Your ecommerce daily routine...

As we always say 'do what you do best, and outsource the rest!'. 
3P Logistics pride ourselves as the true 'one-stop shop' - from factory gate collection through to end delivery point we have it covered. We even offer e-commerce services such as inbound telesales, clearance outlet and marketing, etc. 

This makes some people question: if you are doing everything, what should I be doing? 
Well, there is SO MUCH that you can be doing! First of all you should constantly be looking for something new to grow your business. If you are busy picking and packing how can you research on ways to improve? Secondly, there are so many daily actions that you should be doing, just to name a few:
(source: )


1. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)



It is a life time job to boost your ecommerce site's search engine rankings, unless Google is dead. Online retailers need to focus on the contents, and to build relationships with authority sites that will link back to yours. Each single page should be optimised separately. Do your homework - research keywords, ensure that the page structure includes H1 and H2 tags, and put in optimised titles and descriptions. Remember to link related content throughout the site and bold key phrases. It is all about keywords density. I know it is a lot of hard work (that's why my colleague is doing it instead of me, ha) but you would be over the moon when you appear on the first page of the Google search result. Oh, maybe you already are on the first page, then try to get to (or maintain) the first place! 

2. Sourcing



Our cheesy slogan: 'you source and sell, leave the rest to 3PL.' 
Sourcing is the key to your business. Keep your eyes peeled. Spend at least an hour a day reading trends and check what you competitors are doing. Is there any new products available? Is your price still competitive? Is there better alternative to what you are selling? Make sure you are targeting the right audience with the right product. 

According to Dale Traxler, '... it's likely that you sell consistently to a similar demographic. Check that for yourself. Ask your customers why they buy from you. Find out what other products they would like to see you sell'. You should understand your customers as much as you can! 


3. Marketing



Yes we can do the 'startup' marketing for you such as web photography, listing and website design, but you still have to do the maintenance bit. Have you tried promoting your business via social media? For example Twitter is a great platform for engaging with customers and Facebook is good for hosting competitions and promoting events. And have you done any email marketing? Send your customers thank you email, seasonal greetings, or promote new products that you would be selling in the near future. These are all low cost and low risk ways to advertise your business so why not give it a go? 

Remember, if you are doing multichannel marketing, you should always be consistent, to establish and maintain your brand image. Choose a tone of voice which will appeal to your target market. For example be fun and lighthearted if you sell gadgets. 


4. Business strategies and report

Every business should have detail and clear strategy report. This allows you to know if you are on the right track. Set objectives and see if you can achieve them. Address key performace indicators (KPI) and measure return on investment (ROI). As suggested by Dale Traxler, 'At a minimum, monitor sales, average order value, cost of goods sold, traffic, conversion rates, abandonments rates and your cash position'. With your report in hand you can plan your future actions and continue to grow your business in a logical manner. 

Do you have to pay Royal Mail’s increased rates?

The short answer is no – there are other options!

(photo courtesy: neopost)

As Fulfilment Houses such as 3P Logistics operate on behalf of a large number of online retailers, this means that their collective buying power and expertise in negotiating with carriers can bring benefits, which can then be passed onto their clients.

The increases implemented this week by Royal Mail have led online retailers to take another look at their distribution costs and delivery timeframes offered to their customers.  Fulfilment companies can offer a real alternative; not only can distribution costs be lowered, but the overall proposition of an in-house v an outsourced solution can bring enormous benefits in terms of time saved and the refocusing onto vital areas such as sourcing and selling more effectively, through multiple channels.

John Scully, Business Development Manager at 3P Logistics, explains: 

'Clients often arrive at a crossroads, where, to expand their business further, they need to either take on additional resource and space, or outsource on a pay-as you-use basis'.

'The recent hike in Royal Mail’s prices especially affect the small to medium sized online retailer – there are alternatives out there that can not only bring savings but can take their businesses onto new levels.'

Price changes details HERE

North West Online Retailers MEETUP!

