The main mistakes of shipping to marketplaces and how to avoid them

The first parcels have been sent, but not all have arrived... The seller sheds sweat and loses money. Why is this happening? What goes wrong when shipping goods to marketplaces? Returns are an integral part of online commerce, and if handled incorrectly, they can lead to unnecessary waste. Consider a returns system and ensure a quick and convenient process for customers to minimize negative impact. By taking a strategic approach to automating and improving shipping processes, you can significantly improve sales efficiency. Experience and attention to detail will help you avoid these common mistakes and strengthen your position in the market. I hope my advice will help you avoid unpleasant situations and set up a successful business on marketplaces.

Glossary

• 📦 Marketplace is an online platform where sellers post their products for sale, and buyers can purchase them.
• 📋 Marketplace regulations - rules and conditions established by the marketplace for sellers, including requirements for the product, its packaging, delivery and documents.
• 📅 Delivery schedule - a pre-agreed schedule according to which the seller must deliver the goods to the marketplace warehouse.
• 📊 Sales analytics - collection, analysis and interpretation of product sales data used to evaluate sales performance and make strategic decisions decisions.
• 🎁 Product packaging - methods and materials used to protect goods during transportation and storage.
• 🏷️ Product labeling - application to a product or its packaging of information necessary to identify the product, its characteristics and safety.
• 📄 Accompanying documentation - documents accompanying the goods during the delivery process and necessary to confirm ownership, characteristics and delivery conditions.
• 🚚 Transport requirements - conditions and standards for vehicles used to deliver goods to the marketplace.
• 📦 Boxes - packaging boxes in which goods are packaged for delivery to the marketplace.

Violation of platform rules

As a specialist who has been working with various marketplaces for many years, I can confidently say that the first and most common mistake that sellers make is ignoring the platform regulations. I have repeatedly encountered situations where my colleagues deliberately or out of inexperience did not comply with the rules established by a particular site. And despite the fact that all instructions are described in detail on the websites of these platforms, some sellers read them only superficially or completely skip this point.

For example, one of my partners did not pay enough attention to attention to product labeling requirements. As a result, his product was repeatedly rejected at the acceptance stage, which significantly lowered his rating as a seller. To avoid such problems, I strongly recommend that you always carefully study the rules and instructions before starting cooperation with any platform.

• ⚠️ What to do:
  • Always read and study the platform documentation.
  • Make sure your products meet packaging and labeling requirements.
  • Prepare all necessary documentation in advance.

Missing delivery deadlines and schedule

Another frequent problem situation, which I have also repeatedly encountered, is a violation of the delivery schedule. Missing the time slot allocated for shipment means harming yourself. Even one such error can significantly slow down the entire process, since delivery is made later than the appointed time - and the goods will most likely simply not be accepted.

In practice, I had to deal with similar cases when Prom warehouses were overloaded, especially during the holidays. If you don't follow the plan, your items may end up in a long waiting list. Therefore, it is important to plan shipments carefully based on the platform's capabilities.

• 📅 Recommended:
  • Plan deliveries in advance, taking into account the nuances of warehouse operation.
  • Arrive at the warehouse within the designated time window.
  • Maintain constant contact with the platform to clarify work schedules.

Lack of sales analytics

In marketplace warehouses, I always tried to maintain the optimal quantity of goods. One day, when I wasn't tracking my analytics properly, my warehouse was overloaded with excess inventory, which resulted in additional costs. Another time there was a shortage that caused me to miss out on a significant number of clients.

To avoid such situations, I strongly recommend using analytics services such as dilivod or Pro-consulting. They will help you track your inventory and forecast demand. This will allow you to maintain the required amount of goods in stock and prevent critical errors.

• 📊 Useful tools:
  • Use analytics services to forecast demand.
  • Regularly study sales statistics on the platform.
  • Maintain sufficient stock in the warehouse.

Incorrect packaging of goods

Proper packaging is an important aspect of successful shipping. One day, a colleague did not take care of the quality packaging of goods, and this led to significant losses. The packaging must be strong and neat enough to protect the goods from damage during transportation.

For cosmetic products, for example, you need to use bubble wrap and a sealed bag. Liquids in glass containers should be placed with extreme care. I always tried to pay attention to these details to avoid problems.

• 📦 I recommend:
  • Use strong and neat packaging.
  • Adhere to all packaging requirements for various categories of goods.
  • Provide additional protection for delicate products.

Product Mislabeling

Product labeling is also critical. One of my clients lost the opportunity to ship a significant amount of product due to a lack of correct labeling. Correct labeling should contain all necessary information, including barcode, product name, manufacturer and other important information.

