Logistics are a significant challenge for companies that have an online presence. How can you ensure rapid, hassle-free delivery at a customer's location? Are there efficient tools to manage the entire process? How do you get started? This article addresses the most common questions about e-commerce logistics. Discover ways to choose a robust approach for processing and delivering orders.

What's in this article?

• What are e-commerce logistics?
  
• Why develop a strategy for e-commerce logistics?
  
• What does an e-commerce logistics solution look like?
  
• How to choose an e-commerce logistics solution
  
• What e-commerce logistics solutions exist in France?
  

What are e-commerce logistics?

E-commerce logistics include the end-to-end workflow involved in the logistical chain for online sales, from order processing to delivery. This work brings together various operational aspects of web commerce, including inventory management, order preparation, product packaging, shipping and handling returns.

Why develop a strategy for e-commerce logistics?

It is key to define an effective e-commerce logistics strategy to ensure an improved customer experience and reduce the financial losses associated with delivery errors.

According to a study by Ifop, 72% of consumers consider delivery to be the most important criterion when making a web purchase. An efficient operations strategy enables smooth rapid dispatch of orders, thereby reinforcing buyer satisfaction.

Capable logistics management can boost repeat purchases, enhance customer loyalty and elevate the brand. As described by Ifop, 98% of buyers purchase again after a positive, well-organised delivery experience. In comparison, 60% leave a negative review when a drop-off goes poorly (which can impact your reputation in a competitive market, as well as your company's profitability).

With Stripe, you can cut down delivery errors before the customer places an order. Stripe Checkout is a prebuilt payment form that is fully customisable and that lets businesses accept payments headache-free on a website or app. Users enter information into a form that autofills their address and detects mistakes.

What does an e-commerce logistics solution look like?

An e-commerce logistics solution lets you centrally manage many aspects of online sales. Some platforms address the logistics chain as a whole, while others focus on a specific step within the process (for example, stock control or package dispatch). By externalising these operations, you can focus on your main activity (selling products) and benefit from expert assistance and significant time savings.

How to choose an e-commerce logistics solution

Choose a logistics solution that aligns with current and future needs while adapting to shoppers' changing preferences.

• Start by analysing logistical needs: Review target clientele, geographic area, stock, order volume, how fragile your products are and desired level of service. Are you looking for a full-service or customised logistics solution?
  
• Consider customer expectations: Most buyers expect to be able to track their order, easily return purchases and have various delivery options available (home drop-off with or without signature, pickup locations, express options, "click and collect," etc.).
  
• Evaluate quotes and offers from each service provider: Consider the rates, timelines, storage and shipping options and IT systems offered. Can the solution be integrated easily into your existing systems? Is it effective? Can it be adapted to an omnichannel strategy? Does it allow for accurate tracking of deliveries in real time? Are you satisfied with the quality of the inventory management and delivery?
  

What e-commerce logistics solutions exist in France?

There are several e-commerce logistics solutions in France, including:

• Shippingbo, a complete e-commerce logistics platform that manages purchases, inventory and shippers
  
• Sendcloud, offering a broad, flexible solution with an intuitive interface designed to handle high volumes of orders
  
• MyShipWizard, a platform developed by France Num that lets you centralise orders on your web store and dispatch them rapidly
  
• e-LOGIK, an e-commerce logistics service provider with warehouses in all regions throughout France and Switzerland
  
• Mondial Relay, providing a European solution with pickup and drop-off locations that integrate easily into an e-commerce site
  
• Bansard International, a leading global player in the logistics space, delivering a comprehensive offering tailored to specific requirements