On 13 March, a nice clear evening in Manchester, 3P Logistics hosted a meetup event for e-tailers from the North West. With tables ladened with food and beer, the event was kick started with a mingling session among online retailers - great opportunity to talk to like minded people who all have great passion for selling online. It was then followed by three presentations by Carlos (shaping cloud), Ian (3P Logistics) and Artem (Linnworks), who share insiders tips and information regarding cloud technology, outsourcing and multichannel selling. 

3P Logistics would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the great crowd last night, along with the excellent guest speakers. Everyone's enthusiasm helped make our time together both productive and fun! 

We would be hosting another meetup soon so keep your eyes peeled! Why not bring your friends along, have a beer and a laugh, and learn more about e-commerce? Join us here:
http://www.meetup.com/NORTH-WEST-ONLINE-RETAILERS-MEET-UP-GROUP/

3P Logistics Partner with Linnworks

Linnworks is an order management software and stock control system that integrates the entire multi-channel sales process. The software handles everything from order fulfilment to shipping, stock control and inventory management, and integrates with eBay, Amazon, Play.com, Pixmania, Magento and all major website carts.

The growing trend of online retailers branching out into multi-channel selling continues at a considerable pace. In order to maximise multi-channel & cross-channel opportunities, both order fulfilment and stock control are of paramount importance.

John Scully - Business Development Manager at 3PL adds:

“3P Logistics and Linnworks are a natural fit”

“Together we provide the ideal combination for any online retailer seeking to expand its market place and grow its business. The partnership has already seen us subscribe over 20 of our online clients to the Linnworks platform and they are now reaping the benefits of automation and increased sales.   The process of outsourcing your order fulfilment and expanding your selling channels is simple and has never been more affordable”.

For more information visit www.3p-logistics.co.uk

For more information visit www.linnworks.com

Inbound handling (infographics)

UK Online Seller Meetup

A meetup event for UK online retailers was hosted by Christoph and Lisa from Iwoca last night . It was great success - with lots of tips and information (and food and drinks!) provided by various industry experts. Ian Walker from 3P Logistics was also invited to be one of the guest speakers. His presentation focused on what, when and why to outsource, and this leads to much interesting and engaging discussion. 

To return the favour, we are aiming to host another meetup event next month or so. Again there would be guest speakers, Q&A and discussion sessions, and networking opportunities with like minded people. Please join our meetup group for further announcement! 
http://www.meetup.com/NORTH-WEST-ONLINE-RETAILERS-MEET-UP-GROUP/

Linnworks reviews (and partnership with Royal Mail)

Multi-channel selling becomes much easier with the provision of automated interfaces. When outsourcing, one should always choose a reputable service provider, with attention to the system they use as well.

As a partner of Linnworks, which is a reliable order management system for e-commerce, 3P logistics have always fully utilized its function to ensure secure and seamless data synchronization between our clients and ourselves. The feedback has been exceptional. 

Its excellency is once again confirmed by the reviews from many customers on Trustpilot website.

Linnworks scores a 8.9 out of 10

Reviews are mostly 5 stars.

It has much better reviews than its competitor Channeladvisor. 

Linnworks and Royal Mail have recently partnered with a direct integration to help retailers automate the shipping processing of their tracked and untracked mail parcels. A bonus for our clients. For more information please goes to: http://tamebay.com/2013/02/linnworks-announce-direct-royal-mail-integration.html

3P Logistics are proud to be a partner of Linnworks. Our I.T. systems are at the heart of our service offering, whilst our flexible storage capability and fast moving pick pack operations are complemented by a wide range of distribution services to suit most demands. 

Infographics: Order Fulfilment

3PL has new intriguing videos

3P Logistics are happy to announce we have two new videos to share to the public. Please take the time to follow the links below and feel free to spread the word:

Alternatively watch the video here - http://youtu.be/vEK8ZupjaHQ

3PL removes the barriers to multi-channel retailing

Following significant development and rigorous trials we are delighted to announce the launch of our multi-channel interface: Multi Macs

Contrary to the popular belief that multi-channel retailing is too expensive 3PL have engineered a more affordable alternative compared to mainstream products such as e Seller Pro & Channel Advisor. Fees in the region of £695 per monthly subscription and 1.95% commission on final sale value are the main reasons many online retailers run for cover and instead persevere with single site selling. The market places of Amazon, Ebay. Asos etc and beyond are vast and are too good an opportunity to simply ignore. Our low cost entry to multi-channel retailing has now removed that financial barrier and provides our clients with a real competitive edge whist improving their margins.
With no commission on final sale and a modest weekly subscription there has never been a better time to broaden your market place.

