Within the world of e-commerce, customer expectations are far from slowing down. In fact, customers expect their orders faster than ever, putting increasing pressure on businesses to optimize their fulfillment processes. 

One strategy to help streamline operations and meet customer demands more effectively is order splitting. In this article, we will explore what order splitting is, why it is used, the challenges, and how businesses can implement it successfully.

What is Order Splitting?

Ever had an order arrive in 2 separate boxes? Or only had half of your order arrive to have the other half delivered the following day? 

That’s order splitting.

Order splitting (split shipping) is the process of dividing a customer's order into multiple shipments. Instead of sending all items in one package, items are shipped from different locations or at different times, depending on their availability and the logistics involved. This can mean splitting an order between multiple warehouses or even sending part of the order immediately while waiting for other items to become available.

Why is Order Splitting Used?

Faster Delivery Times

One of the primary reasons for order splitting is to reduce delivery times. If a customer orders multiple items, and one of them is out of stock at the nearest warehouse, the entire order might be delayed if shipped together. By splitting the order, available items can be shipped immediately, ensuring faster delivery for part of the order. However, to avoid customer frustration, be sure to communicate this so customers are not left wondering if the other part of their order has been lost or forgotten.

Inventory Optimization

Order splitting allows businesses to optimize their inventory management. By shipping items from multiple locations, companies can balance stock levels across warehouses, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts in any single location. This leads to more efficient use of inventory and storage space.

Cost Efficiency

Shipping costs can be a significant expense for e-commerce businesses. Order splitting can help reduce these costs by allowing items to be shipped from the closest warehouse, minimizing shipping distances and costs. Additionally, it can help avoid expedited shipping fees that might be necessary if waiting for all items to be available at a single location.

Use the VESYL USPS Zone Map for a clear breakdown of shipping zones and costs. 

Improved Customer Satisfaction

By splitting orders and shipping available items immediately, businesses can improve customer satisfaction. This demonstrates a commitment from the brand to deliver orders to their customers as quickly as possible and when communicated well, can foster further trust and brand loyalty. This partial fulfillment can be especially beneficial during peak shopping seasons when delays are more common.

Challenges of Order Splitting in E-commerce

Increased Complexity

Order splitting can add a layer of complexity to the fulfillment process. Businesses must have systems in place to manage multiple shipments, track inventory across various locations, and ensure accurate order processing. This can require robust order management software and efficient coordination between warehouses.

In VESYL, you can view these split orders in the Orders tab. They will show the same order number but will show different tracking numbers and shipping information.

Higher Shipping Costs

While order splitting can reduce shipping costs in some cases, it can also lead to higher costs if not managed properly. Multiple shipments mean multiple shipping fees, which can add up if not carefully monitored. Businesses need to analyze zones and shipping costs and determine the most cost-effective way to split orders.

Customer Communication

Effective communication with customers is crucial when splitting orders. Customers need to be informed about the multiple shipments, expected delivery times, and any additional tracking information. Failure to communicate clearly can lead to confusion, dissatisfaction and reduced brand loyalty.

Inventory Management

Order splitting requires precise inventory management to ensure that items are shipped from the correct locations. Inaccurate inventory data can result in delays, stockouts, or shipping errors which can make or break a customer relationship. By leveraging inventory management software and ensuring it is up to date, brands can mitigate these risks. 

Simplified Order Splitting with VESYL

With VESYL, it’s simple to split orders and view shipping information in one place. Simply navigate to orders, select edit and split. From here, shippers are able to move items between the order split and can ship the split orders using different rates and carriers. This is particularly useful for stores who have one item of the order out of stock, or if one item is particularly large or heavy and it is cost effective to use a different carrier to the rest of the order. 

For a step-by-step guide to order splitting on VESYL, head on over to our Help Desk. For a complete demo of order splitting with VESYL, schedule a call and we’ll show you the ropes. For any questions, feel free to email us at hello@vesyl.com.

Conclusion

By enabling faster delivery times, optimizing inventory management, and potentially reducing shipping costs, order splitting offers significant advantages. However, businesses must also carefully navigate the challenges.

With the right systems and strategies in place, order splitting can become an effective tool in e-commerce operations, helping businesses stay competitive in an incredibly fast-paced environment. 

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A complete guide to order splitting on VESYL.

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, efficiency is a necessity for brands of all types and sizes. From streamlining the shopping experience to optimizing logistics, every aspect of e-commerce hinges on the ability to do more with less. 

Enter QR codes.

The unassuming squares of black and white pixels that are quietly transforming the landscape of online shopping.

What are QR Codes?

QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, have been around for decades. However, their potential in e-commerce has only recently been fully realized. These two-dimensional barcodes encode information that can be quickly and easily scanned and processed by smartphones.

How Are QR Codes Revolutionizing E-commerce Efficiency?

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Providing Seamless Shopping Experiences

One of the most significant ways QR codes are improving e-commerce efficiency is by streamlining the shopping experience for customers. Traditionally, online shoppers faced long checkout processes, especially when it came to entering shipping and payment details manually, resulting in a high number of abandoned carts. However, with QR codes, these steps can be simplified significantly. By scanning a QR code at checkout, customers can instantly access their account information, eliminating the need for tedious data entry and reducing the risk of errors.

Moreover, QR codes are being integrated into product packaging to provide shoppers with instant access to additional information. Whether it's product specifications, user reviews, or instructional videos, scanning a QR code allows customers to make more informed purchasing decisions without having to search for information manually. This allows costumers to have all of the information at their fingertips to make a fully informed decision. This also fosters customer trust, especially in industries where counterfeit products are an issue.

