We’ve been in the apparel industry for 18 years, and both in-store and online shopping experiences have evolved tremendously since we first started pressing shirts.

In honor of Black Friday, it feels right to share a few expert insights on how to streamline fulfillment as an apparel brand.

This is the time of year when the stakes are high, and the opportunities are massive. But here’s the thing—every year, countless businesses stumble during this critical sales period, facing fulfillment nightmares that lead to lost revenue and unhappy customers.

We’ve seen it happen: overwhelmed systems, shipping delays, inventory shortages, customer service hiccups—the list goes on. Whether you’re handling bulk wholesale orders or shipping directly to eager shoppers, your fulfillment strategy needs to be rock-solid to navigate the Black Friday frenzy.

Our experts at Scrappy have put together five essential fulfillment tips to help you not just survive but thrive during Black Friday. From smart inventory management to lightning-fast shipping, these strategies are your ticket to a smooth and successful sales event.

Partner with Scrappy Apparel for a Streamlined Multichannel Apparel Fulfillment Solution

1. Master Your Inventory Management

First things first—let’s talk inventory.

For streetwear and sportswear brands, product scarcity can be a double-edged sword. While limited releases can build hype, running out of stock too soon can leave money on the table and disappoint your loyal fanbase.

For example, Supreme’s drops often sell out in minutes. While the hype is unreal, imagine if they misjudge demand and either overproduce (diluting exclusivity) or underproduce (missing out on potential sales).

Here’s how you can avoid that happening to your brand:

• Leverage Data Analytics: Dive into last year’s Black Friday data and recent sales trends. 
• Segment Your Inventory: Prioritize your bestsellers and limited editions. If your signature graphic tees are hot sellers, ensure you have ample stock.
• Implement Real-Time Tracking: Use inventory management software that updates stock levels across all platforms—your website, physical stores, and marketplaces like Amazon.
• Communicate with Suppliers: If you’re expecting a surge in demand, give your manufacturers a heads-up to adjust production schedules.

You could also consider holding a pre-Black Friday VIP sale for your most loyal customers. This not only rewards them but also gives you early insights into which products are likely to be hits.

2. Streamline Your Order Processing

When the orders start pouring in, you need a system that’s smooth and error-free.

In the apparel world, especially with streetwear drops, customers expect instant gratification. Any hiccup in order processing can lead to cart abandonment or negative reviews.

Tips to nail it:

• Automate Where Possible: Implement order management systems that automatically process payments, confirm orders, and update inventory.
• Integrate Platforms: Ensure your e-commerce platform (like Shopify or WooCommerce) is seamlessly connected with your inventory and fulfillment systems.
• Load Test Your Website: Anticipate heavy traffic and make sure your site can handle the surge. Slow load times can deter impatient shoppers.
• Simplify the Checkout Process: Reduce the number of steps required to complete a purchase. Offer guest checkouts and multiple payment options like Apple Pay and PayPal.
• Set Up a Mobile-Optimized Site or App: With a significant number of shoppers browsing on their phones, a smooth mobile experience can boost conversions.

3. Speed Up Your Shipping

In the age of Amazon Prime, fast shipping isn’t a luxury—it’s an expectation.

Getting products into customers’ hands quickly can be the difference between a one-time buyer and a lifelong fan.

Here are a few tips to provide a 5-star shipping experience:

• Partner with a 4PL Provider: A 4PL partner will manage relationships with 3PL warehouses, oversee the supply chain for you, eliminate bottlenecks, and ensure efficiency at every step. 
• Implement Real-Time Order Tracking: Customers appreciate knowing exactly where their new hoodie is on its journey.
• Offer Express Shipping: Even if it costs extra, give customers the choice.
• Communicate Cut-Off Times: Clearly state the last day to order for guaranteed Black Friday delivery.

4. Prepare for Demand Surges

Black Friday isn’t your average day—it’s game day, and you need to be in peak condition.

Unpreparedness can lead to system crashes, overwhelmed staff, and ultimately, disappointed customers who might turn to competitors.

You can prepare for Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend by doing the following:

• Hire Temporary Staff: Bring in extra hands for customer service and other key functions.
• Implement Queue Systems: For extremely high demand, virtual waiting rooms can manage site load and keep customers informed.
• Boost Server Capacity: Work with your hosting provider to handle increased web traffic.
• Plan with Carriers: Ensure your shipping partners are ready for increased pickups and deliveries.

Also, make sure to use social media to engage with customers in real time. If issues arise, transparent communication on platforms like Instagram and X can maintain trust.

5. Communicate Clearly!

Effective communication builds loyalty, reduces anxiety about orders, and enhances the overall shopping experience.

For example, Gymshark, a leading fitness apparel brand, excels at customer communication. During peak sales, they proactively update customers about shipping times and any potential delays, maintaining a strong brand-customer relationship. They also have an onsite chatbot that will route you to a human agent if you have a complex request.

Here are some examples of communication channels your brand should leverage:

• Email Notifications: Send order confirmations, shipping updates, and delivery confirmations.
• SMS Alerts: For more immediate communication, especially about shipping status.
• App Notifications: If you have a mobile app, use push notifications for real-time updates.

Offer transparent policies, such as:

• A Clear Return Policy: Outline how returns and exchanges work, especially for gift purchases.
• FAQs and Support: Have an easily accessible help center to answer common questions.

