Embracing Change: The Advantages of Using Continually Evolving Software

As the digital age propels forward, it is clear that the adage “Change is the only constant” has never been more applicable. Especially in today’s eCommerce ecosystem. Software solutions that refuse to adapt quickly become obsolete, leaving their users scrambling for a better solution and forcing them to spend their valuable time and hard earned money implementing a new system. This type of change is always the dark cloud that looms over every business owner’s head, and rightfully so. This process can significantly set back your operations, and of course it never comes at a good time. 

Over the last few years, we have helped many of our customers migrate from stale or sunsetting platforms such as Stitchlabs, TradeGecko, and Quickbooks Commerce. Many of these companies could not keep up the rapid pace of supporting multiple marketplaces and sales channels at the same time. Granted this can be quite challenging, these various platforms can make changes to their software at any given time to areas such as code, privacy policies, functionality changes, or API formats. Sometimes these changes can be announced, and other times silently made in the background, leaving developers scrambling to make last minute changes and fixes.  

Keeping pace with these inevitable changes across multiple marketplaces and shopping carts is no easy task. Your software solution company must be informed, adaptable, and have the internal resources to stay ahead of the game. Forward-thinking software platforms like SKULabs, which continually evolve to meet changing needs, offer a myriad of benefits and can ensure your operations stay in tact for the long term.

By choosing software that is in a constant state of growth, you align yourself with a solution that is committed to offering the best features, optimal performance, and effective support. You also get the peace of mind that the carpet will not be pulled from under your feet when you need them the most. 

SKULabs exemplifies the potential of a constantly evolving software platform, continuously improving its functionalities to provide clients with the most cutting-edge features. Here you can find our most current Software Change-Log and some of the major/minor changes we have implemented each month over the past few years. This log is in no way all-encompassing, but will give you some of the most relevant highlights of our journey and the direction we want to go.  

Customer-Driven Development

A Software that grows with its user base, realizes this must be inherently customer-centric. SKULabs exemplifies this principle by actively listening to user feedback and incorporating customer suggestions into its development process. By keeping a close eye on customer needs and pain points, SKULabs ensures that the software aligns with the ever-changing requirements of its users. As most of our fans already know, filing feature requests with our team is an integral part of our support process that represents not only our relationships with our customers, but our commitment to develop the software they need.

The change log is a testament to this customer-driven approach. Regular updates most often originate from customer feedback, ensuring that the software remains relevant and valuable to its users. This customer-centric development fosters a strong partnership between SKULabs and its customers, enhancing both trust and loyalty to this relationship for the long run.

Continuous Innovation

Regular updates to software capabilities ensure that users are always equipped with the latest tools needed to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. This should be a given with any company you choose to go with, but as we all know it is not really the case. Along side of keeping the software running efficiently, SKULabs is always on top of new technology and ideas, finding ways to incorporate into our software to offer you the latest and greatest technology available today. Stay tuned as we have some amazing new things in the works!

New features like the A.I. Smart Import (July,2023), which helps customers with the mapping of unrecognized column headers to fit our CSV format. This makes uploading critical information to your SKULabs account a breeze, even for the spreadsheet challenged! This will empower you to map any given header you have from your spreadsheet to the desired column in SKULabs. Great for operations using multiple platforms with various headers for the same fields!

We have also incorporated, at many customers requests, a Hover-Over Zoom (July,2023) feature to the images in your items list to enlarge your items and take advantage of your more detailed and higher resolution 4k monitors. These, just to name a few, are a testament to how SKULabs caters to our user’s ever evolving needs and feature requests. Here you can see hovering over the bottom image has significantly increased image size for you to get a better look at image detail.

Enhanced Performance and Operational Efficiency

Alongside new features, a significant aspect of software development is the continuous enhancement of performance. This translates to faster page load times, more efficient processes, and overall improved user experience. Here at SKULabs, you can feel confident as we spare no expense in our daily operations. We host our platform across various AWS servers throughout the country to ensure optimal performance and reliable stability. While there are many other options out there that are definitely more cost effective, we like to be at the forefront by offering the best of what is available today. Additionally, we have made some major changes to some of our Nodes in July 2023, which has brought improved performance across the board, and previously modified an internal caching tool that was refactored for a major performance increase on our inventory and order list servers. 