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Optimizing Logistics

Beyond improving the shopping experience, QR codes are also revolutionizing the logistics of e-commerce. For inventory management, QR codes have become an invaluable tool for quick and simple real-time inventory information such as stock levels, restocking requirements and warehouse locations. This reduces the risk of both over and under stocking allowing brands to better prepare for customer demands.

Another area where they are making a significant impact is in shipping and delivery processes. Traditionally, shipping labels had to be printed and affixed to packages manually, consuming time and resources. However, with QR codes, this task becomes as simple as a scan.

Many e-commerce platforms now offer QR code-based shipping labels, allowing merchants to generate labels digitally and attach them to packages with ease. This not only saves time and reduces costs but also minimizes the risk of errors associated with manual data entry. With this, customers can now track their orders at every step of the way allowing shoppers to know exactly when to expect their package, as opposed to the 5 hour delivery windows often given. 

QR Codes are also proving their value when it comes to returns. Instead of having to ask customers to print labels and deal with printers, brands can send return labels directly to customers via QR codes. Removing the need for printers, customers can then take the package to the local drop off where the QR code is scanned on their phone, and the label is correctly printed and attached by the carrier.

VESYL provides the option for shippers to print their labels or download them as QR codes. This is not only a great option for streamlining returns, but also eliminates the time associated with printing and attaching labels to packages. Learn more about our shipping software or book a quick demo with us.

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Enhanced Marketing Opportunities

In addition to their operational benefits, QR codes also present exciting marketing opportunities for e-commerce businesses. By incorporating QR codes into materials, such as advertisements, flyers, or product packaging, brands can engage customers in interactive experiences.

For example, scanning a QR code might lead customers to exclusive discounts, promotional offers, or interactive content, fostering brand loyalty and driving conversions. Moreover, QR codes can be used to gather valuable data about customer behavior and preferences, enabling brands to tailor their marketing strategies more effectively.

Once customers have received their order, QR codes are an effective way to encourage customers to share their feedback and product reviews. 

Looking Ahead

From simplifying checkout processes to optimizing logistics and enhancing marketing efforts, QR codes offer a vast range of benefits for both stores and customers alike. By embracing this technology, e-commerce businesses can stay ahead of demands and deliver exceptional shopping experiences in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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The holiday season is here, bringing with it the hustle and bustle that keeps shippers busy right through to the New Year. While we can't prepare your holiday feast or wrap presents, we’re here to make shipping easy. To help you plan ahead and ensure timely deliveries, we’ve put together a complete list of the USPS 2024 holiday shipping deadlines. With these dates in mind, you can keep your customers happy and stress-free this holiday season!

2024 Holiday Shipping Dates for Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States)

Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25. (Excludes Alaska & Hawaii).

• USPS Ground Advantage® Service - December 18th
• First Class Mail® Service - December 18th
• Priority Mail® Service - December 18th
• Priority Mail Express® Service - December 21st

2024 Holiday Shipping Dates for Alaska & Hawaii

Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25. 

USPS Ground Advantage® Service

• Alaska - December 16th
• Hawaii - December 16th

First-Class Mail® Service

• Alaska - December 18th
• Hawaii - December 18th

Priority Mail® Service

• Alaska - December 19th
• Hawaii - December 19th

Priority Mail Express® Service

• Alaska - December 20th
• Hawaii - December 20th

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2024 Holiday Shipping Dates for International Mail

Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25.

Africa

• First Class Package International Service® - December 2nd
• Priority Mail International® Service - December 2nd
• Priority Mail Express International® Service - December 9th

Asia/Pacific Rim

• First Class Package International Service® - December 9th
• Priority Mail International® Service - December 9th
• Priority Mail Express International® Service - December 16th

Australia/New Zealand

• First Class Package International Service® - December 9th
• Priority Mail International® Service - December 9th
• Priority Mail Express International® Service - December 16th

Canada

• First Class Package International Service® - December 9th
• Priority Mail International® Service - December 9th
• Priority Mail Express International® Service - December 16th

Caribbean

• First Class Package International Service® - December 9th
• Priority Mail International® Service - December 9th
• Priority Mail Express International® Service - December 16th

Central & South America

• First Class Package International Service® - December 2nd
• Priority Mail International® Service - December 2nd
• Priority Mail Express International® Service - December 9th

Europe

• First Class Package International Service® - December 9th
• Priority Mail International® Service - December 9th
• Priority Mail Express International® Service - December 16th

Mexico

• First Class Package International Service® - December 9th
• Priority Mail International® Service - December 9th
• Priority Mail Express International® Service - December 16th

Middle East

• First Class Package International Service® - December 9th
• Priority Mail International® Service - December 9th
• Priority Mail Express International® Service - December 16th

2024 Holiday Shipping Dates for Military Mail

Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25. 

USPS Ground Advantage® Service

• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 090-092 - November 4th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 093 - November 4th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 094-099 - November 4th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 340 - November 4th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 962-966 - November 4th

First-Class Mail® Service

• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 090-092 - December 9th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 093 - December 9th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 094-099 - December 9th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 340 - December 9th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 962-966 - December 9th

Priority Mail® Service

• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 090-092 - December 9th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 093 - December 9th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 094-099 - December 9th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 340 - December 9th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 962-966 - December 9th

Priority Mail Express Military® Service (PMEMS)

• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 090-092 - December 16th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 093 - N/A
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 094-099 - December 16th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 340 - December 16th
• APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 962-966 - December 16th

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly through the chat box on our website or at hello@VESYL.com.

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Click here for the UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines.