LOGISTICS TRANSPORTATION REVIEW9 AUGUST 2023To build on this eCommerce momentum, speed, and accuracy are essential. An experienced 3PL partner understands consumer expectations for shopping timelines, and they work with their carrier partners large and small to get the product to the customer within the indicated timeframe.In the past, consumers were not bothered when it took seven to ten days, or more, to receive an online order. Those days are long gone. Brands are expected to communicate with customers effectively about when their package is going to arrive and make good on that promise.Partnering with a 3PL can help brands manage their multi-node network more efficiently ­ enabling them to provide a reliable experience for their customers from the moment an order is placed to when the package arrives at the doorstep. Courting Consumer EngagementConsumers are more tech-savvy these days and the bar for customer expectations continues to be set higher. Statistics show that stock availability is one of the main factors in customer satisfaction. Brands want to be able to leverage experience, infrastructure, and location to meet consumer demand. So how do they get inventory closer to consumers? More and more brands are outsourcing their geographic expansion to broaden their reach, increase the speed of delivery and boost customer satisfaction.When outsourcing, it's important to pick a provider that can scale to perform during your busiest time. A skilled 3PL offers scalable infrastructure and a diversified fulfillment network that all work together to ensure success year-round and especially during the critical peak season. Customer satisfaction is more important than ever in this uncertain market and having the right partner to manage your multi-node fulfillment network through the pick, pack, and ship process can help brands deliver a memorable customer experience that breeds loyal customers.An enhanced customer experience goes beyond shipping timelines. There is a tangible experience to opening an aesthetically pleasing package. An experienced partner works to capture the essence of a brand through packaging and understands the importance of attention to detail. Another way to gain a competitive edge is through sustainable fulfillment practices. The multi-node strategy also enables brands to reduce their carbon footprint by shortening last-mile delivery.Having the support of a 3PL allows brands to free up in-house resources to focus on what they do best ­ product development, marketing, and concentrating on their customers ­ allowing the back-office operations to deliver on those promises through customer experiences that inspire loyalty. RETAILERS ARE USING THEIR STORES AS WELL AS TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL FULFILLMENT SPACE TO SUPPORT MULTI-NODE FULFILLMENT OPERATIONS. TO DO THIS EFFECTIVELY, THEY NEED COMPLETE VISIBILITY OF ALL INVENTORY ACROSS OMNICHANNEL OPERATIONS LIKE STORES AND DCS
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