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E-commerce Logistics

Dunnage – All You Need To Know About Ecommerce Shipping

One of the most significant aspects of Ecommerce shipping is the packaging. It is the first step in ensuring that your customer’s stuff arrives securely at their door.

However, as simple as it may appear, packing is a scientific process in and of itself. A lot goes into keeping the parcel safe, from dunnage in eCommerce packing to selecting the primary and tertiary components. That is why, as an online vendor, you must be aware of it.

Many vendors frequently make the error of not properly wrapping their merchandise. As a result, the product is delivered to the consumer in a terrible state. Fragile goods are broken, and beauty products begin to leak from their original packaging. Most importantly, you may be delivering an expensive product that is damaged.

It’s normal to wonder what dunnage in eCommerce packaging is and why it’s necessary at this point. Don’t worry, we’ll answer all of your questions right here! Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about eCommerce shipping, eCommerce packaging, and dunnage.

Before reading this blog let’s have a look at the Importance Of Packaging And Labeling In eCommerce Marketing

What is dunnage

Dunnage is the cushioning material that you add to your packaging to ensure optimal safety. It is long-lasting and usually constructed of a material that protects and cushions the object.

In cargo ships, the term “dunnage” is more commonly used. They use flooring dunnage to protect the products being shipped over great distances. Dunnage in eCommerce packaging might take the form of plastic films, jute wraps, wood, air pockets, and so on.

Of course, dunnage performs best when it is accompanied by the right box or poly bag. Shippers should neither stuff a little item into a huge box with dunnage, nor should they stuff a fragile item into a bubble mailer and call it a day. Dunnage is commonly used as filler between the product and the packaging material. A package is only successfully packed if it contains the appropriate packaging material as well as adequate dunnage.

Different types of Dunnage

There are numerous types of dunnage materials on the market. Depending on the products you sell, you can use a lightweight material like bubble wrap to cover smaller items, whereas steel can be used to protect pricey and hefty objects. The following are examples of common dunnage materials used for delivering packages:

Plastics

Plastics are commonly utilized in high-value shipping materials such as fragile things or pricey products that require secure transportation and packing. They are often utilized to add secondary packing to the goods in order to keep them safe while in transit.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is a popular method of shipping glass and other fragile items. It can be reused indefinitely as long as the bubbles do not pop. Bubble wrap is one of the most common types of dunnage and is ideal for preserving fragile objects.

One of the fantastic things about bubble wrap is that you can reuse it as long as the bubbles are in good shape, making it environmentally friendly.

Wood

Wood is used to make minor barriers between items. If you’re shipping things that require more than one key element of assembly, you can use wood to keep them apart. This strengthens the entire product and keeps it from toppling or shifting inside the box.

Foam Nuts

Dunnage materials are frequently made of foam nuts. They are placed in courier bags to increase their capacity. Electronics, sensitive equipment, shop components, and other items are typically packed with foam nuts.

Cardboard Paper

When heavy materials are involved, cardboard or corrugated paper is used. It can carry a significant amount of weight while also protecting against dampness. Due to the fact that cardboard is comprised of paper, it may also be utilized as a sustainable packaging solution for your products.

Craft Paper

Craft paper is one of the most cost-effective and environmentally beneficial solutions for your company. It is often crinkled and then placed in-between the spaces of your package to guard against shock and to provide effective dunnage.

Air Pillows

Air pillows are nothing more than little plastic bags filled with air. They are extensively used for shipping tiny objects and give a cushioning effect on the cargo. They are also widely utilized when there is a requirement to fill space within a box.

Thermocol

Thermocol is not often used dunnage because it is only ideal for shipping large objects such as televisions, refrigerators, and so on. It is typically used in conjunction with foam sheets to offer additional cushioning between the package and the product.

Steel

Steel is one of the most expensive types of dunnage, and it is often utilized for high-value cargo. Steel is a good dunnage option if your products are hefty since it can keep larger products from injuring lighter products.

Corrugated paper

Another typical dunnage material is corrugated paper. Its high-tech structure ensures that the material can withstand a wide range of weights, protects against moisture, and offers environmentally friendly packaging alternatives.

On-Demand Dunnage

Another popular type of dunnage in e-commerce packaging is custom-made dunnage. When shippers have particular requirements, custom dunnage solutions are required. As a result, you can have these personalized. This is a worry when the material is fragile and has specific dimensions. As a result, you can find dunnage providers who can supply you with the type of dunnage required for eCommerce packing.

Why is dunnage important in eCommerce packaging and shipping

While some may perceive dunnage to be a waste of weight, space, and money, it is an essential part of any eCommerce packing. Dunnage has a plethora of advantages.

Your items may be subjected to harsh environmental conditions while in sorting facilities, trucks, ships, and other vehicles throughout transit. Dunnage is beneficial because it keeps goods from moving and absorbs impact. The following are the three primary advantages of using dunnage:

Absorption of Moisture

Moisture absorption is the primary function of dunnage in eCommerce packaging. If your product is readily harmed by moisture, you must include some material to absorb or block the moisture. We are a hygroscopic material that absorbs water quickly and might cause harm if not packaged properly.

The fundamental and most crucial rule of eCommerce dunnage is moisture absorption. If your product is susceptible to moisture damage, you must cushion it with a material that blocks or absorbs moisture. A hygroscopic material is one that absorbs moisture easily.

Shock Resistance

One of the most common worries when transporting products by road is the shocks the product experiences along the way. This is why, when shipping a fragile object, it is critical to include dunnage in the shipment to preserve it and ensure it arrives safely at its destination.

When transporting products by road, the biggest issue is the son blasts and shocks that the product encounters while en route. As a result, if you are shipping a fragile item, even tiny shocks can easily harm it. Dunnage must tolerate such shocks while transporting the product to its final destination.

Tamper-proof Packaging

Dunnage facilitates the protection of the box from harm while also reducing the tension on the packaging. As a result, when the customer receives the finished product, it is properly packed and there is no tampering with the packaging material.

Dunnage balances external and internal forces and absorbs large shocks to protect both the packaging and the product.

Theft protection

Anti-tamper dunnage makes it harder for thieves to open packages and take merchandise fast, effectively discouraging them.

Air-Circulation

When packing certain materials, enough air circulation is required. Otherwise, when opened, they may emit a bad stench. Some textile materials, for example, require adequate air circulation within the box to keep their fresh smell. Dunnage allows you to pack the shipment loosely while keeping it safe and allowing for air movement.

