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Simplify your logistics with scalable, tech-driven solutions tailored for Indian businesses. From warehousing to last-mile delivery—grow faster, ship smarter.

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E-commerce Logistics

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

ecommerce return policy

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.  

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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. 



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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…

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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?

Categories
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. 

Categories
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.

Categories
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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E-commerce Logistics

5 Steps to Build a Successful Online Dropshipping Business

To start your own e-commerce business, you need to manufacture/buy original products, store them in your warehouse, list them on your website, host your website, integrate a payment gateway, manage customer care, handle the marketing to ensure traffic, and provide shipping. 

Seems like a lot to handle? We can understand. 

But what if you can simply manage the hosting, marketing, and payments and still reap all the benefits of an e-commerce website?  

Indeed you can with the dropshipping business model! 

Dropshipping is an e-commerce business model that has gained massive popularity over the years. It basically involves hosting a website with products listed on it and not worrying about the rest. All it requires you to do is to make a platform that the customers can visit – similar to a display tile. Once a customer places an order, a dropshipper simply processes it and sends the request to the third-party manufacturer. Then it becomes the manufacturer’s responsibility to ship the product safely to the customer. 

And the best part is that the dropshipping business model doesn’t require you to have a large warehouse. All you need is a tie-up with a seller/manufacturer and they will deal with the shipping. 

Some other benefits of starting your online dropshipping business in India include investing minimal capital, the freedom to run it from anywhere in the world, the freedom from maintaining an inventory or renting a warehouse, no shipping hassle, the flexibility of adding/removing products based on performance, and the ease of starting a dropshipping business in the first place.  

Steps required to start a Dropshipping business

Decide on what to sell 

In a competitive world, finding your niche can get tough. Especially after the pandemic, people’s love for online shopping has made e-commerce skyrocket. What started off as books being sold by Indian player Flipkart, grew into a multi-million dollar business of selling everything under the sun.

Not only marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart, but businesses have also started making their own e-commerce websites. Therefore, before you decide to make a website, do your research and due diligence to search for unique products that will set you apart. 

Partner with a seller/manufacturer 

To get your website running, you need good products in the first place. And to do so, you need to secure your supplier after careful consideration. Check proposals from multiple manufacturers/sellers. Calculate the cost of their products, estimated shipping charges, packing charges, etc. before finalizing one because it will affect your profit margins. Remember that in a dropshipping business, the profits are split two ways. The first part is for you and the second for the manufacturer/seller. 

Nowadays with the popularity of e-commerce, many businesses are wishing to go online but can’t handle the hassle of operating an e-commerce website. In such cases, it is advised to bring your inclination of running a website and their desire to get their own platform together. It is best to partner with them and become the owner of a successful dropshipping business. 

Make your E-commerce website 

After securing your product supplier, get your e-commerce website up and running. Choose between open-source codes, headless e-commerce, and ready-to-use SaaS (software as a service) to make your website. A low-budget and hassle-free option is Shopify – a SaaS provider that enables you to make, host, and operate your e-commerce website with pre-integrated plug-ins. It’s like a plug and play system where you can make your website within minutes. 

Marketing all the way

This is where your salesman of the year skills need to come out and shine to make your dropshipping business a super success! But don’t worry, you won’t have to go door to door. The internet has much more than e-commerce websites. With search engines and social media, you have easy and effective access to not just a local but national and international pool of customers.

Opt for search engine optimization services to get your website ranking on Google’s first page where users are most likely to click and convert. Define your target audience and run ads on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to increase visibility and encourage buying. To put it simply, it’s like having your shop window displays but online. While this is just the tip of the iceberg, there is a lot to explore in the realm of digital marketing. 

Tips for successful dropshipping business

Find unique products

Dropshipping has been around for a while now. It’s an overused business model but definitely very profitable when done right. To give you an example, take a look at some of the well-known skincare brands. They started off by listing their products on e-commerce giant Nykaa. Then they started making their own online stores too.

So for you to decide to sell those same skincare brands will be a rookie mistake since you will be competing with the brand within itself as well as its competitors. It is recommended that you partner with a business that is original, authentic, or at least brand new. 

