allocate inventory

“RSL works collaboratively with its clients to assess their fulfillment and shipping needs and leverage RSL’s facility and carrier network in the most effective manner possible to meet consumer demand,” Manzione added. “RSL’s newest product, Xparcel Expedited, is a groundbreaking, cost-effective shipping solution that provides two- to five-day transit times with lower costs, allowing small to mid-size e-commerce retailers to compete with larger brands.”

E-commerce fulfillment is the series of steps an order goes through from the moment a customer places an order online until that order is delivered to its final destination. These steps include receiving, processing, selecting, packaging, and shipping (transporting) orders. Depending on the size of a business (among other factors), a business may choose to handle e-commerce fulfillment in-house or use a fulfillment center or provider.

All this is much easier for online retailers located close to their customers. For many, strategically setting up, or working with, a network of fulfillment centers across the country is a good way to achieve this same goal.

Xparcel Priority joins RSL current delivery options include the company's Xparcel Expedited and Xparcel Ground services. Xparcel Priority will mean that RSL customers have yet another alternative to ensure lower shipping costs and expedited service.

According to a 2020 market analysis report by Grand View Research, the global e-commerce fulfillment services market was worth $69.68 billion in 2019. By 2027, the market is expected to reach $113.59 billion. This projected increase in value is largely contributed to the number of speedy, convenient, and reliable e-commerce shipping and fulfillment options that delight and convert consumers into regular online shoppers.

Other options include a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation. A corporation is a separate legal entity that has limited liability and is taxed on its profits. Choosing an LLC or a corporation can protect you from personal liability, which can be an important benefit if you are running an online retail business.

Businesses that don’t handle fulfillment in-house need to consider outsourcing fulfillment. This is a worthwhile option if you’re shipping more than 5 to 10 packages per day. The two main types of fulfillment providers are:

In the age of e-commerce, customers expect their products to be delivered quickly and with accuracy. Staying up to date on supply chain management technology can be the gap between fulfilling orders at an average rate and delivering orders at the quick pace your customers crave. Market America | SHOP.COM has discovered how impactful certain warehouse technology can be when shipping customers their orders quickly. Chad Sullivan, Market America | SHOP.COM’s Global Distribution Manager, says the company he works for has found three specific technologies that are integral to a fast delivery system and a better online shopping experience: an ERP (or enterprise resource planning accounting system), a warehouse management system (or WMS) and a pick to light system.