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Improving Furniture Logistics: Where to Start?
Scott Hothem • July 16, 2014
Congratulations! You have just been hired as the Senior Vice President of a major furniture manufacturer. The first task at hand is to tighten all logistics operations. A report on your desk lists the three initiatives as: reduce costs, decrease damaged products, and increase customer satisfaction. Essentially, you need to overhaul the entire logistics function of this furniture manufacturer. Distribution and transportation has never been your specialty, so where do you begin?
Managing the complexity of furniture distribution can be overwhelming. In an effort to keep your sanity, you take a step back and review the basics of furniture logistics:
- Furniture should not be treated or packaged like other goods. Other products tend to damage it, so it should be shipped with other furniture
- Furniture requires specialized, manual handling as mechanical equipment is more likely to damage it.
- Container loading strategies create interlocking sections to enable stability and accommodate multiple stops. (In the logistics industry, this is called “filling the cube”.)
- Furniture has inherent flaws. As the “touches” increase, so does the damage.
The basics of furniture logistics have not changed, but consumer demand and expectation has shifted over time. The days of investing in a piece of furniture that will be passed down for generations are vanishing. Most shoppers are buying only one piece at a time, as opposed to buying an entire room. As a result, online purchases have increased dramatically over the last several years. According to IBISWorld reports, 2013 online furniture sales revenue reached $9.0 billion, a growth of 10.4% from the previous year. For the furniture industry, this is both a blessing and a curse, as e-commerce has trained consumers to expect fast delivery.
In order to satisfy the challenges of your new job and meet consumer demand, you must focus on a few key sectors.
- Collaborate With Partners – It’s critical that you take a look at the entire supply chain and evaluate everything. Identifying the collaborative partners who are interested in developing customized solutions for your company is a great start in helping you achieve your supply chain goals.
- Evaluate Sources of Damages – Damages are the number one headache in furniture distribution. One of the main causes of damaged furniture is poor packaging. Take a hard look at the current packaging system. One scratch on a delicate piece of furniture can create a negative ripple in both your supply chain and company image. Once furniture is damaged, it is costly to repair, and it cannot re-enter the new product stream. Furthermore, if not caught within the supply chain process, damaged products delivered to the customer will create adverse feelings towards your company. In an effort to minimize these situations, it is wise to invest more resources in a customized packaging solution. In the long run, you will save your company time and money.
- Current Distribution Strategy – The two main options for delivery are direct to store (Full Truck Load -TL) and consolidated delivery (Less Than Truck Load-LTL). The consolidated delivery option is a more expensive option, and it has a higher likelihood of delivering damaged furniture. However, in order to qualify for a direct to store option, you must have enough volume to merit the full shipment. Developing a strategy that balances cost, delivery time and minimizes damage can help increase efficiencies for your company.
- Visibility – This is a challenge for most furniture companies today. By investing in visibility technology, everyone involved in the supply chain, including the end-user, benefit greatly. For your company, information can be the difference between maintaining a relationship and losing the business. For the customer, these transparent tools provide real time information, so they are not left guessing about when their shipment will arrive. These same tools can also help furniture companies forecast and plan for future changes within the industry. By having the technology in place, you will provide your company with the flexibility needed to remain relevant in the industry.
Effectively managing the supply chain of a major furniture manufacturer is a challenge for even the most experienced executive. The key to initiating change is to have a basic understanding of the distinctive components of the furniture industry. By taking a closer look at the aforementioned four areas within your current supply chain, you will be one step closer to resolving the initiatives assigned to you.
