{"id":10817,"date":"2021-06-30T11:42:24","date_gmt":"2021-06-30T18:42:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qad.com\/blog\/?p=10817"},"modified":"2023-01-18T11:43:19","modified_gmt":"2023-01-18T19:43:19","slug":"why-retailers-need-flexible-multi-carrier-shipping-software","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qad.com\/blog\/2021\/06\/why-retailers-need-flexible-multi-carrier-shipping-software","title":{"rendered":"Why Retailers Need Flexible Multi Carrier Shipping Software"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”10818″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Retailers working across different geographies and locations have complex shipping operations. In this QAD Precision Report we look at how retailers can standardize shipping and contain costs with multi carrier shipping software.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The last 15 months or so has been extraordinary for consumers as well as e-commerce and retail businesses. The pandemic sent parcel volumes skyrocketing in unprecedented ways. However, when it comes to e-commerce, the genie is out of the bottle \u2014 online shopping will continue to become an ever greater part of our consumer habits.<\/span><\/p>\n

In order to survive and thrive, retailers need a way to manage growing volumes, standardize parcel shipping and leverage flexible, multi carrier shipping software.<\/span><\/p>\n

For omnichannel and e-commerce retailers standardizing customer delivery operations is no easy task. When you add in different distribution centers, bricks-and-mortar stores and geographic locations, this can seem impossible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keeping the Customer Happy While Controlling Costs<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most retailers want to offer the same high levels of customer service through all channels.\u00a0 However, when relying on a third party to execute critical services, this is a challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n

High volume and high value retailers often use one or two trusted carriers. This trust is important. Your customers will blame you, not your carrier, if a delivery is late or damaged.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having said that, retailers who rely on just one or two carrier partners are vulnerable to higher delivery costs. Plus there is the risk of orders going unfulfilled or longer transit times. Your preferred carrier could be experiencing capacity issues, particularly during peak. Plus there is always the possibility of an unforeseen disaster, such as a fire in a hub, or a global pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Multi Carrier Shipping Software Benefits Retailers<\/span><\/h2>\n

Every single one of us is somebody\u2019s customer. We reward retailers and brands with loyalty and repeat business if they make shopping pleasurable and convenient for us. That is true whether we shop at a retail location and online.<\/span><\/p>\n

For online shoppers, fast, and generally free, parcel shipping \u2014 along with speed and accuracy \u2014 is critical. The delivery experience enhances customer loyalty and protects brand reputation. Fast delivery, by itself, is not a differentiator.<\/span><\/p>\n

As shoppers, we all want flexible delivery options that best suit our needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Retailers can standardize customer deliveries across all locations with <\/span>multi carrier shipping software<\/span><\/a>. Multi carrier software makes it possible for retailers to apply the same processes and business rules to all global locations. Here are five most important benefits of multi carrier shipping solutions:<\/span><\/p>\n