SBC Fulfillment
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SBC Fulfillment Customer Spotlight: WVO Designs
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| 2010.05.18 00:10:22 | |
 In the wake of the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill accident that occurred on April 20, 2010, comes the perfect opportunity to highlight SBC’s newest client, WVO Designs. The alternative energy and biofuel company manufacturers Centrifuges that allow diesel powered vehicles to convert to alternative energy. WVO got it’s start in 2008 when founder and engineer, Leon Griffin decided to build a kit that would allow his diesel powered car to run exclusively on vegetable oil. “I just woke up one morning and decided that this is what I wanted to do,” says Griffin. After experiencing success, he decided to share his designs on a website to anyone that wanted to incorporate these kits and his enthusiasm. However, he soon discovered that most individuals would prefer to purchase complete Centrifuges rather than track down individual parts and components. Griffin turned to SBC Fulfillment to help WVO fulfill their growing client list and orders. Before joining SBC, WVO was handling all fulfillment and inventory management in-house. “I literally did everything out of my garage, myself,” says Griffin. WVO’s components are currently manufactured in the United States and China then shipped to SBC where they are warehoused, kitted and shipped globally to WVO''s clients. For Griffin, the biggest have an impact on of using SBC has been the ability to save time. “Fulfillment is not my business expertise, having access to their SmartTurn warehouse management system gave me real time access to inventory and lowers my overhead cost per sales item.” WVO decided to go with SBC Fulfillment after learning about MagentoConnect, an application that allows web shopping cart systems to integrate into SBC’s fulfillment services. Additionally, SBC has been able to further customize the integration between WVO’s web cart system. “Once we got started working together, the experience has been awesome. SBC is always responsive and capable of much more than I expected,” says Griffin. To learn more about how SBC can help your business click here Tags: fulfillment | kitting | packaging | warehousing | Gulf of Mexico | oil spill Hits: 1652 |
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Analysis shows increase in online selling for manfacturers
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| 2010.04.16 17:44:35 | |
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by Angela Cavallari Walker In an effort to keep up with the Top 500 web-only businesses, consumer brand manufacturers are turning to online selling to stay in the more lucrative e-commerce game. Amazon.com leads the list of the Top 500 web-only merchants with 52.2% of all web sales. The online retail giant increased their sales from $12.1 billion in 2007 to $14 billion in 2008. If you take Amazon.com out of the equation, manufacturers stand to gain the most as one of the fastest-growing groups in Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide. In the past, most manufacturers have been hesitant to create an online store that would sell directly to consumers. One cited reason was that is might upset or weaken their relationships with distributors and traditional retailers. According to industry analysts, larger chain stores such as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc, and Best Buy are able to better negotiate inventory and pricing with manufacturers through purchasing power. Retailers such as J.C. Penny have focused on producing their own private label brands. This presents a larger threat to consumer brand manufacturers that can be leveraged by selling directly to consumers online. Apple Inc. (number 5 on the list) grew their web sales to $39.4 million in 2008, an increase of over 55%. Brand manufacturers such as: American Apparel, Vera Bradley and Jones also increased their revenues through online transactions. This trend also creates opportunities and advantages for online merchants seeking a simpler and more streamlined approach to fulfillment. “We are continuing to develop tools and technology that is targeted to the online retail industry,” says SBC Fulfillment President, Brian Schoenbaechler. The Georgia order fulfillment company, launched two connectors last year that allow companies using AbleCommerce and Magento e-commerce software to directly tie into their warehousing, packaging, shipping and fulfillment services. “ The future of the retail industry is dependent on e-commerce, and we want to be a part of this ongoing growth.” Tags: fulfillment technology | warehousing | packaging | ecommerce Hits: 934 |
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SBC client brings extensive line of products to the table
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| 2009.11.24 20:27:04 | |
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by Angela Cavallari Walker SBC Fulfillment would like to welcome it's newest client, Cox Culinary Emporium. In this article, we will focus on those beautiful place settings through the eyes of a fulfillment company. How does that elegant stemware find its way into the hands of party goers and guests? Here is the backstory to those special occasion settings. Tags: warehousing | packaging | holiday | Thanksgiving | outsourcing | fulfillment Hits: 655 |
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Fulfillment company to provide simpler solution to outsourcing
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| 2009.09.11 22:45:43 | |
