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How Order Fulfillment Works: 11 Steps Between the Warehouse & Your House

Introduction

Have you ever ordered something online and wondered how exactly it got to your house? You're certainly not alone. While online shopping has become ubiquitous, the order fulfillment process remains a bit of a mystery for many. Don't worry; we’re here to explain exactly what happens when you click "buy." As a fulfillment warehouse based in New Jersey, we understand how this process works and are eager to share the steps involved in making online shopping possible.

Step 1: Sellers Notify Us About Incoming Shipments

Before we can discuss what happens when you click "buy," it's crucial to understand how goods arrive at our warehouse. Sellers ship their products to us in bulk, often via freight. This process can be complex, particularly when disruptions occur, such as significant shipping delays. To prepare for incoming shipments, sellers send us an Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN), which informs us about the shipment's details.

Step 2: Bulk Shipments Arrive and We Bring Inventory Inside

When the shipment truck arrives, the goods are usually packed in boxes, often stacked on pallets and sometimes shrink-wrapped. Depending on the shipment's size, we may use conveyors or pallet jacks to move the goods into the warehouse for storage.

Step 3: We Update Our Records After Receiving

Once the goods are brought inside, we update our inventory management system. This helps us keep track of what items we have and where they are stored for quick retrieval during order fulfillment.

Step 4: The Items Are Stored

The next step involves physically storing the items using machinery or manually. We ensure that every item is returned to its designated location within the warehouse.

Step 5: When Orders Come In, We Process the Order Data

When you place an order online, the store collects your payment and shipping information. This data is sent to us at the fulfillment center, allowing us to prepare for order processing. For example, if you order ten blue baseball caps, we know exactly what to look for in the warehouse.

Step 6: We Pick Items from the Shelves

Next, we locate the requested items in our system and send a warehouse worker to retrieve them. Each item is scanned to maintain an accurate account of our inventory levels.

Step 7: We Pack Items for Shipping

Once collected, items are taken to the packing station where they are prepared for shipment. This involves selecting the appropriate packaging based on the item’s fragility, ensuring they are well-protected for transport.

Step 8: We Print and Apply Postage

Choosing the right package size is essential for ensuring the lowest postage rates. Packages are weighed and measured to determine the correct postage before we print and affix the label to the package.

Step 9: Mail Carriers Pick Up Packages for Delivery

Our warehouse sees mail carriers multiple times a day, who collect packages sorted by carrier type (e.g., UPS, USPS). This allows for quick pickups and efficient handling.

Step 10: Carriers Deliver Mail to Your Home

After the pickup, packages are transported to various sorting hubs before arriving at your home. The last step of this journey is handled by local postal carriers who finalize the delivery.

Step 11: When Customers Return Items, We Process Them

It’s essential to have a simple process for returns, as a significant portion of online purchases—anywhere from 15% to 40%—are returned. Returns are managed according to the seller’s instructions, which may involve restocking returned items or discarding them.

In conclusion, the order fulfillment process involves various stages, from inventory management to shipping and returns. Each step is essential for ensuring a smooth online shopping experience for you. If managing your order fulfillment seems daunting, we offer services to help businesses streamline their operations.

Keyword

  • Order Fulfillment
  • Warehouse
  • Shipping
  • Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)
  • Inventory Management
  • Packaging
  • Postage
  • Returns

FAQ

Q1: What is order fulfillment?
A1: Order fulfillment is the entire process that occurs after a customer places an order online, including inventory management, packaging, and shipping.

Q2: How do sellers send products to warehouses?
A2: Sellers typically ship products in bulk using freight services, which may involve notifying the warehouse with an Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN).

Q3: What happens to returned items?
A3: Returned items may either be restocked or disposed of based on the seller's instructions.

Q4: Why is packaging important in order fulfillment?
A4: Proper packaging protects items during shipping and ensures the lowest possible postage costs by optimizing size and weight.

Q5: How do carriers deliver packages to my home?
A5: Mail carriers transport packages from warehouses to distribution hubs and eventually deliver them to your home as part of the last-mile delivery process.

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