You may quickly pack the package with both safety and air circulation with the help of dunnage.

Packing materials are used by shippers to segregate products in closed compartments such as refrigerated holds and guarantee that cold air circulates freely to reach every hold area.

When shipping items, shippers utilize dunnage to guarantee proper air circulation in large closed compartments such as washing machines or refrigerator holds. It also aids in keeping the packages separate.

Weight Distribution

When the packaging boxes are larger than the product, you may need to add stuffing to the package to evenly distribute the weight; otherwise, the product would continue to topple while being delivered. Dunnage also enables you to segregate and disperse package contents to guarantee an even weight burden, which makes packages stronger and easier to handle.

Inexpensive

Dunnage in eCommerce packing is cheap but can be quite effective in securing fragile and valuable objects that tend to slide around in the shipment.

Heavy Items Can Be Handled With Ease

Items that are heavy, such as a couch or beanbag, can be difficult to travel. Shippers utilize hardwood dunnage to distribute their weight evenly, making them easy to handle.

Dunnage, in a brief, protects your products, protecting your revenue and reputation from the risks of damaged deliveries and product returns.

Packages experience many ups and downs while in transit. These include environmental conditions in trucks, cars, and ships, among other things.

Furthermore, courier agents may be rough with your package. This signifies that there is a good chance your product will be harmed.

Furthermore, if your delivery is left outside due to unforeseen circumstances, environmental factors such as rain or dust can cause harm to your merchandise.

When the order is delivered to your customer’s door by a courier, the entire experience is ruined. It makes no difference whether it was your courier company’s fault. This is due to the fact that the customer purchased the product from your brand. As a result, you are solely responsible for the experience.

Dunnage is critical for shippers and eCommerce sellers to ensure the safety of their items. It is preferable to select dunnage based on the shipped type. There are various forms of dunnage that can be used to ensure that the product reaches the customers securely.

Consider the type of goods, their weight, packing options, and shipment mode when selecting the best dunnage option. If you intend to outsource logistics to a third-party logistics business, make sure to inquire about their dunnage choices.

The proper dunnage can assist you in delivering your products safely and without damage to your clients.

Pack and ship without any worries with iThink Logistics

Dunnage is essential for large freight shippers and eCommerce stores who wrap their packaging in dunnage such as bubble wrap, crinkle paper, air cushions, and recycled paper (aka kraft paper).

Depending on the things you’re delivering, the various dunnage solutions can assist you ship products so they arrive at clients undamaged. You may also avoid consumer returns with the correct dunnage because no one wants damaged goods.

We utilize the best dunnage at iThink Logistics to ensure the safe delivery of your products. We take pleasure in being the best and most dependable fulfilment provider. Our primary goal is to provide best-in-class fulfilment services to make warehousing, packing, and shipping as simple as possible for you.

Ensure that the dunnage you use is of high quality and provides adequate protection for your packages. Use the appropriate packaging material in conjunction with the best dunnage to ensure that your item arrives tamper-free at your customer’s door.

We take pleasure in being the best fulfilment company for eCommerce retailers at iThink Logistics. Your inventory and orders are in excellent hands with our best-in-class technology, integrations with eCommerce platforms, fulfilment services, and fulfilment centres across the world.

To provide additional protection to products, we employ a variety of dunnage methods. In addition, we provide custom packaging and dunnage alternatives to match your needs. Please contact us if you require any other information.


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E-commerce Logistics

What Do You Mean By Delivery Exceptions

We live in an era where consumers get pleased when an order is delivered without delay while buying goods online.

While shipping carriers will ensure that the parcel should be delivered within the given time frame, you must have heard that some circumstances are not in everyone’s control.

But being an online seller, you should be prepared for such events and make your customers aware of the genuine delay as it builds trust and ensures that even though this shipment is delayed, they will shop from you again. 

What exactly is a Delivery exception

A delivery exception is a notice sent to the receiver, informing them that their shipment has experienced a problem while in transit and may cause issues in Order fulfilment. Even with sophisticated systems and shipping carriers, courier services run into problems when your products are in transit.

Regardless of whether the delays were unintentional, customers can become irritated due to the occurrence of delivery exceptions thinking that the shipment might get delayed. However, this isn’t always the case. Even when a delivery exception occurs, some things arrive on time.

When a shipment is momentarily held in transit due to an unforeseen circumstance, 

this delivery exception may affect the order fulfilment of the shipment upon arrival.

A delivery exception is one of the reasons carriers like UPS and FedEx will provide you with an eCommerce order tracking number for your product.

For appropriate customer service and consistent supply chain management, eCommerce organizations and merchants often avoid delivery exceptions as consumers are less likely to be drawn to purchase goods from a company that has a bad reputation for delivery exceptions. As a business owner, it’s critical to stay on top of any eCommerce Shipping issues to adequately meet client expectations and guarantee that things reached when they were intended.

Types of Delivery Exceptions

There are different types of delivery exceptions, and each of them affects order fulfilment differently. There are various cargo exceptions, and couriers manage them in different ways.

Damaged label and Incorrect address

Incorrect shipping addresses or broken labels cause delivery management issues.

To avoid this, double-check the address of the receiver before sending.

Even a single incorrect number in a zip code or apartment number can cause complications during the shipment delivery as the shipment is returned to the dispatch station.

After this, a courier aggregator like iThink Logistics reconfirms the order with the buyer and proceeds with the shipment again. This possibility again increases the delivery time and, in turn, results in customer dissatisfaction. 

Holidays

Due to the increased volume of shipping over the holidays, delivery exceptions are very commonly observed. Ensure that all shipment information, including package weight, dimensions, and pick-up timings, is correct during the peak season. During these times, being meticulous is the best approach to avoid delivery delays during these times.

Deliveries and pick-ups delays

When the carrier is unable to locate the delivery address or the address for a planned pick-up, a pick-up exception occurs. In this case, you should re-submit the pick-up request and give the carrier a new time.

Delivery management difficulties can arise in a variety of circumstances. For example, the delivery may be unable to be accomplished due to a wrong address, Bad weather or natural disaster, broken labels, or the recipient’s inability to sign for the package.

Tips to avoid Delivery Exceptions for your E-commerce shipping

Decide on a minimum and maximum delivery time

You can choose the quickest delivery time to send your order as soon as possible. In order to avoid being under pressure, delivery times must be realistic.

