Small to mid-size eCommerce stores often overlook eCommerce warehousing. To focus on eCommerce marketing and increasing product page conversion rates is tempting. Don’t be one of them!
eCommerce warehousing is for you if you want your eCommerce store to outgrow your garage. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of each type of eCommerce warehouse.
What is Ecommerce Warehouse?
The practice of eCommerce warehousing is the storage and management of products for online sales. Some e-commerce warehouses are owned and operated by retailers, while 3PLs drive others. Ecommerce warehouse management includes all aspects of running an eCommerce warehouse. Typical eCommerce warehousing operations are:
- Taking inventory storage safety and security measures.
- Receiving and storing stock in your eCommerce warehouse.
- Managing SKU bin, shelf, and pallet locations for warehouse slotting.
- Auditing warehouses and inventories.
- Keeping track of stock and reporting on it.
How Does E-Commerce Warehouse Management Work?
Daily warehouse operations include:
- Managing warehouse employees
- Inventories, equipment, and safety
- Developing and maintaining carrier relationships.
- We are keeping goods safe.
- They are predicting shipping and labour demand.
- Certifications and licences.
- Growing operations as the company produce.
- We are observing proper safety regulations.
- I am keeping track of daily shipments.
- And there’s more.
Effective eCommerce warehouse management takes time and resources. In-house eCommerce warehousing is still standard among many businesses.
Different Types of E-commerce Warehouse:
E-commerce warehouses are any warehouses used to store goods for an eCommerce business. Most eCommerce inventory should keep in a dedicated eCommerce warehouse, but there are several types to choose from:
Private Warehouse
Firms own private warehouses. Retailers and huge wholesalers are examples of internet marketplaces. So private warehouses cost more to own or rent than public warehouses. It could be the warehouse’s size, amenities, or design. Small businesses, independent distributors, and wholesalers can benefit from such a warehouse.
Public Warehouse
The government owns and rents public warehouses to enterprises; thus, they set the rates and facilities. Aside from the cost, public warehouses are smaller and less functional than private warehouses. Public warehouses are perfect for eCommerce companies.
Govt. Warehouse
Like public warehouses, but owned and operated by the state. Government-owned warehouses are ideal for storing high-value e-commerce items.
Combined Warehouse
Then they deliver many suppliers to the same city or location. This warehouse-type requires no substantial inventories and weighs less than 1 million pounds. New eCommerce enterprises can afford them easily.
Cooperative Warehouse
Business owners with similar products or services operate cooperative warehouses. A cooperative warehouse is a privately owned warehouse. Members working on a similar project but in different sectors can use suitable warehouses. Members-only pay a percentage of the overall amount because it is shared. Non-members usually pay to utilise the warehouse. Cooperative warehouses are perfect for e-commerce enterprises.
Bonded Warehouse
Bonded warehouses help importers store duty-free goods until they are purchased. They allow importers to keep goods longer without paying customs duties.
Distribution
Distribution centres are designed for warehouse efficiency. These centres’ products tend to come and go quickly rather than being stored for long periods. Food vendors and others who need to move inventory quickly use them. DCS, like private warehouses, are expanding in both number and size.
Smart Warehouse
Smart warehouses increase distribution centre efficiency. They use AI to automate as much of the eCommerce warehouse process as possible. Can use drones and software for eCommerce packaging, shipping, and storage. One-third of warehouses already use or plan to use innovative technology.
What Happen Without eCommerce Warehouse Management:
Whether you keep the product at home or rent warehouse space, things can quickly go wrong without effective warehouse and inventory management systems. Without good warehouse management, the following can occur:
1: Inventory Loss
An eCommerce warehouse management system keeps track of every product variation’s storage location. It’s easy to lose inventory when your business and product catalogue develop.
2: Stock-Outs or Over-Purchases
Strategic eCommerce warehouse management helps you determine your inventory needs. Insufficient inventory might lead to stock-outs and lost online sales. Too much inventory means obsolete inventory that can’t sell. Excess inventory might lead to high storage costs. Strategic inventory management can help you re-allocate funds.
3: Wrong Stock Shipped
You may mail the wrong things to your clients if you don’t maintain track of your inventory. It can turn off new customers and alienate existing ones. Investing in warehouse management can improve customer satisfaction and increase revenue.
4: No More Space
Many small enterprises are out of room to keep products at home. Rainbow OPTX’s Noel Churchill ran faced this issue as his eyewear brand grew:
“We couldn’t even fit another person in my garage. Because our business is seasonal, I realised I had to find a 3PL partner. Rainbow OPTX CEO, Noel Churchill.
Conclusion:
When running an online store, eCommerce warehousing can be overlooked. It’s a critical eCommerce component that can impact your bottom line.
Online store inventory and warehouse management can save you money and effort while achieving client expectations. Whether you warehouse in-house or through a 3PL, keep these warehousing practices and methods in mind.
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