When it comes to meeting customer demand, responsiveness is the name of the game. A Ship from Store (SFS) system allows companies to address these escalating needs by putting their unused store stock to use. With the right strategy, your business could be on its way to servicing more and more customers. So how do you successfully implement such a system? Below we highlight the most important steps to take, from planning to setup.
Dedicate the time and space.
Not all of your business’s physical locations need to have SFS capabilities, but the ones you choose to include in your SFS system must have the space to facilitate fulfillment operations. Consider selecting locations that will enable fast delivery and, if possible, enable packages to reach customers in 1 to 2 days. Once you decide the on stores, section off an area for fulfillment purposes alone and establish how and when merchandise will be picked and packed.[1]
Set up the necessary systems and technology.
A critical part of SFS is managing inventory. With the right order-management system, you’ll be able to treat stores as fulfillment centers and efficiently use the stock they have to manage demand near real-time. That way, when an order comes in, the right store can be notified and begin the picking, packing and shipping process.[2]
Train your in-store staff to have warehouse skills.
Your store staff will need to learn the ins and outs of this new operations process. Teach them how to accurately pick, pack and ship inventory – without taking away from their primary job of selling merchandise and servicing customers.[3]
Deliver an omni-channel experience.
Maintain consistency with your warehouse-based operations, by keeping your packaging uniform regardless of shipping origin. Invoices, return labels, etc. should follow suit. With a consistent brand experience, you can bridge omni-channel gaps between customers, stores and distribution centers.[4]
Leverage the services of integration specialists.
When you utilize the USPS® for shipping services, our representatives can help you launch and refine your own SFS system. Operations Integration Specialists and Technical Integration Specialists can help guide you through setup, transportation, equipment, payment and processing systems, assessing how to use your locations efficiently and addressing any first-day issues that may arise—all free of additional charges.[5]
In Short
As more consumers expect products to be constantly available, it’s important for businesses to pivot and adapt to meet their demands. With the right strategy and resources, your company can implement a successful SFS system and start answering more of your consumers’ needs.
Footnotes
- [1]“Ship from Store: How and Why to Get Your Inventory Up to Speed with Customer Demands,” USPSDeliver.com, 2016 arrow_right_alt
- [2]Ibid. arrow_right_alt
- [3]Ibid. arrow_right_alt
- [4]Ibid. arrow_right_alt
- [5]Ibid. arrow_right_alt
