The number of online sales sites rose by 10% in the first quarter of 2023, double the previous year's figure. The growing activity of e-commerce sites demonstrates consumers' willingness to use this type of service. Here are some reasons to choose e-commerce order outsourcing as a solution to boost your business.

What is order picking in e-commerce?

Order picking in e-commerce refers to the logistical procedures that take place from registration of the sale through to dispatch of the item. These stages involve the biggest expenditure in a logistics platform. They include inventory management, operator movements, labeling and packaging.

Priority is given to speed of dispatch and efficiency of order management measures to save time and reduce costs.

Products can be stored on pallets, in bins or crates. The framework and methods of storage differ according to the type of article and the company's prerogatives.

Discover the benefits of using anEcoVadis-certified logisticsprovider.

Picking, which consists in preparing packages while avoiding logistical errors, is commonly applied. Some orders include several references at a time, requiring greater precision when handling them. Relations with suppliers need to be kept up to date, to control supplies and product availability dates.

Why outsource e-commerce order preparation?

Outsourcing e-commerce order picking involves hiring external service providers to manage the logistics strategy. This can involve a specific part of the process, or the entire process. The main aim of the maneuver is toimprove the quality of parcel preparation and service, and to save time on the rest of the company's obligations.

Keeping pace with the market

Phases of e-commerce activity are subject to variation in terms of order intensity and volume. Busier periods such as holidays, bank holidays or sales lead to an influx of sales that can unbalance the company's logistics structure. Outsourcing your organization to a specialized company can avoid this type of overflow. The latter can handle fluctuations in the pace of orders from one day to the next.

Save time on organization

Delegating the technical stages of logistics to a service provider frees up time to devote to other concerns. Time-consuming tasks such as checking packaging or bubble-wrapping can be relegated to the background. Access to warehouses already equipped to store new arrivals means significant space savings. The company can then concentrate on developing new products and services, promoting its products or structuring its website.

Reducing expenses

Service providers offering outsourcing options have fully equipped warehouses and operators capable of handling e-commerce orders. Contracts are available for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as large groups. As a result, e-commerce entrepreneurs have access to rates that are consistent with their business type and sales volume. Outsourcing companies also offer customized payment solutions, pooling associated costs.

Enhancing your brand image with customers

Customer loyalty and satisfaction with the products on offer are directly linked to a company's economic expansion. Maintaining a high level of service quality is therefore a priority for e-commerce sites. Using a logistics management intermediary can optimize your company's performance and improve its image. The intermediary will ensure on-time delivery, manage potential returns and monitor the progress of orders.

How do you outsource order picking for an online store?

Before calling in a company to outsource your orders, define your logistics needs and analyze your growth curve. This will give you an overview of your needs, so you can target a suitable intermediary. Take into account

• type of customer ;

• stock of goods ;

• product packaging methods.

Reviews of service providers are available on specialized websites. The preparation process can vary from one outsourcing company to another, although they all use the same categories.

Stock is organized by checking serial numbers, viability dates and optimizing warehouse space. Once registered, products undergo a picking stage to confirm their status and ensure the fluidity of the production chain. The use of synchronization software enables us to maintain an overview of logistics performance in real time. When it comes to delivery methods, external services can set up express, door-to-door or relay point deliveries.

Give yourself the best chance of success: entrust your order picking to us.

At DéfiGroupe, we understand the challenges faced by e-commerce businesses, and we're ready to offer you tailor-made solutions. Our outsourcing services cover the entire order-picking process, from storage to shipping, picking and packing. We are committed to being your trusted partner to help you grow your business sustainably and profitably.

Don't let logistics hold you back. Contact us today to find out how we can help you outsource your e-commerce order picking and guarantee your customers' satisfaction. Leave the responsibility to us, and focus on what you do best: innovating, selling and building loyalty.