Shiptheory allows CEO Alice to automate her shipping and ship faster by having custom rules and automatic label printing. After implementing Shiptheory in a month and 'transforming' her shipping, we delve into what Shiptheory has helped with since the go-live.
How Shiptheory and Chilliapple transformed Scent Perfique's shipping process just in time for peak season.
With a speedy implementation Alice explains in this interview how the onboarding process has run.
Q: GIVE US A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON THE SCENT PERFIQUE STORY, WHAT YOU DO AND WHERE YOU STARTED
Scent Perfique is a global fragrance manufacturer specialising in cosmetics and home fragrance products. Our comprehensive services range from raw materials to finished products, catering to businesses of all sizes. Our unique pricing model is particularly well-suited for small enterprises aiming to develop their ventures incrementally.
The inception of our journey traces back to humble beginnings — my kitchen table served as the first workspace. Scent Perfique is more than a business; it's a family affair. Everyone, from my son, two daughters to our furry companions, actively contributes daily. Over time, our growth prompted us to transition from the confines of our home, relocating through three different units. Eventually, we expanded further, establishing a presence in Ellon with the acquisition of four units after outgrowing the others.
Q: WHAT WERE YOU DOING FOR SHIPPING BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION TO SHIPTHEORY?
Before integrating Shiptheory into our operations, our shipping procedures involved dedicating significant time and resources, involving two members of the team spending considerable hours each day manually entering addresses and information,
selecting services across various portals, each time taking approximately four minutes per order in some cases longer. Unfortunately, the manual transfer of information from our selling platform, Sage, to carriers such as Parcelforce, FedEx,
and DPD could result in the occasional error.
The complexities of international shipping, inherent to the nature of the products we offer, added an additional layer of challenge. Navigating through specific checkboxes and adhering to evolving rules for safe delivery became a recurring nightmare. The
intricacies of what could and couldn't be shipped to various countries added a level of confusion exacerbated by the constant changes in regulations.
Q: HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE ONBOARDING PROCESS AND IMPLEMENTATION?
Shiptheory has been a revelation, as if a magic wand has been waved over our shipping processes. The speed at which the implementation occurred, in less than a month from our introduction to the account manager, has been truly impressive. It's been a breath of fresh air to witness the people behind the scenes of this business.
The accessibility of support is unparalleled. Whenever we have a question or need assistance, we simply send an email, and within 10 minutes, we receive a response or a phone call from someone guiding the team through the issue. This level of responsiveness is remarkable and greatly contributes to the efficiency of our operations.
Embarking on a solution implementation just before the peak selling season is usually a risky endeavour, but with Shiptheory, it has been a seamless experience. I can't envision running our operations without Shiptheory now. Looking ahead, the impact on our processes will be transformative. Everything will be accelerated, setting the stage for a vastly different and more efficient year ahead.
Q: CHALLENGES TYPICALLY ENCOUNTED DURING PEAK SELLING SEASON?
Our peak season starts around August and is primarily driven by the nature of our B2B clients. Proactively planning for our clients, especially in the lead-up to peak season, can pose a considerable challenge. While some clients excel in managing their forecasts, there is invariably a last-minute panic that ensues. In these critical moments, we find ourselves stepping in to assist wherever possible, ensuring the fulfilment of their orders and enabling them to meet their deadlines. Navigating the dynamics of last-minute rushes is a testament to our commitment to supporting our clients during the demanding peak season, offering a helping hand to ensure their success.
Q: Would you recommend Shiptheory and Chilliapple to other businesses wanting to streamline their business?
Absolutely, without a doubt, I would wholeheartedly recommend Shiptheory and Chilliapple to other businesses seeking to streamline their operations. The experience has been seamless, and having a solution that not only works but also delivers on its
promises is truly excellent.
In the past, we've experimented with various solutions, some of which proved to be confusing and unresponsive. With Shiptheory and Chilliapple, the clarity and responsiveness stand out, making it an unequivocal recommendation. If anyone inquires, my answer is a resounding yes.