Ready to Ship: The Future of E-commerce is Here

The Need for Speed

In today's fast-paced world, consumers expect their online orders to arrive as quickly as possible. According to a study by Forrester, 63% of consumers say that fast shipping is a key factor in their decision to purchase from an online retailer.

The Benefits of Ready to Ship

Ready to ship (RTS) is a shipping method that allows retailers to fulfill orders from pre-packed inventory. This means that orders can be shipped out immediately, without the need for additional processing or handling.

Faster Delivery Times

RTS enables retailers to achieve significantly faster delivery times. In fact, according to a study by McKinsey & Company, RTS orders are delivered an average of 2-3 days faster than orders shipped from a warehouse.

Lower Shipping Costs

RTS can also help retailers to reduce their shipping costs. By pre-packing orders, retailers can avoid the cost of packing and handling individual items. Additionally, RTS orders are often eligible for discounted shipping rates from carriers.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

RTS can help retailers to improve customer satisfaction by providing faster delivery times and lower shipping costs. A study by the National Retail Federation found that 85% of consumers are more likely to shop from a retailer that offers RTS.

The Challenges of Ready to Ship

While RTS offers a number of benefits, there are also some challenges associated with this shipping method.

Limited Inventory

RTS requires retailers to have a sufficient amount of inventory on hand to fulfill orders immediately. This can be a challenge for retailers who sell a wide variety of products or who experience high demand for certain items.

Incorrect Orders

RTS orders are more likely to be incorrect than orders shipped from a warehouse. This is because RTS orders are not picked and packed by hand, which can lead to errors.

Damage or Loss

RTS orders are more likely to be damaged or lost in transit than orders shipped from a warehouse. This is because RTS orders are often packed in less protective packaging.

Tips for Implementing Ready to Ship

If you're considering implementing RTS, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Ensure You Have Sufficient Inventory

Make sure you have enough inventory on hand to fulfill RTS orders. You should also consider using a safety stock to prevent stockouts.

Use High-Quality Packaging

Use high-quality packaging materials to protect your RTS orders from damage or loss.

Partner with a Reliable Shipping Carrier

Partner with a reliable shipping carrier that can provide fast and affordable delivery times.

Track Your RTS Orders

Track your RTS orders closely to identify any potential problems. You should also set up a system to notify customers if their order is delayed or lost.

The Future of Ready to Ship

RTS is a rapidly growing trend in e-commerce. As more and more consumers demand faster delivery times, retailers are increasingly embracing RTS. In the future, RTS is likely to become the standard shipping method for online retailers.

Infographics

Table 1: Benefits of Ready to Ship

Table 2: Challenges of Ready to Ship

Table 3: Tips for Implementing Ready to Ship

Table 4: The Future of Ready to Ship

FAQs

What is ready to ship?

Ready to ship (RTS) is a shipping method that allows retailers to fulfill orders from pre-packed inventory. This means that orders can be shipped out immediately, without the need for additional processing or handling.

What are the benefits of ready to ship?

RTS offers a number of benefits, including faster delivery times, lower shipping costs, and improved customer satisfaction.

What are the challenges of ready to ship?

RTS also has some challenges, including limited inventory, incorrect orders, and damage or loss.

How do I implement ready to ship?

If you're considering implementing RTS, there are a few things you need to keep in mind, such as ensuring you have sufficient inventory, using high-quality packaging, partnering with a reliable shipping carrier, and tracking your RTS orders.

What is the future of ready to ship?

RTS is a rapidly growing trend in e-commerce. As more and more consumers demand faster delivery times, retailers are increasingly embracing RTS. In the future, RTS is likely to become the standard shipping method for online retailers.