On the other hand, customers should not be put off by delivery times. Customers want to receive their products on time when they place an order.

iThink Logistics’ automated Order fulfilment software can make your task easy. 

Update Inventory

When a customer orders any product that isn’t available, it can be quite frustrating. It is frequently obvious that certain of their products are more popular than others. As a result, inventory needs to be updated on a frequent basis to replace items that are out of stock.

Automated Logistics Software 

Automation has a vital role in reducing delivery times. Investing in automated logistics software can be costly, but it can help you minimize delivery delays. Based on order time, automated software chooses which products to ship. iThink Logistics’ automated Order Fulfilment software can take care of everything.

Prepare for the Holidays

During the holidays, businesses often see an increase in orders and sales. Most delivery firms, unfortunately, do not operate on holidays. As a result, you’ll need to make a different arrangement to ensure that items are delivered on time on such occasions. To avoid delivery delays, send your order before the festive season begins. iThink Logistics is a  shipping software provider that is thorough with its automation and saves your holiday season. 

Employ a Fulfillment Service

The most practical strategy to avoid delivery delays is to hire a fulfilment company service. An order fulfilment service is a third-party organization that stores, packages, and delivers orders on behalf of an e-commerce company.

Hiring an Order fulfilment service has numerous advantages like reducing operating costs, increasing business focus, increasing scalability, reducing delivery delays, and many more. iThink Logistics can get all your delivery woes sorted in a jiffy. With our order fulfilment service, make your ecommerce shipping easy!

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E-commerce Logistics

5 Ways for SMEs to Optimize Supply Chain Logistics

Anxiously waiting for your package to arrive? Trust me, and the company is excited to deliver your package to you more than you. And why so? 
Because you happily receiving your order at your doorstep is the last step in their supply chain logistics

No matter how well planned your logistics network is Running, discovering new approaches to enhance your supply chain is something you must constantly be doing.

Efficient supply chain logistics is a series of steps that begins with the Raw materials being assembled, the products being manufactured, the orders being placed and packed, and finally, the package being successfully shipped to the customer.

And very often, you won’t have to worry about ensuring that every step of the supply chain performance goes as planned, and you can outsource it to trusted third-party logistics providers. 

In short, Implementing the Right strategy for an efficient supply chain is as lean and Economical as possible. Here are  some suggestions that will help you maximize the overall performance of the delivery chain logistics

5 Ways to Boost your supply chain performance

Better Demand forecast and Inventory optimization

Storing bulk supplies in our kitchen inventories is excellent for the house. But in a business? Not so much. One of the most cost-reducing ways to ensure efficient supply chain performance is not over-manufacture/under-manufacture.

The cost of making will be higher if The inventory is stored for a longer time. Aftermarket observations, it’s crucial to predict demand and manufacture/store just the quantity you need. Demand planning is essential in terms of perishable commodities. 

Make the most use of technology

Gone are the days of sole dependency on humans. Machines and software, e.g., tracking software’s are here to expedite the supply chain performance and have little human intervention. Also, Determine the scope where imposing technology could improve the processes.

It gives you more accurate answers and saves you from constantly worrying about your work. 

Build a healthy Relation

At the end of the day, you did involve in the business of dealing with people. A supply chain includes many steps where your product exchanges hands. And more hands means more people involved.

People with expectations and emotions who will take one day or another come to your aid when things go wrong. It is best to maintain healthy relationships with your suppliers, delivery personnel, and even third-party logistics suppliers, for that matter. 

Partner with third-party logistic providers 

From pepper inventory management to packing the order, transferring it to the shipping partner to finally delivering it to the customer. All of these processes makes an efficient supply chain smoothly, And for continued smooth supply chain performance, it is best to leave it to the experts – third-party logistics providers.

They have trusted contacts and have the right resources and an extensive network often across the country to optimize your supply chain performance and save cost. 

Conduct Performance reviews Regularly

From plugging stop gaps to finding discrepancies to identifying problem areas, a regular review helps streamline operations and reduce risk.

It also helps you save money in the long run by making your supply chain model prepared for emergencies and minimizing inefficiencies.

iThink Logistics, the best third-party logistics provider for your business

Choosing a third-party logistics provider will save you many hassles, money, time, and most importantly, give you a seamlessly running supply chain performance. And we can give more than one reason to choose iThink Logistics as your partner.

In this business, dependability and reliability is everything. You should need a partner you can trust who can keep you updated at all times and take responsibility when a non-delivery of shipment takes place. In such times iThink Logistics serves as the perfect shipping partner that helps you track your package, identify the reason behind the non-delivery, reattempt the delivery, And manage to deliver the order, all with their AI-based system correctly.

Managing a supply chain is a long process. And when your customers get impatient, your first thing is to call your third party logistics providers for answers. iThink Logistics saves you panic by connecting you with a dedicated team in such a situation. A team that is hands-on and efficient with quick response-giving.

A comprehensive dashboard keeps track of the package no matter what stage of the supply chain and auto-generates real-time reports. From 4-step verification through IVR, Whatsapp, SMS, and manual processes to automated reattempt of delivery in 48 hours, iThink Logistics offers hassle-free and risk-reducing solutions.

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E-commerce Logistics

How To Write The Perfect Return And Refund Policy For Your eCommerce Business

Being an ecommerce business owner has many perks like working remotely, not having to maintain a physical store, and much more. However, it also comes with its own set of limitations. Just like with physical stores, a customer might not be satisfied with your products. A customer could change their mind, there could be sizing or quality issues or the product could be damaged during transit – these are some reasons for which customers may choose to return the product.  

To protect your business and your customer from fraud and unnecessary stress, you need a proper ecommerce return policy in place. As an ecommerce business owner, you are legally required to have a shipping policy and an ecommerce return policy

Things to include in your ecommerce business return policy


The time frame for returns

It is crucial to disclose in your shipping policy until when you will be accepting returns. This has to be mentioned so that customers can be fully aware while making a purchase. While most companies offer a 30-day window as an industry standard, you can customize your return policy according to your business model. There could be instances when people do not read the fine print and could try to force a return much after the return window has closed. Hence it’s best to frame a detailed and airtight ecommerce return policy before going into business. 

