Why Your 3PL Should Be Your Strategic Partner

The need to manage and reduce costs is nothing new.  And the centralization of logistics services and automation offered by 3PLs have enabled companies to bundle and outsource complex logistics functions, leading to more efficient operations and in many cases, allowing the companies to capitalize on the 3PLs infrastructure, resources and relationships.   All good so far, right?

The problem arises when those companies begin to view the 3PL as a commodity provider rather than a strategic partner.  “The recent white paper, “Unpacking Risk Shifting: A White Paper Challenging Unreasonable Risk-Shifting in the Transportation Industry,” written by what could be viewed as a collection of logistics “all-stars,” including academics, 3PLs and shippers, and consultants, makes the argument that the relationships have swung too far toward commoditization and away from strategic partnerships.  Companies “…want innovation and investment by 3PLs, with 3PLs reluctant to deliver, citing how ‘razor thin margins and short-term commodity-based contracts create a disincentive for 3PLs to make investments.’”¹   That’s bad for both sides of the transaction:  3PLs may turn away business, or even go out of business.  Companies may not be able to find a 3PL willing to work with them.  Both sides lose.

Contrast that with a more balanced relationship that builds on the success of both the company and the 3PL.  As a strategic partner, your 3PL is in a position to invest in the future, supporting the success of both organizations.  They can be the innovative solution provider that your company relies on, rather than just the folks who get the package from point A to point B.  When the next crisis or amazing opportunity arises, will you have a strategic 3PL partner to help you solve the problem or capitalize on that great new opportunity?  

Talk to Vision today, to learn how we can be your strategic 3PL partner, building a future together.  Vision Consumer Products Fulfillment has decades of experience and industry expertise in consumer products fulfillment services.  No matter who your customer is, we treat your customer as our own.  We know what makes a raving fan out of an individual customer, as well as what makes a business partner trust you with their business.  Call or email us to learn how.  We’re certain we’ll be the best fulfillment warehouse partner you have ever had!

http://visioncpf.com

CPFSales@VisionMediamgmt.com

¹http://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/shifting_risk_and_meeting_in_the_middle_could_serve_as_key_to_shipper_3pl_r

The Benefits of Premium Packaging

Remember how excited you were as a child to get mail?  And how as an adult, coming home to a package on the doorstep is like receiving a present?  Even if it’s one you ordered, it’s still fun!  Retailers can take this a step further by utilizing premium packaging.  Memorable packaging encourages consumers to purchase again and provides motivation to share the experience on line.  “In fact, the 2015 Dotcom Packaging Report found that almost 40% of online shoppers say branded packaging makes them more likely to recommend a product to friends.”¹

Just by upgrading from the traditional brown box, you can exceed your customers’ expectations, and encourage brand loyalty.  There are other options to enhance the experience too.  A personalized note, a product wrapped neatly in branded tissue paper rather than plain paper or no paper at all, or just a little something extra included in the box (samples, stickers, a branded notepad, etc.) – any of these can make the consumer experience pop and get them sharing.  And 55% of consumers who watched an unboxing video say it motivated them to purchase that product.  But how can you deliver a premium packaging experience consistently while still managing your shipping costs?  A 3PL partner can help!

By combining predictive packaging algorithms that optimize packaging size to minimize shipping costs with fulfillment technology that maintains efficiency via intelligent order sequencing, Vision can help you focus your dollars where they can deliver the most return on investment – the ultimate customer experience.  Talk to Vision today, to learn how you can leverage our 3PL services to make a great impression on your customers.

Vision Consumer Products Fulfillment has decades of experience and industry expertise in consumer products fulfillment services.  No matter who your customer is, we treat your customer as our own.  We know what makes a raving fan out of an individual customer, as well as what makes a business partner trust you with their business.  Call or email us to learn how.  We’re certain we’ll be the best fulfillment warehouse partner you have ever had!

http://visioncpf.com

CPFSales@VisionMediamgmt.com

¹ http://multichannelmerchant.com/opsandfulfillment/retain-loyal-customers-premium-packaging-08072015/

What Is 3PL Fulfillment?

You’ve probably seen or heard the term 3PL tossed around when the conversation turns to logistics.  But just what is a 3PL?  According to Wikipedia, “A third-party logistics provider (abbreviated 3PL, or sometimes TPL) is a firm that provides service to its customers of outsourced (or "third party") logistics services for part, or all of their supply chain management functions.”  But what does that actually mean?  And why should you even care?

The logistics provided by a 3PL can include warehousing, transportation management software, freight rate negotiation, in-depth reporting, forecasting, freight bill auditing and more. In some instances, a 3PL will specialize in certain industries, or types of logistics such as international commerce.  There are many benefits a 3PL can bring to your organization.

Because logistics is their core competency, they can deliver cost and time savings while providing a depth of experience based knowledge and industry relationships.  You use the 3PL’s equipment and infrastructure, rather than building your own, which lowers your capital commitment.  And key to managing the changing demands of seasonal highs and lows and growth, a 3PL can provide a flexible and scalable logistics solution option.  Given the swiftly evolving transportation environment of today, a partner who can bring solutions to managing rising transportation costs and supply chain challenges can be key to your company’s success.  Talk to Vision – we can help you understand and plan for your transportation future.

Vision Consumer Products Fulfillment has decades of experience and industry expertise in consumer products fulfillment services.  No matter who your customer is, we treat your customer as our own.  We know what makes a raving fan out of an individual customer, as well as what makes a business partner trust you with their business.  Call or email us to learn how.  We’re certain we’ll be the best fulfillment warehouse partner you have ever had!

http://visioncpf.com

CPFSales@VisionMediamgmt.com