Hi

 

I am starting an ecommerce (clothing) business and need information on logistics. Many of our products will be coming from abroad in small quantities so I am looking for resources on how to ship, warehouse and distribute (order fulfillment) in a cost effective way. 

 

Thanks

Greg

One thing to keep in mind is time delays when bring product in form overseas.  It can sometimes take months for a shipment to make it all the way through the Customs inspections and delays.  I did business with an American company that out sourced their manufacturing to a plant in Asia.  Their lead time on replacement parts was 3 months.  I had the same problem with other companies who's main suppliers were located outside the U.S.  You therefore have to keep enough on hand inventory to compensate for these delays.

 

As far as shipping and order filling, there are many 3rd party (3PL) warehousing operations you can contract with.  You have your product sent to their warehouse. They store your product in their warehouse until you send an order for them to fill.  They take care of pulling and shipping the order.  You can also insist they send the order out with your packing list.