Scrappy Apparel Helps You Win on Black Friday

We get it—managing all these moving parts can be overwhelming.

That’s why Scrappy offers an apparel-first, end-to-end supply chain management solution.

We streamline your entire supply chain—from smart inventory management to fast, reliable shipping—so you can meet high demand without breaking a sweat. 

Our e-commerce optimization seamlessly integrates with your online store, providing real-time inventory tracking and same-day shipping for orders placed by noon. 

We also support limited edition drops to help you create buzz and drive demand, all while maintaining optimal stock levels with advanced inventory systems.

What sets Scrappy Apparel apart is our ability to scale with your business, especially during peak times like Black Friday. We offer dedicated warehouse space, custom packing slips, and nationwide delivery without any per SKU fees—allowing you to expand your product range without hidden costs. 

Whether you’re selling online or through retail channels, Scrappy’s fulfillment programs provide the efficiency, reliability, and scalability you need.

Ready to Invest in a 5-Star Fulfillment Experience for Your Brand?

Did you know that 41% of business leaders struggle to generate insights from their customer data? 

If you have an apparel brand, you’ve probably noticed the growing buzz around data privacy and how companies interact with their customers online. 

However, you might not realize this…

With privacy regulations tightening and third-party cookies being phased out, relying on external platforms to tell you about your customers is becoming a thing of the past.

First-party data is the information you collect directly from your customers—like email addresses, purchase history, preferences, or how they interact with your website. 

Unlike third-party data, which comes from external sources like social media platforms or data brokers, first-party data belongs to you.

This change will affect how you market to your customers going forward. That’s why we thought it was important to cover this topic on the blog this week!

Enjoy Stress-Free Logistics with Scrappy’s E-Commerce Fulfillment Solutions

Why First-Party Data is Such a Big Deal

First-party data includes information gathered from customer interactions, like:

• Website and mobile app activity
• Purchase history and transaction data
• Email and newsletter engagement
• Customer feedback and surveys
• Social media interactions
• Point-of-sale systems data

What sets first-party data apart is its accuracy—it comes straight from your customers. By tapping into their behaviors and preferences, you gain insights to create personalized experiences that drive real results.

Research from Google shows that brands using first-party data for marketing have achieved a 2.9x revenue lift and a 1.5x increase in cost savings.

The Decline of Third-Party Cookies

Today, customers want more control over their own information. They’re rejecting cookies and raising even more concerns about privacy.

Major platforms like Google have responded by reducing reliance on third-party tracking, reshaping how brands collect and use data.

However, this isn’t the end of personalization in marketing! It’s only the beginning.

You should focus on data you collect directly from your audience. By being transparent and following privacy rules like GDPR and CCPA, you can build trust while personalizing your marketing campaigns.

How Your Apparel Brand Can Use First-Party Data

Transforming your customer data into actionable insights can boost your profits! Here’s how:

Personalizing the Customer Experience

66% of consumers expect brands to understand their needs. You can use your customer data to offer personalized product recommendations based on purchase history. 

If you store this data in a modern CRM, every piece of information you collect from your customers can be used to give them an experience that feels like you really know them.

Gaining a Competitive Advantage

Your first-party data is a unique asset that competitors can’t duplicate. 

By connecting data points across channels, you gain insights that inform smarter decisions. For example, you can create new products that are similar to ones your customers already love. 

You can also use data to decide how many units of each item to stock. (This is especially important during peak times, like Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend!)

Leveraging first-party data positions your apparel brand for long-term growth while meeting privacy expectations. It’s a win-win strategy!

Can You Use First-Party Data Ethically and Effectively?

The answer is yes!

The key is to be transparent about how you’re going to use your customers’ data after you collect it.

Here’s what we mean:

Use Your E-Commerce Platform

By tracking behaviors like purchase history and browsing patterns, you can uncover trends and tailor your offerings to what resonates most.

And when you’re upfront about what you’re collecting and why, customers appreciate the honesty, which only strengthens their trust in your brand. You should include this info in your website’s privacy policy.

Make Loyalty Programs Work Smarter

Loyalty programs reward your customers for shopping with you while giving you insights into their preferences, interests, and shopping habits. The key is to offer value to the customer in exchange for these insights!

Remember to Talk to Your Customers!

Don’t underestimate the power of a direct connection. Social media interactions, customer support inquiries, and even quick polls on Instagram can reveal so much about your audience. These moments are opportunities to show that your brand genuinely cares.

Scrappy Apparel’s E-Commerce Fulfillment Solutions Were Created for High-Volume Brands

Scaling your apparel brand means integrating data collection into every aspect of your operations—especially fulfillment.

At Scrappy Apparel, we know that getting products to your customers quickly and accurately is just as important as the quality of your designs. That’s why we’ve developed a full-service fulfillment program for brands that sell thousands of garments per month.

Here’s what you can expect from our program:

Fast Shipping = Happy Customers

Nobody likes waiting around for orders, and with our system, they won’t have to. We pride ourselves on our fast delivery times.

Accuracy is key, too—our streamlined process minimizes the margin of error so customers get exactly what they ordered.

