Your Trusted Partner in Retail Fulfillment

At a2b, we're experts in the retail sector. We tout the know-how to work in and around the complexities of Retail Distribution - and with ease. We know precisely how to handle the challenges you see every day with your B2B fulfillment. Compliance with unique retailer guidelines and requirements is paramount. a2b got its start in retail fulfillment and we've been doing it for over 20 years.

Retail fulfillment is the process of sending products in bulk to either a retail store or a store’s distribution center. These bulk shipments are eventually individually sold to consumers in brick-and-mortar or retail stores and outlets.

These bulk shipments contain smaller products being shipped to a fulfillment center as bulk orders. The products are smaller, but the quantity is much greater. These shipments arrive palletized and await customer orders. 

When bulk orders are placed by a retailer, they tend to be shipped palletized, utilizing LTL (less than truckload) or FTL (full truckload) freight rather than by parcel carriers. The warehousing, fulfillment, and shipping of retail orders are very different than DTC orders.

DTC (Direct to Consumer) fulfillment is a much more simplified process. A consumer places an order, which triggers a “Pick Order” in the fulfillment center. The item(s) are then picked from the warehouse and packed for shipping. A shipping label is generated and affixed to the package. The package is picked up at the fulfillment center by a carrier (UPS, USPS, FedEx, etc.).

On the other hand, retail fulfillment has a very complex process.

With B2B orders, the retail customer, the order fulfillment center, and the shipping carriers all have specific requirements for orders to be fulfilled and shipped.

Retailers use EDI or Electronic Data Interchange to transmit orders. Included in the order transmission are their specific methods of labeling, invoicing, and shipping documentation. Large retailers will have certain requirements for receiving inventory that the B2B fulfillment company will follow.

Your retail fulfillment company needs to have a robust Warehouse Management System (WMS) with EDI capabilities. a2b’s WMS has all the retail fulfillment capabilities, EDI integrations, and retail labeling capabilities. a2b is your premier option for retail order fulfillment.

As a leading order fulfillment center, a2b operates as a fulfillment partner – bridging the gap and taking on the fulfillment arm of the seller. In the case of B2B fulfillment, a2b partners with big-box retailers, manufacturers, and eCommerce businesses that need to fulfill wholesale orders.

The retail fulfillment center will receive the product, warehouse it, receive the order, prepare the shipment, and ship it. When broken down though, retail fulfillment has several extra steps and nuances including:

1. Receiving inventory
2. Warehousing inventory
3. Inventory management
4. Handle EDI communication
5. Pick and pack
6. Comply with labeling requirements
7. Kitting/bundling/assembly
8. Comply with Retailer routing guide requirements
9. Returns management
10. Freight shipping - LTL and FTL
11. Any value-added services such as customer service assistance and industry-specific services

Some regulations govern retail fulfillment services, including the regulations on shipping hazardous materials, heavy items, and international shipping. In the case of hazardous materials, the retail fulfillment centers need to prepare them according to strict guidelines. Regulations include inner packaging limits, packing materials, and markings, labeling, and documentation. Because of the regulations and significant paperwork involved with B2B fulfillment, EDI is the preferred method of data and document exchange.

Retail fulfillment’s bulk orders are generally shipped via pallets or boxes. These high-value shipments require different types of labor and handling. B2B orders are generally loaded and unloaded with forklifts. And since the orders are palletized, two-day shipping is not a significant feature for B2B orders. 

Retailers often place orders well before inventory is fully depleted. Although two-day shipping is not relevant, B2B orders still need to follow strict shipping regulations and meet a guaranteed delivery date.

Why Should a2b be your Retail Fulfillment Partner?

At the heart of any business relationship is trust. It takes time to build a strong business relationship. a2b has partnered with hundreds of retailers over the last two decades. We know and understand what is at stake when it comes to fulfillment partners. 

Partnering with the wrong fulfillment center can be costly and time-consuming. When we partner with a big box retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer, or eCommerce business for retail fulfillment, we know we need to establish a long-term partnership. This long-term relationship is the recipe for success in order fulfillment.

There are no data secrets in B2B order fulfillment. The retailer and the fulfillment center must exchange all the required data via EDI systems up to and including real-time inventory data. B2B sellers look to their fulfillment partners to follow the requirements concerning shipping and storage.

Technology is the backbone of any order fulfillment center and it is essential for retail fulfillment. Without cutting-edge technology to handle EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), B2B order fulfillment centers cannot be successful.

Why Choose a2b for B2B Order Fulfillment?

If your company needs B2B fulfillment, partnering with an experienced fulfillment company, like a2b Fulfillment, can create success through the years and all kinds of challenges.

• EDI connectivity with every major retailer: Ensuring compliance is effortless with a2b, as we offer EDI connectivity with every major retailer, simplifying the setup process and minimizing complications.
• Over two decades of success fulfilling to retailers, navigating routing guides, and defending chargebacks.
• Rigorous quality control process.

Initiating with EDI Connectivity

• The Retail Distribution journey typically commences with EDI connectivity. For our end-to-end EDI solution (optional), we directly connect with the retailer.
• Automatic email notifications alert you of new Purchase Orders, facilitating seamless review.

Efficient Order Processing

• Upon your acceptance, the Purchase Order seamlessly transitions into our Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• A pre-constructed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) tailored to each retailer's requirements is attached to the order.

Accurate Order Fulfillment

• Our dedicated Retail Team picks, preps, and stages the order according to SOP specifications.
• Scanning during picking and packing ensures precision, with pre-configured, retailer-specific labels automatically generated and applied.

Quality Checks and Documentation

• The order undergoes thorough quality checks by our QA Team.
• Photographs are taken to document order preparation and condition, crucial for potential chargeback defense.

Efficient Shipment Scheduling

• Our Traffic Department schedules shipments with carriers in alignment with Retailer guidelines.
• An Advance Shipping Notice (ASN) is automatically transmitted via EDI to notify the Retailer of the impending receipt.

Seamless Invoicing Process

• Upon shipment completion, an email notification informs you that an invoice to the Retailer is pending.
• Utilizing our web-based EDI portal, you can review details and effortlessly transmit the invoice to the Retailer with a few clicks. Automation options are also available.
  

Choose a2b for your B2B Order Fulfillment needs, where expertise meets efficiency, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and a seamless process from order receipt to invoicing.

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