Shipping & Handling Services
How your item arrives to the consumer is an extension of your brand. Five & Counting can help you direct S&H that is congruent with your values and customer expectations.
Courier Sourcing
There are many courier options available that it can feel overwhelming to choose wisely
How We Can Help
- Dig into the details to recommend one or two who will be perfect for you!
– Geography: global vs.North America vs.Canada vs. local?
– Recipient: personal home, store, office building, health clinic?
– Service level: speed, quality, add-ons?
– Volume: envelope vs. package vs skids vs. containers?
– Special requirements: temperature, product security?
Data Handling
How are orders conveyed to a team for creation?
How We Can Help
- Review systems integration (Shopify, SAP, other ERP system)
- Review supplier distribution lists
- Review information management and security
- Review customer communications with tracking information
Product Security
Preventing damage of fragile items or theft of high value items. Plus adhering to government controls for materials like cannabis, alcohol or pharmaceuticals
How We Can Help
- Prevent Damage via:
– Proper warehouse handling
– Consistent and functional packaging
– Reliable courier service - Prevent Theft via:
– Warehousing security
– Packaging to minimize visibility
– Additional insurances with partners
– Additional controls (ex. serial number tracking etc.)
Co-Packaging
Having orders of multiple units pre-packed together can lead to fast and easy distribution
How We Can Help
- Weigh the benefits and drawbacks to pre-assembly by assessing:
– Inventory integrity
– Lot & expiry
– Government regulations
Climate Control
Temperature sensitive inventory requires special handling through the supply chain
How We Can Help
- Review your needs for:
– Temperature mapping in warehouse
– Climate monitored vs. climate controlled vs. “ambient” vs. refrigerated vs. frozen
– Tracking and reporting
Featured Case Study
Custom Box Size
How a more expensive box saved a non-profit $10k in shipping costs, proving their fiscal responsibility to donors, while preserving customer experience.
Explore Other Services
Packaging
Packaging
Plan your product packaging with warehousing and shipping in mind. We bring a big-picture perspective to the table.
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.
Retail / DC & Beyond
Retail / DC & Beyond
When shipping into a store or distribution centre (DC), details matter to avoid surprises.