ShipBots

How Subscription fulfilment works with Shipbots

ShipBots is an international, technology-driven eCommerce 3PL provider that fulfills orders for direct-to-consumer online stores.

How our subscription box

fulfillment process works

1. Sync

Sync your store, import your products, then send us your inventory

2. Store

We store your inventory in any combination of our fulfillment centers

3. Ship

We ship your orders as soon as they’re placed from the nearest fulfillment center

Inventory Management

You get 24/7 access to your inventory to know exactly how much product you have and when you need to order more.

Fast Processing

We will process your orders in 24 to 48 hours to ensure that you retain your customers and they have a positive ordering experience.

Organization

We use a bar coding system to track your inventory and accelerate the picking & packing process, allowing your product to be delivered faster.

Returns/ Exchanges

We have a specialized portal, fully customizable to you and your customers needs to simplify the process of returns and exchanges.

Delicate Packaging and Handling

For delicate or fragile products, we understand the need for special packaging and handling procedures to keep the integrity of the product. For example, a blazer needs to be folded in a particular way to ensure it keeps its structure. Furthermore, items like ceramics or glassware need to be wrapped with protective dunnage so they are not damaged in the packing and shipping process. As for jewelry, due to its fragility, it is usually packed in multiple boxes.

At ShipBots, we embrace the nuances of the retail space and have the experience (and capabilities) to handle even the most complex packaging and handling needs.

Temperature Control

Our warehouses are equipped with temperature controlled rooms to keep your sensitive products safe before they are shipped out to your customers. Temperature controlled rooms are also capable of improving air quality within the room. This ensures that your products are protected from excess dust and debris. You can have peace of mind knowing your products will be clean and well maintained before being sent to your customers.

Branded Packaging Materials

At ShipBots, we don’t believe the customer experience ends when the order is placed, but when the customer is satisfied with their product. Creating a remarkable unboxing experience for your customer aids in their experience with your product. Branded, custom packaging leaves a lasting impression on your customers and it may be the first time they interact with your brand in person. This is why it is important to us at ShipBots that you are able to create a lasting impact on your customers through your designed packaging.

Kitting and Assembly

Part of creating a memorable unboxing experience for your customers is making sure the package is presented according to your standards. We go the extra mile to ensure we uphold that standard when it comes to kitting and assembling your box.

Our kitting and bundling services allow us to ship items together and provide cost-effective solutions to help you improve your customers’ unboxing experience.
warehouse near me

More than just picking, packing and shipping.

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there really "no contract"?

New Project
Yes! We do not have a legally binding contract, but we do have a master service agreement (MSA) in place to protect both parties.

What is the Monthly Maintenance Fee?

New Project
We have a monthly maintenance fee that covers premium personal account management and one software connection. This is separate from any storage fees.

What are batches?

New Project
When fulfilling subscription boxes or crowdfunding orders, we set up an assembly line to kit “batches” of orders. A batch is a unique set of orders that have exactly the same combination of items in them. In order for the assembly line to be effective, there needs to be at least 50 orders in each batch. If not, there is a $15 batching fee to compensate for the lack of orders in each batch.

Can you handle fragile products? Does it cost extra?

New Project
We will examine your products and suggest custom packaging based on on your specific needs. If you have pre-exsiting requirements, just let us know and we’ll accommodate those as well. We do charge an additional $.50/item for bubble pouches or other fragile packaging.

Can I provide my own custom packaging?

New Project
Absolutely! We know how important building your brand is and custom packaging is an amazing opportunity that can greatly enhance your customer’s perception of your product and brand. Custom boxes will be billed as an additional item for each order.

Do you offer storage insurance?

New Project

When you store your inventory with us, you have two options to insure your product:

1) You add our location to your insurance policy

2) You choose to waive inventory insurance

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the setup of your business and the value of your product, you can decide which option is best for your business.

Do you offer gift messages and how much does it cost?

New Project

Yes! ShipBots has gift message options that allow you to easily include messages and bestow “gift status” to any order.

Here are the 3 options to choose from:

1) Include gift message on the Packing Slip. (Free)

2) Include gift message on a blank 4×6 card provided by ShipBots ($1)

3) Include gift message on a custom 4×6 card, provided by you. ($0.80 + insert pick fee)

*Gift messaging needs to be supported by your shopping cart.

What qualifies as a "special project?"

New Project
A special project is a non-standard task that can still include everything from kitting & assembly to labeling or inventory reconciliation. All special projects should be submitted to your customer service rep, so they can define the scope and provide a custom quote for the project prior to execution.