Terms and conditions for Returns and exchanges

As an ecommerce business owner, you have to take the responsibility of accepting returns for damaged or faulty items provided the incident took place from your end i.e. during packaging/shipping/transit. However, you have strict guidelines as to when a product is eligible for returns. If the tag/label is intact, the product hasn’t been used/worn and is completely undamaged, it can be eligible for return.

If the customer has devalued the product in any way, your ecommerce return policy has to define exact conditions with respect to returns. Also mention whether all products have to be returned or can be exchanged as well. In case collecting a return incurs an extra cost from your end, disclose the same to the customer beforehand so as to not disappoint them with extra charges.

Refund Options

For disgruntled customers, returning their money is crucial to retaining business from them in the long run. In some cases, you might have to return the full amount to the customer, while in some you can also provide in-store credit. This can either be predefined by you or your policy can be flexible enough to give your customers options to choose from. Also, it is advised to mention the tentative refund window beforehand so as to not keep the customers waiting for their own money. 

eCommerce return policy template

Follow the steps listed below to create a sample return/exchange policy template

  • Include the full name of your website and parent company/business. 
  • Mention the date on which it was last updated. The more recent, the better 
  • Mention the interpretations. A detailed policy will have a lot of acronyms or capitalized letters that denote something else, mention is beforehand
  • Mention the definitions of all the recurring words. For eg: “Goods” refers to any product purchased from your website
  • Mention the order returning time window and rights 
  • Mention the steps required to return an order and if at all any extra cost is required for the same  
  • Mention the acceptable condition of the goods eligible for returns 
  • Mention the return address or any pick-up options 
  • Mention the special provisions for goods that were gifted 
  • Mention proper contact information and email 

Partner with iThink Logistics for all your ecomm shipping solutions needs

E-commerce teaches you patience because there is nothing more time consuming than going through the various stages of shipping. But what is even more tedious is the task of accepting a return, getting the product shipped back to you safely, and processing the money-back/exchange/replacement. 

This is when choosing a reliable third-party logistics provider like iThink Logistics will save you many hassles, money, time, and most importantly, a headache-inducing operations nightmare. 

You can trust us to keep you updated 24×7 especially when a non-delivery of shipment takes place. We not only track your package but also identify the reason behind the non-delivery. Then we reattempt the delivery without your intervention and manage to successfully deliver the order, all with the power of their AI-based system.  In case the product is marked for returns, we ensure the safe and secure delivery of the package back to the warehouse/fulfilment centre. Our clients are able to track and trace their applications with our NDR management tool. 

Managing a supply chain can get tedious and when your customers get impatient, your first instinct is to call your third party logistics providers for answers. In such moments iThink Logistics saves you panic by connecting you with a dedicated NDR team. A team that is hands-on and efficient with quick response-giving. 

A comprehensive dashboard keeps a track of the package no matter at what stage of the supply chain it is and auto-generates real-time reports. From 4-step verification through IVR, Whatsapp, SMS, and manual processes to automated reattempt of delivery in 48 hours, iThink Logistics offers hassle-free and risk-reducing solutions.  





Categories
E-commerce Logistics

Here Is How iThink Logistics Fixes Order Pickup Delays

The shipment process is a significant pain point for courier partners and clients in India. Placing an order is the first step in the shipment process and the delivery is the final step that concludes it. Delayed deliveries, parcels lost in transit and receiving broken and damaged products are some of the main problems faced by customers when they place online orders. Let us take a look at the first problem, delivery delays by courier partners, and what can be done to fix the issue.

What causes shipping delays

A lot of different factors can cause shipping delays. Here are some of the most common ones – 

Before that Lets get to know How does online shipping Work

Error in the detail of the shipment address

There is a good chance of an error in the client’s shipment address, which can further lead to delay or cancellation of the shipment for an extended period. The simple solution to this factor is to keep track of shipment addresses to avoid such miscellaneous mistakes.

Shipment is out of the reach of the delivery point

Delay in the shipment due to the delivery partner is unable to reach the delivery spot for some reason. This can be solved with the help of receiving the shipment at a particular location within reach of the delivery partner and the clients. 

Unable to contact the addressee 

When the delivery partner cannot deliver the package due to the unreachability of the client via phone, the delivery agent can leave the shipment at another location ( if instructions are given).

The problem in the transit via the mode of shipment 

The delay in transit can be due to the mode of transit utilized. There is a good chance of the shipment delay according to the slow movement of airways and traffic in general. This delay factor can be solved with proper study and analysis of different modes and logistics for the same. 

Misplacement of the shipment

This factor of delay is one of the rarest cases, however still present in the account of the shipment. The misplacement of the shipment can be caused by poor communication, software error, or mishandling of the delivered product by the logistics. The misplacement of shipment is solved in general after a few data searches. In case of missing shipments, the logistics is responsible for the damage and compensated handsomely. 

Customs

There is a good chance of shipment delay in air expresses due to the custom measures of different airways. It takes a reasonable amount of time to get a clearance of the shipment, and it also differs from the type of shipment to be delivered. The customs are subjected to the authorial works and can cause longer hindrance in shipment. 

Poor weather conditions

The weather condition of the place also plays a vital role in the shipment process. Bad weather at a location can cause an unfortunate shipment delay, and it is essential to choose proper logistics to overcome such troubles. 

Other reasons for shipment delays are :

  • The pandemic has affected and still affects deliveries in major parts of India
  • Multiple events across India and external factors related to it
  • Schedule changes and traffic challenges faced by the delivery partners and shipment method
  • Insufficient technology and infrastructure in certain parts of India
  • Port congestion or port strikes
  • Vehicle breakdown during transportation
  • The surge in volume the at logistics hub
  • Geographical factors such as rains, hilly region, etc affecting deliveries

How iThink Logistics deals with shipping delays

iThink Logistics deals with a large number of customers and has a well-established ecommerce shipping system that aims to reduce chances of shipment delays. We work in tandem with the courier partners to prevent possible delays. Our shipments are tracked with e-commerce order fulfilment software to avoid any type of difficulties and uncertainties.

Daily reports

We provide a daily NPR (Non-Pickup Report) that tracks how many shipments are pending for pickup. The order fulfilment software for ecommerce also generates as RCA (Root Cause Analysis) for shipments that are not picked up segregates them into two remarks – 

  • Issues from the client front – Shipment not ready for pickup, office/premises closed, no contact established with the customer, etc
  • Issues from the courier partner front – pickup not attempted, pickup attempted late, incorrect pickup assigned, etc.

