A Dive Into the Lansil Global Rebrand
Lansil Global’s rebrand includes a shift into the modern age. Nine years ago, Lansil Global was founded with a vision to transform the supply chain solutions. Fast forward to today, the company stands at a pivotal juncture, ready to unveil its transformative rebrand. Our journey started with a simple mission: bridge the gap between quality and communication. Today, that mission remains at our core, but we’re taking it a step further. The world has evolved, and so has Lansil Global. What began as a promising venture nearly a decade ago has now prospered into a global player, offering end to end solutions in China sourcing, manufacturing, freight, warehousing, and global fulfillment. The rebrand reflects a deep introspection into Lansil Global’s identity and values. It captures the essence of growth to staying at the forefront of industry trends. Brand Logo Our logo is the beating heart of our brand, exuding a bold and unique vibe. The icon comprises characters ‘L’ and ‘G,’ shaped like a box in motion, exhibiting clean and modern design. Overall, the logo is geometric and balanced. The New Color Palette Our new palette means business, but we spice it up with a splash of boldness through our standout lead color. We’ve got a Lansil Gray, a deep and striking Lansil Black, and our bold and vibrant Rising Sun Orange in our brand color arsenal. We Source We Ship Our tagline says it all: ‘We Source. We Ship.’ Simple, direct, and powerful capturing what Lansil Global stands for in just a few words. As we introduce our new look, we’re thrilled to have you with us. The updated Lansil Global showcases our determination, new ideas, and a strong promise to do our best. Let’s step into the future together, where big things await. The best is yet to come. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
The Nitty-Gritty of China Sourcing for Ecommerce Brands: How to Get Started
Taping into the “world’s factory” brings its fair share of opportunities and challenges, so it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of China sourcing You’re planning to launch an eCommerce brand or seeking to scale your already established business. That’s all good news. But in the realm of online shopping, China sourcing is crucial to ensure your products can compete on quality and price. Whether you’re planning to source yourself or want to hire a China product sourcing company, it’s important to learn about best practices and how this process works. But first: Why China sourcing? Dubbed the “world’s factory”, China has long been the go-to destination for manufacturing and sourcing. The country’s manufacturing output reached nearly $5.57 trillion in 2023, and most forecasts suggest that the number will continue to grow in the coming years. No matter the product you want to produce and sell, there’s a factory for it. Â China’s labor force accounts for 740 million people, which is miles ahead of any other country. With wages still within the acceptable range, the cost of sourcing eCommerce products from China is still budget-friendly. It’s not always about cost, though. The country’s advanced manufacturing and state-of-the-art infrastructure allow for efficient production processes, high-quality output, and rapid scalability. Getting started with China product sourcing So you’ve decided to get your products from China. Where to start? Whether you’re planning to do it on your own or find a trusted China sourcing company to help you, the process usually follows these stages: Search and verify The first thing to do is to go on a research spree. You can check online sourcing platforms such as Alibaba and Made In China to get a general idea of the available suppliers. After finding the suppliers that may be a good fit for your needs, verification will be next. Verifying Chinese suppliers and factories can be a slog. It may include reading reviews, checking business licenses, or even visiting the factory. If you’re planning to visit, being able to speak Chinese is a must. It helps you communicate effectively and ensure that all your questions and concerns are clearly understood. Negotiate and ask for samples After finding the right Chinese supplier for your eCommerce business, it’s time to talk money. Negotiations can be tricky. Factories have years of experience dealing with customers, as they try to extract the maximum amount of money possible for your order. It’s better if you ask for quotes from multiple sources and compare. This can also help you with the negotiations. If you settle on a price that is acceptable to both parties, the next will be asking for a sample. No matter how precise are you in describing your product to the manufacturer, it’s paramount that you ask for a sample to see how the product will look in real life. Order and ship Once you’re satisfied with the sample, you can let the factory know that you’re ready to place the order. Check with the manufacturer how long your order will take to be ready. After production comes shipping, which is an integral part of your supply chain. If you’re considering a direct China fulfillment solution, or searching for a way to effectively ship your goods to large markets like the USA, you’ll need a fulfillment company with warehouses in China, the USA, or both to ensure timely delivery to your customer. Simplify China sourcing with Lansil Global Sourcing from China comes with its fair share of opportunities and challenges. In a country where only a few of its population can converse in English, it’s difficult to communicate with factories and get what you need. Moreover, checking the quality of the product and handling shipping and warehousing presents yet another obstacle to your supply chain. At Lansil Global, we’ve been the partner of choice of many eCommerce brands seeking to source from China. Based in Shenzhen, our bilingual team is well-versed in dealing with factories to secure you the best deal for your money. If that’s not enough, we also have an in-house quality control team to make sure your product meets your standards before it leaves China. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
Warehouse vs. Fulfillment Center: What’s the Difference?
