E-Commerce Fulfillment – a Growing Industry

November 11th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

The e-commerce industry has generated growth and change in related industries, especially fulfillment. The segment known as e-commerce fulfillment providers (EFPs) represents a new twist on the warehousing and distribution business model. EFPs typically offer the following services:

  • Warehousing
  • Packing
  • Shipping
  • Return-order processing

EFPs frequently use sophisticated information systems to help retailers manage inventory and may manage multiple warehouses distributed in key geographic locations to reduce the time lag between order and delivery. Amazon.com has moved into the EFP business, signaling the growth potential for this specialty service. As more businesses, including traditional retailers, move part of their selling model to e-commerce, look for more traditional warehouse and fulfillment firms to expand their e-commerce services. This expansion will generate a need for B-to-B marketing and campaigns with a strong online component should specifically target e-commerce vendors.

[Source: Ayotte, Mark. "A True Internet Model for E-Commerce Fulfillment," E-Commerce Times, 11.03.08]

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