In our early years, prior to the explosion of the internet and online sales, we specialized in the travel industry. Remember when you called an 800 number or filled out one of those business reply cards (BRC) from a magazine requesting more information on a particular travel destination or cruise?
Well, over time, millions of those requests were ultimately sent to our facility and in turn we created a database of the mailing information and requested material. From there we pulled the requested literature, often times kitting multiple pieces into one package, and then mailed it to you. We also managed thousands of direct mail campaigns which included packages or 3-dimensional pieces that could not be completed by machine, instead they were hand assembled by our production team and then mailed.
If you recall these then you probably also remember traditional “mail order” catalogs. You still get some of these printed catalogs in the mail today but more than likely you get directed to their website to place an order, but before that option existed you either filled out a paper order form and mailed it in to the company or you called an 800 number and spoke to a live person and ordered the items you wanted. Well, we also used to receive these orders, usually via mail, fax, or for very large quantities in batch we would receive magnetic data tapes containing all the order information that someone else hand typed. From this data, regardless of the format, we would create a packing list, pulled the requested items and ship accordingly, then update the inventory counts.
What about shipment confirmation and tracking numbers you may ask? Well, in those days you did not get multiple emails letting you know you your order was received, shipped or a link with the tracking number so you could monitor the progress all the way to your door step. In fact, early on, when we shipped your package via UPS, we had to hand write your shipping information into a log book which had carbon paper, copy for the driver and copy for the shipper, remember carbon paper?
The purpose of this trip down memory lane is just to highlight that we have been around for a while, learned how to develop manual processes to account for everything, all the products that came in through the back door, orders that came in through the mail, fax or phone and then shipped or mailed back out.
These processes are still relevant today, just now they are managed more efficiently through electronic means.
Until companies like Amazon figure out a way to teleport your products directly from the factory to your home or business or you begin 3D printing everything in your personal space, there is still a need to manage the receipt of physical products, orders and shipments. Concepts Marketing Solutions, is here to help manage any or all of these and provide a backend solution to your marketing and sales campaign.