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Industry Challenge In today’s logistics landscape, companies face hurdles such as fluctuating customer demand, rising costs due to inflation, and supply chain disruptions. To stay competitive, logistics providers must prioritize cost reduction and service quality. This entails adopting modern tools to offer customers greater visibility into their operations and associated costs. By leveraging analytics and enhancing transparency, companies can improve efficiency, streamline processes, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Barrett Specific Challenges Barrett, committed to customer satisfaction and operational excellence, encountered significant challenges: Customer Satisfaction : Customers demanded frequent and accurate visibility into supply chain operations, affecting our Net Promoter Score (NPS) and trust. Poor Visibility : Inadequate visibility across the supply chain caused delays and eroded customer trust, hindering proactive decision-making. Metric Visibility and Transparency : Limited visibility and manual metric calculations hindered meaningful insights and continuous improvement. Customer Communication/Working Relationship : Numerous inquiries strained resources, necessitating streamlined touchpoints and proactive communication. Feedback from clients underscored the urgency to revamp reporting and analytics for improved transparency and alignment with customer expectations. Solution: Modernizing Data Stack and Analytics Strategy To address these challenges, Barrett revamped its data stack and analytics strategy: Snowflake Implementation : Consolidating data into one platform improved visibility and decision-making speed across the supply chain. Tableau Cloud Partnership : Leveraging Tableau's embedded analytics product and APIs enabled seamless integration of dashboards into the customer-facing portal, providing real-time insights. Driving Value for Our Business and Our Customers Transparent Cost Breakdown : By providing customers with transparent cost breakdowns, Barrett enabled informed pricing decisions tailored to different channels and partners. Streamlined Communication: Improved visibility and collaboration streamlined business planning and cost forecasting, enhancing decision-making and alignment. Elevated Customer Experience: Self-service capabilities and responsive inquiries improved NPS scores, enriching overall customer experience. Revenue Growth : Enhanced offerings led to a 13% increase in close rate, equating to an estimated $20M to $30M in new business annually. Prevention of Missed Opportunities: Prior deficiencies in reporting tools and visibility potentially cost $75M annually. Feedback from prospects highlighted areas of improvement, emphasizing the importance of customer-focused metrics. By addressing these challenges and leveraging modern technologies, Barrett not only enhanced its own operations but also empowered its customers to thrive in a dynamic logistics landscape. About Barrett Distribution Centers At Barrett, we solve challenges and build solutions that drive transparency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. If you'd like to streamline your supply chain or elevate your customer experience, c ontact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation with a seasoned 3PL expert.
FRANKLIN, Mass., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lubify , a startup revolutionizing the sexual wellness industry, has selected Barrett Distribution Centers as its third-party logistics (3PL) provider. This partnership represents a pivotal step in Lubify's mission to redefine intimate wellness with its flagship product, Luxe Lube—a luxury intimate lubricant designed to elevate women's experiences. "It was important to find a long-term 3PL partner who shared our passion for innovation and growth," said Orla Maguire , founder of Lubify. "Barrett stood out with its strong distribution network, scalability and proven success with direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. Their professionalism and impressive onsite team made this decision easy." Luxe Lube is a silicone-based lubricant crafted with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, silicone, and squalene, chosen for its hydrating, nourishing and long-lasting properties. The formula is enriched with delicate notes of neroli and cedarwood oils, creating a sensorial experience that redefines intimacy. Lubify has elevated the category with Luxe Lube's gold airless pump tube. Inspired by Hermès elegance, this packaging reflects Lubify's commitment to sophistication and functionality. "We're proud to welcome Lubify to the Barrett family," said Harrison Smith , Director of Pricing at Barrett. "Our expertise in scaling startups aligns perfectly with their goals. We're excited to help bring Luxe Lube to women nationwide." Luxe Lube will launch on Feb. 1, 2025, from Barrett's New Jersey region , a hub for high-growth D2C brands. Lubify also plans to expand its product line with additional premium offerings, continuing its mission to blend indulgence with self-care. About Lubify Founded by Orla Maguire, Lubify is the first luxury sexual wellness brand for women. Its debut product, Luxe Lube, is a high-quality feminine lubricant designed to provide a sophisticated, indulgent experience. Made in the USA, Lubify products are vegan, cruelty-free, and Sephora Clean List-compliant. Orla brings her expertise as a beauty industry leader and certified intimacy coach to revolutionize sexual wellness. Through Lubify, she empowers women to elevate their intimacy and self-care routines with premium products tailored to their needs. About Barrett Distribution Centers Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions, and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement, and direct access to senior leadership decision-makers. As a member of Inc.'s fastest-growing companies list 15 times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to care about your business deeply. eCommerce brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . Official PR Newswire Release Here