Robust Security

In a world where cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and sales platforms increasingly adopting new policies and requirements, using a software platform that takes security seriously is non-negotiable. Continually evolving software like SKULabs provides regular security updates, ensuring your data and systems are always protected. Recent updates a few months ago like stronger password security protocols and two-factor authentication further validate our commitment to your privacy and security.

Optimized User Experience

A continually evolving software solution indicates that the provider is receptive to feedback and is focused on delivering a superior user experience based on these observations. In the case of SKULabs, a slew of interface upgrades such as in June 2023, the Re-order Rules overhaul for Insights. This enables forecast-based PO creation, and customization of reordering parameters real-time while creating purchase orders. This is the culmination of a plethora of feedback from our current customers, and we are looking forward to integrating a more streamlined UI for the purchasing process to make better use of these new powerful calculations!

In May/June 2023, we introduced some major upgrades to our batch system based on customer feedback. We have now added:

  • Single-SKU batch generation support – only get orders in your batch that have a single SKU 
  • Same-kind batch generation support (which will help to reduce errors!) – Only get orders in your batch that all are the same combination of product(s) and quantities.
  • Shipping Utility Barcodes – to improve experience and help generate more hands free workflows such as the READ_SCALE and READ_SCALE_AND_SHIP barcodes to automate these processes!
  • Added multiple new carriers and shipping methods as well as support for the new USPS Ground Advantage which is already saving our customers tons of money! Ground Advantage launched this summer 2023!

Effective Problem Solving

With a solution that’s constantly growing, there’s an inherent agility to respond and adapt to unforeseen problems. SKULabs demonstrates this through our regular bug fixes and system improvements, providing quick and effective solutions to issues that could potentially impact users’ operations. We monitor all of our processes in real time to ensure everything is working smoothly and users can sign up to see live updates when there is an outage. We will keep you up to date with each phase of the situation and steps to take for mitigation.

Unwavering Support

A significant advantage of choosing a software that is constantly growing is the promise of ongoing and effective support. By selecting a solution like SKULabs, you’re choosing a partner that is committed to making your experience better, evident through our regular updates and a dedicated five star support team. Again we are committed to you by ensuring our support, like our development is never outsourced to a third party.  

In conclusion, the benefits of choosing a software solution that embraces change and growth are significant. By aligning with a platform like SKULabs, you ensure that you’re not only keeping pace with the industry’s evolution, but you’re also primed to leverage new opportunities as they arise, and be a part of the evolution of the features released in upcoming versions.

 Stay updated, stay secure, and stay ahead with SKULabs.

Connect with SKULabs Today

Now is the perfect time to discuss how we can help you streamline your eCommerce business!

Chat with one of our experts today.Schedule a meeting or give us a call at 1800-243-2986 to learn more.

How to get USPS Ground Advantage rates for your ecommerce store

We are thrilled to announce SKULabs’ recent partnership with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to provide the groundbreaking USPS Ground Advantage service. This new coast-to-coast shipping option is set to redefine the landscape of shipping in America, promising dependable delivery in just two to five business days.

As a part of this partnership, SKULabs integrates the new shipping method into our comprehensive suite of services. We aim to make this innovative shipping solution available to businesses of all sizes, enhancing operational efficiencies while driving down costs.

Why USPS Ground Advantage?

USPS Ground Advantage is more than just a shipping service; it’s a game-changer for businesses and retail customers. This unique offering combines USPS’ efficient ground transportation model and its unparalleled last-mile delivery system, enabling a reliable and competitively priced shipping service across the continental United States.

How Can SKULabs Help?