Find hassle-free products

While finding unique products, don’t chase something that is going to be a logistical problem. Something too big, too fragile, or too easily perishable will not only limit your delivery radius and customer base but also not be very profitable. Also, it involves high-risk as its chances of getting damaged are high. Go for products that can be stored for quite some time since initially, your website will take time to pick up. You can always go for food items also provided your manufacturer/supplier has adequate cold storage solutions in place. It is ideal if your products involve minimal packaging, and fewer shipping costs to increase your profit margins. 

Find reliable suppliers

Dropshipping is based on trust. Since you are not manufacturing the products or let alone storing them, you need a supplier that is dependable. A delay in their production will be seen by your customers as of late delivery or bad customer service. Make sure your suppliers provide quality products at all times to avoid unnecessary returns from your customers. 

Starting a dropshipping business in India is easier than it looks. Take a good look at our tips and get started with your own venture today! 

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FAQs

Is dropshipping a profitable business in 2021?

Yes. Dropshipping business model is most certainly profitable provided you make a user-friendly e-commerce website, find a reliable supplier/manufacturer, and have a good marketing strategy. 

Can dropshipping start with no money?

No, but you can still consider it. While every business involves some capital, dropshipping business model relatively requires minimal investment. With SaaS solutions like Shopify, making your e-commerce website is easier than ever. Even your marketing budget can be low since you can clearly define your audience and target only them on social media. More so, creating a social media page is free. There is no manufacturing and shipping cost. So the capital required isn’t that high. 

Is dropshipping an online business?

Yes. Dropshipping is an online business model. The very basics of dropshipping involve you making your own e-commerce website which is the online version of a brick-and-mortar retail store. Even your customers are acquired online, and in most cases so is the payment processing as well. 

Which is the most successful product for dropshipping?

Hassle-free, nuisance-free, and easy to ship products are hot sellers among dropshipping platforms. Anything in the lifestyle and beautiful space that has a longer shelf life and easy storage solutions is ideal to sell. For eg: Books, clothes, bags, stationery, etc. 

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E-commerce Logistics

How to Calculate Volumetric Weight in E-commerce logistics

If you own an ecommerce company, then you must have probably heard shipping companies talk mostly about packaging and its volumetric weight. But what exactly is volumetric weight? It’s not the weight in kilograms? Having an ecommerce store make this calculation essential?

There are a few hacks mentioned for you in order to reduce the dimensions of your goods. So, in a way, you can avoid paying too much money in shipping your goods and it helps you in curtailing extra expenses for logistics in your ecommerce company.

What is volumetric weight?

The quantity and capacity of goods are measured according to volumetric weight by the shipping company. Thus, the physical weight of the package is then calculated and compared to volumetric weight.

How is volumetric weight calculated?

Volumetric weight is calculated by two methods.

  • Using formula calculation from a guidebook.
  • Free use of a volumetric calculator.

The formula for calculation is:

length* height*width/ conversion factor = volumetric weight

Measurements to remember for length, height and weight should be in centimetres. The factor of conversion may differ from one shipping company to another, so always choose your provider wisely. There are wide exceptions in other countries in their standard conversion rate. FedEx carrier company uses a conversion rate of 5,000 to calculate it. Always recommend checking the volumetric weight of your package before dispatch. The prices are different, and it varies according to the shipping company you choose.

Why calculate the volumetric weight?

Thus, the carrier takes a lot of space in your transport can cause delays in the delivery of the product due to poor packaging practices. The products are packaged in an economical manner using volumetric weight. This can help you in maintaining the shipping costs as well as help you in getting your product safely. Many shipping carriers have the practice of weighing products applying dimensional weight, as this helps in saving time and shipping the goods in quick time.

How can you maintain the volumetric weight?

An improper package can lead to a wrong volumetric weight. Overdoing the packaging or wrong material packaging is also one of the reasons where volumetric weight can go wrong. This practice leads to the wrong dimensions of your product. This can lead to high shipping costs due to an increase in volumetric weight. Follow the best quality packaging practices to avoid such issues and to provide good value to the buyer.

Few shipping companies follow some guidelines before packaging products in order to avoid logistics issues regarding your shipment. Moreover, we investigate suit carrier partners interests and maintain the package with proper dimensional weight.

Tricks to reduce shipping costs

Software for shipping

Major shipping companies have shipping software that maintains the process of shipping like printing labels in bulk, reducing return orders and auto-import orders. They are assigned to ship with multiple courier partners at affordable prices.