Shopify Made Easy

Our fulfillment system syncs with Shopify to give you real-time updates on inventory, shipping, and orders. No more guesswork, no more juggling spreadsheets—just a clear, simple way to keep everything running smoothly.

Our team offers Shopify store management services if you want additional support. We also integrate with other e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce.

Built to Grow With You

You’ll never outgrow us! Our system scales to meet your needs. 

We’ll help cut shipping costs, optimize warehouse locations, and keep your operations efficient as you grow. With our expert team, you’ll always have someone to help solve any logistics challenges that come up.

Ready to Make Apparel Fulfillment Simple, Fast, and Stress-Free?

At Scrappy Apparel, we believe that creating the perfect garment begins long before the stitching starts.

However, sourcing raw materials, choosing the right suppliers, and building a robust supply chain require a lot of hard work. That’s why we developed our solutions to do all the heavy lifting for you.

We help our partners by sourcing the finest raw materials to produce premium garments. We’ve teamed up with a variety of suppliers who share our commitment to excellence, like Original Favorites. 

Known for their luxurious Supima cotton, Original Favorites stands out as a top choice for brands seeking to offer high-end products. If you’re looking for luxury streetwear apparel that you can sell at a premium price tag, you’ll want to read this supplier spotlight.

Get ready to discover how sourcing from Original Favorites helps us produce garments that make your customers say, “Wow, I never want to take this off!”

Screen Print Original Favorites Garments with Scrappy Apparel

Brand Values and Vision

Original Favorites serves the apparel industry with a clear vision: to provide top-quality garments for those unwilling to compromise on their brand. 

This commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their business, from material selection to customer service.

Quality Without Compromise

We love partnering with Original Favorites because they share the same dedication to quality that we promise our customers at Scrappy Apparel.

All their garments—including sweatshirts, t-shirts, and knit beanies—are all crafted with premium materials. The brand uses Supima® cotton, cashmere, merino wool, and organic cotton fibers to ensure that each item meets the highest standards of comfort and durability.

Their 6 oz. SUPIMA® cotton t-shirts are a prime example of this commitment. Made from Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton grown in California, these tees offer an extraordinary hand feel. 

Sustainability Focus

Original Favorites recognizes the growing importance of sustainability in the fashion industry. 

Their product line includes 100% organic cotton options, catering to businesses that want to differentiate themselves through quality and eco-friendly practices.

The brand’s French Terry collection showcases this commitment to sustainability. Each piece is individually garment-dyed to create a perfect, lived-in feel. 

You can get these styles in a range of colors, including Sage, Dune, Rosewood, Seaside, and Black, all made with organic cotton.

American-Grown Materials

Original Favorites takes pride in using American-grown materials, particularly their Supima® cotton. This premium cotton is cultivated in California, ensuring not only quality but also supporting local agriculture.

The brand’s 6 oz. SUPIMA® cotton t-shirts are made from 100% American-grown Supima® cotton. This commitment to using domestic materials allows Original Favorites to maintain strict quality control and offer ethically sourced wholesale clothing.

Original Favorites takes sourcing verification to the next level, partnering with Oritain to ensure the authenticity of their premium cotton.

Using cutting-edge forensic science, they can trace each fiber back to its geographical origin. This offers true transparency. 

Oritain’s peer-reviewed methodology analyzes trace elements and isotopes unique to specific environments, creating a verifiable “fingerprint” for the cotton.

So, when you choose Original Favorites, you’re getting a product with a pedigree!

If you’re looking to manufacture a high-end screen printed garment for your brand, Original Favorites is worth considering. Their blanks are the perfect base for retail ready screen printing.

Product Spotlight: Sweatshirts

Original Favorites has sweatshirts that meet the needs of businesses that promise excellence to their customers. So, what makes these sweatshirts a top choice for your custom apparel needs?

400gsm Organic Cotton

Original Favorites’ sweatshirts are crafted using heavyweight 400gsm organic cotton. This premium material offers a perfect balance of durability and comfort. 

Custom-milled for Original Favorites’ clients, these GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Sweatshirts have gained recognition for their sturdy construction and soft feel. 

The heavyweight fabric ensures that your designs will have a high-quality canvas to work with. Your apparel will have a premium look and hand feel, which will make it easier for you to charge more and still sell out your launches!

Design Features

Original Favorites has put careful thought into the design of their sweatshirts. One standout feature is the 4-inch wide double folded flat-knit side ribbing. This design element adds extra flexibility to the garment, allowing for ease of movement and a better fit.

Reverse-flatlock stitching holds the garment together securely and contributes to its overall durability. The combination of these design elements results in a sweatshirt that’s built to last, maintaining its shape and quality even after repeated wear and washes.

Product Spotlight: T-Shirts

Not all t-shirts are created equal, but Original Favorites has the formula for developing a luxury garment that is wearable, durable, and worthy of “favorite t-shirt” status.

Here’s what sets their t-shirts apart:

6 oz. Supima® Cotton

As we mentioned above, Original Favorites’ t-shirts are crafted using 6 oz. Supima® cotton, known as the world’s finest cotton. These tees are made from 100% American-grown Supima® cotton, cultivated in California under strict quality control guidelines. The result is a t-shirt with an extraordinary hand and feel.

The use of Extra Long Staple (ELS) Supima® cotton ensures that these t-shirts offer superior softness, durability, and color retention compared to regular cotton tees. This premium material allows your designs to shine on a high-quality canvas, enhancing the overall appearance of your customized apparel.