As an official partner of USPS for the Ground Advantage service, SKULabs brings several benefits to your doorstep:

  • Fast Delivery: Experience the assurance of speedy package delivery with USPS Ground Advantage, promising delivery times between two to five business days across the continental United States.
  • Convenient Pickup: No need to worry about package dispatch. USPS offers a complimentary pickup service at your home or office, ensuring a seamless shipping process.
  • Efficient Returns: Make the most of the USPS Ground Advantage return service. This feature facilitates a convenient return process for your customers, enhancing their overall shopping experience.
  • Insured Shipments: Rest easy knowing your packages are covered. USPS Ground Advantage provides $100 insurance on all packages, with the option to purchase additional coverage.

USPS Ground Advantage has superseded several USPS services as part of their long-term “Delivering for America” growth strategy. This new service is set to reshape the shipping industry, positioning USPS as a key player in the rapidly evolving package business.

SKULabs is proud to offer USPS Ground Advantage as part of our extensive suite of shipping solutions. We’re committed to delivering excellent services that cater to the diverse needs of businesses nationwide.

Get SKULabs today and discover the benefits of new USPS shipping options for your business. Stay tuned for more updates on how to maximize the power of USPS Ground through SKULabs for all your shipping needs.

Turbocharge Your Auto Parts eCommerce Business with SKULabs

The rapid digitization of the retail industry has transformed the way we buy and sell goods, most notably in the automotive parts sector. Customers no longer need nor want to visit a physical store to get the parts they need for their vehicles. With a few clicks on an ecommerce website, they can find, purchase, and have their desired items delivered right to their doorstep. This creates great opportunities for businesses that sell auto parts online, whether you are selling with Amazon, Shopify, BigCommerce, or a host of others. 

But with great opportunities come great challenges. In such a competitive field, ensuring smooth operations, fast delivery, and accurate inventory management is crucial. That’s where SKULabs comes into play.

SKULabs is an all-in-one order fulfillment and inventory management solution that could be the nitrous boost you need to take your eCommerce store to the next level, quickly and efficiently. Here’s why SKULabs is an excellent choice for your business.

Streamlined Inventory Management

Car parts businesses have a wide variety of products, making inventory management a complex task. From different car models to varying types of parts, managing your inventory can quickly become overwhelming. SKULabs offers a solution with their easy-to-use inventory management system. It helps you track your inventory in real time, avoiding overstocking or running out of inventory situations. You can also manage product bundles or kits, perfect for those selling parts as a set. They understand that a single windshield wiper can be marketed in 100’s of different ways, aimed at targeting different vehicle makes and models. Need to have different identifiers for the same item? Not a problem, SKULabs enables you to put multiple barcodes on a single item as well as different MPN’s for your various suppliers. This empowers you to market this item across various listings and yet always know which item to pull when it is time for picking orders. 

Efficient Order Fulfillment

Fast and accurate order fulfillment is key in eCommerce. Customers expect their products to arrive quickly and without errors. SKULabs provides an all-in-one order fulfillment solution that ensures fast and accurate delivery. Their system supports multi-channel orders, batch picking, shipping label generation, insights, purchase orders, and much more. With SKULabs, you can ensure that your customers get the auto parts they ordered in record time while eliminating costly shipping errors and returns. Skulabs also has internal systems to ensure you are keeping up with the delivery time standard set by many online sales channels such as Amazon and Walmart.  

Accurate Barcode Scanning

Accuracy is paramount when dealing with car parts. The slightest mistake can lead to wrong parts being delivered, resulting in costly returns and unhappy customers. SKULabs has a built-in barcode scanning system that eliminates picking and shipping errors, improving your operational accuracy and increasing customer satisfaction.

Seamless Integration

One of the biggest challenges for any eCommerce business is integrating all the different platforms and systems they use. This integration can be complex and time-consuming. SKULabs shines in this regard with easy integrations with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and eBay. It also supports integration with major shipping carriers, payment gateways, and accounting software. This means you can manage your entire business from one centralized location.

Scalability

One of the greatest things about eCommerce is the potential for rapid growth. However, this growth can be a double-edged sword if your systems can’t keep up. SKULabs is designed to grow with your business. It can handle increased demand, more complex operations, and a broader range of products without sacrificing performance. It is built for small businesses that know where everything is on their shelves, to large operations needing their dedicated batch system to guide pickers through the warehouse. 

