When you want to outsource your logistics, choosing the most suitable subcontractor is an important step towards efficient management.
However, on the market, each service provider has its own level of service, while some choose to specialise in a very specific sector.
Between all these offers, finding a logistics partner can be a tedious task.
To help you, MPO has put together a brief overview.
Assess your logistics needs
Before taking any steps, you need to estimate your logistical requirements using a set of specifications. This stage will help you to better understand your expectations and to make an initial selection of the service providers most likely to meet them.
The specifications should include the following elements.
- The customer target: indicate whether your logistics are aimed directly at end consumers, businesses or both. After all, BtoC and BtoB do not require the same specific features.
- Type of products: remember to specify the type of products you wish to transport, as well as their dimensions, as these aspects can have a major impact on your logistics. For example, transporting fragile products generally requires additional protective packaging.
- Type of packaging: specify the form in which you would like to pack your products, whether it’s traditional or more upmarket. Also specify any special requirements you may have, such as wrapping in tissue paper, kraft paper, adding inserts or applying stickers.
- The delivery zone: defining your delivery zone will help you to choose between service providers offering international operations or those limited to national transport.
- Volume: estimate the number of annual sales you expect to achieve, as storage capacities differ between service providers. Don’t forget to take into account possible fluctuations during the year, such as the festive season.
- The order transmission system: if you want to outsource your e-commerce logistics, remember to check the type of interface used by the logistics provider. They must be compatible with your e-commerce site’s system in order to be able to transmit your orders to their platform.
- Special requirements: ask yourself about other criteria likely to have an impact on your logistics, such as the expiry date of your products or your storage method. Similarly, if you want to pack different or complementary products, it will be necessary to turn to a logistics provider offering co-packing services.
Carefully compare what each service provider has to offer
Once you’ve estimated your logistics requirements and made an initial selection of service providers, you can then take a closer look at what they have to offer. At this stage, don’t hesitate to contact a sales representative and ask for a quote so that you can study each proposal in detail. There are a number of other points that can help you make your choice.
- Flexibility: look at the range of services offered by the provider, such as the range of carriers. Many customers like to be able to choose between home delivery and delivery to a relay point.
- Availability: outsourcing logistics means having to hand over part of your business to a subcontractor. For peace of mind, assess the quality of their customer service, their ability to keep you informed and their responsiveness. Trust and effective communication are the keys to a lasting and successful partnership.
- Reputation: to check the reliability of the service provider, don’t hesitate to take an interest in the different customers with whom the service provider has already worked.
- Follow-up: often overlooked, the management of returns and after-sales service is vital. Efficient returns management and good traceability will keep your customers satisfied.
In conclusion, looking for a logistics partner requires a certain methodology.
However, thanks to a carefully drawn up set of specifications, it is possible to better define your needs and then choose the most suitable partner.