Shopify is an eCommerce software company that handles many aspects of order fulfillment. Overall, helping to increase delivery speeds and streamline the order fulfillment process. It offers a lot of different solutions for companies who are looking to improve their online operations.
Shopify is supported by robust AI technology and machine learning that assists retailers with forecasting, order routing, and inventory allocation. Read on to learn more, including whether it’s the right solution for your business.
What Is Shopify?
Shopify is a whole different type of platform– you can sell anything that you want with their plugin. Then, allow Shopify to handle everything from packaging and inventory management to shipping, returns, and more. Shopify app installation is easy. After installing it on your website, select the products or services that you want to include on the Shopify platform.
Classes Or Lessons
In addition to standard physical products, you can even sell book lessons and online classes through the Shopify platform. They can manage the class offerings and notify you when lessons are sold. Tangible products will be promptly shipped and processed, while digital orders will be processed immediately and delivered via appropriate digital format (email, on the webpage, etc.)
Digital Products
Speaking of digital orders, you can also sell digital products on Shopify, like eBooks and other non-physical products. The app isn’t just for fulfilling physical orders.
Memberships & Subscription Boxes
Website memberships are sort of a digital product, but they’re also a product all their own. Still, they can be managed by the Shopify fulfillment platform. Another popular product that this app can help distribute and sell is the subscription box. These are becoming a hot item for several markets and audiences, and a fulfillment partner makes them easy to manage.
Physical Products
Of course, you can sell all of your physical products through the Shopify platform, such as clothing, toys, jewelry, books, or anything else you are creating. You can even choose to sell some of your products on the platform and not others, depending on your needs. This is the most popular use of the platform, but it’s certainly not the only one.
Rental Services
You can also sell rental services on this network. If you rent inflatable bounce houses and other party equipment, for example, you can make the transactions through Shopify for an easy sales platform.
Services & Consultations
Like rental services, you can also sell professional services and consultations on this network. For example, you can book Yoga classes or a professional nutrition consultation with clients, thanks to the Appointment Booking feature on the app.
Ticketed Experiences
Instead of tangible products, you can sell tickets or ticket-style events and experiences on your website. These could include tickets for workshops, events, and even travel. Let’s say your business is having a fundraiser dinner that’s ticket-only. You can sell the tickets through the Shopify platform for built-in administration and quick delivery.
How Does Shopify Fulfillment Work?
The secret to Shopify’s success is its machine learning and its unique customization options that truly allow anyone to sell and ship just about anything.
How To Set Up Fulfillment In Shopify
Setting up fulfillment on Shopify is easy. All you have to do is sign up, select the products or services that you want them to fulfill, and then send the products. They will provide you with a quote for shipments and monthly storage upfront so that you know exactly what to expect.
What Happens When You Fulfill An Order On Shopify?
When you fulfill an order, Shopify will step in to package and ship the product to the customer or to digitally deliver the service or other digital product.
How Much Is Shopify Fulfillment?
Shopify is a completely customized solution. Therefore, exact pricing information isn’t available until you apply through the network and receive a custom quote. Their pricing typically includes things like storage, picking, packing, shipping, and special products or projects, like inventory management and validation. The subscription cost may be reasonable, but for others, it may be a bit too high.
Benefits & Disadvantages Of The Shopify Fulfillment Network
There are several different benefits and disadvantages to consider when you are thinking of using Shopify fulfillment.
Benefits
The benefits of Shopify start with the fact that all the hard work is taken off of your hands. Shopify does everything from the close of the sale, including picking and packing orders, preparing shipments, and distributing orders across the U.S. Some of the biggest perks are listed here.
- Inventory Tracking: Being able to track your inventory in real-time through the Shopify platform and not have to manage it in-house can save a lot of time and hassle.
- Information Management: You’ll also be able to rely on the platform’s robust AI and machine learning tools to keep better track of your operations and your business in general.
- Low Operating Costs: For small companies and startups that can’t afford to warehouse their inventory and handle distribution on their own, Shopify fulfillment offers a cost-effective solution that handles everything without a huge expense.
Disadvantages
There aren’t many disadvantages to a solution like Shopify. However, it might not be the ideal choice for everyone. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when considering your options for fulfillment, including Shopify.
- Control of 3PL Providers (or Lack Thereof): This platform doesn’t give you a lot of control over who’s handling what out of the box, since they take care of it all. You may not be able to have complete control of logistics, including shipping, which could impact your quality control.
- Higher Costs: In some cases, Shopify fulfillment is one of the more expensive options for distribution available today. You will have to pay all of the required fees, along with your membership fee, to keep your service going. There may be a more affordable solution. Contact us for information regarding Shopify Fulfillment.
Alternative To Shopify Fulfillment
Working with Print Bind Ship could be that solution. Instead of being stuck with a high-cost subscription to the platform that you may or may not use regularly, you can pick and choose fulfillment services when you need them. We have great pricing options and a la carte services, along with full-service fulfillment and logistics solutions, giving you the chance to get more out of your business without such a big investment.
Plus, Print Bind Ship can handle everything from printing and creating materials and products to warehousing them, shipping and distributing materials and orders, and more. It’s not just order fulfillment– it’s total 3PL management and it’s still more affordable than most platforms like Shopify.
What’s Next: Fulfillment With Print Bind Ship
If you’re ready to take your fulfillment to the next level and stay in control of the decisions, contact the team at Print Bind Ship. We’ll work with you to create a custom solution for fulfillment that suits your needs and help you explore the rest of the services and solutions that we offer. Our team of experts can help you compare the costs of our service with other popular brands like Shopify, to ensure that you’re getting the best deals and the best fulfillment solutions. Call us today to get started.