Shipment Tracking

We provide our courier partners with the live tracking of the shipment to give the shipment’s exact location. Shipment tracking is one of the most effective ways to overcome and find any possible hindrance in the shipment of a product. Live tracking also allows the courier partner to calculate the estimated time required between the live location and the delivery address. 

Communication with customers

iThink Logistics assists the customer with fast inquiries and solves the problem of the courier partners in a minimum amount of time. Our expert staff helps the courier partner overcome any technical or product delivery-related problems. We also help the customer with their query related to any service specifications.

Partners with multiple courier partners

iThink Logistics works with a wide variety of courier partners to choose the most suitable logistics for the couriers. We provide a deep analysis of courier partners’ performance in different regions with different filters. 

In-depth analysis of routes

iThink Logistics uses the fastest and the shortest possible route to avoid delays during the shipment process. Our dedicated team put all the small pieces together to track all the logistic history under the different routes, which later helped analyze the nature of logistic partners over different routes. 

Eliminating the factorial risks

This element consists of using a variety of datasets that help the courier partner predict the raising standards of the shipment procedure. By utilizing the datasets, the courier partner can choose the best possible logistics, routes, and techniques to reduce the chances of a possible delay in the shipment procedure.

Shipment filters

We also provide a range of filters that help the courier partner pick up the finest shipment logistic sets as per their needs. Shipment filters include- date, time, logistic, courier partner detail, location, description, product type, etc.

Enjoy a smooth and seamless shipping experience with iThink Logistics

Shipment delays are unfortunate but also often inevitable in certain cases. But by partnering with a trusted third-party logistics provider like iThink Logistics, you can greatly reduce shipment delays and enjoy a seamless and hassle-free service. We provide end-to-end shipping services to our customers along with tracking and filters. We also provide complete customer support to our clients at every milestone. 



Categories
E-commerce Logistics E-commerce Marketing

5 Best eCommerce Business Ideas to Inspire Your Online Store

Starting a new business and its ecommerce website sounds exciting, but how to get started may leave you with doubts. In the competitive era, curating profitable online business ideas in India means a lot of brainstorming.

What are some lucrative (and fun!) ecommerce business ideas that you can try? Will some ecommerce websites be easier to create than others? Keep reading for answers to these questions, and more!

E-Commerce Business Ideas To Try

Choose one of these ecommerce store ideas, put in your entrepreneurial skills and get selling!

Let’s get started:

Talk Fashion

It might sound like the most overheard idea, but what’s new for you in this ecommerce website idea? Fast-moving fashion is outdated, but ecommerce business ideas like sustainable clothing are taking over the fashion industry. If you’re looking for a business where you can be eco-friendly and innovative, you can opt to start with a sustainable fashion brand.

Body Scanning

Sounds weird, but hold on. In this business model, customers can scan their bodies from head to toe using their mobile to figure out a clothing piece to style. Consider partnering with companies that specialise in body scanning technology so you can create an ecommerce website that fits well for everybody and shape. 

Organisation Supplier

You can start with the business idea of dropshipping, where you can pick products from the manufacturer and directly sell them to the customer. In case you’re starting as a small business owner, here’s how you can begin:

  • Custom made sticker: If you have enough resources, be creative and add personalisation to stickers.
  • Add creativity to necessity products: People often get bored of seeing the jars around, which is simple; add an innovative touch.
  • Offer an extra service: We say, take a step further and the go-ahead to offer an extra service in your organisation. Shoppers will be grateful, which will build brand loyalty.

Smart Home Days

Back in time, people were a bit reluctant to get Alexa home, but those days are gone. Technology has come with more power to help you stand out in business. Here are a few ways you can go about it:

  • Lighting: Colour-changing bulbs are a new thing; you can consider this by specialising in lights.
  • Security: Walk on the way to secure your customers. You can start with a camera and then expand for your eCommerce niche.
  • Music: Tune in with their everyday life by adding music.
  • Wellness: A new big thing, where you can reap significant profits.

Thrift Store

A concept where you resell used items. Especially with fashion, thrift stores have picked up an area of great ecommerce store or website ideas. Simply create an online marketplace to sell or rent used clothes and accessories.

Health and Beauty

If you’re looking for a profitable business, health and beauty could be the next idea you can route for. People are usually looking out for health through exercise, diet or mindfulness; your ecommerce website could be the next big thing.

Types of ecommerce Business

  1. B2C (Business To Customer): refers to commerce between a business and an individual consumer. 
  2. B2B ( Business To Business): If you want to turn your talent into a full-time ecommerce business, you can start selling it to other businesses. Business to business, which also means a business selling the products/ service directly to other businesses. 
  3. Affiliate Influencer Marketing: This means selling your products to other businesses or influencers only. 

Learn the magic of e-commerce or e-commerce business

Grow Your ECommerce Business With iThink Logistics

After you come up with an ecommerce business idea, now is the time to get the business rolling. And when you say that, there’s one step you need to take, for our team to go ahead with all the tasks. Join hands with iThink Logistics for end-to-end logistics services like shipping, tracking, NDR, post shipping service and much more… 

We’re just a call away…

Apart from these, there are many options to make choices from. But the core remains the same; you need to add uniqueness for people to consider your product. 

Let us know – what business idea have you chosen?

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E-commerce Logistics

Impact of Mobile Payment Solution On The Logistics Industry

It is undeniable that a lot has changed since the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. But not all was bad. The lockdowns allowed people to slow down and take a small break from the everyday hustle and bustle. A sector that saw a sudden growth during this phase is ecommerce and mobile payments solutions have been on a rise in the last 2 years. 

But how have mobile phones transformed the ecommerce and logistics industry? Let’s take a look – 


Mobile Payment Solutions – Transforming The Logistics Industry

The mobile phone is one of the most prominent companions of humans nowadays. one can find anything and everything over the phone with a single tap. 

From the perspective of a logistic company, the modernization of the payment method has played a very influential role in the efficiency and management of logistics companies in India. 

A wide range of firms is using mobile-friendly payment methods suitable and adaptable as per their organizational needs. Platforms such as Phonepe, Paytm, Gpay, Razorpay, etc., have raised their stakes over such industries within a low amount of time. Logistic companies have started using mobile payment solutions to complete transactions, which earlier would include agents, multiple visits to financial institutes, etc.

