eGourmet Solutions

Third Party Logistics

The Importance of Packaging, Part 2

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At eGourmet Solutions, we understand the importance of packaging that looks sharp,
communicates the right messages to the carriers and the recipients, fits the products
appropriately, offers a cohesive national brand image, avoids carrier additional handling 
fees for girth, size or weight , and, more importantly, can withstand the rigors of
shipping.  This is why eGourmet offers comprehensive packaging design solutions
specifically tailored to each clients’ needs. 

We work as a team with our client, our packaging partners and our internal packaging
team to create packaging solutions that are optimized for efficiency and price. We start
by evaluating the insulation material, thickness and eco-friendliness – there are several
options available depending on the temperature  sensitivity of the products being
shipped and cost parameters. One of our unique solutions is the KTM Green Cell Liners,
a bio-based, 100% biodegradable insulation material that provides an effective and
reliable barrier against moisture for perishable and frozen foods. 

We then look at the cooler and box dimensions to ensure that the products fit snuggly
inside to limit jostling about during carrier transit and subsequent product damage. 
Along with this, we evaluate the need for cardboard strength to resist box crushing
when shipments are stacked by the carriers during transit. 

Finally, we also have the ability to test packaging performance in our heat chamber prior
to launching in the market.  This final step allows us to be confident that the packaging
materials we are recommending will be suitable for the products being shipped. 
Our team of packaging experts has extensive knowledge and experience in frozen and
refrigerated fulfillment, and we are dedicated to partnering with our clients to find the
best packaging solutions.  We understand that packaging is a critical component of the
fulfillment process, and we are committed to ensuring that our clients’ products arrive
at their destination safely and in optimal condition. 

In summary, eGourmet Solutions offers comprehensive packaging solutions for frozen
and perishable fulfillment. With our expertise and commitment to exceptional service,
eGourmet Solutions is the ideal partner for businesses looking to ensure the safe and
reliable shipping of their frozen and refrigerated products. Contact us today!

The Importance of Packaging, Part 1

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When it comes to frozen fulfillment, packaging plays a critical role in ensuring that products remain frozen and safe for consumption. Without proper packaging, products can become contaminated or spoiled, leading to disappointed customers and lost sales. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best practices for packaging in frozen fulfillment to help you protect your products and maintain customer satisfaction.

Materials

First and foremost, it’s essential to choose materials that are designed for frozen products. This typically means using materials such as insulated foam containers or dry ice to maintain the appropriate temperature throughout the shipping process. It’s also important to consider the specific needs of your products – for example, certain products may require special packaging materials to prevent freezer burn or maintain their shape during shipping. 

Shape and Size

Another important factor to consider is the size and shape of your packaging. Ideally, you want to choose packaging that fits your products snugly to prevent movement during shipping, which can damage or compromise their quality. Additionally, using packaging that is too large or bulky can increase shipping costs and waste.

Labeling

Beyond choosing the right materials and size, it’s also important to label your packages clearly and accurately. This includes indicating that the package contains frozen products, as well as any other relevant information such as handling instructions or expiration dates. Clear labeling can help ensure that your products are handled properly and can help prevent issues such as missed delivery attempts or improper storage.

In summary, packaging plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and safety of frozen products during fulfillment. By following best practices such as choosing the right materials, sizing your packaging appropriately, and labeling clearly, you can help protect your products and maintain customer satisfaction.

If you’re interested in learning more about the packaging options eGourmet Solutions offers, click here!

5 Things You Didn’t Know Needed Cold Storage

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When most people think of cold storage, they think of perishable foods like frozen meals, fruit and raw meat. While this is definitely true, these are not the only things cold storage is good for! Welcome back to Ice Cold Insights: the eGourmet Solutions blog, where we talk about things you probably never knew you needed! Today’s topic is cold storage, and trust us when we say that you are about to learn 5 #IcyTruths about things you didn’t know needed cold storage! 

1. Medication

Many medications, especially those that are used to treat conditions like arthritis or vaccines for diseases like COVID-19, need to be stored in cold temperatures. In the case of the COVID-19 vaccine, cold temperatures are a must because of the mRNA in the vaccine, which easily breaks down and becomes unstable and ineffective if not stored properly. So, if you’ve had a vaccine, you’ve encountered the concept of cold storage! 

