With COVID-19 limiting or even shutting down golf course operations, golf operators need to find a way to generate alter
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 9:29 am
With COVID-19 limiting or even shutting down golf course operations, golf operators need to find a way to generate alternative pro shop revenue to stay afloat. The most obvious solution in this case is to move your operations online and leverage the power of e-commerce.
If you’re not familiar with logistics, shipping and fulfillment for an ecommerce business can seem complex. Fortunately, learning the process isn’t as difficult as lowering your handicap. Here’s a look at everything you need to know to make the best choice for your business—and your customers.
Order preparation
Billing
With online retail, invoices are automatically generated and emailed to a customer after an order is placed, confirming the purchase. While most e-commerce platforms have a standard invoice template, you’ll want to make taiwan cp number sure yours includes this information:
The word “invoice” at the top
Name, address and contact details of your company
A unique invoice number
The date of the order
The customer's name and address
The list of products purchased, including quantity, reference and price
Sales tax collected
Shipping Type and Price
Total amount due
Payment method
The package
When you receive an order, you need to package it. You can simply put the products in a box or envelope, but it’s best to remember that packaging creates a first impression on your customer, especially if they’ve never visited your store. In today’s e-commerce world, more and more customers are looking for an “experience” when they receive their order in the mail.
Spend some time thinking about your packaging and style and how it can complement your branding. For golf equipment, you may be limited in your options because many products are large and unusually shaped. For apparel, however, you can get more creative. Consider ordering boxes and shipping tape with your logo and colors to set the tone. You can also get custom mailers that are lightweight and can reduce shipping costs for smaller items. Details matter and will leave a lasting impression on customers.
Labeling
Complete the package with a shipping label that includes the customer's name and address and your company name and address. Shipping labels should also include the weight, shipping type, and the tracking number provided by the carrier.
If your labels aren’t complete, the customer’s order could be delayed or even lost. If you’re able to purchase shipping directly through your ecommerce platform, it should offer an automated way to print labels. You can choose to print them on paper and stick them on the box, or invest in a thermal printer that creates labels to stick on your package. If you ship multiple boxes per day, a dedicated printer can save you time.
Service Provider Selection
Traditional delivery companies
Choosing a shipping carrier is an important step in the ecommerce process. You’ll want a reliable company that can also offer you affordable rates. But making the best choice isn’t just about cost. You also need to consider logistics and service. The main shipping carriers are USPS, UPS, and FedEx, and each of them has its strengths and weaknesses.
Choosing the best carrier will depend on the size and weight of your packages. You may decide to use more than one. For example, UPS may be your best choice for shipping heavy items, while USPS is best for clothing or accessories. The ability to have them pick up your packages at no extra charge is a real plus to consider. It’s up to you to determine which provider is right for you.
Other service providers
As online sales continue to rise, new delivery companies are launching to offer more options to retailers. For example, Deliv offers same-day delivery in select U.S. markets to meet the growing demand for immediate delivery.
Other on-demand delivery services include Postmates, which currently serves five major U.S. cities, and Darkstore, a San Francisco-based fulfillment company that operates in 40 U.S. markets. As you do your research, also consider “plug-and-play” services.
Third party delivery
If your e-commerce business is booming, you may find that it’s no longer possible to fulfill orders in your pro shop, especially during peak golf season. In this case, you can choose to outsource the task to a third-party logistics company that holds and ships your inventory for you, such as FedEx Supply Chain, Rakuten Super Logistics, Red Stag Fulfillment, and ShipBob.
These third parties take and pack orders once they are received. Some of these organizations require you to manually enter orders into their system, while others are able to integrate with your e-commerce platform. For this type of service, you will pay a fee for the storage of your items, as well as for packaging materials and shipping.
Shipping costs and prices
Insurance and monitoring
While most reputable carriers have good track records, packages can and do get lost. Shipping insurance can provide some peace of mind, especially for expensive items. Insurance is often inexpensive and provides assistance if a package is lost or damaged. Some carriers include a level of insurance in your shipping rate. For example, UPS offers $100 in insurance and USPS Priority Mail offers $50. You can increase your coverage by paying extra.