I strongly recommend following the instructions carefully and using quality materials to label your products. This will help avoid delays and errors when receiving goods into the warehouse.

• 📋 Key points:
  • Make sure each item is labeled correctly.
  • Check that all required information is on the labels.
  • Use barcodes in the specified format.

Errors in supporting documentation

Supporting documentation is another aspect that should not be ignored. At the Prom delivery stage, I had to face many difficulties due to incorrectly completed documents. For example, the absence of an invoice could slow down the process of receiving goods and lead to difficulties in accounting.

To prevent such problems, it is advisable not only to study the instructions for filling out documents, but also use the suggested templates. This greatly simplifies the process and reduces the likelihood of errors.

• 📚 I recommend:
  • Attach all necessary documents, filling them out in accordance with the requirements of the platform.
  • Use the suggested document templates.
  • Upload all files on time and in the correct format.

Inattention to transportation requirements

In addition to the requirements for document flow and labeling, the rules regarding transport are also important. I had to take into account the dimensions of the vehicle, since a vehicle that did not meet the requirements could simply not be allowed into the warehouse.

For example, on Rozetka, the width of the car body must be at least 1.85 meters, and the minimum distance from the side of the car to the ground is 1.1 meters. Failure to comply with these requirements resulted in additional difficulties, and I had to take steps to comply.

• 🚚 Follow:
  • Compliance of the vehicle with the established requirements.
  • Regular inspection and maintenance of vehicles in proper condition.
  • Clarifying all the necessary parameters before sending.

Discrepancies in the number of boxes

The distribution of goods into boxes also requires special attention. There was one instance where my team did not count the number of boxes properly and this resulted in a lot of returns and wastage. Haste in this matter is completely inappropriate.

I always recommend that my colleagues carefully check the number of boxes according to the documentation. This will help avoid costly mistakes and speed up the process of receiving goods at the warehouse.

• 📦 I advise you to consider:
  • Please carefully count the number of boxes before shipping.
  • Make sure that the documentation matches the actual quantity of the product.
  • Perform final checks before loading onto transport.

Correct preparation of instructions for shipment

When I started working with marketplaces, one of the most common mistakes was ignoring the detailed instructions provided by the platforms. I'm sure many sellers face this problem.

When I began to carefully study the instructions provided by marketplaces such as Prom or Rozetka, I was able to significantly improve the efficiency of my shipments. After all, each platform has its own requirements for packaging, labeling and documentation, and failure to comply with these requirements leads to delays and returns of goods.

Basic steps to follow instructions

🔎 Studying the instructions: First of all, I advise you to carefully study every word of the instructions on the platform. Every small step can be critical.

🔗 Registration and signing an agreement: I always start by registering in the system and signing an agreement. This allows me to officially start working with the marketplace.

🗓️ Coordination of the delivery schedule: An important step is also the coordination of the delivery schedule with the site purchasing department. This helps to avoid problems with warehouse overload and delays in shipment of goods.

📦 Product Labeling and Packaging: Careful labeling and proper packaging are key. For example, Rozetka has strict packaging requirements to prevent product damage. I always follow these requirements.

👩💻 Uploading documents: I upload all the necessary documents to the platform’s personal account. This allows you to monitor the status of the shipment and make sure that all papers are in order.

📄 Preparation of accompanying documentation: The stage of preparing accompanying documentation is no less important. I always double check this step to avoid mistakes.

🚚 Dispatch of goods: Finally, I send the vehicle with the cargo to the desired warehouse. For example, at the Prom site, preliminary approval of the nomenclature and quantity of each item is required.

Benefits of following instructions correctly

I can confidently say that following instructions correctly significantly reduces the likelihood of errors and product returns. I was convinced of this after using a systematic approach. For example, the introduction of internal regulations for the preparation of goods made it possible to increase the efficiency of the shipment process and reduce costs.

Useful review:

By following these recommendations, you can significantly reduce errors when shipping goods and improve your performance on marketplaces.

How to avoid mistakes when shipping goods to marketplaces

The e-commerce industry is constantly changing, and as someone with many years of experience working with marketplaces, I can say that the process of shipping goods is one of the most important stages. Having encountered numerous problems, I have identified a few key mistakes and want to tell you how to avoid them.

1. Incorrect documentation

One of the most common mistakes sellers make is incorrect or incomplete paperwork. For example, I was faced with a situation where, due to a small discrepancy in the invoice, my goods were delayed in the warehouse for several weeks. To avoid such problems:

• 📌 Check all documents before sending.
• 📌 Make sure that all invoices and invoices comply with the requirements of the marketplace.
• 📌 Read the regulations and instructions carefully.