Our order management software and stock control system integrates the entire multi-channel sales process, and handles everything from order fulfilment to shipping, stock control and inventory management. It also integrates with eBay, Amazon, Play.com, Pixmania, Magento and all major website carts. The system enables the client to control all their sales channels from one place – with flexible and powerful tools that allows the freedom to grow sales, reduce costs, eliminate manual tasks and concentrate on building their business. It means that stock levels can be updated across many channels automatically. Inventory management, stock controls and order fulfilment processes are automated - including invoices, shipping management, and customer communications.

Ian Walker, Managing Director commented:
"Our multi-channel proposition will quite rightly raise a few eyebrows within the industry. It is feature-rich, simple to use and affordable – it’s a product that’s proven to work, with no costs per transaction. Existing clients using the system have reported substantial increases in sales, and as we make money through order fulfilment it is a win/win situation for both parties”. In plain speak - our products and services help our client to grow through increased sales."

Testimonials
“We have been selling designers clothes and accessories online since 2004 and as our business is growing at a rapid rate we felt it necessary to invest in a stock controlling program.  We have been using Mult0-Channel by 3PL for two months now and it is truly fantastic.  No longer are we overselling and we can now grow even further by selling on multiple platforms. Coupled with the fantastic professional staff at 3P Logistics this piece of software is a no-brainer”

"Our business has grown rapidly in the last two years, and we were looking for a logistics solution that would enable us to grow further, while maintaining our fast, efficient and reliable service.  3P Logistics' Mult-channel has allowed us to focus on continued growth of our business across multiple sales channels whilst improving on the service offered to our customers.  Working with 3P Logistics Multi-channel has been a great business decision for us."

100% Pick Accuracy "Guaranteed"

Our warehousing operations pride themselves on delivering industry leading service levels.

The tools, techniques, training and technology that we employ all combine to deliver industry leading service levels to our clients.

The confidence in our ability to function right first time means that we can offer a  peace of mind  guarantee to our clients.

Our Service Guarantee:

“In the event of any proven mis-pick we will replicate the cost of the original service at our own expense”.

Further details are available upon request.

Kirsty Fryers, Customer Services Manager, comments  "The decision to guarantee our pick accuracy is pretty ground breaking for the industry. In applying such a guarantee you have to be   super confident in the ability to get things right. On the odd occasion we mis-pick we rectify at our expense. This guarantee both cements trust and attracts new business." 

High growth recognition for 3PL

Cheshire based 3P Logistics have scooped the coveted trophy for High Growth at the North of England Excellence Awards.

Around 400 business people attended the awards ceremony at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club, whilst conducting the awards on the night were James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways, and Adrian Van Klaveren, controller of BBC Radio Five Live.
3P Logistics are one of the UK's foremost providers of outsourced order fulfilment and        e-commerce services. Operating from two central UK based depots 3P Logistics provide storage, pick / pack and call centre services to a wide range of online retailers trading through the various channels of  own website, EBay, and Amazon etc.

Despite a very challenging economic climate, 3PL has consistently grown its turnover by 30% year on year since the company’s’ formation in 2006. The overall theme of sustainable growth has provided the platform for a considerable number of new positions including the recent launch of its academy for apprenticeships.

On the subject matter of the recent award Managing Director Ian Walker said:

“To be shortlisted as a finalist at such a prestigious event was an achievement in itself, and to lift the trophy on the night was a fantastic achievement for all associated with the business.

The North of England Excellence is synonymous with quality and to receive such an accolade is both fitting to our service ethos and our passion for continuous growth.

Any product that reduces operating costs and enhances service is sure to be in big demand for many years to come”.

The North of England Excellence Awards: High Growth Category

AND THE WINNER IS...

3PL Launch "Top Gun" Academy!

