As you prepare to enter the D2C market, you should view the experience as a transformative process rather than a purely additive one—i.e., just tacking on an ecommerce sales channel. Transforming your business with new technology solutions, logistics processes, and customer communication strategies is more complicated and requires more thoughtful deliberation than simply hanging up a shingle, but it’s more likely to pay off in the long run. To remain viable as a D2C seller, you must not only attract new customers with the promise of a great deal but you must also back up your promise with logistical excellence that consistently meets customer expectations and thus earns repeat business.
In the Ecommerce Track sessions at Descartes Evolution 2019, we discussed how retailers and 3PLs Transform the Customer Experience. Both can enhance their end customers' experience by leveraging Descartes Logistics and Supply Chain Technology. Highlights included the growing importance of real-time connectivity to business partners and sales channels, the increasing need for cost-effective and service-oriented warehouse and fulfillment, as well as shipping and home delivery capabilities. We also outlined how important it is to meet Customs and trade compliance requirements to provide extraordinary customer experience and sustainable growth. For all who couldn’t attend – here is a brief summary of this years’ Ecommerce Track.
Working in cooperation with the B2C fulfillment experts Manuel Unkel and Thomas Finke, Descartes has developed a guide to help fulfillers successfully enter direct-to-consumer ecommerce.
