Product sampling is a marketing strategy in which free samples of a product are distributed to consumers, allowing them to try and experience the product before making a purchase decision. This tactic aims to increase consumer awareness, generate interest, and encourage trial of the product (and therein activation of the brand).  Many aspects of the product sampling process (such as manufacturing, packaging, warehousing & distribution, etc.) can be outsourced to third-party service providers to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and optimize resource allocation. Before a co ..read more

Every day, numerous important medical devices are used, and they need proper storage to stay safe and effective. Businesses often seek dependable warehousing partners for this task. In this article, we’ll explore different types of medical devices and share tips on choosing the right warehouse partner. What Is A Medical Device? First, it’s important to understand what the FDA classifies as a medical device. According to them, a medical device is “any instrument, machine, contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent that’s intended to treat, cure, prevent, mitigate, diagnose disease in man”. The ..read more

With the large rise of e-commerce in recent years, the demand for streamlined and cost-effective logistics solutions has surged, propelling the Third-Party Logistics (3PL) market to unprecedented growth. What is the outlook for the market? And what can we expect to see in the future for 3PLs? Let’s dive in. What Is The Outlook For The 3PL Market? COVID-19, while initially disruptive to the logistics industry, ultimately served as a catalyst for the 3PL market’s resurgence. As businesses adapted to the new normal and online shopping soared, the role of 3PL providers became more crucial than ..read more

Businesses are constantly looking to improve their supply chain operations and bottom line. Regardless of if your business is B2B (business-to-business) or B2C (business-to-consumer) focused, it could be advantageous for you to work with a 3PL. But what all do these logistics partners provide? In this article, we will breakdown all the benefits businesses can capitalize on by working with a third party logistics provider. What Is A 3PL? A 3PL, or Third-Party Logistics provider, is a company that offers logistics and supply chain management services to other businesses. These services can i ..read more

Cross-docking and transloading are both logistics strategies employed in the transportation and distribution of goods, but they involve different processes. Both provide services aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing costs along the supply chain, but each does so in different ways. In this article, we will help you understand the intricacies of each service and which makes more sense for your business. What is Cross-Docking? Cross-docking is a logistics strategy in supply chain management where products from a supplier or manufacturer are distributed directly to a customer or retail ..read more

Understanding inventory valuation methods equips businesses with the knowledge needed to make informed choices aligned with their operational objectives and financial goals. Two of the primary valuation methods are FIFO and LIFO. In this article we will discuss the different types of inventory valuation methods and help businesses find out which works best for them and their products. What is Inventory Valuation? Inventory valuation is the accounting process of assigning value to a company’s inventory. A clear understanding of inventory valuation can help maximize profitability. It also en ..read more

Every holiday season, businesses must prepare for the influx of customers purchasing their products. An essential piece to the success of their holiday sales is the order fulfillment processes that they have in place to keep up with consumer needs during the season. To ensure order fulfillment is taken care of, most businesses outsource these operations to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. In this article, we will cover why 3PLs are so effective in helping businesses with their order fulfillment needs during the holidays. Holiday Order Fulfillment Challenges & Solutions Challenges ..read more

B2B supply chain partners are critical for ensuring that a business’ products are efficiently stored, organized, and delivered to retail locations or directly to end consumers. There are many aspects to retail storage and distribution, which we’ll explore in this article.  What is Retail Distribution? Effective retail storage and distribution contribute significantly to the overall success of retailers by ensuring that products are available to meet customer demand while optimizing costs and minimizing inefficiencies in the supply chain. Retail distribution encompasses the following p ..read more

Evolving order fulfillment processes allow businesses to stay competitive by improving time to customers. Pick and pack is an essential part to D2C (direct-to-consumer) fulfillment and has a direct impact on customer’s perception on a business due to it being one of the last touch points before reaching them. In this article, we will be covering what pick and pack is, the different methods that can be used, and the future of pick and pack fulfillment as a whole. What is Pick and Pack? Pick and pack order fulfillment (or pick and pack) is a process in logistics and e-commerce where individu ..read more

Nautical prides itself on being a sustainable company on all fronts. From staffing to product manufacturing, it is ingrained in our culture to be as socially and environmentally conscious as possible. Partnering with Down Syndrome Innovations, a Kansas nonprofit organization that serves people with Down syndrome of all ages, helped us deepen our efforts when we welcomed young adults with Down syndrome into our fulfillment center for our Youth Apprenticeship Program. This registered apprenticeship through the state of Kansas is not only a first for us, but it’s also a first for Down Syndrome ..read more