Are fulfillment errors holding back your e-commerce growth? Are your warehouses positioned to cut down on shipping times and costs? Is your fulfillment strategy scalable enough for business growth and seasonal demand? Are you creating a fulfillment experience that drives repeat purchases and customer loyalty? If these questions make you question your current approach, it’s time to rethink your fulfillment strategy. This blog will guide you through the key elements of a successful fulfillment strategy and how to overcome common obstacles to ensure sustainable growth. 📈 Order Volume: Scaling for Growth Order volume is one of the most critical factors to consider when designing your fulfillment strategy. For businesses with smaller volumes, manual processes or in-house fulfillment might suffice. However, as your business grows, increased order volumes can quickly overwhelm your existing systems. Scaling for higher order volumes often requires additional resources such as automation and skilled labor. Automation tools like warehouse robots or conveyor systems can improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks. At Barrett, we invest in technology , so you don’t have to. Our facilities are equipped with drones and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), providing the scalability and flexibility needed to meet increasing demands. Customers can experience faster shipping times and a more seamless shopping experience. ⏩ Speed and Accuracy: The Cornerstones of Customer Loyalty Fast delivery is no longer optional. It is the new standard that customers today expect and demand. However, speed without accuracy can lead to mistakes that erode trust and loyalty. Fulfillment strategies prioritizing speed and accuracy are essential for reducing errors, minimizing returns and fostering long-term customer relationships. To achieve this balance, consider adopting advanced order management systems that streamline the picking and packing. At Barrett, we use License Plate (LP) accuracy, barcode scanning and real-time inventory tracking to ensure orders are fulfilled accurately and efficiently. 📍 Warehouse Location: Optimizing for Efficiency The proximity of your warehouses to your customers can significantly impact shipping times and costs. Strategically located warehouses reduce transit times and help meet customers' expectations for fast delivery. A network of distribution centers in key regions allows you to ship products from locations closer to your customers, lowering shipping costs and improving delivery speeds. Partnering with a 3PL like Barrett, with established facilities nationwide, can help you expand your geographic reach without needing heavy capital investment in real estate. ✅ Scalability: Planning for the Future Your fulfillment strategy should be designed to grow with your business. A flexible and scalable approach ensures that you can adapt to seasonal fluctuations, new product launches and increased order volumes as your business evolves. For example, outsourcing fulfillment to a 3PL provider can provide the infrastructure and expertise needed to scale up quickly during busy seasons like the holidays without overextending your internal resources. A scalable solution lets you focus on core business activities like marketing and product development. Insider tip: Some 3PL providers take on new clients without considering whether they can handle the volume over time. At Barrett, we’re committed to long-term partnerships, growing with you every step of the way. 📦 Customer Experience: The Final Touch Fulfillment is not just about getting products to customers—it’s about creating a memorable experience. Details like easy returns, eco-friendly packaging and personalized touches can leave a lasting impression and build customer loyalty. Personalized fulfillment can include branded packaging, handwritten thank-you notes or special offers can enhance the unboxing experience and encourage repeat purchases. Similarly, a smooth and hassle-free return process shows customers that their satisfaction is a priority, further strengthening their trust in your brand. Ready to Build Your Fulfillment Strategy? With over 80 years of expertise, Barrett Distribution delivers personalized, scalable 3PL solutions tailored to your unique needs. From advanced technology to strategically located warehouses, we equip your business with the tools and expertise to streamline operations and fuel growth. Let’s build your winning fulfillment strategy today. Contact us today to connect with a Barrett 3PL expert for a complimentary supply chain consultation.