Learn about Logistics services

The improvements and boom of mobile payment solutions have helped the logistics companies in the following ways – 

Browser-Based Payments

An increased rate of browser payment initiated by various companies is to be said to provide a seamless, far more efficient, and quick method to complete transactions in a secure form. Browsers can store transaction details for quicker processing in the future. Browser-based payment is very convenient as the user doesn’t even need to change to another page for further processing that is why it encourages the logistic companies to switch to online mode instead of cash. 

Mobile App Payments

Mobile app payment is one of the most common and quickest methods of payment optimized and utilized by users. User data is protected with end-to-end encryption. Almost every logistic company in India has started using the mobile app payment and it is effective for both small and medium-scale logistics companies in India. 

Mobile Credit Card Readers

Mobile credit card readers are fairly new in the Indian market but they have been growing at a steady pace. The mobile credit card reader has been optimized by a handful of reputed logistics companies in India which indicates a bright future for these devices.

Mobile Wallets

Wallets are also provided by a variety of applications available over the internet that helps in a quick payment over the small, medium, or large scale. Usually, such wallets provide amazing cashback and saving offers to the users for their regular app usage. The small logistic companies in India use the mobile wallet to maximize their working efficiency and open the chain of their logistic companies for a wider audience.


Enjoy a smooth and seamless shipping experience with iThink Logistics

iThink Logistic has solutions to all your logistics needs. We assist all the functional activities related to logistics and shipment in one go. Our amazing team aims to serve small and medium logistics companies outgrow with their competitors and achieve their desired goals in the same market as the big bulls. 

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E-commerce Logistics

Seller’s Guide for Understanding Proof of Delivery (P.O.D)

Sometimes customers can be challenging to deal with. Some are easy to please, while others are hard to impress. But they all have one thing in common – all your customers want a well-organized, reliable, and timely delivery. For clear evidence and customer satisfaction, proof of delivery is the best option. With the help of proof of delivery, you can own the last mile and keep your customers satisfied.

So, if you’ve never used delivery notes or proof of delivery of any kind before or are unsure about their importance in the supply chain, now is the perfect time to start.

For the logistics industry, POD becomes a critical part of the delivery system. POD (Proof Of Delivery) is a significant part of the delivery process as it establishes that the package has been delivered to the customer. Proof of delivery acts like a receipt that proves that the delivery has been made.

POD consist of a written acknowledgement of having received the order of a specific amount of money on a specific date and time, the name of the person who has received the product and other shipping details. They are basically an official document where the customer confirms the receipt of the order or parcel.

What is the Proof of Delivery (P.O.D)?

Proof of Delivery (POD) is a document or digital confirmation that a package or shipment has been delivered to the recipient. It usually contains details like the delivery date and time, the recipient’s signature, and sometimes even a photo of the package at the delivery location. In the digital age, electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) is becoming increasingly popular due to its convenience and ease of access.

Why is Proof of Delivery Important?

Mitigating Disputes: POD provides tangible evidence that the package has been delivered, reducing the likelihood of disputes between sellers and buyers.

Building Trust: For eCommerce businesses, trust is a critical factor. Providing customers with a POD assures them that their package has been delivered safely.

Improving Accuracy: POD helps in verifying that the correct package has been delivered to the correct recipient, thus reducing errors in the delivery process.

Legal Compliance: In some regions, having a POD is a legal requirement, especially for high-value or sensitive shipments.

As a result, when the recipient signs the proof of delivery, it becomes a legally valid verification that all ordered things were delivered and are undamaged.

Why does POD matter?

Proof Of Delivery gives a clear view of your business. At the same time, it protects you and your customers from being tricked. Proof of delivery is your weapon against dishonest customers who may leave a negative review for your company. Clients often post fake reviews on online shopping sites claiming that their items were not delivered. 

You can use P.O.D. to prevent such behaviour. You can quickly prove to your customer the time and date the item was shipped, as well as the time it was delivered right in front of the doorstep if you have the detailed information available in your system.

  • Proof of delivery is a type of assurance about the delivery agreement.

  • As previously stated, it protects both the sender and the receiver and the delivery provider.

  • If both sides agree, it means that everyone gets what they agreed to. And this was a successful delivery.

  • As a result, both parties must double-check all of the information before signing the P.O.D.

  • Proof of delivery enables the receiver to refuse delivery if they are not satisfied with the condition of the package or if items are missing; to include a note denoting that they received the package with visible damage, breakage, or leakage.

  • Proof of delivery permits the seller to make a note if they received a damaged returned shipment and to verify that their delivery agents are following the code of conduct.

  • If the shipment received is damaged or the contents are missing, it is essential to file a claim within 24 hours to 48 hours of receipt, with mandatory negative remarks on P.O.D. as well.

Different types of PODs

Paper Invoice: It is the most popular way. Upon receipt of the product, the receiver is required to sign a confirmation.

e-P.O.D: This document refers to electronic proof of delivery. It often also includes additional features such as location tracking, real-time status updates, and, of course, saves paper. The carrier agent usually carries a device that requires the receiver to sign a document clarifying shipment electronically.

  •  Speed
  •  Accuracy
  •  The process has been streamlined

It is superior to paper P.O.D. In a nutshell, the three main advantages of electronic proof of delivery are as follows:

Claused P.O.D: This P.O.D. is used when a package is damaged and does not meet the delivery standards.

P.O.D. Made-to-Order: Ordering P.O.D.s is optional. Ownership of the delivery is transferred from one party to another via a third party named in the document. Third-party logistics providers, such as U.P.S., FedEx, DHL, and other large carriers, typically use this.

In the paper invoice and e-P.O.D, the softcopy of the proof of delivery is then sent to the customer’s email address. As everyone wants to promote an eco-friendly and more sustainable lifestyle, going paperless is becoming incredibly popular. Individuals can obtain it by clicking on a link provided by the shipping agency.

Rather than sticking with the old-school paper method, an increasing number of businesses are choosing for e-P.O.D. It’s simple, tech-savvy, and efficient to record notes and remarks/information about the shipping.

These forms are generally used by air, ocean, international road, or rail cargo transports. Aside from these P.O.D.s, some are dependent on the mode of transportation. This includes those that use a combination of modes of transportation.

Advantages of Proof of Delivery

Prevents Delivery-Related Customer Disputes

Proof of delivery is required when customers want to send essential documents, such as original copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports for visa applications.