Unique Characteristics

What sets Original Favorites’ t-shirts apart is their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. These 200gsm Supima® American Cotton T-Shirts offer something that’s not commonly available in the market.

The t-shirts are custom-milled for Original Favorites’ clients, ensuring a level of quality that’s hard to match. This attention to detail results in a product that’s beautiful and well-made.

Customization Options

With the help of a professional manufacturing partner like Scrappy Apparel, you can customize Original Favorites blanks to represent your brand in the best light.

Whether you’re looking to add intricate embroidery or bold screen prints, these t-shirts provide an excellent base for your designs. The premium Supima® cotton ensures that your customizations will look crisp and vibrant for years to come.

By choosing Original Favorites’ t-shirts, you’re not just selecting a garment—you’re investing in a product that truly represents your brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability. 

Wondering how you can move forward with the manufacturing process once you’ve chosen a blank you love? We’re glad you asked…

Screen Print Your Garments to Perfection with Scrappy Apparel

When you choose Scrappy for your screen printing needs, you’re tapping into a world of top-tier apparel customization. From our 18+ years in the apparel industry, we’ve perfected our screen printing capabilities. 

Today, we’re proud to offer a variety of screen printing options to our partners:

• Want to print your design larger than life? You can leverage our Monster Screen Printing technology to print your design up to 17” by 22” on the garment. 
• Want photo-realistic designs that pop? Our simulated process technique has you covered with the ability to print up to 16 colors with precision. 
• Dreaming of a design that covers every inch of the garment? Our all-over screen printing service, using soft, breathable, water-based inks, turns that dream into reality. (Not available on Original Favorites garments—only Scrappy Apparel garments.)

At Scrappy, we bring your designs to life, ensuring that each garment tells your brand’s story in the most visually striking way possible.

And remember, we do all the work to coordinate with suppliers, negotiate rates, and streamline the supply chain for you. When you choose us, you’ll save hours of time (and stress) so you can focus on your core business.

Ready to Begin Your Project?

As the holiday season approaches, TikTok is revolutionizing social selling by capitalizing on America’s peak consumerism.

The platform’s genius lies in its seamless integration of content creation, social interaction, and shopping, incentivizing creators to promote products directly to their audiences. E-commerce for apparel brands has never been this exciting!

With an integrated shopping cart and enticing discounts for new customers, TikTok Shop offers a streamlined, one-stop shopping experience that’s challenging e-commerce giants like Amazon.

Join us as we uncover the strategies behind TikTok’s social selling revolution and its impact on creators, brands, and consumers alike.

Grow Your E-Commerce Brand with the Help of Scrappy Apparel

Understanding TikTok’s E-Commerce Ecosystem

TikTok Shop is one of the top social commerce platforms, offering both entertainment and shopping. This innovative feature allows you to discover and purchase products seamlessly within the app, creating a frictionless shopping experience. 

With its vast user base and engaging content, TikTok Shop has become a thriving marketplace for businesses—and creators—of all sizes.

TikTok Shop vs. Traditional TikTok Marketing

Unlike traditional TikTok marketing, which focuses primarily on brand awareness, TikTok Shop enables direct sales through the platform. 

You can now browse products, read reviews, and make purchases without leaving the app. This integration of commerce and content has changed the way brands connect with their audience, making it far easier to convert views into sales.

Integration with Other Platform Features

TikTok Shop leverages the platform’s existing features to create a fully integrated shopping environment. You can discover products through in-feed videos, LIVE streams, and the new Shop tab. 

These features allow brands to showcase their products in creative ways, taking advantage of TikTok’s engaging video format. The platform’s algorithm also plays a crucial role in product discovery, presenting you with items that align with your interests and preferences.

The Vital Role of Creators

Through the Affiliate Program, creators can connect with sellers and earn commissions by promoting products in their content. This symbiotic relationship between creators and brands has created a powerful ecosystem where authenticity and commerce intersect. 

As a result, you’re more likely to trust product recommendations from your favorite creators, making the shopping experience more personal and engaging.

How TikTok Shop Incentivizes Social Selling

TikTok Shop offers a range of financial incentives to encourage participation and drive sales. The platform’s revenue-sharing models provide creators with opportunities to earn from their influence and creativity.

Revenue Sharing Models

TikTok Shop’s affiliate program allows creators to earn commissions by promoting products in their content. You can connect with sellers and receive a percentage of sales generated through your videos. This model incentivizes you to create engaging content that resonates with your audience and drives conversions.

Performance-Based Bonuses

To further motivate creators, TikTok Shop offers performance-based bonuses. These rewards are calculated based on factors such as video views, engagement rates, and sales generated. 

The Creator Rewards Program, for instance, pays between 50 cents to $1 per thousand views for eligible content. This program encourages you to produce high-quality, original videos that keep viewers engaged.

By leveraging these financial incentives, creators can turn their TikTok presence into lucrative business opportunities.

Examples of TikTok Creators Using Their Platforms to Earn Commissions

The Benefits of Social Selling for Apparel Brands

Influencer marketing is not dead! By leveraging the influence and creativity of TikTok creators, you can tap into engaged audiences and create authentic connections with potential customers.

