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Top 7 Logistics Challenges Facing the Industry

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3pls, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Top 7 Logistics Challenges Facing the Industry

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Few industries have as much impact as logistics. In a way, it keeps the world economy going. Manufacturers, retailers, farmers, and even service providers all depend on it. But even though it plays a significant part, there are still plenty of logistics challenges facing the industry. Today, we’re talking about the seven of the biggest ones.

Now, there are numerous reasons why things got so tough in the last couple of years. Consumers’ expectations are shifting, and technology advances and new regulations are constantly coming out. On top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t make it easier.

Of course, all these issues bring an opportunity for growth and improvement. If you can find a way to overcome the challenges, you can be sure that you’ll capitalize on that. Here’s what you should pay attention to in the following year.

1. Cutting Transportation Costs

We can safely say that this is the single biggest problem in the industry at the moment. In some cases, the transportation costs come to reach 50% of the value of the product. Still, the demand for shipping companies is rising almost as fast as the fuel price. There’s plenty of work, but it seems that there’s not enough money to go around for everyone.

Many retailers and distributors are choosing to let just one or two shipping companies take care of their complete transport. Their reasoning is simple — if you’re shipping more with one carrier, you can get better rates. And while all that is true, you have to trust one company with your entire stock. Imagine what you’d have to go through if there’s a week’s delay.

2. Meeting Consumer Expectations for Visibility

Due to companies like Amazon and Walmart, customers nowadays want to know where their shipment is at any given moment, as well as when they can expect it to arrive. And things aren’t much different if we’re talking about transport visibility in B2B. As a matter of fact, the problem is even more complex.

To meet all of their demands, you need to improve the visibility across your entire supply chain. You should be able to track each of your shipments and maintain constant communication with the drivers. However, you also need a real-time alerts and notifications system. It allows fleet managers and drivers to make prompt decisions if any issues occur.

3. The Shortage of the Drivers

The next of the logistics challenges facing the industry that we want to talk about is driver shortages. These are demanding jobs, and it seems that at the moment, there just aren’t enough drivers to fulfill the needs of the industry. There are also these government regulations that force companies into being more strict about hiring their drivers.

Hence, the recruiting process is long and expensive, and it’ll stay like that for a while. There’s not much you can do but follow the rules. On the other hand, you can optimize the routes your drivers are following and stretch the capacity that way. It’ll give you at least some leverage.

4. Getting Sustainable

Carbon emission reduction is more important today than it ever was. The public wants to see environmentally-friendly practices in the private sector, so governments have to push it.

Although this isn’t bad on its own, it’s putting a lot of stress on logistics companies. And if you’re at the front of one, you must act quickly, but luckily there are plenty of things you can do to make your logistics more sustainable:

-Adopt route and load optimization

-Upgrade your engines

-Track and report emissions

-Use alternative fuels

Going down any of these paths won’t be cheap, but it’ll pay off in multiple ways.

5. Improving Cooperation With Your Partners and Suppliers

If you want your transport and logistics company to be successful, you must talk to your partners and suppliers and get to agreements that benefit all of you. They must be satisfied with your service, and you must be happy with theirs. It sounds like common sense, but at the end of 2021, we feel like we need to stress it.

You should all understand the state of the market and the moment and get on the same page. If you support and help each other now, many new improvement opportunities will open up in the future.

6. Adopting New Technologies

As we already mentioned, logistics companies already need to start adopting new and innovative technology solutions. They help you increase productivity and reduce costs in the long run. And we’re already at the stage when things like warehouse management systems are becoming non-negotiable.

However, with so many options available, it’s hard to pick the right one. Don’t rush it, and consider all your unique business operations before you make a decision.

7. Grappling With the New Way of Doing Business

It’s clear to all of us that the COVID-19 pandemic brought plenty of challenges to the game. However, some of them are here to stay, and some we didn’t even see yet. Changes are happening all across the industry, and it’s difficult to predict what will be the next big thing.

So, we’ll say that the final of the logistic challenges facing the industry is that you can’t be sure what to expect. And with that in mind, making your processes as flexible as they can be is the best way to go.