Automate your eCommerce fulfilment with Shipbots.

Transparent
pricing.

Transparent pricing. Simple pricing based on volume of orders. No hidden fees.

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How to Get Started with Subscription Box Fulfillment

Subscription-based eCommerce is all about the convenience provided by the brand to its end customers. In the subscription business, the customers expect to receive their subscription boxes at a regular and predetermined interval. The success of subscription-based fulfillment depends on timely and reliable shipping to consistently meet customer expectations.

While the subscription-based eCommerce model is a lucrative business with some level of certainty in future cash flows, it also comes with a set of challenges. To keep your customers interested and engaged with the subscription, you must wow them each delivery with exceptional product, timely delivery, and an amazing unboxing experience.

Types of Subscription Models

Replenishment Subscription

In this type of subscription model, the product remains the same for every delivery. An example of this could be the razor cartridge refills, in which the customer pays for and expects the same product at every interval.

Customized & Curated Subscription

In this model, the product or services are customized to the customers’ preferences or brand recommendations for each delivery. These curated experiences are expected to be different at different intervals of the delivery. An example of this could be pre-cooked meals, which the customers expect to be different every time they receive a delivery.

Features and Challenges of the Subscription Model

Keeping your customers engaged and subscribed by meeting their expectations at every single delivery is a challenge that every subscription-based eCommerce business faces.

On-time Delivery

Delivering the subscription box on time is crucial for the brand as the customers are dependent on the expected delivery at a certain point in time. They are expecting the refill to fulfill their routine needs, therefore timely delivery is the most important feature of the subscription box business model.

Curated Subscription Boxes

If you are providing the customers with different products each time, you must be prepared to go the extra mile for each delivery. This type of subscription comes with a lot of challenges including kitting, bundling, and inventory management. Make sure to streamline your operations with the manufacturers as well as your 3PL fulfillment partner to provide them with extra lead time to handle this type of subscription.

Kitting is the process when you compile different sets of products in a single box and deliver them as one package. Your 3PL partner must ensure that they are assembling the subscription box according to the plan provided by you in advance.

You also need to closely watch your inventory, because a shortage of a single item in a curated box can cause bottlenecks and delay your entire order.

Maintaining Quality

Providing a consistent experience is equally important in the subscription box business. The quality of the packaging also affects the quality of the whole experience for the end customers. Some products may require special packaging like air cushioning, thermal insulation, and foam fabrication.

You may even opt for eco-friendly packaging options, especially if being environmentally conscious is one of your eCommerce business’s core principles.

You must check the packaging options made available by your 3PL fulfillment partner and determine whether they fit according to the packaging needs of your product. If they do not, double check whether they can accommodate your custom packaging needs.

Unboxing Experience

A memorable unboxing experience can put a smile on your customer’s faces when they receive their subscription box. Most 3PLs provide different layers of custom packaging options for the delivery boxes. Presentation and personalization are the cores of the subscription box business. At ShipBots, we provide multiple customization options for packaging and subscription boxes to create a delightful experience for your customers.

Brand Identity & Customer Loyalty

Consistent brand identity and quality experience can get you the loyalty of your customers for your subscription business. Customer satisfaction can provide you the opportunity to upsell and generate a more secure revenue.

Using a 3PL for Subscription Box Fulfillment

As your company scales and your number of subscribers grows, you must choose a fulfillment method that is both cost-effective and efficient. With growth, it becomes a necessity to partner with a company that specializes in subscription fulfillment.

Before choosing a fulfillment services center, you must consider the cost, warehouse locations, inventory management, custom packaging, eCommerce integration, and the logistics technology of your 3PL fulfillment partner.

How ShipBots Simplifies Subscription Box Fulfillment

ShipBot’s pick, pack, and ship services provide an excellent solution to all your subscription business needs. We already help hundreds of brands launch, manage, and successfully run their subscription box business. Our customers run a variety of subscription businesses, including:

  • Meal kits and food boxes
  • Beauty products
  • Hygiene and maintenance
  • Fashion products
  • Sporting goods & more

We can handle custom and delicate packaging at our temperature-controlled warehouses across the country. With our state-of-the-art software technology, we empower you with insightful reports to take your business in the right direction. Your dashboard provides you with inventory management software so you can avoid the situations like stockouts in your subscriptions business. It also integrates with the major eCommerce platforms such as Amazon, Shopify, eBay, WooCommerce, etc.

Get custom pricing today and learn how ShipBots can help you with your subscription box fulfillment.

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