Excellent Customer Support

Finally, SKULabs offers unparalleled customer support. This can be a lifesaver, especially when implementing a new system. Their team is available through email, phone, and live chat, ready to assist with any questions or issues that may arise.

The Bottom Line

For auto parts businesses looking to supercharge their eCommerce operations, SKULabs offers an efficient, robust, and user-friendly solution. Its suite of features simplifies inventory management, speeds up order fulfillment, increases accuracy, and streamlines your entire business operations. With its scalability and excellent customer support, SKULabs is a powerful ally for any auto parts eCommerce business looking to accelerate growth and improve operational efficiency. Make SKULabs the engine of your eCommerce success.

Connect with SKULabs Today

Now is the perfect time to discuss how we can help you set up your online auto parts store to help supercharge your pick-pack-ship process today!

Chat with one of our experts today.Schedule a meeting or give us a call at 1800-243-2986 to learn more.

Streamlining Small Business With SKULabs and Barcode Scanners

As the eCommerce industry continues to boom, businesses of all sizes must be armed with the right technology to compete effectively. One significant area to focus on is picking and packing, a process where efficiency and accuracy are essential. 

The pressure is always on for small businesses to keep pace with large corporations. The competition is fierce, and a small slip-up can easily result in lost sales and dissatisfied customers. Larger corporations might not feel this impact, but this can make or break a small startup. In the eCommerce landscape, an efficient shipping process with minimal errors is the lifeblood of any successful operation. That’s where SKULabs and barcode technology come into play.

Barcode Scanners and SKULabs: A Dynamic Duo

For those unfamiliar with us, SKULabs is an all-in-one order management and inventory control software. It’s designed to streamline the various stages of order processing, inventory tracking, and shipping for online sellers. It’s no secret that efficient use of technology can greatly enhance business productivity, and integrating barcode scanners with SKULabs is one such strategy.

Barcodes have been around for quite some time and are utilized in virtually every industry. They can store all sorts of product information in a format that can be quickly scanned and processed. When integrated with SKULabs, barcodes and scanners can supercharge a small business’s shipping process, resulting in faster turnaround times and fewer errors.

Faster Shipping

Time is money in the world of eCommerce. The faster you can process and ship an order, the better. This is especially true for small businesses that might not have the manpower or resources of larger competitors.

By using SKULabs in conjunction with barcode scanners, small businesses can process orders at an impressive speed. Instead of manually inputting order details and searching for items, employees can simply scan a product’s barcode. The product’s details are automatically entered into the SKULabs system, reducing the time spent on data entry and minimizing the potential for human error.

Barcode scanning allows for real-time updates to your inventory, ensuring the accurate tracking of items and stock levels. This can prevent the sale of items that are out of stock, thereby avoiding customer disappointment and the need for refunds or apologies.

Fewer Mistakes

Mistakes in order processing and shipping can be costly. Sending a wrong item, shipping to the wrong address, or selling a product that’s out of stock can lead to negative reviews, lost sales, and a tarnished reputation.

By utilizing barcode scanners and SKULabs, small businesses can greatly reduce the likelihood of such mistakes. Each barcode corresponds to a specific product, reducing the chances of confusing similar items or shipping the wrong product. Additionally, SKULabs’ automated system checks for any discrepancies between the order and the scanned items before shipping. If there’s a mismatch, the system alerts the user with a red screen and an audible alarm, preventing the shipment of incorrect order items.

Better Customer Satisfaction

Customers appreciate quick shipping and accurate orders. A system that ensures fast turnaround times and minimizes mistakes will undoubtedly lead to increased customer satisfaction. Happy customers are more likely to be repeat customers and to recommend your business to others. They are also less likely to leave negative reviews that can harm your business’s reputation. Therefore, investing in SKULabs and barcode scanners is a worthwhile move that can enhance customer loyalty and promote business growth.

The modern e-commerce landscape demands efficiency and accuracy, and small businesses need to utilize every tool at their disposal to compete. By integrating SKULabs with barcode scanners and dedicated batch picking system, small businesses can enhance their shipping speed and minimize mistakes. This will lead to increased customer satisfaction, improved reputation, and ultimately, greater business success. So, don’t let your business be left behind. Embrace SKULabs and barcode technology and set your business on the path to success.