While both terms are used interchangeably in the realm of eCommerce, they actually serve different purposes. Almost everyone can tell what’s a ‘warehouse’. But when it’s compared to a ‘fulfillment center’, things become a bit more like a logistics puzzle. For eCommerce businesses, making sure orders arrive on time at their destination depends on how efficient is the warehouse (or fulfillment center). If you’re thinking of improving your supply chain (or just want to feed your curiosity), read on to understand the differences between these terms. What is a warehouse? In its simplest form, a warehouse is a large storage facility designed to store goods and products in bulk. Typically, warehouses are used by manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, and retailers to house inventory for extended periods. The primary purpose of a warehouse is to safely store goods until they are needed, without focusing on the speed of processing orders. Warehouses are equipped with shelves and pallets to keep products organized and accessible (and, of course, they have dozens of quirky forklifts). Warehouses are essential for managing inventory levels, preventing stockouts, and maintaining the supply chain’s efficiency. As an eComm brand, owning (or leasing) a warehouse might seem like an attractive solution to save on cost. But unless you’re selling on a massive scale to justify such investment, you’re better off outsourcing your warehousing needs to specialized providers. What is a fulfillment center? The concept of fulfillment centers started to gain popularity amidst the meteoric rise of eCommerce during the ‘90s. Today, this term can refer to many things. But in its essence, a fulfillment center is a facility designed to handle the logistics of processing and shipping orders to customers. Fulfillment centers are an integral part of eCommerce businesses and any third-party logistics (3PL) operations. It’s where the speed and accuracy of order fulfillment are paramount. These centers receive products, store them temporarily, pick and pack items as orders come in, and then ship them out to customers’ front door. Fulfillment centers are far more active than traditional warehouses. They manage various time-sensitive tasks, including inventory management, order processing, packaging, shipping, and sometimes even returns handling. The goal of a fulfillment center is to provide a seamless and efficient order fulfillment process, enhancing customer satisfaction. Warehouse vs fulfillment center: Which one is right for eCommerce brands? Now that semantics are out of the way, it’s clear that a fulfillment center is the ideal option in most cases. To ensure timely delivery, reduce errors, and handle returns, an eCommerce fulfillment center does much more than a conventional warehouse. But don’t let the names deceive you! Warehouses and fulfillment centers are both used to refer to facilities that process orders and store goods. While a fulfillment center can also operate like a warehouse, some modern warehouses are also equipped with everything needed to ensure efficient eCommerce fulfillment, therefore operating like a fulfillment center. Some companies call their fulfillment centers a ‘warehouse’, which is exactly the case for us at Lansil Global. Our warehouse in Shenzhen, China, for instance, offers even more than a traditional fulfillment center – we store goods, fulfill eCommerce orders, perform quality control checks, and even prepare orders for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). With two additional warehouses in the United States, we offer USA order fulfillment with 2-4 day standard delivery across all states. Are you looking for a reliable fulfillment partner to boost your supply chain? Reach out to us today and learn more about how we can take your business to new heights. If you like to experience the harmony of fulfillment centers, warehouses, FBA prep centers, and quality control in one place, we’re more than happy to invite you for a visit to our Shenzhen warehouse as well. Book a call today and let’s get started! Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
Useful Tips for Mastering China Supplier Negotiations
You’re searching the internet seeking the perfect supplier to bring your perfect product to the market. That’s all very exciting. Factories are abundant, we all know that. But finding the right one that gives you quality products at competitive pricing isn’t an easy feat. It all boils down to mastering China supplier negotiations. Understanding Chinese business culture The Chinese business culture is different. It has a strong connection with the ideas of Confucius, a prominent Chinese philosopher. Chinese communications etiquette is heavily influenced by the concept of ‘Guanxi’, which emphasizes building rapport based on trust and mutual respect. Communication in China tends to be contextual, which is opposite to Western countries where people can be more direct and blunt sometimes. This means you must train yourself to understand the subtleties and underlying meanings of interactions. Saving face is also an important pillar in Chinese culture and Confucianism, so you must avoid confrontations and try not to embarrass the other party. For language, there’s no escape from learning Chinese or having someone with you who can do the talking. The vast majority of people there don’t speak English fluently, and most of them are usually more familiar with the Mandarin group of dialects. All in