What We’re Reading: Drop Shipping, AI, Voice of the Customer

This week we’re reading about all different types of retail topics. Check out articles about the adoption of drop shipping by retailers, what shoppers want from artificial intelligence, and how to create a Voice of the Customer program. You don’t want to miss out on these insightful articles!  (more…)

The 2017 Dimensional Weight Pricing Changes You Need To Know

The implementation of dimensional (DIM) weight pricing by the parcel services shook up shipping forever. The new algorithm no longer charged businesses to ship based on how much their packages weighed, but instead by how much space they took up in their trucks.

Overall, this generally increased the prices for shipping—eating into margins for eCommerce sales. Not only was the new pricing model expensive, but it was more complicated. There’s math involved, and if you really want to ship as cheaply and efficiently as possible, you probably need to spend some time playing around with box sizes and what products can fit where to get the best deal.

However, just when you thought you’d cracked the code to DIM pricing, the parcel services are shaking it up again. They realize that they’re in a lucrative industry. As your eCommerce business booms, so does their business. They’re changing the algorithm, and ultimately, it’s going to cost you more.

Luckily, we have all the information you need to tackle this head on and hopefully turn it around in your favor. (more…)

How to Avoid Common Drop Shipping Problems

(This post was originally published on July 2, 2012. We’ve updated it for accuracy and completeness.)

Many types of retailers use drop shipping as a powerful strategy. It works well for merchants where purchasing inventory is risky or not affordable. It even works for established retailers looking to diversify their product line.

While drop shipping can increase sales, it can also have its share of problems.

If you’re considering drop shipping, you need to understand these issues. Learn how to avoid these costly mistakes that many learn the hard way. (more…)

Reverse Logistics: Where Online Retailers Should Make Improvements

If there’s one improvement you make to your online business this year, consider making it to your reverse logistics.

According to the National Retail Federation, merchandise returns cost U.S retailers more than $260 Billion in lost sales.

Returns are inevitable for merchants. They can’t be avoided. Instead, merchants should take the opportunity to use reverse logistics to increase sales and customer loyalty. Your returns process is a crucial part of the customer experience, and it is time you start treating it as so.  (more…)

What We’re Reading: Reverse Logistics

We’re coming off a record year of eCommerce sales. This drives another record, record returns after the holidays. This week we’re reading all about reverse logistics and how retailers deal with returns.  (more…)