Connect with SKULabs Today

Now is the perfect time to discuss how we can help you set up your barcodes and scanners to supercharge your picking and packing process today!

Chat with one of our experts today.

Schedule a meeting or give us a call at 1800-243-2986 to learn more.

KPI’s often overlooked in the digital marketplace

In the digital age, online selling has revolutionized the way businesses connect with their customers. Whether you’re a small eCommerce store or a multinational corporation, understanding and tracking key performance indicators (KPI’s) is vital for success in the competitive online marketplace. By now you know that order management, accurate inventory, and keeping the right things in stock, are the cornerstones to running a successful online store. But what are some of the other factors involved? These metrics provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of your online sales strategy and help identify areas for improvement. In this blog, we’ll delve into some of the most important KPI’s that can drive your online selling success that are often overlooked.

  1. Conversion Rate: Conversion rate is the percentage of website visitors who take a desired action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. It directly reflects the effectiveness of your sales funnel and overall website experience. Monitoring and optimizing your conversion rate can lead to higher sales and revenue generation.
  2. Average Order Value (AOV): AOV measures the average amount spent by customers in a single transaction. Increasing the AOV is crucial for maximizing revenue without necessarily acquiring more customers. Encouraging customers to add complementary products, offering bundled deals, or providing free shipping thresholds are effective strategies for boosting AOV.
  3. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): CLV quantifies the total value a customer brings to your business over their lifetime. It considers repeat purchases, average order value, and retention rates. Focusing on increasing CLV involves nurturing customer loyalty through personalized marketing, exceptional customer service, and rewards programs. A higher CLV indicates a strong customer base and a sustainable business.
  4. Cart Abandonment Rate: Cart abandonment refers to the percentage of customers who add items to their shopping carts but leave the website without completing the purchase. A high abandonment rate can indicate issues with the checkout process, unexpected costs, or lack of trust. Reducing cart abandonment requires optimizing the checkout flow, providing transparent pricing, and implementing effective remarketing strategies.
  5. Website Traffic and Sources: Monitoring website traffic and understanding its sources is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. By tracking metrics such as total visitors, unique visitors, and traffic sources, you can identify which marketing channels are driving the most valuable traffic. This knowledge enables you to allocate resources effectively and optimize your marketing strategy.
  6. Return on Ad Spend (ROAS): For businesses investing in online advertising, ROAS measures the revenue generated for each dollar spent on ads. It helps assess the profitability of your advertising campaigns and identify the most lucrative channels. By analyzing ROAS, you can allocate your ad budget wisely and optimize your campaigns to maximize return on investment (ROI).
  7. Customer Satisfaction and Reviews: Customer satisfaction is a crucial KPI that directly impacts your online reputation and long-term success. Positive customer reviews and high satisfaction scores boost trust, encourage repeat purchases, and attract new customers. Regularly monitoring customer feedback and promptly addressing any issues helps maintain a positive brand image and drives growth.
  8. Mobile Performance Metrics: With the increasing use of smartphones for online shopping, tracking mobile performance metrics is vital. Metrics such as mobile conversion rate, bounce rate, and load time on mobile devices provide insights into the mobile user experience. Optimizing your website for mobile devices and ensuring a seamless mobile shopping experience can significantly impact your online sales.

To excel in the competitive world of online selling, it’s crucial to track and analyze various key performance indicators. By monitoring these often overlooked metrics, businesses can make data-driven decisions, optimize their strategies, and drive growth. Leveraging these KPI’s will empower online sellers to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional customer experiences in the digital marketplace.

If you find you are spending too much time just getting things out the door, with little to no time in the day to pay attention to what really matters, you need SKULabs.

SKULabs can help you streamline your pick, pack and ship process empowering you to focus on what really matters to help drive more sales!

Connect with SKULabs Today

Now is the perfect time to discuss how we can help you free up time in your day to bring your business to the next level!

Chat with one of our experts today.

Schedule a meeting or give us a call at 1800-243-2986 to learn more.