Shipping rate calculators

The budget and the variety of packaging you choose for your shipment depends entirely on your shipping rate calculator.

 Conclusion

Each courier company uses different criteria of volumetric weight for the delivery of the product. If you get an idea about how the volumetric weight helps in calculating, then you can maximize the shipping costs. This concept is very easy to follow and can also help you in increasing the number of shipments by coordinating with the courier partners by delivering maximum products on time.

Use simple strategies and make your shipping company work effortlessly by delivering to more countries in a quick time. Tell us how you would like to work on your shipments after reading this.

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E-commerce Logistics

A Detailed Guide on E-commerce Revenue Model

The e-Commerce space has never been so elastic and broader before. Addressing the recent upsurge in global business, technological advancement and the people following online shopping, the digital space has opened flexible ways to put up your e-commerce revenue model in the array and reach out to your audience much more easily. 

It has been just 25 years that the internet has brought the entire marketplace to your fingertips. This has forged a branched path for eCommerce allowing people to come up with different businesses over the internet that are categorized into wider aspects. But before we jump into our classification of eCommerce business models, let’s refurbish our definition of eCommerce business.

What is an eCommerce business?

In simple terms, eCommerce or electronic commerce business refers to selling, buying or making a transaction over the internet in the digital marketplace. The products or services are showcased through a website or mobile application through digital signage systems that are integrated with a secured payment gateway facilitating product purchase and financial transactions. 

Understanding e-commerce revenue streams is essential, as they provide the foundation for any e-commerce revenue model by outlining how income is generated. A well-designed e-commerce revenue model leverages various e-commerce revenue streams like direct sales, subscriptions, and advertising to ensure sustainable growth.

In the competitive world of online business, focusing on diverse e-commerce revenue streams can enhance a company’s resilience. Each e-commerce revenue model can benefit from exploring different e-commerce revenue streams to optimize profitability and meet market demands.

Now let’s move ahead with segregating the eCommerce business models based on their revenue model. 

The revenue models in e-commerce are usually considered in classifying an eCommerce business as revenues denote the total amount of money that is being received by the company after trading its products or service with its customers. Understanding the various revenue models in e commerce is crucial for success. There is a range of options from which revenues can be generated including advertising, affiliate marketing, subscription and a lot more. 

The industry never restricts the upcoming of any new way of generating revenue. Though we will stick to explaining the basic five revenue models in e commerce with possible variations to the approach.

The choice of examples of e commerce business models depends on various factors, including the target market, product or service offerings, and business goals.

Also read: The Concept of E-commerce Business Model

Advertising Revenue Model

Generally, there is always a commission charged to advertisers to put up their advertisements in a well known online marketing platform. This is the classic principle that is being followed for the business categorized for the Advertising Revenue model. They take advantage of the huge traffic who regularly visit the chosen platform to shop around, see the ad and get redirected to the actual site. 

This can be related to a way of increasing leads to the business. The payments are made to the hosting platform based on a fixed commission or decided upon the traffic density that is driven to the business.

Business following the Advertising Revenue Model presents an indirect way of earning revenue through a digital platform and the conventional ways of putting up ads generally include display marketing that includes a super banner, wallpaper, skyscraper or rectangular ads. These are paid according to the traffic that is driven from the platform through the ads. The general income structure is based on the invoices raised against Cost per Click (CPC) or Cost per Action (CPA). Apart from the regular display marketing strategies that are aimed to redirect the traffic coming onto the eCommerce platform into the address where the ads are linked, affiliate marketing and search engine marketing are other famous ways.

Google Adwords and Adsense are among the most trending and reliable options that allow you to place your ads through the Google Search engine allowing you to bring your business website to the top of the search results when searched with the related keywords. Similar platforms are Facebook and the New York Times that allows you to display ads based on a Cost Per Mile (CPM) basis.

Subscription Revenue Model

You must have heard of Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube Premium, etc who will let you enjoy their unlimited services. These eCommerce business models charge their users or rathers subscribers based on a certain interval of time (daily, monthly or annual) to avail their services.

The service offerings of these companies generally include music, videos, TV channels, magazines, special services, etc. which is offered to the subscribers for a price to watch/listen or get the latest edition. Now, let me guide you through some examples of basic subscription business models.