Shipping Options
Another decision to make is browsing speed. Today’s customers want fast and affordable shipping methods, and giving them choices can increase conversions and reduce cart abandonment. The most popular options are two-day shipping, same-day delivery, and standard shipping.
If you’re not familiar with logistics, shipping and fulfillment for an ecommerce business can seem complex. Fortunately, learning the process isn’t as difficult as lowering your handicap. Here’s a look at everything you need to know to make the best choice for your business—and your customers.
Order preparation
Billing
With online retail, invoices are automatically generated and emailed to a customer after an order is placed, confirming the purchase. While most e-commerce platforms have a standard invoice template, you’ll want to make taiwan cp number sure yours includes this information:
The word “invoice” at the top
Name, address and contact details of your company
A unique invoice number
The date of the order
The customer's name and address
The list of products purchased, including quantity, reference and price
Sales tax collected
Shipping Type and Price
Total amount due
Payment method
The package
When you receive an order, you need to package it. You can simply put the products in a box or envelope, but it’s best to remember that packaging creates a first impression on your customer, especially if they’ve never visited your store. In today’s e-commerce world, more and more customers are looking for an “experience” when they receive their order in the mail.
Spend some time thinking about your packaging and style and how it can complement your branding. For golf equipment, you may be limited in your options because many products are large and unusually shaped. For apparel, however, you can get more creative. Consider ordering boxes and shipping tape with your logo and colors to set the tone. You can also get custom mailers that are lightweight and can reduce shipping costs for smaller items. Details matter and will leave a lasting impression on customers.
Labeling
Complete the package with a shipping label that includes the customer's name and address and your company name and address. Shipping labels should also include the weight, shipping type, and the tracking number provided by the carrier.
If your labels aren’t complete, the customer’s order could be delayed or even lost. If you’re able to purchase shipping directly through your ecommerce platform, it should offer an automated way to print labels. You can choose to print them on paper and stick them on the box, or invest in a thermal printer that creates labels to stick on your package. If you ship multiple boxes per day, a dedicated printer can save you time.
Service Provider Selection
Traditional delivery companies
Choosing a shipping carrier is an important step in the ecommerce process. You’ll want a reliable company that can also offer you affordable rates. But making the best choice isn’t just about cost. You also need to consider logistics and service. The main shipping carriers are USPS, UPS, and FedEx, and each of them has its strengths and weaknesses.
Choosing the best carrier will depend on the size and weight of your packages. You may decide to use more than one. For example, UPS may be your best choice for shipping heavy items, while USPS is best for clothing or accessories. The ability to have them pick up your packages at no extra charge is a real plus to consider. It’s up to you to determine which provider is right for you.
Other service providers
As online sales continue to rise, new delivery companies are launching to offer more options to retailers. For example, Deliv offers same-day delivery in select U.S. markets to meet the growing demand for immediate delivery.
Other on-demand delivery services include Postmates, which currently serves five major U.S. cities, and Darkstore, a San Francisco-based fulfillment company that operates in 40 U.S. markets. As you do your research, also consider “plug-and-play” services.
Third party delivery
If your e-commerce business is booming, you may find that it’s no longer possible to fulfill orders in your pro shop, especially during peak golf season. In this case, you can choose to outsource the task to a third-party logistics company that holds and ships your inventory for you, such as FedEx Supply Chain, Rakuten Super Logistics, Red Stag Fulfillment, and ShipBob.
These third parties take and pack orders once they are received. Some of these organizations require you to manually enter orders into their system, while others are able to integrate with your e-commerce platform. For this type of service, you will pay a fee for the storage of your items, as well as for packaging materials and shipping.
Shipping costs and prices
Insurance and monitoring
While most reputable carriers have good track records, packages can and do get lost. Shipping insurance can provide some peace of mind, especially for expensive items. Insurance is often inexpensive and provides assistance if a package is lost or damaged. Some carriers include a level of insurance in your shipping rate. For example, UPS offers $100 in insurance and USPS Priority Mail offers $50. You can increase your coverage by paying extra.
Shipping Options
Another decision to make is browsing speed. Today’s customers want fast and affordable shipping methods, and giving them choices can increase conversions and reduce cart abandonment. The most popular options are two-day shipping, same-day delivery, and standard shipping.