Have you considered implementing an online order management system for staff, sales reps and customers? Are you aware of all the ways it will improve your processes? With a smart system, you will greatly reduce order entry and the time spent responding to routine customer service inquiries; increasing efficiency, reducing errors, and eliminating duplicated work.
An online order system is not just a boon for your operations; it’s a game-changer for your customers, too. It offers them a swift and seamless way to place orders, eliminating the need for phone calls, emails, or outdated Excel and Word forms. With real-time online updates, your customers gain confidence knowing their orders will arrive punctually and accurately.
Companies that adopt an order management system frequently report enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty due to a more streamlined and convenient ordering experience. This not only elevates your professional image but also strengthens your business relationships. By integrating an online system, you’re advancing your business and empowering your customers to thrive.
Here are three ways your customers benefit:
Customers can place orders at their convenience. With the demands of managing employees, serving customers, and marketing their business, most business owners operate on a tight schedule. Finding time to call or email your sales team or meet with a sales representative can be difficult. For those selling to restaurants or retail stores, customers may place orders in the evenings or on weekends, making the real-time information available on a wholesale portal that seamlessly syncs with QuickBooks particularly valuable.
A system that allows customers to log in at their convenience and swiftly select the items they wish to order significantly enhances customer service. For recurring orders, they can utilize a reorder feature that replicates previous orders, streamlining the process to just a few seconds.
Customers can effortlessly check their order status at any time. Managing inventory is one of the most significant challenges businesses face. It is crucial to balance the need for sufficient stock to meet customer demands while avoiding excess inventory. Knowing precisely when inventory will arrive is essential for maintaining this balance.
An order management system addresses this need by offering instant online access to order status. Customers can log in to view ship dates and tracking numbers, allowing them to plan their orders and manage inventory levels more accurately. This system also empowers them to inform their customers about the availability of specific items confidently.
They have a higher probability of receiving the correct order in a timely manner. Nothing will erode your customers' trust more than making errors on their shipments and invoices. If it happens once, that may be forgiven as a simple mistake. However, your customer will likely start looking for alternative options if it happens repeatedly.
An online order management system with warehouse integration can send the order directly to your third-party warehouse (3PL), reducing the probability of an error. The fewer people who handle the order information, the lower the likelihood of human error.
The improved transmission of the order information to the 3PL can also speed up the process. The warehouse will get the information faster, which could result in the shipment going out sooner.
Most businesses want to work with partners who can help them be more profitable. You can certainly do that by offering a great product or service, but you can also make it easy for them to work with you. An online order management system does just that.