When teaming up with creators on TikTok Shop, it’s important to look beyond just their follower count. Dive into TikTok’s Creator Marketplace to find influencers whose audience aligns with your target market. Engagement rates, content quality, and how well they fit with your brand should come first. 

Micro-influencers (with 10,000-100,000 followers) can be a great option for niche markets or to test out new partnerships without breaking the bank. Be sure to review a creator’s previous brand collaborations to see how authentic and effective they’ve been. 

Once you find the right partners, make sure the terms are clear—what content they’ll create, how often they’ll post, and what success looks like.

Align your TikTok efforts with your broader marketing calendar to keep your messaging consistent across all platforms. Exclusive TikTok collections or limited-time offers can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, drawing people in. 

Don’t forget to assess your creator partnerships regularly based on performance to make sure you’re getting a good return on investment. 

How Scrappy’s Apparel Fulfillment Services Empower E-Commerce on TikTok

As an ambitious apparel brand owner, you understand the challenges of managing orders, inventory, and shipping while simultaneously focusing on growth.

Scrappy’s e-commerce fulfillment program offers a comprehensive solution to streamline your operations and propel your business forward.

Our state-of-the-art apparel fulfillment solutions provide:

• Rapid order processing and delivery
• Significant cost reductions in logistics
• Optimized supply chain management
• Expert inventory oversight

By partnering with Scrappy, you gain access to a team of apparel industry specialists dedicated to your brand’s success.

Our end-to-end fulfillment services allow you to redirect your focus toward core business activities such as design innovation and market expansion.

Scrappy’s apparel fulfillment solutions are designed to scale with your business—you’ll never outgrow us!

Ready to Begin Your Project?

The ShipBob State of Ecommerce Fulfillment Report: 2024 Edition predicted that 64% of brands would add at least one new sales channel in 2024.

We’re now headed into Q4 2024, and it’s clear that multichannel fulfillment operations are non-negotiable for apparel brands that want to scale.

With the rapid growth of mobile e-commerce and the proliferation of diverse sales channels, brands are continuously seeking innovative ways to connect with their target audiences. 

From online stores and mobile apps to experiential pop-up shops, brick-and-mortar locations, and on-tour merchandise sales, the modern consumer expects a seamless shopping experience across all platforms.

This shift towards omnichannel retail has made it imperative for businesses to adopt robust multichannel fulfillment solutions. As brands expand their reach through various touchpoints, the complexity of managing inventory, processing orders, and ensuring timely deliveries across these diverse channels has increased exponentially. 

A unified, efficient fulfillment strategy is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for survival and growth in the competitive apparel market.

That’s why our experts at Scrappy Apparel chose one of the leading fulfillment platforms to address the multifaceted challenges of modern retail. Today, we’re going to share seven ways our platform can take your apparel operations to the next level.

Streamline Your Supply Chain with Scrappy Apparel’s Fulfillment Solutions

1. 4PL by Scrappy Bridges the Gap Between Brands and Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers

4PL by Scrappy is our fulfillment program that allows us to act as a fourth-party logistics (4PL) solution when working with our partners.

In this capacity, Scrappy oversees and manages the entire supply chain process, including coordinating with multiple third-party logistics (3PL) providers, optimizing transportation routes, handling inventory management, and streamlining overall logistics operations.

The fulfillment platform comes into play by streamlining warehousing, inventory management, and other logistics functions. We act as the single point of contact, so our partners don’t need to coordinate with multiple vendors just to get things done.

2. We Offer Centralized Inventory Management That Offers Scalable Fulfillment Operations

Scrappy’s centralized inventory management system, anchored in our Miami warehouse, offers a game-changing solution for the partners we work with.

By consolidating all inventory into one strategic location, this approach streamlines operations, significantly reduces overhead costs, and simplifies stock control. It enables our partners to maintain consistent order fulfillment while gaining clearer visibility into their inventory levels and movement.

This system serves as a powerful hub for multichannel retail, allowing brands to efficiently distribute products across various sales channels while maintaining the benefits of centralized inventory control.

3. In-Warehouse Mobile Scanning and Barcode Technology Improves Productivity

This sophisticated system improves visibility from the moment products are received at our facilities to the final shipping stage, ensuring faster, more reliable fulfillment that meets the demands of today’s e-commerce world.

Our mobile scanning devices allow warehouse staff to quickly and accurately process incoming inventory, update stock levels in real time, and locate items for order fulfillment with pinpoint precision. 

The barcode technology we employ enables seamless tracking of each item throughout its journey in our warehouse, minimizing errors and significantly reducing the time required for order processing.

4. Our Platform Increases Inventory Accuracy

Our platform offers an exceptional level of accuracy that we achieve through a combination of advanced technology, rigorous quality control processes, and highly trained staff.

Additionally, Scrappy’s proprietary approach to supply chain management helps maintain accuracy throughout the entire fulfillment process.

5. We Reduce Lead Time Significantly

We’re exceptionally proud to offer our partners a game-changing 67% reduction in lead time, a feat that dramatically accelerates the entire process from the moment an order is placed to when it’s fulfilled and shipped to the eager customer. This significant improvement in efficiency is the result of our relentless focus on optimizing every aspect of our fulfillment solutions.

