Importance
Logistics has played a key role in e-commerce which has grown at record rates in recent years, especially in terms of marketing, supply chain management, and the order fulfillment process. For these reasons, it is critical to work with a reliable logistics partner that is efficient, responsive, and safe in all areas of transportation management. An expert logistics partner will help you to optimize your business, giving you opportunities to expand into new markets. Having a reliable logistics partner allows you to focus on developing your business while reducing risks and costs with your transportation, storage, distribution, shipping, and returns providers.
With all this being said, choosing the most suitable logistics company is no easy task and you will come across various types of logistic businesses, each of which has their own expertise and extensive knowledge. Many factors must be considered before deciding on the right partner.
But what are they?
We put the question to Eli Koretsky, our expert in Chinese logistics and e-commerce. He recommends the following objectives for sellers seeking the right logistics partner:
1
Cooperation based on transparency
Create a healthy atmosphere of cooperation based on transparency and mutual trust by signing simple, clear, and legally binding contracts.
2
Tracking numbers
Request that logistics companies provide tracking numbers for recent orders, showing more details of their relevant shipping channels.
3
Ask the end customer
Ask the end customer, on receipt of their parcel, to complete a review of the logistics provider.
4
Advice from other
Seek advice from companies and customers who have already worked with the same logistics company.
5
Do research
Research its services and determine its credibility.
6
Which steps of the logistics chain the provider covers
Check which steps of the logistics chain the provider covers completely. Does the company manage product returns if needed? Does it cover flights, air, freight, and customs, or just last-mile delivery? It’s important to make sure your whole supply chain is covered, preferably keeping the number of intermediaries (middlemen) involved to a minimum to avoid miscommunication, delays and parcels falling between the cracks.
Eli Koretsky hopes he can help you with some tips about the importance of finding a reliable logistics provider.