Customers can already see that their items or documents were delivered to the correct location and were received by the appropriate authorities or people with proof of delivery. As a result, if the package goes missing, the point of error can be traced and the package can be easily traced.

Prevents Customer Dissatisfaction with Delivery

Proof of delivery helps to avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts between customers and businesses. Proof of delivery can assist protect suppliers from disputed scenarios when products are offered on third-party websites.

Some courier firms additionally provide a snapshot of the item delivered to the recipient’s address, giving the sender an added degree of safety. The photo also serves as documentation of the parcel’s condition when it was delivered to the receiver.

Helps In Tracking Delivery Performance

Electronic proof of delivery helps in the simplification and streamlining of delivery processes and the monitoring of delivery performance by your staff. When your drivers are out in the field, you can have clear evidence that they paused to make the delivery.

As a result, proof of delivery improves both on and off-field operations.

Reduces fraud, duplicate pay-outs, and late fees

Proof of delivery helps in the reduction of fraud and things that have been duplicated or replicated. It also benefits in lowering seller late payment fees for things that have yet to be delivered.

Improves Tracking

Your logistics services are more transparent with electronic proof of the delivery system. It improves shipments’ traceability across your distribution network, allowing for real-time delivery tracking. Thanks to improved traceability, businesses can detect possible delivery concerns early on before they become huge risks.

Remove Unnecessary Paperwork

Paper-based proofs of delivery are easily damaged or misplaced. There is no need to keep paper-based records to confirm delivery with electronic Proof of delivery. Electronic proofs of delivery reduce the expenses and manual work related to traditional paper-based proofs of delivery.

Improves the Customer Experience

Customers benefit from electronic proof of delivery because it improves customer service and enriches their experiences. It helps in the development of your company’s brand image, client loyalty, and customer satisfaction.

How To Choose The Right ECommerce Shipping Partner For Your Business?

Conclusion

With a P.O.D., you can protect both your business and your customers’ interests. Regardless of the type of P.O.D. you choose, paper or electronic, it will still benefit you and your customer. This important aspect of the shipping process should not be overlooked, even if you are a new entrepreneur or small business owner.

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E-commerce Logistics

Shipping Software vs Shipping API – How To Choose The Right One For Your Business?

The only thing that is constant in the ever-changing world is change. That is why it is important to keep track of every detail possible, be a step ahead all time possible and take into consideration every little detail. Similar to any establishment which requires to be dealt with a different aspect and In this blog, we are going to take a brief review of such aspect. Shipping management software and API, and check whether you should choose shipping software or API for effective and efficient workflow in your establishment. 

What is shipping software?

A shipping software program helps you connect your promoting sale channels and provide the tools and assistance to prepare and control your orders in the vicinity and create transport labels. Beyond this, the shipping software also provides:

  • Shipping optimization
  • Rate and route tracking
  • A variety of other tools help in the smooth completion of the shipping procedure without any hindrance

Features of shipping software are as follows

  • Label generator
  • Real-time shipment tracking
  • Comprehensive shipment report
  • Shipping details with charts
  • Shipment type, volume, and mass
  • Integration system with organizational software

The benefits of shipping software are

  • Easy to keep track of shipments
  • Understanding the work field
  • Shipment record 
  • Ease in labelling
  • Minimising the wastage and optimization of resources. 

What is a shipping API?

API refers to  Application Programming Interface. Shipping API is another shipping management software that doesn’t have an interface past its login portal (wherein you may join vendors and examine reports).

A shipping API connects your present internet site or order control device to include vendors’ transport functions into your ongoing tasks and events. It has the same function as shipping software to create labels for shipments. However, it is more suitable for the customers due to the availability of customization values. 

On the other hand, the shipping API does not have any particular user interface to perform their tasks as it directly connects the server to the portals. In other words, the shipping API performs its functionality in its existing application or plugins. 

Some examples of shipping API are FedEx API, UPS API, Gooten API, EasyPost API, Uship API, DHL API, etc. 

Features of shipping API

  • Label creation
  • Shipment details
  • Shipment live time location
  • Accurate measure tactics 
  • Address generation and validation

The benefits of using API in business organizations are as follows

  • Lower shipping charges
  • Easy comparison
  • Real-time tracking
  • Efficient and effective
  • Easy to operate

Similarities and differences between a shipping software and shipping API

Both Shipping API and Shipping Software have their standard core operation as tracking and creating the tags and labels for the shipment, They also share the same features as optimum logistics management, measures of operations, and providing routes available for the shipping management and covering up the distance in the estimated time. 

Many of the features and functions of both shipping software and the shipping API are homogenous in nature. A user can compare prices, rates, routes, and tactics with the shipping software and shipping API. 

On the other end,  shipping software is commonly used by smaller and middle-size establishments whereas shipping API is generally optimized and used by larger merchants because of the effective control and specified nature of performance maintained and elaborated. Also,  shipment API does not have a User Interface, whereas the Shipping Software has an inbuilt User Interface that helps users accomplish and achieve their desired tasks. 

Does my business need shipping software or a shipping API?

This depends on the various aspect of the company as size, nature of work, workforce efficiency of the establishments. Smaller and middle-size firms should optimize their shipping standard with the help of Shipping software as the Shipping standards somewhat requires a handful of assistance whilst operating on masses.

Larger producers and merchants should optimize their shipping standards with the help of API, which will help in simplifying the bulk delivery process, keeping track, and organizing the transaction for account maintenance. 

Find the right shipping platform for your ecommerce business with iThink Logistics

iThink Logistics is a prominent logistics company and helps sellers and merchants with their shipment needs. We have partnered with numerous logistics to help you deliver your shipments with ease with standard delivery procedures. Speak to a member of our team today to learn how iThink Logistics can help your business grow!







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E-commerce Logistics

How To Choose The Right ECommerce Shipping Partner For Your Business?

Imagine going to a restaurant to enjoy your favourite dish. How will you feel if the food comes after an hour? You will be pretty bummed, right? Now imagine your customers having to face this when they shop from your website. While ecommerce websites cannot deliver products immediately, they can definitely improve their shipping speeds by choosing the right ecom shipping solutions. 

Being an existing or aspiring ecommerce business owner, you probably already know that no matter where the customer shops from or what they shop for, it all comes down to how fast the product reaches them. And to do so, you need the perfect shipping solution for ecommerce. A shipping partner is essentially a third-party logistics company with its own fleet of vehicles and delivery personnel that is in charge of picking up products from your warehouse/manufacturing hub, packaging the products, and finally transporting them to the customers’ doorsteps. 