  • Premium membership:  Many social media and business platforms like Xing, Linkedin, stayfriends, etc. offers subscriptions to avail of additional services that get the subscribers to access to daily updates, newsletters, short notices, etc. These information and quick updates are delivered to them directly to their account.
  • Internet service providers: We all are familiar with the monthly and annual subscription of internet service providers or rather a broadband connection enabling the subscribers to enjoy unlimited internet service. 

Publishers and content services: You are well acquainted with Netflix, New York Times, Spiegel Online, etc. These eCommerce business models ask for subscription fees based on monthly or annually to get access to their content.

We all know that every eCommerce business has one thing in common and that is their payment gateway. These are companies like Paypal, VeriSign whose subscription fee depends upon the SSL certification and the period of service. 

Transaction Fee Revenue Model

Following the transaction fee revenue model, the eCommerce business charges a fee to a seller for every transaction made through them. They are the payment companies that provide the payment gateway service to other eCommerce business platforms. Generally, the profit is derived through enabling or executing transactions. 

The operator provides a platform for the eCommerce marketplace through which the transaction can be completed. Now, the necessary steps include registering of the vendor and the operator so that the identities are kept intact that may later be required for a business. The model has proximity to the affiliate market but is somewhat different. The core principle of a Transaction Revenue Model is to facilitate transactions and earn a commission or fee on each one.

To explain it in a better way, let’s take the example of PayPal. The company charges a transaction fee to the sellers of the product once the transaction is completed. Similarly, eTrade gains a transaction fee whenever a stock transaction is made with a customer. The amount to be paid to the operator is either decided upon based on a percentage or a fixed amount with the vendor. Amazon is another example of a transaction fee revenue business model.

Sales Revenue Model

This is one of the most commonly followed eCommerce business models where wholesalers and retailers sell their products over the internet intending to reach out to a larger target audience. Also, more importantly, this sales revenue model in e-commerce brings inconvenience for the customer as well as saves them time. And the hassle to walk up to their physical store. There is an extra cost. 

The prices are often competitive in comparison to the actual store price.  The business following the online sales revenue model often comes with marketplaces as common entry points that allow them to deal with various product vendors allowing them to grow the marketplace and therefore earn more.

In certain cases, the sales are directly injected into the business where the profit is shared with none. Based on the size of the business and the point of sales traffic, certain functionalities of the business are transferred to third party vendors, generally done for the logistics and supply chain. 

Examples can be sited in terms of all the single shop companies selling their brand products over the internet through their online platforms. This forms a dedicated way of doing sales and reaching out to a vast number of customers. Amazon, Otto, etc are examples of businesses following such a model for their web catalogue-based business over the internet. Also, Buy.com and Etsy are examples of such marketplaces while blood, woot! guut.de are examples of live shopping marketplaces.

Affiliate Revenue Model

Next, on the list, we have an affiliate revenue model that deals with a business that follows the principle of commission. Merchants and vendors partner up with well-known eCommerce platforms to advertise and sell their products giving them a percentage of the profit as a commission. 

Affiliate marketing is a well-known way of inviting as well as driving quality leads into their business. The process basically works as a link that is hyperlinked to the affiliate and is archived on a host platform that gets regular traffic. Any user who clicks to the affiliate link is redirected to their website where the product or service is catalogued. The affiliate or the merchant thus pays an agreed commission to the host operator who’s carrying the link for every traffic driven.

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About B2B Business Models

Amazon and affiliate are well-known examples of Affiliate Revenue Models that let you affiliate your product links and drive traffic. For each lead driven to your website, you need to pay a certain percentage to Amazon or affilinet as their commission. Interestingly, the Affiliate Revenue Model brings a win-win situation for both the merchant, who sells his product and the affiliate who advertised or marketed their product. Such eCommerce business models utilizes different variations such as pay-per-click, banner exchange and also, revenue sharing programs that aim at driving the audience from one platform to another.

There are a lot of other business models that are being used today to gain profit from the online marketplace. However, it’s natural that eCommerce business and digital marketing go hand in hand while delivering the business objective. Today there is an estimated rise of 17% in the eCommerce business since last year and has the potential to grow sky high in the coming years. 

Conclusion

Though shopping around physically hasn’t yet gone out of trend, most businesses today find a way to rule both the physical and online marketplace. So, there is always a scope for defining a new way of doing business over the internet. This means, more business models are yet to be known for the online eCommerce market.

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