07 May
Over the last few years, online eCommerce has become the go-to for nearly every consumer, and the UK is no different. In fact, over 80% of the population is likely to make an online purchase. However, the changing political landscape has impacted how retail merchants conduct their business online.
UK’s exit from the European Union has significantly impacted the European eCommerce market. With new custom regulations and essential duties, online businesses have had to replan their delivery strategies to accommodate these changes.
To make fulfilment easier, choose a Northern Ireland-based custom bonded warehouse like Meteor Space. Our strategic duty-free location makes eCommerce shipping easier for our EU and UK partners. Here’s how we at Meteor Space can help you navigate the eCommerce space post-Brexit.
What Is Brexit And How Did It Impact The eCommerce Industry?
Brexit refers to the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU). This means that the UK will no longer be a part of the customs unions shared by all EU countries or operate as a single market.
Brexit was voted in through a referendum in 2016 and officially took place in January 2020. Following an 11-month transitional period during which both sides worked out the specifics of the exit, the act was formally put into effect in January 2021.
Changes In The eCommerce Landscape
While some changes were to be expected from this new act, Brexit caused a significant impact on UK-EU imports and exports. Many UK-based brands have seen a dip in purchases from EU customers due to the high cost of customs and duties.
Additionally, any imported goods coming into the UK from the EU have seen increased shipping times and costs. These expensive and time-consuming changes have negatively impacted the EU brands’ ability to sell products into the UK market.
Despite these changes, the UK is still a lucrative region for eCommerce sales, with loyal customers willing to make purchases online. The best way for eCommerce brands to maintain a smooth operation is to understand the challenges and create a streamlined fulfilment strategy.
Challenges eCommerce Brands Face Post-Brexit
The eCommerce landscape after Brexit has gone through significant changes affecting how retailers work their online stores. Here’s a closer look at some common challenges eCommerce businesses need to navigate through
More Custom Regulations
Brexit means the UK exists outside the EU’s single market system, meaning it will not enjoy open borders trade between other EU countries. Since there are no open borders, there will be strict customs regulations for shipments entering and leaving Britain and the European Union. These restrictions could affect order volume and drive away potential customers.
Longer Shipping Times
With more customs regulations affecting packages, these items will be held longer, slowing delivery and transit times. As a result, eCommerce retailers will have slow last-mile delivery, affecting customer satisfaction.
Rising Prices And Lower Sales
Online products now have additional charges, including VAT and high delivery rates, to meet post-Brexit regulations. These costs have decreased sales, making consumers less likely to purchase products with high additional charges.
Choose A Fulfilment Centre In Northern Ireland
In the middle of post-Brexit confusion, Northern Ireland has emerged as an ideal location for eCommerce companies to transport their products.
As part of the Northern Ireland Trade deal, a new protocol called the Windsor Framework was established to allow the streamlined flow of products in and around Northern Ireland, Great Britain and The EU. This protocol guarantees certain goods leaving or arriving in Northern Ireland won’t require additional checks or paperwork.
With this deal in mind, eCommerce businesses can rely on Northern Ireland-based warehouses such as Meteor Space to make order fulfilment hassle-free.
If you want to streamline your eCommerce post-Brexit, outsource your fulfilment to a dedicated 3PL warehouse located in Northern Ireland, like Meteor Space. Despite being a part of the UK, Northern Ireland maintains a unique dual status that allows it to remain in the EU’s single market system for VAT purposes.
Streamline Your eCommerce Fulfilment with A 3PL
Partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) company is an excellent way of growing your eCommerce business. Such companies are designed to help with order fulfilment so you can reduce the additional worry that comes with shipping logistics.
A 3PL is excellent for businesses that require a dedicated packaging service to handle order fulfilment. Fulfilment services also hold all your inventory in one place through a detailed system, so you’re always aware of what’s coming and going.
3PL companies offer everything from tracking inventory to handling returns and shipping logistics. This complete package of services ensures your business keeps running smoothly.
A reliable 3PL will keep your orders and shipments running smoothly, even during peak seasons and launches. Although order fulfilment seems straightforward, it involves a lot of strategic planning to ensure the workflow remains streamlined with minimal errors.
Here Are Some Benefits of Choosing a 3PL Based in Northern Ireland
- Efficient Process: 3PLs can streamline the order fulfilment process using various automation tools. These tools target picking, packing and delivery to customers. You can also add a robust tracking and return processing system for benefits.
