Become an expert at posing the right questions when evaluating your e-commerce logistics partners. Get operational excellence, transparency and support for your complex business demands.
The success of your business often comes down to choosing the right logistics provider. You want a partner armed with the technology, people and processes to meet the demands of a growing e-commerce market.
Mattias Praetorius, Global Head of Business Development for Consumer, shares a checklist of key questions to ask when evaluating a logistics partner and building a successful e-commerce experience.
Mattias Praetorius, Global Head of Business Development for Consumer, shares a checklist of key questions to ask when evaluating a logistics partner and building a successful e-commerce experience.
1. Experience and expertise and market intelligence. Which logistics services does the provider offer for businesses expanding to international markets? (i.e. end-to-end service including inbound, outbound, fulfilment, last-mile, returns and US customs, duties and taxes)
2. Warehousing and Distribution. Which warehousing and distribution capabilities does the provider have in place for international markets, and how do they ensure efficient and cost-effective order fulfilment?
3. Technology and integration. What systems are available for real-time tracking of shipments, including at the parcel level, and can it be easily integrated within your e-commerce platform?
4. Customs and compliance. How do they handle customs clearance and ensure compliance with different import and regulation requirements in each country?
5. Shipping options. Which carriers do they work with, and what is their accessibility to locations in each country?
Do they provide competitive lead times, and do they have reference cases?
Do they provide competitive lead times, and do they have reference cases?
6. Returns management. How do they manage returns from your customers, and what are the processes for handling returns and refunds?
7. Scalability. Can their services accommodate business growth, especially during peak seasons or promotional events, and potential expansion into other markets?
8. Customer service. What level of customer support do they offer, and how can you communicate with their team when needed?
What is their operational setup, and what support can you expect when crossing global time zones?
What is their operational setup, and what support can you expect when crossing global time zones?
9. Performance. Can they provide service level agreements (SLAs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that outline performance guarantees and expectations?
10. Value structure. What kind of optimisation solutions do they offer?
Whether you are a business with ambitious growth goals or an esta blished e-commerce enterprise searching for seamless services, Kuehne+Nagel can help.