This faster and more efficient system benefits both brands and consumers:

• For brands, it means improved cash flow as products move more quickly from inventory to customers, reduced storage costs, and the ability to operate with leaner inventories. It also allows for more agile responses to market trends and customer demands. 
• For consumers, this translates to faster deliveries, improving their overall shopping experience and increasing their likelihood of making repeat purchases.

6. Our Team Provides Multichannel Apparel Fulfillment Services

We’ve designed our fulfillment solutions to integrate seamlessly with various sales channels, enabling brands to execute a comprehensive multichannel fulfillment strategy. 

Regardless of where customers place their orders—be it through e-commerce websites, mobile apps, social media, or physical stores—our system efficiently manages the entire fulfillment process. 

Our multichannel inventory solutions support this omnichannel approach, integrating with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, plus many other sales channels.

7. Scrappy’s Fulfillment Platform Offers Transparency and Visibility

We can give our partners real-time visibility into stock levels and order management. This level of transparency allows brands to closely monitor their inventory, track order statuses, and access crucial performance metrics instantaneously. 

With this information, brands can make informed decisions to optimize their inventory, forecast demand, and plan restocking strategies. This helps prevent stockouts and excess inventory, improving cash flow management and overall operational efficiency.

Learn About Streamlining Your E-commerce Fulfillment Solutions with Scrappy

Our end-to-end supply chain management solutions go beyond just fulfillment—we integrate everything from manufacturing to delivery. 

By connecting the dots between apparel manufacturing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and logistics, we ensure your entire process runs smoothly from start to finish. With our platform, you get real-time visibility and control over every stage, from the moment your products are manufactured to when they land at your customer’s door.

Let Scrappy Apparel take the hassle out of managing your fulfillment. Our platform is designed to grow with you and meet your needs as your brand expands. We’re here to help you deliver on your promises and keep your customers happy.

Get in touch with us today to see how we can make your fulfillment process smoother and more efficient!

Are you struggling to meet customer expectations for quick delivery?

Many fashion retailers face challenges in streamlining their supply chain and improving order processing speeds.

However, fast shipping times are paramount for maintaining customer satisfaction.

According to a survey by Voxware, 69% of consumers are less inclined to shop with a retailer if an item isn’t delivered within two days of the promised date.

Additionally, 86% of shoppers have even greater expectations for delivery times during the holiday shopping season.

The good news is that there are strategies you can implement to boost your shipping efficiency and protect your customer satisfaction rates.

Let’s explore how partnering with a 4PL provider can revolutionize your logistics operations.

By putting these strategies into action, you’ll be well on your way to faster delivery times and happier customers.

Transform Your Supply Chain with Scrappy Apparel

Analyze Current Shipping Bottlenecks

To improve your shipping times, you need to start by identifying the bottlenecks in your current processes.

This analysis will help you pinpoint areas for improvement and develop targeted strategies to enhance your apparel fulfillment operations.

Identify Slow Points in Fulfillment

To streamline your fulfillment process, you need to focus on slow-moving inventory. This refers to products that have been in stock for an extended period without selling.

These items not only take up valuable warehouse space but also lead to rising inventory costs. They tie up capital that could be used more productively.

To address this issue:

• Monitor how long items have been in inventory, focusing on those exceeding the typical sales cycle for their category.
• Implement an inventory management system to track inventory movements and provide actionable insights.
• Calculate the inventory turnover ratio to identify slow-moving items by comparing the cost of goods sold to average inventory.
• Use accurate demand forecasting to align your stock with customer demand.

Assess Carrier Performance

Evaluating your carriers’ performance is crucial for improving shipping times. By tracking key metrics, you can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about your shipping partners.

Key performance indicators to monitor include:

• On-time performance (OTP): This metric is based on service level agreements (SLAs) and categorizes shipments according to delivery time. 95% or higher is considered a good OTP.
• Average transit time: This measures the actual number of days in transit for your shipments.
• Claim ratio: This percentage indicates the number of claims against a carrier compared to their overall shipments delivered.

To calculate these metrics:

1. Define your time frame and criteria for on-time delivery.
2. Use the formula: (Total On-Time Deliveries / Total Deliveries) x 100 to calculate OTP.
3. Estimate transit times: Determine pickup and delivery locations, check carrier service maps, and consider delivery options.
4. Calculate the claim ratio using: Total Claims / Total Shipments.

By reviewing these metrics, you can identify which carriers are performing well and which may be contributing to shipping delays.

This information will help you to optimize your carrier selection and improve overall shipping times for your apparel brand.

Improve Customer Communication

Communication is everything, especially when it comes to shipping delays. Customers want to know where their orders are at all times.

Here’s how you can give them peace of mind:

Proactive Shipping Updates

Many negative reviews result from delivery issues, especially in the fashion retail sector.

Did you know? 85% of shoppers seek out negative reviews to help them make informed buying choices, according to Neil Patel’s blog. This tendency is even more pronounced among younger consumers aged 18-29, with 91% of them doing so.

To address this, implement a system for proactive shipping updates. When delivery timelines change, promptly email customers to inform them of the delay and, if possible, provide a reason.

This transparency builds trust and reduces customer inquiries about order status.

Clear Delivery Expectations

Customers want clarity on shipping costs, delivery times, and return policies.

In fact, 45% of consumers emphasize the importance of clearly anticipated delivery times.