- Risk Assessment: 3PLs are dedicated to providing a smooth fulfilment service. This means they can handle and mitigate any risk before it becomes a major problem.
- Multiple Selling Modes: High volume makes it difficult to give proper attention to multiple sales channels. Parenting with a reliable 3PL will help alleviate these problems. Such companies possess the equipment and expert knowledge to handle multiple selling modes without disrupting shipping. Many 3PLs offer multi-channel packaging fulfilment to avoid order backups and customer complaints.
- Order Volume: One of the biggest issues during peak season shipping is the volume of orders. Often, these orders can build up and become overwhelming to ship out. A quality 3PL service will help you keep track of your inventory and provide accurate logistics that help you map out deliveries. These features are crucial to stay on top of high-volume orders.
- Handle Customer Returns: Online shoppers are far more likely to return items; over 70% returned their merchandise in 2020. If several customers return various items, you’ll require a robust management system to keep up. A dedicated 3PL with returns space and a high-tech returns management system will ensure items are correctly catalogued. Such features will allow you to keep track of any problems according to the stores’ SKUs.
Choose Meteor Space As Your Fulfilment Warehouse Based In Northern Ireland
Quality order fulfilment is crucial for creating a lasting impact on customers. If you’re looking for a high-quality 3PL service, choose Meteor Space. Meteor is a custom bonded warehouse in Northern Ireland, making us an excellent partner for UK and EU eCommerce businesses.
Our warehouse acts as a duty-free zone for your products so you can access UK and EU markets unfettered. Additionally, we offer many features to help eCommerce stores through all packaging and shipping needs.
Meteor’s technology-based services provide excellent management and organisation programs to help you stay on top of your inventory. You can also access Meteor’s easy-to-use web portal, fast shipping, efficient pick and pack and much more.
Meteor always uses a customer-first approach, so we understand the importance of top-quality customer service. Here’s a look at some great features you can avail of at Meteor Space.
Custom Bonded Warehouse In Northern Ireland
With Brexit, imported goods from the EU into the UK must face new customs declarations, import charges and shipping delays.
Meteor Space is an excellent solution to help transport items as smoothly as possible. Our state-of-the-art warehouse is a duty-free zone, so you can avoid extra VAT costs and minimise shipping delays.
With our conveniently located facility, you can easily access EU and GB markets and ensure the safety of your goods. This geographical advantage reduces shipping costs, minimises transit times and improves customer satisfaction.
Additionally, eCommerce companies can optimise their cash flow management and allocate operational funds appropriately without worrying about extra duties and charges.
Technology-Driven Inventory Management
Meteor Space provide an efficient warehouse management system that uses the latest technology to keep your stock safe and organised. This software automates the entire order fulfilment process and provides 360-degree visibility of all operations.
With Meteor’s WMS, you can monitor stock levels, replenish goods and create accurate forecasts. In addition, our clients have access to end-to-end tracking, so you know exactly when your products leave the warehouse and when they reach clients.
Real-time Inventory Tracking and Alerts
Customers want real-time tracking options, and Meteor Space can provide that. Our custom warehouse software is designed with the latest technology so you have the best data available at all times.
Our accurate inventory forecasting will allow you to keep up with customers’ demands without blockage in the delivery system. With this data, you can also provide full transparency to your customers and update them on their order status.
24/7 Warehouse Security
At Meteor Space, we prioritise safety and security. Your inventory is placed in a protected warehousing facility with 24/7 guarded surveillance. If anything happens to your inventory, Meteor Space is ready to provide our full cooperation to help you alleviate your concerns.
Flexible Storage Solution
Flexibility is key for any eCommerce order fulfilment. At Meteor Space, we understand that each business has unique storage and order processing demands; therefore, we offer adaptable fulfilment. Depending on your order volume, Meteor’s storage space offering can be scaled down or up to meet your demands.
Our warehouse boasts over 200,000 square feet of storage space to ensure ample room for any inventory. No matter the size of your eCommerce stores, Meteor 3PL can provide enough space for any client. We can adjust and adapt to your specific requirements, help you grow overall sales, and provide your customers with a great shopping experience.
Author:
Mishal Khan
Mishal is a dedicated copywriter and content writer with experience across various niches. Currently, Mishal is focused on writing guides and other compelling blogs on warehouse management, logistics and more, crafting engaging and informative content to help businesses understand and master their supply chain. Passionate about delivering quality content, Mishal aims to make complex topics accessible and enjoyable for all readers.
UPDATED ON: 07th May 2024
