Perfect product? Check. Fully stocked warehouse? Check. Great e-commerce website? Check.
Oh, wait! Have you ticked all the boxes? Any ideas on how to get your top-of-the-line products to customers? Well, that’s where a great distribution company like QRC Logistics comes into the equation. For wide market coverage and efficient third-party logistics, consider working with this distribution company in Canada.
Let’s face it, building any business requires partnering with the right stakeholders. As such, the distribution partner you select can make or break your enterprise. A dependable distributor can ensure your products realize the potential you have in mind. On the flip side… I hope you get the drift.
So, how do you realize the logistical challenges of distributing your products? Or simply put, how do you find a great distribution company to work with? Here are the qualities to look for when shopping around for a great logistics partner:
1. Dependability
As a business owner, you need a partner you can rely on to meet your needs regularly. A good distribution partner will work closely with you to ensure timely delivery of your products and in the condition you expect. They will also be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
What’s more, a dependable distribution partner will easily adapt to your changing needs and requirements over time. There’s no point in partnering with a company that isn’t willing to grow with you.
Still, customer orders may change on a dime. If you suddenly have a large urgent shipment, you need a distributor who can deliver your products on short notice. Thus, you may have to select a distributor who’s always on call or one with dependable technology to streamline their operations. Or, it may mean finding a partner with enough staff on hand to pack and ship your orders promptly.
2. Industry-Specific Track Record
Differentiation is key in any industry, especially in the distribution business. When casting about for the right partner to help get your product to market, you need to find one that specializes in your particular industry. That’s because each industry has its own unique challenges and dynamics.
A distribution partner who understands these challenges and has experience navigating them can be a valuable asset. They can help you avoid pitfalls while enhancing your market reach quickly and efficiently. That could make all the difference.
Plus, you can leverage their expertise to position your products in the market effectively. In turn, your products will likely outshine your competitor’s offers on store shelves.
3. Infrastructure
Partnering with an established distribution company can provide your business with many advantages. Perhaps most importantly, they will have the necessary resources to fulfill your business needs efficiently. This means you won’t have to worry about investing in your distribution infrastructure, which can be both costly and time-consuming. Some of the resources you can make the most of include:
Ample storage space for your products.
Packaging supplies such as cardboard boxes and dunnage.
Inventory management system and tools such as scanners and labels.
Equipment-forklifts, delivery trucks, and more.
Further, a great partner will be able to provide you with valuable insights and advice based on their extensive experience in the industry. Overall, an established distribution company can save you time, money, and hassle while providing access to invaluable resources and expertise.
4. Fulfillment Reach
A good distributor should be able to ship across the country quickly and overseas if necessary. This ensures customers receive your products on time.
Consequently, a distributor’s reach should be high on your list of considerations for an excellent partner. Otherwise, you may end up working with a company that is ill-equipped to meet your needs.
Plus, a partner with a broad network of fulfillment centers can help keep distribution costs low. How would they do that? Ideally, a distributor can fulfill orders from the closest location to the intended destination. By reducing an order’s travel distance, they get to ship and deliver quickly while providing a cost-effective solution.
As consumer expectations and needs continue to rise, e-commerce brands must find ways to meet them. Consequently, as a business owner, you’ll need a distributor who’s willing, equipped, and ready to rise to the occasion. That’s the surefire way to create lasting impressions.
Sure, you might get by on your own, but it might be tough going, especially for a small enterprise. We hope this guide helps you team up with the best distribution company to take your business to the next level.