 

In realising one of its long term aims 3PL are delighted to announce the launch of its logistics academy. From inventory control, to business development the apprenticeship programme caters for people of various ages & backgrounds.

Ian Walker – Managing Director adds:

As an individual involved in supply chain from a very early age, I felt compelled to create such an opportunity for a similar minded age group. We now have a group of people who are learning quickly  using both real life role experience combined with the relevant NVQ. The initial aim is to guide the recent intake through a challenging yet enjoyable 12 month apprenticeship with the incentive of a full time position at the end of the term. The very thought of having a raw pot of talent to nurture is both exciting and challenging  and will hopefully prove to be a reliable pipeline of talent for many years to come.

Who knows – the next superstar could already be in our ranks !

Jake Gerrard Business Development Apprentice adds:

The academy program at 3PL is a fantastic opportunity for me to gain qualifications and a great deal of experience whilst working alongside real life employees, This secondment is one I have been unable to find elsewhere and is proving to be a success in my own development, and hopefully my Career.

Nominated for an Oscar at The North of England Excellence Awards.

3PL Logistics have recently been announced as a finalist for the forthcoming North of England Excellence Awards – the business equivalent of the Oscars!

The Awards are renowned as being the North’s premier business Awards synonymous with quality, business excellence and continuous improvement.

New for 2011, the High Growth Award is aimed at organisations that can demonstrate outstanding business performance and results.

Ian Walker – Managing Director 3PL adds:

The North of England represents a hotbed of great businesses made up of great people.

To be down to the final three for such a prestigious award is testimony to the level of progress made since formation in 2006.

Achieving significant year on year profitable growth in any climate is tough, hence you must create a compelling proposition for your clients and offer real value for money.

Let’s hope we can lift the trophy on the night in acknowledgment of the tremendous contribution from all the team at 3P Logistics.

Introducing 3PL...

3P Logistics was founded in August 2006 and was the brainchild of now Managing Director - Ian Walker. Following 18 years of management at senior levels within the industry, he identified a "significant gap" within three tiers of vastly differing logistics service provision with the UK.

Top Tier: Large blue-ship logistics providers - large blue-chip clients offering high cost single user solutions.

Middle Tier: SME-SME offering cost effective, diverse, multi user solutions - "THE GAP".

Bottom Tier: Traditional Haulier - SME Offering largely ineffective and restricted services i.e. storage.

3P Logistics offer total supply chain solutions to any business requiring the transportation. handling, storage and distribution of goods. Based out of our Global Distribution facility in Warrington, Cheshire, the service we offer are diverse as reflected on our web site www.3p-logistics.co.uk.



Our ongoing success is based upon our string service principals complimented by the high calibre of personnel employed within the company. A youthful yet experienced senior team ensure that our vision and that of our clients are fully realised.

Managing Director - Ian Walker adds: "there are now three tiers of logistics demand in the UK and we are well positioned to supply that the second tier of logistics demand. The big boys are a costly solution, lacking agility and are unable to build local relationships. at the opposite end of the scale traditional hauliers lack expertise and quality, offering a severely restricted service. Research and past experience gives firm indication that a large proportion of logistics users are using the wrong type of service provision, often resulting in dissatisfaction linked to high costs and poor service."

Ian adds: "In a multi-user warehousing the small fish in a big pond analogy appears all too real as clients are ofter prioritised, and linked to their level of financial contribution. At 3P Logistics every client is as important as the next: hence all of our clients are big fish in a big pond as dedicated staff are appointed to each individual account"

3PL Expands It's Call Centre Operations

The continued rise in clients seeking to outsource their end customer contact has driven further expansion of our call centre operations. Subscribers to the service are provided with a suitably trained dedicated point of contact as an extension to their business. In providing a professional interface between end customer and our client the services are wide ranging and include: enquiries handling, payment processing, telemarketing etc. This support function enables clients to free their time to focus on buying and selling more effectively. Our leading edge contact software tracks all calls received and made on behalf of the client whilst our tailored info on hold service delivers Increased brand awareness. With a flexible “pay as you use” billing platform there really is no need for clients to employ fixed resource and cost in this area.