Boost your e-commerce, opt for outsourcing

With the globalization of markets and the widespread use of cutting-edge technologies, companies aim to manage various business activities, including individual processes, to ensure the best possible allocation of available resources. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate all useful tools for achieving this goal, and among them is outsourcing. Outsourcing refers to the externalization, that is, the choice to entrust certain activities and services to external entities, to other companies, either in their entirety or in part. As a business practice, outsourcing is present in most sectors, and there are diverse activities assigned to an external operator. Specifically, concerning online businesses, the processes subject to outsourcing depend on the specific area of interest, such as logistics, store and marketplace management, sales, or even customer service. Through integrated services, it is possible to manage online sales development through outsourcing.

An example of outsourcing service for e-commerce is logistics: an external entity takes care of all activities from storage to delivery to the end customer. This involves outsourcing warehouse management, picking activities, delivery, and reverse logistics. Subsequently, it is possible to outsource the management of one's online store or marketplace, delegating daily management services, offer insertion, as well as warehouse management. Furthermore, the transition to digital commerce, aimed at internationalization, has seen numerous brands entrusting administrative, accounting, regulatory, and tax procedures to an external entity, such as the Merchant of Records. Another area subject to outsourcing in the digital commerce world is customer service, which involves the use of a competent team capable of building interactions and conversations useful for brand optimization. In any outsourcing relationship, it is necessary to cultivate a close relationship between the parties: the sharing of objectives, values, and ideals is a central requirement.

As with all decisions, there are pros and cons to outsourcing. Indeed, any decision related to outsourcing depends on the specific needs and capabilities of the individual company. First, the objective behind outsourcing is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the outsourced service, thus creating a solid and competitive system. Although this is the main purpose, it is clear that there are other reasons dictating the behaviours of brands, which are driven to make the choice to outsource: first and foremost is the lack of internal resources such as know-how and cutting-edge technologies; in this case, the company's intention is to compensate for the lack of specific knowledge. The second reason is the desire to increase production efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs. An example is start-ups, which, to save as much as possible, prefer to delegate certain business processes, investing in them with the aim of obtaining a favourable situation in the long run.

In a highly volatile job market like today's, companies are required to be constantly updated and have specialized and flexible staff capable of adapting to any changes. Thanks to outsourcing, companies relying on external operators have the assurance of assigning the most delicate tasks to a specialized team already equipped with all the necessary resources. Furthermore, by delegating activities such as those related to logistics, costs related to infrastructure and equipment are reduced: it is the responsibility of the external entity to possess the necessary means to carry out the transmitted activities. With lower investments, therefore, the brand benefits from cutting-edge resources that allow cost reduction with optimization of the required service. The greater flexibility of this approach allows the brand to have more opportunities to focus on its core business, reducing associated risks. Outsourcing means establishing a long-term relationship where there is a shared perspective on the objectives and values to be preserved and pursued.