all, the key to Chinese supplier negotiations is to understand that their culture is unique and not similar to others. To communicate effectively with local factories, you must act like a local. General tips on negotiating with Chinese factories Many strategies can be applied when negotiating with suppliers. Here are some of the general ones to get you started: Know your product first First and foremost, understand your product and its requirements. Before even choosing a Chinese factory, you should have all the details sorted out. This includes specifications, materials needed, and what types of factories are specialized in producing what you need. Explore all the potential ways in which your product can be manufactured, so you can be prepared if a supplier tries to offer you alternative solutions. Do your due diligence Research as much as you can. Develop a clear understanding of Chinese labor costs, available factories, production time, quality control processes, regulations, and other factors related to your product. Learn Chinese suppliers’ negotiation tactics Chinese factories have spent years developing their own set of tactics to negotiate with clients like you. But you can turn this to your advantage by learning their moves. Their negotiation strategies are plenty. For instance, factory representatives tend to use flattery and promote the idea of ‘mutual interests’ to lure you into accepting a deal that might not be in your best interest. Build a relationship with the supplier before demanding better terms This is also related to the Guanxi principles. Build a meaningful connection with the supplier and make them trust you before starting to push for more benefits or lower prices. This may lead to greater transparency, faster lead times, and better support for you during the manufacturing process. Discuss all the details clearly Chinese suppliers tend to stall, avoid saying no, and talk indirectly. But in the end, the details of the deal should clearly be stated, discussed, and agreed upon even before signing the contract. If you and the supplier are not on the same page, this may lead to misunderstandings and more delays, which is clearly not in your favor. Prepare to compromise No Chinese factory would accept the first offer terms right away. Even if the terms were easy, the nature of any negotiations is that every party will try to bargain for their favor as much as possible. Therefore, the supplier is expected to push more, and the eComm seller must be willing to agree to some compromises. It’s hard to decide what aspects of production to compromise on right on the spot. That’s why it’s better to decide that in advance so you can be prepared when negotiations are on. Skip the negotiations and get the best terms with Lansil Global With a dedicated purchasing team based in China, Lansil Global helps you skip the hassle of dealing directly with suppliers. Our staff are Chinese natives and can speak English fluently, meaning they can be your point of contact throughout the entire process. We focus on providing the highest quality with the best possible rate for all eCommerce brands. Whether you have a supplier in mind or want us to research for you, our China Sourcing solutions can get you what you need. Want to learn more? Reach out to our sales team to get a custom quote or free consultation. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
TikTok Fulfillment: Understanding the Logistics Behind TikTok Shop
With over a billion users worldwide, any product can go viral on TikTok in a flash. Is your supply chain ready for it? It’s hard to overstate the influence of TikTok on people’s lives. For users, TikTok is the one-stop destination for funny clips from all over the world. For eCommerce brands, the social platform presents a lucrative opportunity to scale their business, thanks to the rise of social commerce with TikTok Shop. Whether you’re an eComm seller on TikTok or planning to be one, understanding the ins and outs of TikTok fulfillment is at the heart of your business success. Why is TikTok so important for eCommerce business? You don’t need to be a TikTok user to understand the significance of this platform worldwide. You’ve probably seen many short clips trending on other social media platforms that have the TikTok logo. The platform has over 1 billion active users. These users are mostly Millennials and Gen Z (the most important demographic driving eCommerce sales globally). In the USA, which is among the world’s largest eCommerce markets, over 150 million people use the platform every month. TikTok has grown so much that banning it is now a hot topic in US politics. We don’t need to go into the controversy of the ban, but this event clearly indicates how influential is the platform among younger Americans. The introduction of TikTok Shop, where users can buy goods after they go viral, has upended the eCommerce industry. In 2022, over half of US users reported making impulsive purchases on TikTok – more than any other platform. TikTok Shop is an effective way to leverage viral clips to drive more sales for your business. And with more orders coming in, ensuring your TikTok fulfillment process is efficient and reliable is as essential as acquiring new customers. How does TikTok fulfillment work? TikTok fulfillment involves the process of fulfilling orders that originate from your TikTok Shop. This process includes picking, packing, labeling, shipping, and other related procedures necessary to ensure