Ecommerce Order Processing Services
Efficient order processing is vital to ensuring operational success and maximum customer satisfaction. The process involves a sequence of activities, from order receipt through to picking, packing, and shipping the product to the customer.
What are Order Processing Services?
Order Processing Services provided by a third-party logistics partner, such as Whistl, feature multiple stages. Rather than manually taking and verifying orders, a 3PL utilises order processing software to automate and manage each step of the order journey. Combined with order fulfilment, these actions ensure a slick order management workflow, from receiving your goods to preparing, despatching, and delivering items. This end-to-end process also includes managing inventory and returns to optimise stock levels.
By outsourcing order processing and fulfilment, eCommerce retailers benefit from fully managed solutions that expertly control the flow of goods. All while providing cost-effective warehousing and distribution channels.
Here are the key steps:
- Order Placement: Orders are received through various channels (e.g, eCommerce platforms or via telephone) and checked for accuracy, including customer details and payment verification.
- Inventory Management: Inventory is sourced from a warehouse or reordered if unavailable. Advanced systems track stock levels and predict demand.
- Picking and Packing: Items are selected from storage locations according to a picking list, packed securely, and prepared for shipping. Custom packaging options may be offered, depending on your brand's requirements.
- Shipping & Delivery: Orders are handed over to shipping carriers, with labels generated and delivery routes optimised. Tracking systems provide customers with real-time updates.
- Returns Management: Returned items are inspected, inventory updated, and refunds or exchanges processed efficiently to maintain customer trust.
Benefits of Order Processing with a 3PL Provider
- Scalability: 3PL providers offer flexibility for medium to large eCommerce brands to manage order processing and assist with fluctuations during peak seasons, without heavy infrastructure investments.
- Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing order processing reduces overhead costs associated with warehousing, labour, and technology. Your selected 3PL provider leverages their resources to provide cost-effective solutions, enabling brands to focus on their core competencies.
- Advanced Technology: Leading 3PL companies utilise integrations and technologies such as order management systems (OMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS). These technologies enhance order accuracy, improve inventory management, and provide businesses with real-time visibility into their supply chain.
- Speed and Accuracy: With established processes and experienced staff, 3PL providers can ensure faster order processing and higher accuracy rates. This results in shorter delivery times and fewer errors, enhancing the customer experience.
- Geographical Reach: With a national network of strategically located UK distribution centres, businesses can optimise delivery times and manage order volumes effectively.
Why Choose Whistl as your Order Processing Partner?
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Integration with Existing Systems: Whistl provides seamless integration solutions, ensuring smooth data flow and system synchronisation to enhance operational efficiency.
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Maintaining Brand Control: We partner with our clients to maintain brand standards, from quality picking and packaging to final delivery. Customisable solutions and regular performance reviews help maintain the desired level of service.
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Handling Peak Periods: Our expert operational team manages fluctuations in order volumes across your peak shopping seasons. With advanced forecasting tools, we are always prepared for increased demand by deploying additional staff and optimising warehouse operations.
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Data Security: Protecting customer data is paramount. Whistl implements robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information, including encryption, secure data storage, and compliance aligned to industry standards.
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Communication and Coordination: With dedicated account management and regular reporting, we provide complete transparency and promptly address any issues as they arise.
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Tailored Solutions: We create a tailored package that meets your needs to fulfil every order with maximum efficiency.
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Buying Power: With Whistl's fleet of vehicles and strong carrier relationships, we offer the added benefit of reduced shipping costs and flexible delivery options.
Our eCommerce Order Processing Services
Click on an icon to learn more about each stage
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Goods arrive at our fulfilment centre
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Systems & Technology
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Pick & Pack Service
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Inventory Management
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Dispatch & Distribution
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Items Delivered
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Returns Management
Read some of our eCommerce Fulfilment Customer Success Stories
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Actiph Water Entrust their Fulfilment and Customer Service to Whistl
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Make Your Order Processing Seamless
Give your customers the experience they deserve
Order Processing FAQs: Answers for some general questions about order processing
What is order processing?
The order process refers to a specific function performed by third-party logistics suppliers like Whistl.
What are some of the processes or functions of order processing?
Examples of the typical processes of order processing are:
- Receiving goods
- Inventory checks
- Picking and packing customer or bulk orders
- Labelling
- Despatch process for 3PLs with their own logistics fleet or handing off to a carrier
In addition to the general processes, Whistl also offers additional support options, including:
- Refurbishment
- Return management
- Customer service
How does Whistl prevent picking and packing errors?
With our inventory system, all items are barcoded and assigned a location ID. In addition, our warehouse operatives are trained regularly on our systems and any changes given on product updates from our clients.
How does Whistl handle discrepancies between online stock levels and actual inventory?
Whistl's warehouse management systems are in place to report real-time inventory. Our inventory management support ensures items are scanned at each touchpoint to help your business maintain tighter stock controls, minimising the probability of understocking saleable items against your forecasts, avoiding customer frustration, and overstocking low sales volumes, which can lead to a loss of profitability. Explore our comprehensive inventory management guide.
What is an example of your quality checks on returned items?
Our process will be tailored to the specific requirements of your brand and the quality checks necessary. An example would be categorisations of items:
- Quality checking to categorise items for resale
- Checks for items that are damaged but repairabl
- Irreparable items that need recycling or disposal.
What refurbishments do you offer?
Whistl can offer a range of services for the refurbishment of items, including general inspections, steaming, and refolding, or minor repairs such as reattaching buttons, restitching hems, or mending minor tears. Additionally, we can repack or add new labels to items ready for resale.
Which technology platforms do you integrate with?
We offer robust integrations for a range of needs:
- A wide range of carriers for order despatch tracking
- Customer experience from eDesk to Zendesk, MaxContact to Gorgias
- eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce
- Marketplaces like Amazon, TikTok and eBay
- Order processing platforms, including Linnworks, Brightpearl, StoreFeeder, Shiptheory
The above are examples but are not an exclusive list.