Why fulfillment centers and sellers need to collaborate closely for sales season success

The record-breaking numbers from Black Friday 2024 highlighted one undeniable fact: success in e-commerce is a team effort. Sellers need their fulfillment centers to be agile, while fulfillment centers rely on sellers for accurate forecasting and efficient coordination.

In this blog, we explore why tight collaboration is the key to success (especially during peak sales seasons) and how ChannelDock can bridge the gap between sellers and fulfillment centers.

1. Aligning on inventory strategy: a shared responsibility

Inventory mismanagement is one of the biggest causes behind missed opportunities during sales events. The solution? Better communication between sellers and fulfillment centers.

What sellers need to do:

• Share sales expectations with your fulfillment partner as early as possible.
• Keep them updated on promotional plans so they can prepare for sudden spikes in demand.
• Use real-time stock syncing to avoid discrepancies between sales channels and fulfillment operations.

What fulfillment centers need to do:

• Have access to information regarding inventory forecasts and updates.
• Use technology to track stock levels in real time and alert sellers about low stock.
• Optimize warehouse layouts to prioritize fast-moving items during peak seasons.

How ChannelDock helps:

ChannelDock provides a unified platform where sellers and fulfillment centers can manage stock collaboratively. With real-time updates and shared visibility, both parties can ensure inventory levels are always accurate.

2. Perfecting the order fulfillment process

Fast and accurate order fulfillment isn’t just a bonus during sales seasons: it’s an expectation. Customers demand speedy delivery and any delays can lead to negative reviews and lost future sales.

How sellers can contribute:

• Ensure that product listings are accurate and orders are properly categorized.
• Communicate any order changes or cancellations promptly to avoid confusion.
• Partner with fulfillment centers that offer flexible options like same-day dispatch or custom packaging.

How fulfillment centers can contribute:

• Scale up resources (temporarily) to handle high order volumes efficiently.
• Focus on accuracy by implementing barcode scanning or automated picking systems.
• Offer tracking and status updates to keep sellers and customers informed.

How ChannelDock helps:

With ChannelDock, orders are automatically synced from all sales channels and prepared for fulfillment. Whether you’re a seller or a fulfillment center, you’ll have a clear view of what’s coming in and going out.

3. Managing last-mile delivery: a shared challenge

The last mile is where the magic happens (or where things fall apart). This critical phase of fulfillment requires careful coordination between sellers and fulfillment centers to deliver on customer expectations.

Sellers can help by:

• Setting clear shipping expectations with customers upfront.
• Offering multiple delivery options.
• Tracking packages and addressing delivery issues proactively.

Fulfillment centers can help by:

• Partnering with reliable carriers and optimizing shipping routes.
• Offering sellers customizable shipping options, such as branded labels.
• Providing detailed reporting on delivery times.

How ChannelDock helps:

ChannelDock integrates with multiple carriers and provides end-to-end tracking, making it easier for sellers and fulfillment centers to monitor deliveries and resolve issues quickly.

The key to success: Communication and Technology

The most successful sellers and fulfillment centers during Black Friday 2024 weren’t just prepared: they were aligned. They shared information, anticipated challenges and used technology to streamline their operations.

How ChannelDock makes collaboration easy:

• Real-time inventory syncing across all sales channels.
• Real-time warehouse insights for sellers working with (multiple) fulfillment centers
• Centralized order management for better communication and faster problem-solving.

What we have learned in this sales season

Check out our Fulfillment Center Network for free and match with a fulfilment center today! Click here to see the full list of options. 

You can try ChannelDock completely free for 10 days without linking a credit card or other payment method. Prefer a demo first? Click here!