Inventory & Fulfillment

Useful Resources

• Articles:
• The Ultimate Guide to Supply Chain Optimization
• Supply Chain Optimization: A Comprehensive Explanation
• Supply Chain Optimization: An Introduction
• Optimizing Your Supply Chain Network: Unveiling the What and Why

• Videos:
• The Digital Playbook for Modern Logistics with Bart De Muynck
• Tom Griffin on Logistics and Customer Experience at Shoptalk 2024

• Podcasts:
• The Logistics Podcast
• Everything is Logistics

• Books:
• The Lean Supply Chain by Robert Martichenko (Amazon)
• Inventory Management Explained by David Piasecki (Amazon)
• The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone (Amazon)
• Warehouse & Distribution Science by John Bartholdi and Steven Hackman (Free Download)

Recommended Tools

• Shopify: E-commerce and inventory management solution with integrated fulfillment options. Shopify

• ShipBob: A third-party logistics provider helping businesses scale efficiently. ShipBob

• Skubana: An advanced inventory and order management platform. Skubana

• TradeGecko: A cloud-based inventory and order management system for growing businesses. TradeGecko

• DEAR Systems: A powerful inventory and order management software tailored for scaling businesses. DEAR Systems

• Ordoro: A shipping and inventory management tool for e-commerce businesses. Ordoro

• NetSuite: A robust ERP system with strong inventory and supply chain management features. NetSuite

• Linnworks: A centralized e-commerce management tool that automates inventory and fulfillment tasks. Linnworks

• EasyShip: A global shipping platform simplifying logistics for e-commerce brands. EasyShip

• ShipStation: A multi-channel fulfillment tool that integrates with carriers and marketplaces. ShipStation

Founded Outdoors Community Tips and Insights

• Balancing Stock Levels: Many founders recommend implementing real-time inventory tracking tools to avoid overstocking or stockouts. Some use predictive analytics to forecast demand more accurately.

• Reliable Fulfillment Partners: A few founders suggested testing multiple third-party logistics providers before committing, ensuring they meet delivery expectations and handle products with care.

• Shipping Costs & Timelines: Reducing costs by negotiating rates with shipping carriers and using regional warehouses to shorten delivery times.

• Inventory Visibility: Founders emphasize the need for automated stock updates integrated with sales channels to prevent discrepancies.

• Scaling Warehouse Management: Several entrepreneurs advise starting with in-house fulfillment before transitioning to 3PL solutions when order volume increases.

• Warehouse Organization: Implementing barcode scanning systems and structured inventory placement can improve accuracy and efficiency.

• Demand Forecasting: Using AI-based analytics to predict sales trends can help optimize stock levels and avoid unnecessary storage costs.

• Returns Management: Developing a seamless return process minimizes disruptions and maintains customer trust.

• Backup Suppliers: Having alternative suppliers ensures that production and fulfillment remain unaffected by unexpected shortages.

• Customer Communication: Keeping customers informed about shipping updates and potential delays enhances satisfaction and trust.

Vendors

• Fulfillment Centers:
• Fulfillrite
• Red Stag Fulfillment
• ShipMonk

• Packaging Suppliers:
• Uline
• Packlane
• EcoEnclose

• Shipping Carriers:
• USPS
• FedEx
• DHL
• UPS

• Inventory Management Software Providers:
• Cin7
• QuickBooks Commerce
• Fishbowl