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Harper Mullins is a logistics specialist and a passionate freelance writer. At the moment, he’s working with Fit 2 Move on improving their storage and transport capabilities. He uses his free time to read every book he can get his hands on. 

brewing
Archives, Global Trade Daily, Imports/Exports, News

U.S. Accelerates Brewing Dregs and Waste Exports to Asia

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘U.S. – Brewing Or Distilling Dregs And Waste – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

American brewing dregs and waste exports remain buoyant, growing by +4.5% y-o-y to $2.3B in 2020. A slump in shipments to Mexico, the leading importer of brewing dregs from the U.S., was offset by increased supplies to the Asian countries. Purchases by Mexico, Viet Nam and South Korea constitute 39% of the total volume exported from the U.S. The average export price for brewing dregs and waste increased by +2.9% y-o-y to $212 per tonne in 2020.

American Exports of Brewing Dregs and Waste

Exports of brewing dregs and waste from the U.S. rose modestly to 11M tonnes in 2020, increasing by +1.6% y-o-y. In value terms, exports grew by +4.5% y-o-y to $2.3B (IndexBox estimates) in 2020.

Mexico (1.7M tonnes), Viet Nam (1.3M tonnes) and South Korea (1.3M tonnes) were the leading destinations for brewing dregs and waste supplied from the U.S., together comprising 39% of the total export volume. These countries were followed by Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, Japan, Canada, Ireland, the Philippines, China, New Zealand and Taiwan (Chinese), which together accounted for a further 44%.

In 2020, American supplies to Viet Nam (+7.0% y-o-y), South Korea (+1.3% y-o-y), Indonesia (+1.3% y-o-y), Thailand (+46.4% y-o-y) and (China (+55.4% y-o-y) increased significantly. By contrast, exports to Mexico dropped by -14.2% y-o-y.

In value terms, Mexico ($383M), Viet Nam ($285M) and South Korea ($272M) appeared to be the largest markets for brewing dregs exported from the U.S. worldwide, together accounting for 40% of total exports. These countries were followed by Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, Japan, Canada, Ireland, the Philippines, China, New Zealand and Taiwan (Chinese), which together accounted for a further 43%.

The average export price for brewing dregs and waste from the U.S. stood at $212 per tonne in 2020, surging by +2.9% against the previous year. In 2020, the countries with the highest prices were Thailand ($230 per tonne) and Viet Nam ($222 per tonne), while the average prices for exports to Canada ($169 per tonne) and Turkey ($199 per tonne) were amongst the lowest. In 2020, the most notable growth rate in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Thailand, while the prices for the other significant destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

refrigerator market
Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

4 Pivotal Trends Driving Refrigerator Market Growth through 2027

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The refrigerator market size is poised to register substantial proceeds over the ensuing years, propelled by the surging demand for VCM sheets owing to their fingerprint resistive coating and superior finish. Numerous industry players are rolling out new models with VCM sheet refrigerators for catering to the rising product demand.

For instance, in March 2021, Samsung Electronics launched the 4-Door Flex refrigerator series. The most recent array comprises the Family Hub, Bespoke, and Stainless Steel that serve as the latest bid of Samsung for catering to consumers in the unprecedented new norms of the day.

Owing to similar advancements and as per the latest research by Global Market Insights, Inc., the refrigerator market share is expected to surpass USD 150 billion by 2027 end.

However, the market supply chain has been impacted due to the coronavirus pandemic on account of the shut down of electronics manufacturing industries, affecting the sales of refrigerators in 2020. The manufacturers faced difficulties in order fulfillment and product deliveries, leading to the decline of revenue in the first quarter of 2020.

Owing to disturbed supply chain, escalated logistics challenges, and increased lead times, industry participants are persistently monitoring product development strategies for the mitigation of risks and impelling refrigerator industry expansion through the estimated period.

Some of the prominent trends that are likely to push the demand for different types of refrigerators are as follows:

Increasing R&D in Europe

The European refrigerator market value is expected to register considerable growth over the projected period, driven by the presence of numerous refrigerator manufacturers comprising Liebherr Group, Electrolux AB, and BSH Hausgerate GmbH.

These organizations are playing a vital role in R&D investment initiatives for the development of new products incorporating an array of advanced technologies.

Soaring demand for electronic-controlled refrigerators

Electronic-controlled refrigerators are set to witness high demand across the globe impelled by their multiple benefits including wireless monitoring and precise temperature control. Driven by the surging demand, companies are focusing on the launch of innovative and electronically controlled refrigerators for strengthening their position in the market.

Considering an instance, in October 2020, Motorola rolled out new Motorola smart refrigerators with an initial price of nearly USD 700 and a capacity of up to 592L.

