Growth of domestic internet trade: new challenges for cargo quality control
In recent years, the Russian online commerce market has shown rapid growth. According to statistics, the volume of domestic online commerce has increased by more than 40 percent, while cross-border shipments have fallen to 3 percent. This means that more and more goods are being transported domestically, which leads to an increased burden on warehousing and logistics infrastructure. In such conditions, there is a growing need for professional quality control of goods at all stages of their movement.
With the development of online commerce, customers are becoming more demanding of the quality of goods and delivery time. Any delays, damage or non-compliance with the stated characteristics lead to an increase in returns and negative feedback, which can negatively affect the reputation of online stores and marketplaces.
How surveyors help marketplaces to ensure the quality of goods
Fast delivery and quality fulfillment of orders are key success factors in online commerce. However, without effective control over the processes of warehousing, packaging and transportation, it is virtually impossible to avoid errors. This is where surveying services come in to help minimize the risks of loss, damage and discrepancies.
1. Inspection of goods before shipment
Before a product reaches the buyer’s hands, it goes through several stages: acceptance at the warehouse, storage, packaging and transportation. At each of these stages, errors are possible, which can lead to the customer receiving goods of inadequate quality. Surveyors carry out independent control, including checking whether the goods meet the stated characteristics, inspecting for damage and defects, and checking labeling and packaging. This approach helps online stores and marketplaces to reduce the number of returns and provide a high level of service.
2. Control of packaging and labeling
One of the common problems in online commerce is damage to goods during transportation. This is often due to poor quality packaging or incorrect placement of goods in the vehicle. Surveyors examine packaging materials for compliance with safety requirements, assess fastening reliability and resistance to mechanical damage, and check labeling for compliance with logistics standards. Such inspections are especially important for fragile, expensive and perishable goods that require special storage and transportation conditions.
3. Audit of warehouse conditions
Storage facilities play a key role in ensuring the quality of goods. Improper storage conditions can lead to spoilage of products before they are even shipped to the customer. Surveyors audit warehouse facilities, analyzing temperature, humidity and other factors affecting the safety of products, checking compliance of storage conditions with regulatory requirements, identifying potential risks associated with the location and logistics processes. Such expertise is especially relevant for goods requiring special storage conditions, such as foodstuffs, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products and electronics.
4. Independent expertise in disputes with customers
Returns and complaints are an integral part of the work of online stores. However, customer claims are not always justified. In some cases, damage may occur after the order has been received, but buyers blame the seller. Surveyors help to objectively deal with disputable situations, conducting an independent examination of the condition of the goods, analyzing possible causes of damage, providing official conclusions to resolve conflicts. The use of surveyor services allows online stores and marketplaces to minimize financial losses associated with returns and protect their interests in disputes with customers.
The growth of domestic online commerce requires a higher level of quality control of goods and logistics processes.
Companies seeking to minimize losses and improve service levels are increasingly using the services of professional surveyors.
Independent warehouse inspections, packaging control and pre-shipment checks help to avoid errors and increase customer satisfaction.
If your company is an online retailer and you want to reduce the number of returns and claims, seek out surveying services. It’s an investment in the quality and reliability of your logistics. Contact us for a consultation and to book your services.
