Why outsourcing staff for e-commerce services is a smart business idea

Let’s be honest, running an online store these days? It’s like tap dancing in a minefield during a tornado.

You’ve got customers hitting you up at all hours, orders piling up, and enough data to make your head spin. You’re trying to grow, but you’re drowning in the day-to-day. 

Now, imagine if you could offload some of that chaos – not just to save money, but to actually breathe. 

That’s the real power of outsourcing for e-commerce services. 

It’s about finding smart, strategic partners who can handle the stuff that’s eating up your time. You can focus on what you’re actually good at: building your brand and making sales. 

It’s not just a business move; it’s a sanity-saving strategy.

In the 532nd episode of the Outsource Accelerator Podcast, Chris Rush, CEO and Founder of Staff Outsourcing Solutions, details how outsourcing brings a new level of efficiency and productivity, particularly in the e-commerce sphere. 

Key e-commerce services that can benefit from outsourcing

Think about the daily grind of running an online store – where are the bottlenecks, the time-sucks, the areas that could really use a specialist’s touch?

Chris agrees with the assessment that many e-commerce companies are early outsourcing adopters. 

“I would say probably over 60% of businesses are using some form of outsourcing e-commerce now, just because it’s hyper-competitive.” 

Here are some ideas of where outsourcing can help in e-commerce services: 

Customer support

In the digital age, customer experience reigns supreme. Outsourcing customer support for your e-commerce services ensures that inquiries are handled promptly and professionally, 24/7. 

This includes everything from answering product questions and resolving shipping issues to managing returns and handling complaints. 

A dedicated outsourced team allows you to provide consistent, high-quality support across multiple channels, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.   

Chris actually entered the outsourcing industry with a need for dedicated customer support. 

“I couldn’t find the talent I needed locally for the business. We also had a need to be open for night and weekend customer service. 

That’s not something I wanted to do internally, so I looked into outsourcing.” 

Order fulfillment and logistics

Managing inventory, packing orders, and coordinating shipping can be a logistical nightmare, especially during peak seasons. Outsourcing these tasks to a specialized logistics provider streamlines the fulfillment process, ensuring timely and accurate delivery. 

This minimizes errors, reduces shipping costs, and allows you to focus on growing your business.   

Product data management

Keeping product information accurate and up-to-date is crucial for online sales. Outsourcing product data management ensures that your listings are optimized for search engines and provide customers with detailed product descriptions, images, and specifications. 

This not only improves the customer experience but also enhances your search engine visibility and drives sales.   

Digital marketing and SEO

Driving traffic to your online store requires a robust digital marketing strategy. Outsourcing these e-commerce services to experts ensures that your campaigns are optimized for maximum impact. 

This includes everything from search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising to social media marketing and email campaigns. 

A dedicated team can help you reach your target audience, increase brand awareness, and drive conversions.   

Website maintenance and development

A well-functioning website is the backbone of any e-commerce business. Outsourcing website maintenance and development ensures that your site is secure, user-friendly, and optimized for performance. 

This includes everything from bug fixes and security updates to website design and development. A reliable outsourced team can keep your website running smoothly, allowing you to focus on growing your business.   

7 advantages of outsourcing staff for e-commerce services

Beyond just cutting costs, what if outsourcing could actually unlock hidden potential, giving you the freedom to focus on the big picture?

Here are several advantages of outsourcing staff for e-commerce services: 

1. Cost savings

Outsourcing e-commerce services can significantly reduce labor costs, especially when hiring from regions with lower wage rates. This allows you to allocate your budget to other critical areas of your business, such as marketing and product development.   

Chris lays it out for those on the fence. 

“If you’re at a 10% margin and you can save, you know, $20,000 a month in staffing, that equals $200,000 a month in sales or if you’re at a 5% net margin, that’s $400,000 a month in sales. 

So that’s just going to free up cash that you can use to pursue other avenues.” 

2. Access to specialized expertise 

Outsourcing provides access to a pool of highly skilled professionals with specialized expertise in various e-commerce services. 

This ensures that tasks are handled efficiently and effectively, leading to improved performance and results.   

3. Increased scalability and flexibility 

Outsourcing allows you to quickly scale your team up or down based on your business needs. 

This adaptability is especially useful at busy times of the year or when growth is quick. It allows you to adapt to changing demands without incurring significant overhead costs.   

4. 24/7 operations 

Outsourcing customer support and other essential e-commerce services enables you to provide round-the-clock service to your customers. This enhances customer satisfaction and allows you to capture sales from different time zones.   

5. Focus on core competencies 

Outsourcing non-core functions allows you to free up your internal resources and focus on your core competencies, such as product development and marketing strategy. 

This can lead to increased innovation and improved overall business performance.   

Chris wholeheartedly affirms this freedom.

“Outsourcing gives companies the opportunity to get into other areas that maybe would just not be possible without that lower-cost staff.”

6. Reduced risk 

Outsourcing to reputable providers minimizes the risks associated with hiring and managing in-house staff, such as payroll, benefits, and legal compliance. This allows you to focus on growing your business without worrying about administrative burdens.

7. Faster turnaround times 

Outsourcing to specialized teams can significantly reduce project turnaround times. You get the chance to launch new products, implement marketing campaigns, and respond to customer inquiries more quickly. 

This speed and agility can give you a competitive edge in the fast-paced e-commerce landscape.   

Best practices when outsourcing e-commerce services

Jumping into outsourcing can feel like uncharted territory, so let’s map out the essential steps to ensure a smooth and successful partnership:

Clear communication 

Establish clear communication channels and protocols to ensure seamless collaboration with your outsourced team. 

Regular meetings, video conferencing, and project management tools are essential for effective communication.   

In his role at Staff Outsourcing, Chris ensures that his team really speaks with clients to understand their needs and help them solve problems. 

“80% of our clients are first-time outsourcers, [so] we bring a lot of experience of things to avoid, things that have gone wrong, etc.

That experience has really helped us help our clients.”   

Detailed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) 

Define clear expectations and performance metrics in your SLAs to ensure that your outsourced team meets your standards. This includes response times, quality standards, and reporting requirements.   

Thorough vetting process 

Conduct a thorough vetting process to ensure that you select a reputable and reliable outsourcing provider. 

This includes checking references, reviewing past performance, and assessing their expertise in your specific e-commerce services.

Cultural sensitivity 

Foster a culturally sensitive environment by understanding and respecting cultural differences. Provide cultural training and encourage open dialogue to promote mutual understanding and collaboration.

Regular performance reviews 

Conduct regular performance reviews to ensure that your outsourced team is meeting your expectations and identify areas for improvement. 

This allows you to maintain quality control and ensure that your e-commerce services are being delivered effectively.   

If you’re looking to outsource e-commerce services, partnering with a professional brand like Staff Outsourcing is your best bet.

Chris and his team are always open to hear you out and assist.

“If we can be someone that you can talk to about your problems and offer some kind of of solution as a staffing or outsourcing company, I think that’s powerful, and honestly, that’s one of the reasons we’ve grown so much.”