back on track and growing at the rate you’ve always imagined.

Elite OPS has been a leader in Shipping and Logistics for over 25 years. Contact Us to find out how we can help you Save Time and Money on Procurement as a Service, eCommerce Order Fulfillment, and Kitting and Assembly.