the package arrives at the customer’s front door. Here are the main options eCommerce brands use for TikTok fulfillment: Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) is the platform’s in-house fulfillment service. It offers eCommerce sellers on TikTok Shop an option to manage their orders in exchange for a fee (multiple fees actually). With FBT, merchants can send inventory directly to TikTok’s fulfillment centers, and the company can take the order from there. Simple as it may seem, this process often creates new challenges. There might be some difficulty in handling returns or modifying orders. As a fully automated service, it’s not easy to reach customer service for urgent issues, as their support system is ticket-based. Outsourced TikTok fulfillment Outsourcing TikTok fulfillment involves working with a third-party logistics (3PL) company to handle your orders from TikTok Shop. The company integrates with your shop to receive orders and fulfill them accordingly. Generally, a 3PL provider offers picking, packing, shipping, and other related services to ensure the TikTok fulfillment process runs smoothly and delivers to your customers on time. Working with a specialized company for TikTok fulfillment can bring a host of benefits. For instance, you don’t need to allocate inventory to one sales channel. This means you will never run out of stock if the demand increases on TikTok or other channels you’re using to sell. What’s more, sellers on TikTok usually sell somewhere else as well, so working with one 3PL company can help fulfill your orders across multiple platforms. Efficient TikTok fulfillment solutions by Lansil Global TikTok Shop doesn’t operate like other marketplaces. One day your store may sit idle. Another day your product might be the center of a TikTok trend that sends your sales off the charts. No matter the case, having a reliable fulfillment partner is essential to ensure your orders are handled efficiently. At Lansil Global, we can integrate with your TikTok Shop and provide a fully-fledged fulfillment service tailored to your needs. We have a strong presence in the USA, with two warehouses covering all the states with 1-3 day delivery for the best TikTok fulfillment service. Ready to take your eComm business to new heights on TikTok? Reach out to us today to get a quote and learn more about our services. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
OEM vs. ODM in China: Which Manufacturing Service Is Right for You?
Both offer a wide range of manufacturing options, but choosing the best depends on what you’re selling and how much control you want over the design and production proces For those new to the world of China manufacturing, the difference between OEM and ODM can be quite confusing. Both are manufacturers that help eCommerce brands and other businesses produce products based on certain requirements. However, the similarity stops there. Let’s demystify these terms to help you decide which manufacturing service is best for you. What is OEM manufacturing? OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It refers to a company that manufactures products on behalf of a brand based on specific requirements and designs. Let’s say you are an eCommerce seller and want to launch a unique product. You can do extensive R&D and prepare the final design for that product. An OEM company is the one that has the manpower to manufacture your product based on the design provided by you. Example of how OEM works The best way to demonstrate how OEM works is by taking Apple’s iPhones as an example. To manufacture the iPhone, Apple does extensive R&D to design the device and set the desired standards. To manufacture the iPhone in China, Apple reaches out to Foxconn, an OEM company. Foxconn receives the designs and specifications from Apple to produce and assemble the iPhone. Benefits of OEM Disadvantages of OEM What is ODM manufacturing? ODM, which stands for Original Design Manufacturer, is a company that designs various types of products and tweaks them slightly based on the client’s requirements. ODMs, especially the ones in China, offer a wide array of manufacturing services to suit the needs of eCommerce businesses and other clients who want to launch new products to the market in a short time. Example of how ODM works Let’s say an online apparel seller wants to launch a new product. The seller has done their research and identified a gap in the market for a new type of shirt but they lack the time and resources to design it and give it to an OEM for production. Instead, the seller can pitch the idea to an ODM company that specializes in manufacturing apparel and has already similar designs. The seller can ask the ODM to produce the new shirt and have a few customization options, such as color, size, and fabric. Since the ODM already has experience in producing apparel, it can quickly ramp up production and bring the product to market without the need for more complications or input from the seller. Types of ODM services: Private labeling vs white labeling ODM offers a plethora of manufacturing services, but the most common ones are private labeling and white labeling. To explain the difference, let’s go back to the shirt example. If the seller opts for the private label service, they can customize the product a little by adding branding and asking for certain materials to be used. In this case, the ODM will produce the shirt exclusively for the seller. If the seller goes for white labeling, the