Linking manufacturers and retailers, wholesalers are critical to the success of any supply chain – and, like other businesses in the supply chain, their resilience has been tested in recent years. The pandemic, Suez Canal crisis, and soaring inflation have all added to the pressures facing wholesale distributors, making it more difficult to meet customer expectations and protect margins. Apart from the odd drop, notably during Covid, retail sales have climbed steadily over the past couple of decades, which is good news for wholesalers. The UK wholesale market was valued at £28.9bn in 2021 an ..read more

Distribution software is the digital infrastructure that co-ordinates the systems that ensure your products and services reach your customers/clients with maximum efficiency. This software connects several different systems to manage stock, purchase orders, multi-channel sales, accounts, and more. It will also include important elements for wholesalers and distributors such as courier integrations, warehouse management, and credit-control systems. Unite your shipping with end-to-end integration Distribution software helps to streamline the process of distribution, connecting organisations wi ..read more

The ‘last mile’ is often the most complex and expensive step of the whole delivery process and, as ecommerce sales continue to rise, it’s an increasingly prominent challenge within fulfilment and logistics operations. Both consumer and business customers now expect a fast and often free delivery of their goods, and the impact of a poor experience can have a significant impact on overall customer satisfaction. Most people can relate to the frustration of a delivery falling outside of a designated slot or failing to turn up at all. With their expectations now sky-high, managing your customers ..read more

  The winter sales season is an exciting time for retailers. It’s a chance to increase revenue and gain new customers but it can be a double-edged sword. The transition into autumn and winter brings with it the much-anticipated “golden quarter” of sales, starting in October and extending through the end of December. Encompassing major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday season, customers are on the lookout for great deals, which retailers hope will translate into a substantial increase in online orders. The golden quarter offers a lucrative opportunity to bo ..read more

In the modern world of business, efficient procurement processes play a crucial role in maintaining smooth operations. One essential component of the procurement process is the purchase order. In this guide, we will explore what a purchase order is, its significance, and how it businesses can benefit from using a purchase order system. What is a purchase order? A purchase order (PO) is a commercial document issued by a buyer to a vendor or supplier. It serves as a formal request to purchase goods or services and outlines the specific details of the transaction. A purchase order typically inc ..read more

In just a decade, online sales have gone from contributing to just 10% of total UK retail sales to 25%. While the growth of online sales has fallen from a peak of 37% during the 2020 pandemic, it’s clear that consumer behaviour is heading in one direction, online. Not only are businesses having to adapt their sales models to keep up with these changes, manufacturers and wholesalers are being impacted too. Consumers are always looking for the next big thing with demand for rapid access to products – so retailers need to make sure they’re planning even further ahead than this. This is where it ..read more

The start of the UK summer holidays brings a couple of questions: Where is the sun? And where did the first part of the year go?   We can’t do much about the weather, unfortunately. But we can take a moment to reflect on what’s been happening at OrderWise so far in 2023, focused particularly on the work we’ve been doing to enhance the overall experience for our 1000s of valued users.  Research & Development, plus Product Management Through the first part of this year, we’ve made some internal structural changes – all designed to benefit you as users:  In our Research ..read more

Online shopping has revolutionised consumer behavior. But it’s also given rise to a significant challenge with returns. Customers often buy multiple items with the intention of returning most of them, costing retailers billions each year. According to the Product Returns Research Group (PRRG) at the University of Southampton, 70% of returns are due to customers changing their minds, with an average cost of £11 to handle a return for an £89 item. The problem The returns crisis in the UK is significant. With internet purchases worth £7 billion being returned every single year. The fashion indu ..read more

The world of retail is undergoing a significant transformation, and the UK is no exception. In recent years, we have witnessed the closure of numerous iconic retail stores, while simultaneously witnessing the rise of new players like Gymshark, setting up shop on major high streets. This begs the question: why are huge retailers like Debenhams and Toys “R” Us shutting down their stores, and what is it that companies like Gymshark are doing differently to succeed? The struggles of traditional retail Traditional retail giants that once dominated the UK high streets are now facing significant ch ..read more

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the success of your warehouse relies on more than just physical organisation. To achieve fast and effective warehouse management, businesses must equip themselves with cutting-edge strategies and technologies. From optimising layout or going paperless with GS1 Barcode Scanning, we’ll provide actionable top tips for effective warehouse management. Ensure your warehouse is laid out correctly It may seem obvious but often half the battle of achieving effective warehouse management comes down to how a business lays out their warehouse. Often companies w ..read more