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by Angela Cavallari Walker Outsourcing your fulfillment needs just got easier with a new e-commerce website application called Magento Connect. Atlanta-based shipping and fulfillment company, SBC Fulfillment announced today that it would roll out this new application in September, which will allow current and potential customers who utilize Magento''s e-commerce sites to outsource their shipping and fulfillment services with one keystroke. SBC Fulfillment and Magento collaborated to create a bridge for those that already use Magento''s e-commerce product, but are seeking ways to reduce their shipping and inventory costs through outsourcing. The application ties into SBC''S comprehensive Warehouse Management System, and allows clients to inventory, package, ship, track and manage their orders. Typically, businesses would have shouldered the expenses associated with building their own data integration piece, and purchasing/managing the WMS or warehouse management system. According to SBC President and CEO, Brian Schoenbachler, this application is very similar to computer and software company Apple''s app store, but with no additional cost to companies that outsource their fulfillment services to SBC. "The purpose of the connector is to make us the most Magento-friendly fulfillment house on the internet", says Schoenbachler. SBC e-commerce and fulfillment client, Nature''s Cradle Foods is the first business to go live with this exciting new technology and Brian couldn''t be more thrilled with the results. "This application will make it easier than ever for customers to integrate their fulfillment services." For companies that need an e-commerce site built, SBC could create one using Magento''s state-of-the-art e-commerce platform. Magento''s features include: marketing and promotions tools, reporting, search engine optimization (URLs and Google site map), site management, catalog management/browsing, mobile commerce (iphone optimization), and checkout and payment management. To learn more about Magento and this new application click here Tags: magento | application | fulfillment | outsourcing | georgia | packaging | supply chain Hits: 902 |
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Please post your feedback
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| 2009.06.08 23:35:23 | |
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Over the years we have performed various projects for many of you. First of all I would like to thank you for your business! Please let us know if we can help you with any future warehousing, distribution, packaging, and/or fulfillment needs. Brian Tags: outsourcing | fulfillment | packaging | warehousing | ecommerce | georgia Hits: 664 |
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On Leaving North Carolina…
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| 2009.06.08 23:24:46 | |
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As I write this I cannot help but think of the James Taylor song “Carolina in my mind .” This song has a certain sadness to it. I must say, building a business more fun than taking a business apart. SBC Fulfillment has not been immune to this year’s recession. In the past, we thought the textbook business to be recession proof; however this year is proving that theory wrong. As a result of these tough economic times, we closed down our North Carolina warehouse effective June 1, 2009. Chad Ross has done a wonderful job the past 12 years running the North Carolina Operation. He has been a tremendously loyal and hard working employee. Many of you have sent me letters over the years singing praises over his performance. Chad and I really appreciate the work you have given us into the North Carolina facility. Chad Ross and his team would like to say thank you to everyone in the textbook publishing industry with whom he has worked over the years. Chad is moving into the next phase of his professional career. I believe Chad plans to start his own business, providing services similar to those he performed for SBC over the years. Since SBC Fulfillment will not be supporting the North Carolina Caravan this year, I would encourage you to contact him at the following email if you are interested in his services. Chad can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Thank you for your support over the years. SBC Fulfillment will continue operations from our Atlanta Georgia facility. If we can assist you with your warehousing, distribution, packagings, and/or fulfillment needs, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 678-370-0772.
Sincerely, Brian Schoenbaechler President SBC Fulfillment Tags: north carolina | fulfillment | operations | packaging | warehousing | outsourcing Hits: 431 |
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BIO 2009 schwag bags
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| 2009.06.02 02:06:46 | |
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Regular conventioneers know the schwag bag – that ubiquitous accessory for carrying a laptop and whatever free stuff there is to pick up on the trade show floor. So what’s the best way to distribute them by the thousands? At the recent BIO 2009 show in Atlanta, one sponsor found out the easy way. Metro Logo , an all-inclusive marketing and promotions company, used SBC Fulfillment to fill the hands of 25,000 thousand convention-goers with laptop bags in record time. SBC Fulfillment was able to import the collateral pieces directly from China allowing Metro Logo the time and convenience of printing the materials in Georgia. The bags were stored in SBC’s 60,000 square feet of warehouse space just minutes from downtown Atlanta and were ready to roll.