shirt will be already designed by the manufacturer. It will be a generic one that costs less but the ODM will have the right to sell it to more than one client. In this case, the seller will handle the branding process. Benefits of ODM Disadvantages of ODM OEM vs ODM in China: Which one is right for your business? Choosing between OEM and ODM manufacturing depends on various factors. If you have time and extensive resources for R&D to design your product, then OEM might be the right fit for you. However, most businesses, especially in the eCommerce space, often choose ODM. The services offered by ODM companies balance between cost and quality for most online retailers. Between private labeling and white labeling, sellers can choose from different manufacturers and have enough freedom to customize the product and bring it faster to the market. Get quality products from China at competitive prices with Lansil Global Understanding the differences between manufacturers is one thing; knowing how to deal with them is another. With language and cultural barriers, eCommerce sellers cannot communicate effectively with factories on their own and get a good deal. At Lansil Global, our Shenzhen-based team understands the nuances of Chinese manufacturing and has already established relations with over 2,000+ factories. No matter the type of your product, we can get it to market in a short time. Our in-house quality control team can check your products to ensure a lower defect rate. How to get started? Get a free consultation today by reaching out to our sales team. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
10 Ecommerce Trends Set to Shape Online Shopping in 2024
From vibrant short videos to AI, many trends are influencing eCommerce, and online retailers should prepare for a transformative year ahead Q3 has already started, and eCommerce has never been more exciting. Sales are growing. Section 321 is allowing more products to enter the US duty-free. And Chinese sourcing companies are working around the clock to help eComm brands get more products from the World’s Factory. Many useful and experimental features are being introduced. But beyond the regular hype cycle, important (and potentially disruptive) developments are emerging. Here’s our pick for the top 10 eCommerce trends shaping the industry in 2024. Top eCommerce trends to look for in 2024 1. AI: the promising golden goose Nearly 84% of eCommerce professionals believe artificial intelligence (AI) can make companies more competitive. While the hype of AI currently revolves around ChatGPT, the technology has much more untapped potential. From engaging chatbots and recommendation algorithms to writing product descriptions and SEO content – AI is set to make eCommerce platforms more efficient for businesses and more exciting for customers. 2. The rise of the algorithm: More personalization to drive sales Smart algorithms have long been a pillar of the eCommerce industry. They can analyze customer preferences and recommend other products. This trend is gaining momentum again following the rise of Shein and Temu, as they’ve been very successful in suggesting products to customers based on the order history. 3. Buy Now, Pay Later: Boosting eCommerce sales with credit Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platforms have been trending for a few years. Many users, especially Gen Zers in the US, are battling inflation and higher prices by taking up interest-free short-term loans through BNPL. Lending from BNPL is expected to reach $114 billion this year, and online sellers are well positioned to capitalize on this by offering the option to ‘buy now, pay later’ on their website. 4. TikTok Shop is reshaping the beauty industry Not everyone is a fan of TikTok, but nearly everyone in the eCommerce space recognizes its growing influence on online buyers. After launching TikTok Shop, its store, in the USA in 2023, sales quickly shot up. But what are people buying on this short video social platform? Data from 2023 reveals some interesting trends. Nearly 85% of sales during the first month of TikTok Shop’s launch came from the Health & Beauty category! If you specialize in cosmetics, maybe it’s time to level up your TikTok game to boost your sales. 5. Short video clips are encouraging customers to buy more Everyone’s social media feed is now brimming with quirky and vibrant short clips. From Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts to ‘TikToks’, these short videos have taken social media by storm. Customers are now expecting eCommerce brands to use short videos to showcase how a product is used, what are its main features, and more. 6. Adding more value with subscriptions After launching its Prime subscription in 2005, Amazon was able to drive unprecedented sales growth by adding more features to its subscription and offering better value. Of course, no company can do something on that scale, but other subscription trends for mid-sized retailers are emerging. eCommerce businesses can follow other models, such as allowing customers to have scheduled deliveries of a particular product in exchange for a monthly or yearly fee. 7. Build a loyal customer base with loyalty programs Growing sales is not just about acquiring new customers; it’s also about maintaining your existing ones. One way to do this is to create a functional loyalty program where users can easily register and avail the benefits. One survey showed that 6 out of 10 Americans prefer to have discounts upon joining a loyalty program. Other perks can also be considered to embrace this trend, including reward points, free delivery, and early access to certain products. 