To meet this expectation, display accurate estimated delivery dates at checkout. This practice can nearly eliminate “Where Is My Order” (WISMO) requests, saving your customer service team valuable time.

Offer a variety of shipping options. 66% of consumers have chosen one retailer over another due to more delivery choices.

Easy Returns Process

An easy returns process is essential for customer retention.

According to the 2021 Narvar Benchmarks Report, 76% of first-time customers who had an “easy” or “very easy” returns experience would shop with the retailer again.

However, 33% of repeat customers would abandon a retailer after a “difficult” returns experience.

You always want to set clear expectations and create a seamless shopping experience that encourages customer loyalty and reduces returns.

Optimize Your Supply Chain

The faster your supply chain operates, the faster you can get your garments into customers’ hands.

Here are the key components you should focus on when optimizing your supply chain:

Build Partnerships with Strategically Placed 3PL Warehouses

Partnering with third-party logistics (3PL) providers can significantly optimize your supply chain.

3PLs offer flexible storage options with multiple warehouses in strategic locations, allowing you to optimize inventory storage based on demand and reduce shipping costs.

By leveraging their established infrastructure, you can expand your reach into new markets without significant capital investments.

Track Inventory Levels in Real-Time

Implementing real-time inventory tracking is crucial for efficient supply chain management.

With access to a fulfillment platform, you can monitor your inventory across all sales channels, preventing stockouts and excess inventory.

This visibility allows you to make informed decisions about restocking and helps streamline your overall supply chain by limiting waste and improving efficiency.

Distribute Inventory Based on Demand

To streamline your supply chain, it’s a good idea to distribute inventory based on demand.

Analyze past sales data to identify seasonal peaks and trends that affect demand. Use this information to inform your stocking decisions, ensuring you have enough garments when demand increases.

This proactive strategy helps you capitalize on popular items and avoid getting stuck with outdated stock.

Use a Multichannel Fulfillment Strategy

Adopting a multichannel fulfillment strategy can help you meet customer expectations across various sales channels.

You want to integrate inventory, orders, and fulfillment processes seamlessly across channels, including retail stores, your own website, and online marketplaces.

By implementing this strategy, you can provide a consistent customer experience and optimize your supply chain efficiency.

Outsource Fulfillment to a Specialized 4PL Partner

Partnering with a fourth-party logistics (4PL) provider can revolutionize your supply chain management.

A 4PL partner like Scrappy Apparel offers comprehensive supply chain oversight by serving as a single point of contact for all stages of the apparel production process. This includes sourcing raw materials, managing manufacturing, and overseeing warehousing and fulfillment operations.

By integrating these functions, Scrappy ensures consistent quality and efficient operations, eliminating the need for managing multiple vendors. Our scalable solutions allow brands to grow without sacrificing quality, providing reliable manufacturing and timely delivery through an extensive logistics network.

With Scrappy, you can eliminate operational headaches and cut costs on bulk orders.

Streamline Your Supply Chain with 4PL by Scrappy

At Scrappy Apparel, we understand that optimizing the supply chain is crucial for success in the apparel industry.

By partnering with us, a leading 4PL provider, you can streamline your operations and stay ahead of the competition.

Companies with top-performing supply chains experience 79% higher-than-average revenue growth in their industries, according to data from Invesp.

Our solutions go beyond traditional logistics. With our manufacturing background (and 18+ years of experience doing it), we provide specialized printing techniques and private labeling options.

We also specialize in multichannel fulfillment to a variety of final destinations. Check out our fulfillment programs below:

• Limited Edition Drops
• E-Commerce
• Retail Compliance
• Tour Merch

About Scrappy’s 3PL MGMT Program

3PL MGMT is our e-commerce focused fulfillment solution, designed specifically for the apparel industry.

Enjoy fast delivery times, reduced costs, and a seamlessly integrated supply chain, enhancing the overall experience for you and your customers. 

Our fulfillment system integrates with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, allowing for automatic order processing and real-time inventory updates.

By choosing us as your partner, you’ll elevate your entire brand experience and become our next Scrappy Success Story.

Ready to transform your supply chain? Schedule a call with us today to discover how we can help you achieve your apparel goals.

In the apparel industry, having a great design is only half the battle. You also need to have a foolproof process to get your garments into customers’ hands smoothly.

According to Invesp, 79% of companies with top-performing supply chains see higher-than-average revenue growth in their industries. Businesses with optimized supply chains also benefit from 15% lower costs, less than half the inventory holdings, and three times faster cash-to-cash cycles.

This all sounds great in theory, but what if managing your supply chain feels like a constant struggle? You’re not the only brand in that boat.

If you’re currently coordinating with 3PL partners, juggling vendor relationships, and trying to make every piece of your supply chain work together, it can feel like a lot of work… because it is!

That’s why 4PL logistics solutions were developed.

The pressure to streamline operations, cut costs, and maintain 5-star quality is intense—especially in the apparel industry.

But imagine having one expert partner who handles every aspect of your supply chain—from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to your customer’s door. 

That’s the power of 4PL. Unlike traditional 3PL services, which focus on specific logistics functions, 4PL takes a big-picture approach—so you can manage your supply chain with precision at every step.