The key component to providing top -notch fulfillment services starts with SBC’s solid web-based WMS, or warehouse management system. Seamless management, access to the same data, and a safe automation process are just some of the pluses to using this product. SBC customers are able to enter orders through the web browser, select shipping, and even track the status of their orders or their clients’ orders . For a free demo or to learn more about SBC’s automated shipping services go here. Tags: outsourcing | packaging | georgia Hits: 588 |
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Outsourcing inventory management and order fulfillment makes cents
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| 2009.05.18 21:41:38 | |
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Many small business owners are met with the challenge of picking, packing and shipping their product. The costs can be overwhelming when companies have to consider employees, warehouse and forklifts. Especially in these harder economic times, the time and impact can be quite costly. Companies cannot just control and manage their costs, they must reduce their costs so they can pass on the savings to their customers. Here are the top 10 reasons why outsourcing your fulfillment and shipping services just makes cents: 1 . Storage and overhead costs : One top expense for business owners is the cost of storing their products. Items such as bar code scanners, forklifts, and warehouse space can eat into your budget AND profits. SBC Fulfillment offers all of these services without the upfront expense of purchasing software, warehouse space, or hiring employees. 2 . Streamlined process : SBC Fulfillment specializes in providing a trained staff, efficient process, and the customer service that businesses need. Solid customer service is essential for repeat business and referrals. SBC uses Lean methodologies in their quest for perfection. 3 . Growing pains : Whether your business is downsizing or going through a period of growth, SBC allows you to avoid the non-value added time spent looking for warehouse space and employees. SBC Fulfillment can leverage their capacity across multiple clients as your business cycle ebbs and flows. 4. Time to focus : Managing your back office operations takes time and time is money. SBC allows you to focus your time and energy on marketing, promotion, developing your client relationships. Do not spend another second jumping through hoops to expedite a last minute order. Let SBC worry about it for you! 5. Cost variables : By outsourcing your inventory and order fulfillment needs to SBC you can avoid the liability of a business lease, full-time employees, or the security systems that will need to be in place BEFORE you can see a return on investment (ROI). 6 . Competitive edge : Consumers today are accustomed to paying shipping and handling charges when purchasing online. Often, they will make a buying decision based on those costs alone. SBC Fulfillment fees are cost-effective allowing you to pass the savings on to your customers. Additionally, our high quality customer service can be a competitive advantage for repeat business from loyal customers. 7. Labor liability : The cost of employing a staff is often the highest expense for companies. Salaries, benefits, worker’s compensation, and general liability are just a few of the expenditures associated with hiring a staff. 8 . Buying Power : Most business owners underestimate the amount of money spent on shipping and packaging alone. But with SBC Fulfillment you get a bulk discount on these supplies as your needs increase or decrease. 9 . Cost reduction: SBC can help shrink your current operating costs in numerous areas, allowing your profit margin to increase. 10. Freedom from physical inventory: Why add the responsibility of managing inventory when you can outsource those needs to shipping and inventory experts? Give yourself the time and freedom to focus on what matters most to you and your business. In an economy that is putting the squeeze on your bottom line, there is no better time than to look to ways to maximize your business’s profits. To learn more about how you can shrink your warehousing, inventory, and shipping costs visit www.sbcfulfillment.com . Tags: outsourcing | fulfillment | operations | packaging | ecommerce Hits: 546 |
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Customer Spotlight: Remedy Media Group
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| 2009.05.05 02:55:51 | |
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SBC Fulfillment would like to welcome its newest customer, Remedy Media Group. Remedy joined as a client in April after an extensive search for the right fulfillment service with the most streamlined and fully integrated services. Jason Mosby, Managing Member for Remedy has been most impressed with the versatility and hands on approach that the team at SBC has been able to deliver.“ Flexibility is the main reason we chose and are able to work with SBC,” says Mosby.
Remedy Media Group. Group was formed in 2002 and is headquarted in Raleigh, North Carolina with offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Washington D.C. It was crucial that they were able to offer an additional component to our products and services, says Mosby. Remedy’s main product focus is on developing branding, e-commerce software, as well as design and development for the entertainment industry. Remedy was able to utilize SBC’s packaging, shipping, and the customer service component not just for their business but for their clients as well. “We needed the most consistent way to ship to our customers,” says Mosby. Tags: outsourcing | packaging | warehousing | fulfillment | operations Hits: 847 |
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E-Commerce Order Fulfillment Services
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| 2009.04.15 17:50:59 | |
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Great post here on outsourcing ecommerce fulfillment. The post is a very well written and a concise summary of outsourcing ecommerce order fulfillment. The only part of your post that I think is debatable is the cost aspect. I think it a bit strong to say that in-sourcing is always cheaper than out-sourcing. Some variables that my make outsourcing cheaper are asset utilization and the cost of capital. Tags: ecommerce | packaging | warehousing | outsourcing | operations | fulfillment Hits: 602 |
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Selecting a contract packager
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| 2009.04.02 01:31:36 | |
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April 1st, 2009 Written by Rick Lingle, Technical Editor
More than 150 packaging professionals shared their advice about selecting a contract packager (CP), aka a co-packer or private-label manufacturer, in a 2009 Packworld.com online survey.