The rising popularity of smart refrigerators

The smart refrigerator demand is propelled by the escalating consumer preferences towards connected home appliances that have improved capabilities and features. Meanwhile, the rising smartphone and internet penetration is anticipated to support the adoption of smart refrigerators in households.

Reversible door refrigerators are expected to depict a high growth potential owing to their ability to provide convenient side opening for the minimization of user efforts. In addition, these refrigerators provide aesthetic appeal to kitchens.

Corporate strategies of major market players

Key participants in the refrigerator industry comprise Bosch Group, Electrolux AB, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Inc., Siemens AG, Whirlpool Corporation, Haier Group Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Midea Group, and Liebherr Group, among others.

These companies are introducing new products with improved features by making use of state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 technologies. To cite an instance, in January 2020, LG and Samsung introduced AI-powered refrigerators at CES 2020. The products are equipped to identify food.

In a nutshell, an escalation in the standard of living of consumers and an increase in consumerism are expected to boost the demand for fresh food, thus stimulating refrigerator market share through the analysis period.

Source: Global Market Insights, Inc.

sourcing trade
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

“New Kid on the Block” Networking Platform Addresses Sourcing Amid Supply Chain Crisis

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Best known for bringing manufacturers, reps, and merchants together, B2B networking platform company, Factrees, announced the release of its newest platform aimed at addressing nearshore sourcing bottlenecks amid the supply chain shipping crisis.

Driven by the power of artificial intelligence, the newly launched platform provides a reliable resource library consisting of searchable U.S. manufacturers, independent sales reps, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers for customers to select for sourcing. Companies can network and connect based on product lines, territory, services offered, and business relationships.

“We are creating a sourcing community that simplifies and expedites the process of finding quality sourcing partners while reducing the dependency on word-of-mouth and tradeshow marketing for driving growth,” said Keith Williams, Factrees Co-Founder and CEO.

“Factrees is the new kid on the block,” he adds.

Adding to the platform’s appeal is the option for companies to share their experiences with manufacturers and distributors — including reviews, ratings, and the option of messaging and real-time video meetings.

“There is a groundswell of realignment between manufacturers and sales representatives,” said Ron Smith, President & CEO of Curtis Stout. “Factrees is offering valuable tools; a professional approach to connect and match all manufacturers with quality sales agents.”

Through a series of straightforward and simplified steps, companies can utilize the platform and begin connecting once a profile has been created and claimed. This process supports efforts in getting products to customers from the factory.

“I have been in the industry for 30 years. Factrees is a very creative concept supported by a very helpful web interface, said Paul Entwistle, COO Hardware Industry. “I believe those who use it will have an advantage over those who don’t.”

To learn more, visit: www.factrees.com

inventory
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

Top 3 Performance Indicators to have in an Effective VMI

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To ensure effective inventory management, a supplier must have quality Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI). But how do you evaluate such software before purchasing and implementing it? What metrics should you look for?

Inventory Management

In a buyer/supplier relationship, the retailer and vendor are often jointly involved in inventory management, an approach called collaborative supply management. In the context of VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory), the delivery of goods to warehouses and stores is the vendor’s responsibility – they are required to deliver goods based on customer needs.

To successfully manage supply operations and ensure good processing speed, suppliers must keep track of their inventory levels. By getting up-to-date data on stock levels in warehouses and stores, suppliers can cover demand for goods and prevent costs and shortages.

The objective/goal: To have the right amount of goods at the right time, thanks to an adequate assessment of needs.

Demand Forecasting

For the most accurate supply management, suppliers make their forecasts based on the preliminary trends that VMI generates. To improve efficiency, the management tool should quickly and easily forecast demand. Additionally, the tool should provide the ability to check the reliability of the forecast at the end of the cycle (day, week, month) to assess future supplier needs.

For example, the software has predicted that customers will have demand for 200 security lockboxes. At the end of the cycle, we should be able to verify that all of the predicted items have been sold.

The objective/goal: Make the necessary changes in the next delivery cycle so that we don’t have to rely on chance.

Service Rate

Typically, retailers use a collaborative inventory management model when they intend to achieve an optimal service rate.

The objective/goal: no shortages and always meet store demands.

By sharing inventory management responsibilities, retailers aim to meet store demands while reducing inventory. Therefore, to optimize service rates, suppliers must be prepared to ship items coming in from different delivery points every day.

In a vendor-controlled supply chain model, a quality VMI solution is a key element in ensuring effective collaboration between all parties in the relationship. Only with fine-tuned inventory management and reliable demand forecasting is it possible to achieve optimal service rates. Which is simply necessary to build a successful vendor-implemented inventory management model.

