Why is accuracy crucial to the fulfillment of apparel?
Demands from customers are higher than ever, thus your clothing supply chain must be responsive and in sync to avoid permanently losing out on business. Accurate order fulfillment has to be a key focus for companies since there are more alternatives and rivals than ever before. To deliver the correct thing to the right location at the right time, every time, consistent order cycle times, accurate inventory management, and effective picking and packaging operations must be in sync. It’s your brand, not simply a box.
Inventory Management For Apparel Fulfillment: How Is It Done?
Ineffective inventory management may destroy a clothing brand when there are many SKUs. In addition, fashion and taste may change swiftly, leaving firms with unsold, aging merchandise that depreciates in value and becomes expensive to keep season after season.
For brands to maintain the lowest possible inventory levels, they must strike a balance between fill rate and a strict SKU assortment strategy. A contemporary warehouse management system’s item activity level data may assist apparel businesses in proactively identifying slow-moving inventory so that fresh seasonal products can be added. With active inventory management, your fulfillment provider can maintain an updated slotting plan and select more quickly.
How Is Apparel Fulfillment Seasonality Managed?
Order volume for several clothing businesses spikes during certain seasons. Being able to increase your fulfillment capability at these periods is crucial, whether it’s around the holidays, via social media advertising, or when the weather changes. Order cycle times are improved when logistics firms can use communication, forecasting, and planning to be ready for promotional or seasonal marketing activities. When fulfillment providers are not in a “reactionary mode,” they may operate significantly more profitably and efficiently.
What Packaging Requirements Are In Place For Apparel Fulfillment?
From the perspective of product protection and branding, apparel packaging is crucial. Packaging and appearance are crucial when shipping directly to a customer. To prevent chargebacks, the container for an order that is being sent to a retail location must be correctly labeled. Master cartons and units should be barcoded and packed with a single style, size, and color per carton as per industry best practices. This would enhance inventory control, expedite product receiving processes, and save handling costs. Do you need hangers for your clothing or a certain range of products? If so, you would need specific hanging space at your fulfillment center. If your product has to be packed, folded, or bagged in a certain manner, there are additional considerations and actions that must be taken.
Which Additional Services Are Essential For The Completion Of Apparel?
Value-added services are becoming a more crucial factor for clothing companies to consider. These extra alternatives might provide you a competitive edge and boost the perception of your brand, depending on your particular requirements and client expectations. Personalization, labeling, packaging, kitting, and bundling are five typical and well-liked value-added services. Several service choices may fulfill your demands, whether you want custom-designed packaging or have a range of components that need to be assembled into whole kits.
What Is The Procedure For Apparel Fulfillment Returns?
Compared to other sectors, apparel companies usually have greater return rates. The ease of online shopping combined with free delivery may lead to a higher rate of client returns, regardless of whether the item fits or isn’t what the buyer had in mind. Reverse logistics management is essential to protecting and recouping margin monies in your supply chain. It’s critical to be able to quickly check, restore, and replenish saleable products into your inventory while maintaining a seamless client experience.