Month: October 2024

The Power of Proximity: The Impact of Warehouse Location on Shipping

Black friday, cyber monday, ecommerce, Sell online, 3PL, Business

Estimated reading time: 2-3 minutes

Every minute counts for businesses during the holiday season. With soaring demand and increased competition, timely delivery is more critical than ever.

That’s where strategic warehousing comes into play. A PwC survey found that 80% of customers are more likely to repeat purchases if they receive their orders within 24 hours. By strategically outsourcing to warehouses closer to your customers, you can significantly reduce shipping times and increase customer retention.

 
The Proximity Factor

The closer your warehouse is to your customers, the faster you can ship their orders. This simple principle is backed by data. Studies have shown that a reduction in shipping distance can lead to:

  • Faster delivery times: Orders can be shipped more quickly and efficiently. A McKinsey study found that reducing shipping distance by 10 miles can lead to a 5-10% decrease in delivery time.
  • Lower shipping costs: Reduced transportation distances often result in lower shipping fees. The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) estimates that a 10% reduction in shipping distance can result in a 3-5% decrease in transportation costs.
  • Improved customer satisfaction: Customers are more likely to be satisfied when they receive their orders promptly. An IBM study found that 75% of customers are more likely to recommend a brand if they receive their orders promptly during peak seasons.
 
Peak Season Planning

During peak e-commerce seasons like the holidays, when order volumes surge, the importance of strategic warehousing becomes even more pronounced. By strategically locating warehouses in key regions, businesses can:

  • Reduce shipping delays: Orders can be processed and shipped from nearby warehouses, minimizing transit times.
  • Handle increased demand: Multiple warehouses can distribute the workload and prevent bottlenecks.
  • Improve customer experience: Faster shipping times can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
 
The Role of Selery

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers, like Selery, can be invaluable in optimizing warehouse locations and managing shipping during peak seasons. We offer a range of services, including:

  • Strategic locations: We have a network of warehouses worldwide, allowing businesses to locate their inventory strategically.
  • Fast Lead Times: We pick, pack, and ship your orders within 24 hours.
  • Demand forecasting: We examine your past sales data, seasonality trends, and other relevant factors to identify patterns and predict future demand so your products are always in stock.
  • Inventory management: We can manage inventory levels at different warehouses to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize shipping delays.
  • Technology solutions: We utilize advanced technology to track inventory, optimize shipping routes, and provide real-time visibility into the supply chain.
 
Conclusion

Strategic warehousing is crucial to a successful e-commerce strategy, especially during peak seasons. By carefully considering the location of your warehouses and partnering with a reliable 3PL provider like Selery, you can optimize shipping times, reduce costs, and enhance the overall customer experience. Let’s get started today.

Selery’s 3PL Story with Jason Taylor, CEO

Black friday, ecommerce, Sell online, 3PL, Business

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Selery’s journey from a simple inquiry to a global logistics provider highlights the power of prioritizing customer service, embracing innovation, and nurturing a strong company culture. Sitting down with Fulfill.com recently, our Founder & CEO, Jason Taylor, shares Selery’s origin story, growth over the years, and future vision of helping more business owners scale.

 
Selery’s First Customer

Selery’s origin is rooted in an unexpected opportunity that unfolded while Jason managed a family distribution business in Dallas. Initially focused on selling obsolete inventory through online platforms, they received a surprising request from a customer wanting storage and shipping services. Jason jokingly suggested quoting a high price to scare the customer off. Instead, the customer jumped at the offer, becoming Selery’s first fulfillment customer. 

 

Growth and Expansion: A Journey of Milestones

That moment opened Jason’s eyes to the potential of a fulfillment-focused business model that didn’t require hefty inventory investments. Three months later, they launched their first warehouse in Addison, TX. Jason found joy in helping other businesses focus on what they do best while leaving the logistics to Selery.

 

One Million Square Feet and Beyond

Initially operating from a 15,000-square-foot warehouse, the company quickly expanded as demand skyrocketed. Within months of opening their first location, they were turning clients away due to capacity constraints. 

Taking a leap of faith, Selery moved into a 100,000-square-foot facility in Carrollton, which proved pivotal in scaling operations. Though it seemed like a financial risk that could sink the company in 6 months, this bold move coincided perfectly with a major client onboarding, helping Selery fill the new space rapidly. Now, they’re approaching nearly one million square feet across the country!

 

Same Day Responsiveness

In an industry where customer service can often be overlooked, Selery distinguishes itself through prompt and personalized support. When Jason asked his sales team to engage with competitors by seeking quotes, he found that many companies failed to respond quickly or at all. 

Selery prides itself on its responsiveness—clients can expect to hear back the same day, often within hours. Each client has a dedicated account representative, ensuring personalized service that keeps clients satisfied and drives referrals.

 

Industry Trends

As the logistics sector evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities it presents. Jason observes a growing trend toward automation and robotics, although he remains cautious about its implementation given the diversity of products handled. Rising inflation and labor costs have also posed significant challenges, but Selery has successfully navigated these issues by enhancing operational efficiencies and negotiating favorable freight agreements.

 

Globalization

Looking ahead, Jason envisions a logistics landscape increasingly influenced by consumer expectations shaped by giants like Amazon. To stay competitive, Selery is strategically expanding its footprint across the U.S. and beyond, ensuring they can deliver products quickly and cost-effectively.

 

Innovative Technologies

At Selery, technology plays a key role in their operations. They’ve continually upgraded their software to make client interactions smoother. Exciting new features are on the way, which will offer detailed insights into operational costs—helping them refine pricing strategies for current and potential clients.

 

Creating Culture

Jason’s leadership philosophy centers around creating a supportive and engaging work environment. Selery operates with a unique structure, dividing its workforce into smaller teams, or “zones,” that function like independent mini-3PLs. This model fosters strong relationships among team members and with clients, enhancing morale and service quality.

Balancing work and life is important for Jason, and he credits his fantastic COO, Rory Bachman, for helping create a reliable team. This allows Jason to step away when needed, knowing everything is in good hands.

 

Serve. Simplify. Scale.

As Selery looks to the future, Jason is particularly excited about expanding and acquiring more fulfillment companies. Each acquisition brings new opportunities, and a chance to help fellow entrepreneurs and 3PL teams reach heights.

Selery is well-positioned for continued success. Whether you’re a business owner aiming to streamline operations or an entrepreneur interested in logistics, Selery’s story is a fantastic example of what can happen with vision and dedication. Connect with us to learn more about how we help businesses scale.