Generix Group North America provides a series of solutions within our Supply Chain Hub product suite to create efficiencies across an entire supply chain. Our solutions are in use around the world and our experience is second-to-none. We invite you to contact us to learn more.

This article originally appeared here. Republished with permission. 

rug imports
Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

Turkey, India and Vietnam Benefit from Rising American Carpet and Rug Imports

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘U.S. Carpet And Rug Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2025’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Last year, the U.S. ramped up imports of carpets and rugs by +11% to 796K tonnes. In value terms, imports reached $2.9B. Turkish, Indian and Chinese supplies comprise approximately 79% of American carpet and rug imports. In 2020, most of the import increment was provided by boosting purchases from Turkey, India, Egypt and Vietnam. Vietnam became the fastest-growing exporter of carpets and rugs to the U.S.

American Carpet and Rug Imports by Country

In 2020, carpet and rug imports into the U.S. expanded rapidly to 796K tonnes, surging by +11% compared with 2019 figures. In value terms, carpet and rug imports rose by +1.9% y-o-y to $2.9B (IndexBox estimates) in 2020.

Turkey (275K tonnes), India (224K tonnes) and China (127K tonnes) were the main suppliers of carpets and rugs to the U.S., together accounting for 79% of total imports. Egypt, Vietnam, Canada and Mexico lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 14%.

In 2020, supplies from Turkey (+71K tonnes), India (+15K tonnes), Egypt (+10K tonnes) and Vietnam (+20K tonnes) increased significantly. Vietnam recorded the highest growth rate of the volume of imports, expanding supplies to the U.S. from 12K tonnes to 32K tonnes last year.

In value terms, India ($904M), Turkey ($899M) and China ($377M) were the largest carpet and rug suppliers to the U.S., with a combined 75% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Egypt, Vietnam, Mexico and Canada, which together accounted for a further 12%.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

China’s Polystyrene Production Expansion to Be Delayed Amid Energy Crisis

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘China – Polystyrene in primary forms – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

In 2021-2022, China plans to add a new production capacity for styrene and polystyrenes. This could turn China from the world’s largest importer of those products into an exporter. Completion may be delayed due to electricity disruptions caused by increasing energy prices and regulations to reduce CO2 emissions. Despite the ban on single-use packaging, consumption of polystyrene in China will steadfastly grow, driven by a high demand for plastics in the construction, automotive and other industries.

Key Trends and Insights

China is the largest consumer and importer of polystyrene in the world. In 2020, the country imported 1,36M tonnes of primary polystyrene (nearly 20% of overall global imports) worth $1,43B.

According to industry publications, in 2021-2022 new factories for polystyrene and ABS plastics are expected to launch with a combined capacity of over 3.5M tonnes, including new facilities for the companies Sinopec Gulei, Zhejiang Petrochemical и Shandong Lihuaya. If these projects are completed, China may turn from a styrene importer into an exporter as the new capacity would surpass 2.8M tonnes or the current level imports (IndexBox estimates).

The energy crisis in China could delay the completion of these projects. Beijing’s environmental protection policies have led the provinces to limit energy consumption to stay within yearly quotas. They are also diminishing manufacturing operations, including at chemical factories that use coal for power generation. To decrease greenhouse gas emissions, China must limit coal usage, but this will cause costs to increase for energy-intensive production methods.

Despite the ban on single-use polystyrene tableware and packaging in China, demand for this polymer will consistently rise. The majority of the product is used for producing Styrene-butadiene, ABS and other forms of plastics for the construction, electronics and automobile industries. Rapid developments in these sectors will drive demand for polystyrene.

China’s Imports of Polystyrene in Primary Forms

In 2020, imports of polystyrene in primary forms into China expanded to 1.4M tonnes, increasing by +3.8% on the previous year’s figure. In value terms, polystyrene imports dropped from $1.6B in 2019 to $1.4B (IndexBox estimates) in 2020.

Taiwan (Chinese) (311K tonnes), Malaysia (204K tonnes) and Hong Kong SAR (177K tonnes) were the leading suppliers of polystyrene imports to China, together accounting for 51% of total imports. South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Iran and Thailand lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 36%.

