Living the dream of a successful on-line business requires good systems and processes within each department. We’re going to tackle stock management and how to optimise your dispatch process. Getting this business area to run smoothly is going to make your life a lot easier and give back valuable time to your life, better spent with your loved ones on a sandy beach somewhere.

Process Tips for Australian Online Merchants

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Key Steps To Managing Stock Control

Optimise the Dispatch Process

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2 Key Areas To Just-in-Time Inventory

1. Request new stock from your supplier

2. Supplier ships goods to you

3. Your business receives those goods

4. Goods are shipped to your client

The majority of new on-line reseller businesses will use

the stock control model called Just-in-Time Inventory (JIT).

The JIT method attempts to avoid excess inventory and

costs by reducing the amount of in-process inventory, or

on-hand stock, a supplier has in their process line at any

one time.

1. How long it will take for your product item to be

shipped (after ordering) and then arrive on your

premises

2. The expected shelf life of the same item in your

stock

Once these are known for your product line, it’s then

possible to implement the needed process to reorder

the item ‘just in time’ to arrive and maintain stock

levels. For the beginner to on-line selling, a simple

spreadsheet can be used for recording this

information.

Another advantage to a streamlined inventory process is helping to optimise the dispatch process through actually implementing recording procedures in your business. Using the same spreadsheet, maintain additional records to determine the average time a particular product will ship and arrive on your customer’s doorstep. You can roll more accurate delivery timeframes into your online catalogue or product pages for your website.

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About Alibaba.com Alibaba.com (HKSE: 1688.HK) is the global leader in e-commerce for small businesses and the flagship company of Alibaba Group. Founded in 1999, Alibaba.com makes it easy for millions of buyers and suppliers around the world to do business online.

Accurate delivery predictions increase customer satisfaction levels, decrease excess stock on hand, minimise unnecessary stress on cashflow and makes for a more profitable on-line business.

Please do check out these free resources and let us know any other tools you’re using or would like to see on Alibaba.com.

As always, we’re here to help you with your online sourcing and trading as much as we can, so if you have a question just ask.

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Facebook: Facebook has over 10 million active Australian users per month so becoming an active participant with the Alibaba Facebook Page will have benefits for any proactive business. The Alibaba Facebook Page boasts instant downloads of the Business Starter Kit for sourcing products and finding quality suppliers. You’re able to view videos, Alibaba Upcoming Events, member testimonials and exclusive promotions and event invites.

LinkedIn: The LinkedIn Alibaba Group will connect like-minded members, provide a new stream of potential suppliers and foster stronger relationships with existing members. The Group allows members to expand into their professional LinkedIn network, using an already trusted global brand.

Twitter: Get fast and instant facts from Alibaba, by following our Twitter profile alibaba_aus We’ll be ‘tweeting’ our own flavour of AliFacts with useful and helpful reminders for your Australian on-line experience in buying and supplying. Here’s a recent ‘tweet’ highlighting what a local Adelaide business is doing: “An Adelaide hair salon is using Alibaba.com to grow its business & help cancer patients look & feel their best http://ow.ly/629r8“

YouTube: The Alibaba Australia YouTube Video Channel is a growing member showcase of success stories and testimonials. To get a taste of the sort of member stories you could also be a part of, check out THIS VIDEO. Participating allows for expanding your market reach and to tell the world about your products and services.

Join Together For Greater Success

Alibaba is firmly dedicated to rapid growth within the Australian market and, more importantly, our partnerships with Australian members. Like any strong and long-term business relationship, your success is our success. Please do check through each of the Alibaba Social Channels we have put together and join those that align to your business and personal objectives. Can We Spread Your Word Too?

If you have a successful sourcing / business story to tell, we would love to hear from you via our Social Media Channels. We like to promote success stories via Testimonials, Press Releases and in general, our Social Media Channels – please do let us know your story.

Alibaba Blog: The Alibaba AU Blog provides tips for the online trading beginner, setting up a successful online business, advice in finding the right products from the right suppliers for your business and information on how best to optimise your product line and process. Access the latest trends and products in Australia’s online trading industry by subscribing to the blog.

Alibaba Australia’s Social Media Channels

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