Retail / DC and Beyond
When shipping into a store or Distribution Centre (DC), details matter to avoid surprises.
Retailer and DC Handbooks
Large retailers will have a vendor handbook outlining how their shipments must be presented
How We Can Help:
- Review handbook details (12 – 400+ pages) to save you time
- Recommend what to include on packaging, labeling (SKU and carton), delivery and data transmission
- Avoid penalties for failure to comply:
– Delayed receipt and distribution
– Rejection of the delivery
– Monetary fines
– Bruised relationships
Systems Communications
Long term relationships with large retailers may allow/require you to integrate to their purchasing system
How We Can Help:
- Arrange initial data integration
- Conduct systems testing and validation
- Optimize integration for ongoing improvement
- Respond to updates from vendor systems
Labeling Requirements
Sending your inventory to a retailer may require specific labels on products and cartons
How We Can Help
- Ensure UPC codes that are compliant with vendor systems
- Ensure outer cartons labeled in compliance with vendor handbook for routing within vendor’s DC or within large retail stores
- Attach supplied hang-tags or sales labels to individual products
Old Stock / Expiring
Items with expiry dates may require special consideration
How We Can Help:
- Meet distributor requirements to accept inventory receipt (minimum number of days pre-expiry)
- Track version codes or lot numbers and their destinations
- Send courtesy pre-expiry alerts to small vendors who may not track details
- Plan for incoming, unused stock returns
Returned Inventory Handling
Even the best product will be returned sometimes. What happens next?
How We Can Help:
- Plan for returns before they happen, including budget and next steps:
– (secure) Disposal
– Repurposing
– Re-sale
- Understand if products can re-enter the sales chain
Featured Case Study
Distribution Center Success
Vendor manuals can be intimidatingly long when you don’t speak the language of warehousing. How delegating compliance of handbook rules led to a strong launch.
Explore Other Services
Packaging
Packaging
Plan your product packaging with warehousing and shipping in mind. We bring a big-picture perspective to the table.
Shipping & Handling
Shipping & Handling
How your item arrives to the consumer is an extension of your brand. We can help ensure shipping is congruent with your values and customer expectations.
Transportation
Transportation
The route your products take from the manufacturer to the warehouse is the start of their journey. Picking the best mode and route is key!
Warehousing
Warehousing
Your inventory may be in a warehouse for 3 days, 3 months or 3 years. We can help you maximize your warehousing spend.