In 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases amongst the leading suppliers was attained by Iran (+71.3% per year), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest polystyrene suppliers to China were Taiwan (Chinese) ($369M), Hong Kong SAR ($209M) and Malaysia ($175M), together accounting for 52% of total imports. These countries were followed by South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Iran, which together accounted for a further 35%.

The average polystyrene import price stood at $1,055 per tonne in 2020, waning by -13.1% against the previous year. Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2020, the highest prices were recorded for prices from Taiwan ($1,186 per tonne) and Japan ($1,180 per tonne), while the price for Malaysia ($856 per tonne) and Iran ($863 per tonne) were amongst the lowest. In 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Hong Kong SAR, while the prices for the other significant suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

lubricating oils
Archives, Global Trade Daily, Imports/Exports

Belgium Sharply Increases Imports of Additives for Lubricating Oils

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Belgium – Additives For Lubricating Oils – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

In 2020, Belgium’s imports of additives for lubricating oils rose substantially from 88K tonnes in 2019 to 145K tonnes in 2020. In value terms, imports grew to $436M. France, Italy and the U.S. dominate the Belgium’s imports, with a combined 80%-share of the total volume. All these countries ramped up their exports to Belgium significantly last year. The average import price of additives for lubricating oils dropped by -17.1% y-o-y to $3,018 per tonne.

Belgium’s Imports of Additives for Lubricating Oils

In 2020, approx. 145K tonnes of additives for lubricating oils were imported into Belgium, growing by +64% on 2019 figures. In value terms, additives for lubricating oils imports increased by +64.0% y-o-y to $436M (IndexBox estimates) in 2020.

In 2020, France (68K tonnes) constituted Belgium’s largest supplier of additives for lubricating oils, with a 47% share of total imports. Moreover, imports from France exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Italy (31K tonnes), twofold. The U.S. (17K tonnes) ranked third in total imports with a 12% share.

In 2020, imports from France rose by +37% y-o-y. Italy ramped its exports to Belgium by +81% y-o-y, while the U.S. increased the supplies fivefold.

In value terms, France ($195M), Italy ($109M) and the U.S. ($58M) were the largest suppliers to Belgium, with a combined 83% share of total imports. These countries were followed by the Netherlands, Germany, the UK and Mexico, which together accounted for a further 15%.

In 2020, the average import price for additives for lubricating oils amounted to $3,018 per tonne, declining by -17.1% against the previous year. Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin; the country with the highest price was Italy ($3,490 per tonne), while the price for the UK ($1,904 per tonne) was amongst the lowest. In 2020, the Netherlands attained the most notable price growth rate, while the prices for the other significant suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

candle
Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

Germany’s Candle and Taper Imports to Hit Record High this Year

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Germany – Candles And Tapers – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights‘. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Germany is rapidly increasing its imports of candles and tapers. In the first seven months of 2021, Germany imported 84K tonnes of candles worth $230M. These figures exceed the last year’s 67K tonnes worth $163M imported over the same period. Poland remains the prime trade partner, supplying 58% of candle and taper volume imported to Germany in 2020. In physical terms, German purchases from Poland grew by +7.0% y-o-y last year.

Germany’s Candle and Taper Imports

In the first seven months of 2021, Germany purchased abroad 84K tonnes of candles, exceeding by 25% the last year volume of the same period. In value terms, Germany’s imports grew by +41%, reaching $230M.

As of 2020, candle and taper imports into Germany rose modestly to 171K tonnes in 2020, increasing by +4.3% against the previous year’s figure. In value terms, they grew by +5.2% y-o-y to $429M (IndexBox estimates) in 2020.

Poland (100K tonnes) constituted the largest candles and tapers supplier Germany’slast year, with a 58% share of total imports. Moreover, candles and tapers imports from Poland exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the Netherlands (23K tonnes), fourfold. China (16K tonnes) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 9.4% share.

In 2020, the average annual growth rate in volume from Poland stood at +7.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual imports growth rates: the Netherlands (+3.0% per year) and China (+1.2% per year).

In value terms, Poland ($199M) constituted the largest supplier of candles and tapers to Germany, comprising 46% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by China ($47M), with an 11% share of total imports, and it was followed by the Netherlands, with an 11% share.

The average candle and taper import price stood at $2,504 per tonne in 2020, approximately equating to the previous year. Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2020, the countries with the highest prices were China ($2,875 per tonne) and Belgium ($2,450 per tonne), while the price for Poland ($1,990 per tonne) and the Netherlands ($2,008 per tonne) were amongst the lowest. In 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Portugal, while the prices for the other significant suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

holiday
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Special Reports

Prep for the Holiday Season with Top E-commerce Strategies

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The most wonderful time of the year…is here. You already know that the holiday shopping season is the most critical period for retailers, both online and brick and mortar. How your business does during the last quarter of the year determines where things land for your bottom line.
 

