All customers want fast and reliable shipping. To provide this service for your customers, you need to reduce your shipping lead times. A shipping lead time is the time it takes for a company to receive shipping instructions, pack an order, and deliver a product to a customer. Read below to learn a few ways for businesses to reduce shipping lead times.
Implement Effective Last-Mile Delivery
One way for businesses to reduce shipping lead times is to implement effective last-mile delivery. Last-mile delivery is the final step in the shipping process before customers receive their orders. To implement effective last-mile delivery, you will need accurate tracking systems and reliable delivery personnel. Another one of the facts you need to know about last-mile delivery is that it can improve customer satisfaction by delivering products on time, so it is an excellent way to make your business’s ratings soar.
Use Reliable Suppliers
If you constantly receive late shipments from a supplier, it may be time to switch to a more reliable company. With reliable suppliers, you can make your shipping lead times shorter and provide more accurate shipping estimates for your customers. If you decide to switch to a different supplier, make sure the supplier can ship right away or that you have enough inventory to last for the transition period.
Increase Order Frequency
Too often, companies place large bulk orders thinking that it will save time and money. Unfortunately, these bulk orders usually take a significant amount of time to ship, unlike smaller batches that are easier to transport. To improve your shipping lead times, you can order small batches more frequently instead of placing large bulk orders.
Stock Extra Inventory
If your regular suppliers are having shipping difficulties, it is always helpful to have some extra inventory on hand. This extra inventory will allow you to ship products to customers without serious delays while you wait for the suppliers to fix their issues. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you need to stock up on all your products, just some of your best-sellers and more popular items.