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it. Being one step ahead is not enough anymore. Particularly for multi-channel brands maintaining storefronts as well as online shopping, having more than one contingency plan to deal with increased demand during peak is essential.
Multi-node fulfilment operations and temporary, pop-up distribution centres across various locations are beneficial to spread inventory and avoid further delays in the supply chain that may arise as a result of the pandemic. Shortening the supply chain in this way can vastly reduce the transit time for goods, therefore removing much of the uncertainty involved in last-mile delivery, minimising shipping delays and avoiding increased transportation costs.
The implementation of hybrid store models will also prove extremely valuable over the coming weeks and other periods of heightened demand in this new world of retail. Utilising closed stores as micro-fulfilment centres, retailers will be ideally positioned to keep up with online order demand with fast delivery. This makes more of the opportunity by reallocating in-store retail staff to picking, packing and shipping online orders.
During the peak season especially, the entire fulfilment chain needs to remain healthy. If one component is missing or underperforming due to COVID-19 – the entire chain will be impacted. Building resilience across the entire fulfilment cycle is therefore vital for brands operating during peak. Carriers, for example, are set to face huge pressure to keep up with a near pure online Christmas shopping experience – not just in terms of initial delivery, but also managing a potential inf lux of returns. Staff shortages, due to illness and self-isolation requirements, is also likely to prove challenging over the coming months. Having back-up resources in place in these instances, and an alternative plan of action will be imperative to overcome such scenarios.
Tearing down the online wall Just because a screen between the consumer and provider is more commonplace now – even mandatory during this time – the opportunities available through brands’
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customer service operations should not be ignored. Contact centre agents can enhance the customer experience by providing tailored recommendations and detailed purchase information. Personalised and sensitive interactions can make all the difference when it comes to lasting customer loyalty.
Delay in responding is a no-no – and in a world when instantaneous communications have become the norm, brands need to be able to address complaints quickly, especially during peak times. Real-time customer support can be just as effective as the in-store experience, sometimes even better if a customer service representative has the appropriate brand knowledge – not just standard scripted dialogue. Additionally, brands should have effective social monitoring in place to track customer mentions across social platforms or onsite reviews and engage any less than glowing reports to try and save the relationship. By doing so, brands can nurture the customer relationship to drive repeat sales and customer loyalty.
For many brands, rising contact volumes during peak periods can prove challenging and often an outsourced operation will prove to be a simpler and more cost-effective option. Having a flexible partner - that can scale up or down depending on activity – provides the agility required to support a responsive, yet cost-effective operation.
Mission possible Opportunity is the name of the game. Put the appropriate infrastructure and technologies in place now to capitalise on the unprecedented opportunities this peak season offers online retailers and brands. Flexibility in response to peak demands this year is critical. Getting this right now, during this pivotal moment for eCommerce, will instil customer confidence and set online retailers and brands up for long- term customer loyalty.
Whilst we do not know exactly what the next couple of months have in store, we do know that being prepared to navigate increased demand throughout peak will be pivotal for survival.
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