8. Headless commerce: Maximizing efficiency and streamlining operations Headless commerce is an architecture in which an online platform separates its front end from the back end. This concept is not just an eCommerce trend; it’s a new way of making online operations more flexible and customizable for businesses. When applying headless commerce, you can have multiple front-end experiences that can be updated and modified independently while all communicate with a single back-end through APIs. Over 70% of professionals who already use a headless structure say it increases agility and helps teams make front-end changes quickly and easily. 9. More eCommerce sales will come from mobile eCommerce platforms are becoming mobile-friendly, and e-buyers are preferring to do more shopping from their phones. This trend is set to continue, and the share of online purchases made from smartphones is expected to jump to 63% in 2028. If your eComm website is desktop-focused, it’s time to start working on improving the shopping experience on smartphones. 10. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): A reality check It’s time for a reality check on AR and VR, two technologies once promised to change how we interact. In the realm of eCommerce, AR is making some progress – a few surveys suggest that customers appreciate AR as a tool to try products (like shoes) or get to see it from different angles. For VR, even after the fuss that Apple created with its $3,500 Vision Pro headset, companies are still unable to find a useful application in online shopping. Let Lansil Global handle your supply chain while you focus on industry trends eCommerce trends come and go. Some of them become a fad, while others can present new opportunities to drive growth. Regardless of the trend, you should always ensure your platform checks the main boxes: a user-friendly interface, timely delivery, competitive prices, and good customer support. One way to achieve this is to have a reliable supply chain partner that will make sure your products are sourced and delivered on time. At Lansil Global, we offer supply chain solutions tailored to eCommerce brands, ranging from China product sourcing to direct China fulfillment and USA order fulfillment.
Peak Season Prep Checklist: 10 Things to Do for a Successful Q4 Sale in 2024
From Halloween to Christmas Day and beyond, Peak Season presents an ample opportunity for eComm brands to maximize sales and acquire new customers The Peak Season is nearly upon us. It’s the time of year when eCommerce brands flex their muscles to showcase their best offers. The Q4 season is so important that it needs a few months of preparation. No matter what you sell, your product sourcing and eCommerce fulfillment strategy should consider the sudden surge in sales. Here’s a list of 10 things you should do to ensure a successful Peak Season sale. Peak Season 2024 prep checklist: 10 things to do 1. Mark your calendar The Peak Season usually runs throughout Q4 of every year. There are plenty of days where eCommerce sales may surge during this period. Depending on your industry, you will experience a spike in demand on some days than others. Here’s a list of the most popular days in Peak Season 2024: 2. Use data to forecast demand accurately Forecasting demand is among the most essential things to check off your to-do list. If you have experienced a Peak Season before, use the data from the previous year to help you forecast demand for the upcoming Q4. Using your own data isn’t always enough for accurate forecasting. Try to follow trends, read industry insights, and search for more data related to your industry. 3. Secure your inventory ahead of time Peak Season sales can sometimes exceed the total sales from the rest of the year. For this reason, you must ensure you don’t run out of inventory in Q4. Keep in mind that your suppliers will be as busy as you during Peak Season preparations. If you’re sourcing from China, remember to place your orders with the supplier in advance, as lead times will be longer than usual. 4. Store inventory across multiple locations Ideally, your inventory should be stored near locations where most of your customers reside. This can help optimize shipping costs and reduce transit times. For example, if you’re working with a USA order fulfillment company, check if that company has at least two fulfillment centers to cover the West and East coasts with fast enough delivery time. 5. Make the most of your dead stock Dead stock refers to products stored in a warehouse and no longer sellable due to being low quality or out of season. Instead of letting this stock take inventory space, you can run more promotions and hefty discounts to attract more customers. 6. Utilize multiple shipping carriers In 2013, delivery giants UPS and FedEx caused anger during the holiday season due to multiple shipping delays. Many of the carriers’ shipments were actually from Amazon, costing the company millions. This issue actually prompted Amazon to ramp up its investment in its own supply chain. This is still a perfect example of how much your eCommerce brand is dependent on carriers. To avoid making your customers experience what happened with Amazon, make sure to work with multiple carriers during Peak Season 2024. 7. Prepare your customer support for a surge in inquiries In the midst of an order surge during Peak Season, things can get messy. Shipments may be delayed and some consumers may want to return. Make sure your support team is up and ready to respond to inquiries and assist with customer orders. 8. Check if your website can handle high traffic You don’t want your website to crash in front of your customers’ screens during the Peak Season. If you’re anticipating high traffic, make sure your website can function flawlessly while accommodating more online visitors. 9. Put a return strategy in place Peak Season is not just a time of high sales but also high returns. Return rates always shoot up during and after Q4. To keep your customers happy, handling their return process can leave a lasting impression. While you’re preparing for Peak Season 2024, remember to implement a transparent and flexible return policy and work hard to enforce it. 10. Pick a reliable supply chain partner Doing fulfillment and sourcing in-house surely has its benefits. But your supply chain might be stretched thin in Peak Season. If you’re anticipating a significantly higher demand, it might be time to consider working with a 3PL or a fully-fledged supply chain solution company to support your growth. At Lansil Global, we have fulfillment centers in China and the USA to ensure your supply chain never gets disrupted during the most important time of year. Whether you’re looking to source products from China, ship globally with direct China fulfillment, or deliver across the USA, we’ve got your back! Reach out to us today for a free quote. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
Boxing Match: Will Amazon’s Upcoming Temu Competitor Be Good or Bad for the Market?
The eCommerce landscape is set for potential disruptions as Amazon prepares to enter the cheap-product territory against Temu and Shei A week ago, Amazon announced record-breaking sales for its Prime Day – an indication of the company’s unhindered growth. But behind the scenes, the company is working on something much bigger: Taking on Temu and Shein. In late June, news about Amazon’s plan to launch a discount store started circulating the internet. This has generated mixed feelings in the market. For eCommerce businesses, Amazon’s venture into offering cheaper products by utilizing direct China fulfillment presents both opportunities and challenges. Here’s what you need to know. From China to customer’s doorstep: What is Amazon’s upcoming discount store? In an invite-only meeting with Chinese merchants, Amazon unveiled a plan to launch a new channel on its platform to sell cheap products similar to Temu and Shein. The products are said to include categories such as unbranded fashion and household items, many of which will be priced under $20. The logistics behind this new store will be based on direct-to-consumer (direct from China) fulfillment. This means the inventory will stay in China and products will be shipped directly to customers upon placing orders. The delivery time is expected to be 9-11 days, far slower than what Amazon traditionally offers but much similar to rivals like Temu and Shein. Amazon is planning to move fast with its Temu-like store. The reports said that Amazon plans to start accepting inventory this fall. A Temu and Shein competitor backed by Amazon: Any benefits? Consumers will definitely be happy. The increased competition means lower prices. Amazon will be the main beneficiary of this new store (of course). The reason is that only 7% of Americans said they ‘trust’ Temu and Shein. If the ‘trusted’ Amazon starts offering wallet-friendly products, more consumers will flock to buy more even if it means longer delivery times. It’s unclear if Amazon will allow independent sellers to list on that new store and keep inventory in China. If it does so, these sellers will have a better chance to compete directly with Shein and Temu and potentially beat them in their own game. Another potential benefit is making it harder to pass laws restricting Chinese goods coming to the US under Section 321 (a topic being discussed by policymakers). This is because Amazon, an American company, would become a major beneficiary of Section 321. Amazon vs Temu and Shein: Should eCommerce sellers be worried? Not everyone is enthusiastic about Amazon’s upcoming store. According to the US publication Modern Retail, some local sellers, who rely on Amazon FBA and don’t source directly from China, have expressed concerns. They said it would be harder for them to compete on price if Amazon starts offering cheaper products. Given Amazon’s history of disrupting markets, independent eCommerce sellers might also find it difficult to compete. Amazon is also known for its outstanding supply chain and logistics network, which means it could create a direct China fulfillment network much more efficiently. What should online businesses do? It’s still too early to tell what the new store will look like. It might succeed or face challenges along the way. But if this move from Amazon tells us anything, it’s the increasing demand from customers for low-priced products, even if it means longer delivery times. Does your eComm business offer the same? At Lansil Global, we leverage our Shenzhen fulfillment center to ship your product directly to customers in 6-10 days. We’ve already shipped to over 171 countries and your product can be next to reach new markets. Contact us today for a free quote. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