This year, though, brand and e-commerce marketing managers are facing another wild ride, with uncertainty created by shifting trends. The pandemic brought on a surge in online buying, and many buyers are likely to continue to buy online. In fact, according to September 2021 survey data, consumers are planning a 50/50 split between online and brick-and-mortar buying. The retail giants—Amazon, Target, and Wal-Mart—are already capitalizing on convenience to hold onto their share of wallet.

 

There are other factors, though, to consider. Shopping trends are changing fast. News of supply chain pressures and worldwide shipping delays has spurred many shoppers to buy early or shift their buying behavior — 83% of shoppers intend to start before Thanksgiving this year, in a departure from the norm. In such an unpredictable market at such a high-stakes time of year, business intelligence has never mattered more. This is where the performance analytics platform Line Item can be the lifeline e-commerce marketers need right now to ensure they make the most of the holiday season.As we head into the heart of the 2021 holiday season, here are a few strategies to prepare and protect your digital shelf for the upcoming holidays.

Focus on organic search ranking. Whether they’re buying online or in person, many shoppers start their research online—on a smartphone or a tablet. This is why it’s essential to monitor and improve your online search ranking. Watch where you’re showing up, too. Moving from page 2 to page 1—and even into the top 10 listings—can significantly boost your sales. Improving your organic search ranking depends on visibility into what’s working—or not—for your brand. This is where Line Item can help, with detailed insight into what changes you could make to content, product descriptions, or imagery to affect your ranking in organic search results.

Analyze your paid search strategy. Shoppers are pressed for time, and you have only seconds to capture attention when it comes to search results. The holiday season is the time to invest in a robust paid search strategy, but you’ll want to be sure you understand what product attributes drive value. This is where Line Item can give you valuable campaign-level and product attribute insights. With them, you can better understand what’s driving the market and what your competitors are doing, so you can sharpen your edge and see ROI from a page-1 slot.Ensure your product detail pages are complete. This is a biggie. Incomplete or inconsistent product detail pages can harm you, whether we’re talking about Amazon listings or your own website. Across your e-commerce portfolio, all product detail pages should be complete, correct, and compelling. Line Item can help with this to make sure you aren’t overlooking clear areas or gaps that prevent you from meeting category bestseller benchmark standards.

Evaluate your SEO strategy and campaigns. During this volatile time of year, whims and demand drive the market in unpredictable ways. And that’s during a typical season, which 2021 is anything but. It’s essential to drill down to campaign elements, including CPCs, to ensure you have a read on how changing demand, sudden interest, or seasonality might be driving spend. E-analytics insight from Line Item can help you ensure your campaigns are profitable and that your overall marketing spend ultimately drives return on investment.

Watch out-of-stocks closely. Maintaining optimal inventory is key to profitability. When a customer is ready to buy and your product is out of stock, you lose the sale—and maybe the customer, too. Line Item helps you determine if out-of-stocks are hurting your revenue.

Track pricing. Many retailers are introducing new pricing strategies to drive sales this holiday season. Buy Now Pay Later is one of these, and it can appeal to segments like Gen Z and the unbanked, both of which are more price sensitive. The major retailers have already rolled out BNPL options; some have been in play since 2019. BNPL can affect pricing, so it’s important to monitor this. With Line Item, you can verify item pricing, selling price, and list price across platforms, ensuring that products are priced correctly even with new options like BNPL, and you can easily monitor third-party and competitor activity to protect your brand and products.

Of course, there are other strategies to consider, too—best practices like:

-Ensuring your checkout process is as easy as possible

-Providing access to customer service with tools like live chat, and with quick responses

-Creating engaging content, like gift guides

-Using targeting and segmentation to create personalized email campaigns

-Boosting sales with savvy retargeting

Using updated visuals and copy for featured holiday campaigns, and to ensure your site and product pages have that holiday look and feel, and more

This holiday season may be full of surprises, but your performance shouldn’t be one of them. The right insight can make or break your brand this holiday season, and business intelligence can give you what you need, when you need it. This is where Line Item really stands out as a single platform with insight into shopping trends and behavior, and what your competitors are doing—so you can finish 2021 in the black.