For far too long, online retailers have struggled with integrating shipping functions into their eCommerce websites, or even just into their business processes. Complex codes made it impossible for them to sync their functions directly with leading providers of shipping such as USPS. Though many found dedicated programs that worked around this particular challenge, few of them actually shortened or eased their workload. In fact, for many it just added another step. (Zimmerman, 2014)
After all, if you still have to take the data from the retail channel’s sales page, open a browser to the shipping resource, enter the details, pay and print the labels, and make arrangements for picking up or dropping off – you haven’t actually saved much time. What about the notifications to the buyer confirming the shipment? What about returns, if needed?
This demonstrates the need for some sort of comprehensive management solution, and especially for the multichannel retailers in the world. Those hoping to “ship like Amazon” have often found it very challenging to do so, and yet integrated management solutions are available. For example, it is possible to find a full range of multichannel retail services that includes an Amazon shipping management function.
All in One Functionality
However, rather than working as an independent Amazon shipping management tool in and of itself, the integrated solutions operate from a handy “dashboard” feature that blends all of the functions (inventory, ordering, shipping, etc.) into a single space. This is a sort of funnel that takes in the details of every single sale – whether from a direct eCommerce website, Amazon, eBay, newegg, or even social media pages like Facebook – and processes them at once.
It also adjust inventory across channels, allows simple updates to all products, and provides functions and solutions that optimize everything from retail site search results to feedback requests. However, when the subject is shipping, the comprehensive or integrated solution is truly superior to any other.
The key is that when working as integrated Amazon shipping management, the fine details of the transaction are automatically addressed.
For example, you may indicate on your Amazon seller account that you make overnight shipping available through a preferred provider. Your integrated multichannel management service would be able to take that data and generate packing slips and labels that reflect that it is an overnight Amazon sale (and not through eBay or another channel) without requiring you to do any extra steps.
However, the use of the Amazon shipping management feature would also ensure that the package really did go overnight, and that it was properly tracked and confirmed. And this too would be without the need for further steps or processes.
Should something require a return, this same all in one Amazon shipping management solution would allow return labels to be generated, appropriate confirmations to be sent, and proper inventory adjustments made, if needed.
Clearly, choosing a service with integrated Amazon shipping management means you are on top of the entire shipping process without going crazy trying to juggle more than one channel’s sales and shipments at one time. Everything is put into an organized list in the dashboard, and you monitor the shipments from there. Whether you are a bulk seller or just establishing a presence on Amazon, the use of this sort of efficient and synced resource is smart, and it will pay off.
Summary
Consider Amazon shipping management when looking for a more organized approach to business. Use an all in one management tool to multiply the efficiency of your efforts and eliminate costly mistakes or delays.
Source
Zimmerman, Eilene. Software That Helps Small Businesses Ship Like Amazon. NYTimes. 2014. http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/16/software-that-helps-small-businesses-ship-like-amazon/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0