Ship from Store: How to Optimise Your Inventory Management?
24 July 2023
Today, we’re going to talk about an important strategy to improve your inventory management and make delivery faster and more efficient: the famous “Ship from Store”. As the name suggests, this approach involves shipping online orders directly from physical retail locations. It offers many benefits for both retailers and customers! So, what exactly is it and how does it work?
What is Ship from Store and how does it work?
“Ship from Store” is an innovative logistics solution that allows you to optimise your inventory management and improve your operational efficiency. Instead of shipping your orders from a centralised warehouse, you send them directly from your physical stores.
This approach brings many advantages, including reduced shipping costs, improved customer satisfaction, and maximised use of available stock. Let’s take a closer look at how Ship from Store can optimise your inventory management.
The Benefits of Ship from Store
Online Inventory Management
By turning your retail locations into virtual distribution centres, you optimise your inventory management by offering available products online, thus avoiding stockouts. Your customers will love having more choice and it boosts your sales – it’s a win-win!
Logistics Optimisation
Ship from Store improves logistics by bringing retail locations closer to customers. Instead of sending orders from a distant warehouse, you can ship them from a store. The result? Shorter delivery times and reduced shipping costs!
Reduced Shipping Costs
By using a store as a distribution centre, you reduce the shipping costs associated with sending from a centralised warehouse. Deliveries from stores are generally cheaper and faster, helping you save on transport costs.
Increased Customer Satisfaction
By offering faster delivery times and instant product availability, you boost your customers’ satisfaction. No doubt, they’ll appreciate receiving their orders quickly and having access to a wide range of available products!
Environmental Impact
Let’s not forget the positive environmental impact! By using physical stores as shipping points, the distances travelled by parcels are shorter compared to warehouses located on the outskirts of cities. Fewer journeys for parcels means a smaller carbon footprint. We take care of the planet while making life easier – it’s great!
How to implement it in your business?
To set up an effective Ship from Store system in your business, here are some important steps to follow:
- Implementation: Identify the stores that will serve as distribution centres and set up the necessary processes to ship orders from these stores. Make sure you have the logistical resources needed to manage shipments from stores.
- Staff Training: Train your in-store staff on packaging and shipping procedures. Make sure they fully understand how it works and are able to carry out the required tasks efficiently.
- Integration of a live inventory tracking system: Set up a real-time inventory tracking system that allows you to always know the stock levels of each store. This will help you manage orders and avoid unexpected stockouts.
Collaborative Delivery: An Opportunity for Retailers
At Cocolis, we have a collaborative delivery solution that fits perfectly with “Ship from Store”! You can connect with a community of carriers and co-carriers to deliver your parcels in an economical and eco-friendly way.
Particularly suited to retail logistics, Cocolis offers the possibility to ship parcels at a reasonable cost, without having to travel. With our Ship from Store solution, retailers can turn their stores into mini warehouses. You ship your online orders directly from a retail location.
By integrating Cocolis into your e-commerce site, you offer your customers reliable and affordable delivery, while doing your bit for the planet. So, what are you waiting for to switch to “Ship from Store”?
In conclusion, “Ship from Store” is THE solution to optimise your inventory management, reduce shipping costs, and satisfy your customers. Implement it in your business and you’ll soon see the benefits!