Here are some of the responses, edited for clarity.• Check capacity limitations. • Contract packagers must be more cost-effective than we are, and that must be borne out by the cost, service, and quality of the products they offer. • Make sure that they have a good management team—everything else falls into place with a good management team. • Do not be fooled by the RFQ or low-price formats. It is near impossible to write a proper specification that includes all aspects of contract packaging and manufacturing. Review your presenters and view the facilities and personnel of your final three. Have them write an inclusive quotation specifically noting things not included. Check financial stability, these days especially. • Make sure they have regulatory approvals. Make sure they maintain control of EVERYTHING. • Select them for their merits and do not try to remake them in your image. In other words, if you select a particular CP because it operates lean or is faster on turnaround, don''t burden them with unnecessary overhead or procedures just so they can be like your operations. • Audit the co-packer before business is assigned (see Acing the audit, packworld.com/article-26725). • Make sure they are a good fit. Do your homework about who they are, how long they have been in existence, and what they do best, and talk to someone who has used them before. • Choose a contract packager that has the proven capability already in place to handle the packaging you need them to fill. Contract packagers, in an attempt to grow their business, will offer to service different packages where their capability is unproven or in early stages. If you choose to use them under these circumstances, be prepared for productivity issues that result from them climbing the learning curve. • If a new supplier, start with a small job as a "test drive." • They should be conversant with packaging standards and well-equipped with modern equipment and testing appliances; have trained and skilled manpower to deliver goods; and their work performance should be time-bound. • Size and service are not usually commensurate. • Make sure to look at their procedures for packaging: How many deviations or exceptions have been written regarding their packaging process? Lastly, look at the shipping process. • Visit the facility and talk to key individuals who will be running your products, check HACCP programs, and review the last independent inspection report • Find a company that specializes in a niche you are looking for and with locations that best suit your business model. • Make certain the CP understands your product to facilitate technology transfer. It is the responsibility of your organization to ensure the CP understands its responsibility for the service they are providing. • How much of the work does the CP actually do itself? The less they have to outsource, the better your pricing and end product will be. • Find one that has a culture similar to your company. • Go with a co-packer that is as good a company or better than your own. • Make sure you have a written and agreed upon co-packing specification that clearly spells out which components you will be supplying and what components the co-packer is supplying, even down to date-code stickers, etc. • Make sure you understand what you want performed and by when. Document the scope of work and quality parameters. Understand why you are using a contract packager—for product launch, to handle increased demand, or part of a long-term strategy • First visit the co-packer as well as at least two other co-packers that you''re considering. Then, audit them for QA and cGMP compliance if you think they will be selected. Verify their compliance to systems and that they can meet your needs and determine what other value-added capabilities they can provide. Don''t make your decision based on price alone! • Use your instincts when selecting them: If it feels bad, it probably is; if it feels right, it probably is. • Have a NDA even for pricing! Know who else uses the facility, and ask for a pie chart of volumes by customer. • Having a CP in close proximity helps projects run more smoothly. • It is best to find the co-packer that can do exactly what you want and not let the contract packer do what is best for them. • Define the critical supplier selection criteria before initiating the sourcing process. Supplier selection should be based on capability, capacity, financial viability, and the confidence you have in the supplier''s ability to perform. Negotiations and costing should follow. The rationale is that a low cost means nothing if the supplier cannot perform and meet your requirements. • Work with the co-packer on package design and procurement just like you would work with your internal engineers. • Perform an on-site inspection of their facilities and watch them process other orders. Remember that your product, your name, and your reputation will be in their hands. • Find a company that is knowledgeable about your business, is flexible, and is willing to work with you. • Develop a confidence level to be able to talk about all parts of the cost picture, including the contractor''s profit, if possible. • Spend some time upfront on preliminary qualification before inviting companies to bid on jobs. • They must have quality systems in place since they are an extension of our company. • I''ve learned to make them test their equipment to make sure things will work the way they say they will. I will be there for the start-up of a new job. Next month: Packaging professionals share their advice about using contract packagers. Tags: outsourcing | packaging | operations | fulfillment | warehousing Hits: 613 |