Importance of Choosing an Ecommerce Shipping Partner

Ecommerce shipping solutions in India are many, the key is to choose the best one for you. Without an ecommerce shipping partner, there is no business and most certainly no growth. You not only need shipping partners to deliver locally and save your own personal time but also to expand your delivery radius to the rest of the country or even the world! 

Allows your customers to touch your products

Usually when it comes to shopping, holding the product in the hand or in front of a mirror, trying it, and testing it is something that greatly helps customers make the final buying decision. However, ecommerce doesn’t allow that. Therefore the time period between the customer placing the order and receiving it becomes extremely crucial. It’s best to deliver the parcel quickly and make them feel valued, important, and heard. It is only when the customers physically touch the product (and like it)  they are determined to buy it again and trust you with repeat orders. 

Aids processing and packaging of the products

While customers enjoy their seamless shopping experience on your ecommerce website, it only increases their excitement to finally touch and feel their product. And for the products to reach top condition, you need proper processing and sturdy packaging. You need your ideal shipping partner from a multitude of ecom shipping solutions to process your orders, pack them, shift them, and transport them to the customer.

Also, fragile items require extra packaging so as to not break in transit. This is where a shipping partner comes to save the day. Being experts in the field, they will know exactly what material to use for packaging your products and making them reach your customers without any damage. More so, it will save you the hassle of incurring more cost on packaging material. 

Helps expand to a larger delivery radius/spurs growth

The more you sell, the more you make. It’s as simple as that. And a shipping partner is just what you need to make more. With a shipping partner, it gets easier to expand interstate as well pan-India. More so, when your business takes off, you can also expand internationally. With a shipping partner’s network and expertise, cutting through the red tape and legalities becomes easier. Sitting in a small town, you can have your products reach all over the world, or for that matter reach even the remotest places. 

Saves time and effort

Shipping isn’t just another step in your product’s journey from the warehouse to the customer. It is a whole different domain that requires patience, coordination, expertise, and most importantly constantly being on your toes. So while you utilize your time and energy to run your website, manufacture quality products, and do the right marketing, it is best to leave the hassles of shipping to the experts and i.e. shipping partners. They manage the packaging and delivery and help address return requests and customer queries better. 

What to Look for When Choosing an Ecommerce Shipping Partner

Now that you know how important it is to onboard ecommerce shipping companies, let us help you find the right one. 

Pricing

Indeed the first and foremost thing to consider when choosing the ideal shipping solution for ecommerce is the cost of delivery. Shipping is an added cost to your roster and can eat into your profits a lot if not done carefully. While ‘free shipping’ is very popular and a favourite among customers, it is not always ideal for you. Because if it’s free shipping for customers, it’s not free for you. Therefore it should only be borne if you have higher margins and a minimum order quantity policy.

More so, analyse the prices of competitors before choosing a shipping partner. Even if you’re just starting out and delivering locally, confirm the delivery rates of interstate and pan-India beforehand so that you never lose a customer. Also, many things can go wrong in transit. Therefore, it is a must to have an insurance backup either done by you or provided by your shipping partner. And most importantly, double-check for hidden costs before locking down on a shipping solution for ecommerce.  

Speed

The moment an order is placed, an invisible stopwatch starts in the customer’s mind. The anticipation to receive a product is at an all-time high. And the happiness goes through the roof if the delivery comes early. By doing that you’ve most certainly earned a repeat customer. But if things go wrong, then you’ve not only lost a customer but also gained bad word of mouth publicity.

There is no more powerful advertisement than one customer convincing another. In the case of international orders or custom orders, customers tend to be slightly more patient. However, in the era of Amazon’s same-day delivery service, customers are expecting shorter waiting times.

Therefore, it is a must that your ecommerce shipping solution has a large fleet and a large network of delivery personnel that ensure superfast delivery. Express shipping may incur extra charges. To clarify that in advance before choosing a shipping solution for ecommerce.

Reliability

What good is a ripe red apple when you open it to find it rotten? In the same way, if the customer’s package turns out to be damaged in transit, what is the point of providing express delivery? You need ecom shipping solutions that are dependable. Not only should they package the product well, but also provide damage-proof transit in their fleet. Harsh weather and infrastructural gaps are always going to be there. Therefore your ecom shipping solutions partner should be equipped to deal with it all. 

Reach

Ecommerce opens a vast field for you to sell your products in. All you need now is a shipping partner that delivers to every corner of this vast field. Check the geographical areas the shipping partner covers so as to suit your decided delivery radius. While the likes of Blue Dart and DHL serve internationally, there are players that are only servicing locally and domestically. Choose a shipping partner according to your needs. 

Accountability

Most often the shipping company’s warehouse is outside the city. Which in turn makes the already long journey to the customer even longer. It is in such times where simply providing tracking solutions can save the business owner and customer from a lot of anxiety.

Many ecommerce solutions like Myntra and Amazon show the order’s shipping journey from pick up to delivery on the app itself. While it is optional to show this to the customer, as an owner it is a must for you to know the whereabouts of your package at all times so that you can appease your customer if required. Therefore, choose a shipping solution that provides ecommerce shipping tracking services. 

Find The Perfect Ecommerce Shipping Partner For Your Business With iThink Logistics

So when it comes to shipping partners, you also need someone whom you can depend on when things don’t go so well. For eg: Non-delivery of shipment. Deliveries cannot happen sometimes for a multitude of reasons. But, in those times you need your shipping partner to track the package, find the reason, reattempt the delivery, and finally successfully deliver the order. At iThink Logistics, we do all of this and more with automation. 

First things first, we have a dedicated NDR team. No need to be passed on from one customer service personnel to another for hours on end. Our dedicated support staff is not only hands-on but also efficient in giving quick responses. 

We have a comprehensive dashboard. Call it our master computer, one that tracks your package every step of the way no matter where it is, in what weather conditions it is, why it did not get delivered, how many reattempts happened, how fast did the package get delivered, auto-generating reports on the same, and more real-time. 

Furthermore, AI-driven operations make us a trustworthy choice. From 4-step verification through IVR, Whatsapp, SMS, and manual processes to automated reattempt of delivery in 48 hours, we offer hassle-free and risk-reducing solutions. 

 

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