Today, we’re here to give you a clear understanding of how 4PL can help you build a more scalable, efficient, and responsive supply chain for your apparel operations. 

4PL by Scrappy is our proprietary approach to logistics—it’s an apparel-first solution, which means it’s designed to meet the needs of the clothing industry. 

At Scrappy Apparel, we’ve spent 18+ years perfecting our own solutions for brands like yours, and we’re ready to share our insights with you.

Learn About 4PL by Scrappy

What “4PL” Means in Apparel Supply Chain Management

A 4PL solution acts as the central hub for your apparel operations, managing all the moving parts, including multiple 3PL providers and other partners.

The goal is to deliver a seamless and optimized supply chain.

This is great news for you because you won’t have to spend your time making multiple calls a day and managing all your vendors yourself. 

Instead, your 4PL partner will become your single point of contact. Unlike traditional 3PLs that may own and operate warehouses or fleets, 4PLs don’t tie themselves down with physical assets.

Instead, they focus on orchestrating every aspect of your supply chain, offering you flexibility, scalability, and the expertise needed to keep your apparel business ahead of the competition.

How 4PL Differs from 3PL

The main difference between 3PL and 4PL lies in the level of involvement and responsibility:

• Scope of services: 3PLs focus on specific logistics functions, while 4PLs manage the entire supply chain process.
• Asset ownership: 3PLs typically own warehouses and sometimes trucking fleets, whereas 4PLs are often non-asset-based.
• Strategic involvement: 4PLs offer high-level logistics management and strategic planning, going beyond the day-to-day operations handled by 3PLs.
• Client relationship: 4PLs have a deeper, more collaborative relationship with clients. They need greater insight into your operations to make sure their solutions are aligned with your strategy.

Key Components of 4PL Services

4PL providers offer a range of services to help streamline your apparel supply chain. These include, but are not limited to:

• Transportation management
• Warehouse management
• Inventory control
• Shipping coordination
• E-commerce integration
• Strategic planning and consultancy

With a 4PL partner, you can gain a “control tower” view of your supply chain, allowing for better decision-making and improved efficiency in your apparel business.

4PL by Scrappy has an even more extensive set of services, which is part of what makes us different from other 4PL providers. 

How 4PL by Scrappy Transforms Your Supply Chain

Interested to know how 4PL by Scrappy works? Here’s an overview of each piece of our program:

Manufacturing

Our solutions go beyond logistics. In fact, they began with manufacturing. Back in 2006, we began as a screen printing company, and then expanded our printing services over the years. 

Now, we’re capable of producing runs of thousands of garments at once with our manufacturing resources. We offer highly specialized printing techniques, such as simulated process screen printing and all-over sublimation printing. You can also private label your garments with us.

Our supply chain consists of both domestic and international suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers. We coordinate the production of our clients’ garments with our trusted partners.

Once the garments are produced, we’ll either ship them to our 3PL warehouses, or we’ll send them directly to the client for them to store on their own.

Logistics

We have specialized logistics programs for e-commerce, retail, tour merch, and limited edition drops.

Because we also offer manufacturing solutions, we can make sure your garments move from production to their final destination with maximum efficiency and minimal hassle.

Here’s how we make it happen:

• Centralized coordination: We take charge to coordinate with multiple 3PL providers. We handle both transportation management and warehouse operations, so your supply chain runs smoothly without any bottlenecks.
• Specialized logistics strategy: With our in-depth understanding of the apparel industry, we’ve developed a multichannel fulfillment strategy that’s tailored to meet the unique needs of clothing brands. We specialize in coordinating shipments to multiple final destinations with ease, whether it’s shipping directly to customers, distributing to retail stores, or handling complex B2B orders.
• Unlimited scalability: Whether you’re expanding into new markets, launching a new product line, or simply experiencing a surge in demand, Scrappy Apparel’s 4PL solutions are designed to scale effortlessly with your operations. We manage everything from high-volume manufacturing to complex logistics, ensuring that your supply chain is always ready to meet your brand’s demands.
• Data-driven insights: We analyze your supply chain data to identify opportunities for improvement and cost savings. This includes optimizing inventory levels, improving order fulfillment processes, and reducing transportation costs.

About Our Tour Merch Fulfillment Program

As we mentioned, we can coordinate deliveries to many final destinations—including tour stops.

No more delayed or lost merchandise.

No more tracking shipments from multiple providers.

No more logistics stress.

When you partner with Scrappy Apparel, you’re teaming up with logistics experts who genuinely care about your success. 

We go the extra mile to ensure your merchandise program runs like clockwork, so you never have to worry about missing out on sales or disappointing your fans. Here’s how:

• Reliable inventory management: With our advanced network management system, you’ll have real-time access to your inventory levels, giving you full control over your stock at every stop on your tour.
• Affordable and secure storage: We offer cost-effective monthly warehousing and storage options, ensuring that your merchandise is always secure, organized, and ready to go.
• Swift order fulfillment: We know that speed is crucial when you’re on tour. Our quick and efficient order fulfillment guarantees that your merch arrives on time, keeping your fans happy and your sales flowing smoothly.
• Bundling and cost savings: Our merchandise bundling services not only help you create enticing offers for your fans but also cut down on picking and packing fees, saving you money on every order.

Choose 4PL by Scrappy to Simplify Your Logistics for Good!