2. Cosmetics 

Oh, the things we do for beauty! Did you know that some of your favorite cosmetics actually need cold storage to keep them fresh and effective? Things like facemasks, lipstick and cologne all need cold storage to ensure they don’t dry out or to keep bacteria at bay. For example, heat causes the oils in lipstick to go bad and become unusable.    

3. Candles 

Candles are a popular item that many people love to have in their homes. But did you know that candles need to be stored in a cool place to keep them fresh and functional? Keeping candles in cold storage helps keep the candle’s scent from becoming weak, keeps the candle from warping due to heat and can increase the burn time. 

4. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are packed with healthy fats and nutrients, but they can also go rancid pretty quickly if they’re not stored correctly. Storing them in the fridge or freezer can help to extend their shelf life and keep them from going bad. Plus, they taste extra delicious when they’re nice and cold! 

5. Wine

Now, we’re not saying that you need to chill all your wine, but some wines benefit from being stored in cold temperatures. For example, white wines, sparkling wines, and rosé are best stored in the fridge. The cold temperature helps to preserve their flavors and aromas, and keeps them from spoiling too quickly. 

So there you have it, folks! Five things you probably never knew needed cold storage. Remember, sometimes the coolest things are the ones you least expect. Stay cool, and don’t forget to #StayChill!

5 Reasons You Should Outsource Your Frozen Fulfillment

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As an ecommerce business that sells frozen goods, managing the logistics of storing, packaging, and shipping these products will get increasingly difficult as your business grows. According to a new parcelLab study, conducted online with YouGov, 32% of online shoppers would be reluctant to order from the same retailer following a failed delivery or negative experience. So, to ensure Outsourcing your frozen ecommerce order fulfillment to a third-party provider can help you streamline the process and focus on other critical areas of your business. Here are five reasons why outsourcing might be right for you:

1. Expertise in Frozen Order Fulfillment

Did you know that there are third-party providers out there who specialize in frozen ecommerce order fulfillment? These experts have the knowledge, experience, and equipment necessary to handle frozen goods safely and efficiently, from packaging and storage to shipping and delivery. Get this – eGourmet has a 99.98% accuracy rate when it comes to our frozen order fulfillment and ships anywhere in the United States within 2 days. Now that’s expertise! 

2. Cost Savings

Outsourcing your frozen ecommerce order fulfillment can save you money! First, you’ll avoid the costs of setting up and maintaining your own fulfillment operation, including equipment, labor, and storage space. Second, a third-party provider can often negotiate better shipping rates than you could on your own, thanks to their volume discounts and industry connections. According to Sellbrite, partnering with a fulfillment provider can save you up to 35% on your order fulfillment costs. So, if you’re not already outsourcing your fulfillment, don’t miss out on the potential savings that third-party partners can offer. 

3. Scalability

As your orders increase, so do your order fulfillment needs. But don’t worry, outsourcing your frozen fulfillment can save you the hassle of hiring and training new staff or investing in new infrastructure. Plus, it allows you to easily scale up or down to meet demand without breaking a sweat. Sellbrite even claims that outsourcing can help you save up to 50% on overhead costs associated with growth. So, stop stressing over staffing and infrastructure, and consider outsourcing and actually enjoying the benefits of your growth! 

4. Focus on Core Business Activities

Frozen fulfillment growth often means spending countless hours on packaging, shipping, and delivery, while other core business activities like marketing, product development, and customer service suffer. But, outsourcing your fulfillment can help you free up your time and resources to focus on what really matters. Imagine being able to actually devote your attention to marketing your products, developing new offerings, and providing exceptional customer service. 

5. Improved Customer Experience

A reliable and efficient frozen ecommerce order fulfillment process is essential to providing a positive customer experience. Outsourcing to a third-party provider can help ensure that your products are delivered on time and in excellent condition, which can build customer loyalty and drive repeat business. Plus, if you really want to go the extra mile, you can add some custom packaging or picking services to really impress your customers. And let’s not forget about the benefits of outsourcing – reducing the risk of order errors and improving shipping accuracy. Who wouldn’t want to create value for both themselves and their customers? 

In conclusion, outsourcing your frozen ecommerce order fulfillment can help your business save money, scale efficiently, and provide an excellent customer experience. Consider partnering with a third-party provider to streamline your logistics and focus on growing your business. With the right provider, you can enjoy the benefits of outsourcing and take your e-commerce business to the next level.