2. Incorrect packaging of goods

Packaging is key role in the safety of goods during transportation. On one occasion, improper packaging caused several items to be damaged and I suffered significant losses. Now I always:

• 📦 I use high-quality packaging materials.
• 📦 I follow the instructions and packaging standards of marketplaces.
• 📦 Additionally, I protect fragile goods with bubble wrap.

3. Incorrect labeling

Products must be labeled clear and precise. From my own experience, I can say that the slightest discrepancy between barcodes or article numbers affects the acceptance rate. Therefore, I try to:

• ✏️ Check that all barcodes and SKUs match.
• ✏️ Use only high-quality and durable materials for marking.
• ✏️ Double check at all stages of packaging and labeling.

4 . Failure to meet shipping deadlines

One of the most common questions I get asked is: “How can I avoid penalties for late shipments?” To do this, I recommend:

• ⏱️ Always plan a shipment schedule and stick to it.
• ⏱️ Have reserve time in case of unforeseen situations.
• ⏱️ Regularly monitor the relevance of order data.

5. Insufficient communication with marketplace managers

I I am convinced that open and timely communication with marketplace managers helps to avoid many problems. Once, thanks to prompt communication with the manager, I managed to solve a problem with a delivery delay in the shortest possible time. Therefore, I:

• 💬 I regularly contact representatives of marketplaces to clarify details.
• 💬 I inform you promptly about any changes in the order status.
• 💬 I follow the recommendations of managers and exchange experiences.
  
  

I can say that proper organization of the shipping process directly affects sales success. It is important to be attentive to all details and respond to emerging problems in a timely manner.

Useful tips:

Follow these simple recommendations and your shipments will go smoothly and without unnecessary problems!

Experience Coty

Company Coty is one of the world leaders in the field of cosmetics and perfumes. Over its more than hundred-year history, the company has managed to build a distribution network around the world and won the trust of millions of customers. The company's main products include cosmetics, skin care products and fragrances. Coty actively promotes its brands on various marketplaces, which allows it to expand its audience and increase sales volumes.

Coty's main goals and objectives:

• 📈 Increase in sales volumes in the online segment.
• 📊 Expanding geographic coverage by placing products on new marketplaces.
• 🛍️ Increased brand awareness among young shoppers using online shopping channels.

Key Issues

Company Coty faced a number of issues related to the shipment of goods to marketplaces. It is especially worth noting:

• 🔍 Failure to comply with marketplace regulations.
• 📆 Violation of deadlines and delivery schedules.
• 📉 Insufficient analysis and sales tracking.
• 🎁 Poor quality packaging of goods.
• 🏷️ Incorrect labeling on products.
• 📑 Errors in the preparation of accompanying documents.
• 🚚 Non-compliance with transport requirements.
• 📦 The actual number of boxes does not match.

Target Audience Characteristics

Coty's target audience varies depending on the specific brand. However, common features can be identified: these are active Internet users aged 18 to 45 years, who prefer to purchase cosmetics and perfumes online. Products that offer unique properties and high quality, while corresponding to the latest fashion trends, are especially in demand.

To improve the situation, Coty conducted an in-depth analysis of its supply chain and developed a solution allowed:

1. 📋 Create clear regulations to comply with the requirements of marketplaces.
2. ⏰ Ensure strict adherence to delivery deadlines.
3. 📈 Introduce analytics and sales monitoring techniques.
4. 🎲 Improve the quality of packaging, ensuring the safety of products during transportation.
5. 🛡️ Implement a labeling system to minimize errors.
6. 🗂️ Improve the documentation process.
7. 🚛 Follow transportation requirements.
8. 📥 Create an accounting system to accurately match the quantity of goods shipped.

Project Implementation Review Table

" We continue to improve our processes and strive to ensure that each of our customers receives their order on time and in perfect condition. Our collaboration with marketplaces is delivering excellent results, and we're excited to see our efforts bear fruit." - Paula Briggs, Managing Director, Coty.

Through carefully thought-out solutions and timely implementation, Coty has been able to significantly improve its logistics processes and increase overall sales efficiency.

Frequently asked questions on the topic: The main mistakes in shipping to marketplaces and how to fix them avoid

Thank you for reading and for your smart solution!

Congratulations! 🤗 Now you know how to avoid most mistakes when shipping goods to marketplaces. Remember: attention to detail , clear documentation and logistics preparation are your best friends. The information you have received will help you significantly improve your sales and reputation on marketplaces. Let your business prosper!✨ Leave a comment below and share your opinion or experience! 👇

— Galina Ostranyna, independent expert "Elbuz".