| In today's competitive environment, Logistic | | | | they been in business for 25 years or more, or are |
| Companies can no longer simply rely on door-to-door | | | | they simply a "Johnny-come-lately"? |
| delivery and warehousing services in order to rise | | | | 4. Does the company have existing relationships with |
| above the competition. Today, the more successful | | | | major retailers and other organizations? This also |
| logistic and transportation organizations are | | | | demonstrates stability and experience. |
| differentiating themselves by offering services | | | | 5. Does the company employ numerous field |
| following the delivery, such as in-home and in-store | | | | managers located throughout the country? This |
| product assembly and display set-up. And not only | | | | becomes important for accountability as well as local |
| are these services adding value to the offerings | | | | contacts. |
| these companies already provide, but they are also | | | | 6. Does the company employ individuals who have |
| adding revenue to the bottom-line as they are able | | | | been extensively trained and have had complete |
| to build these charges, along with an added | | | | background checks? |
| percentage, into their overall cost structure. | | | | 7. Does the company provide detailed reporting of |
| The benefits of a partnership between a 3rd party | | | | the services they provide, along with having digital |
| logistics (3PL) or transportation organization and a | | | | photograph capability? |
| provider of assembly and set-up services may be | | | | So there you have it. In summary, today's most |
| obvious, but the question then becomes how do you | | | | successful logistic organizations are differentiating |
| select such a company? The answer to this question | | | | themselves by offering services following the |
| is not so clear. Specific questions you need to ask | | | | delivery, such as in-home and in-store product |
| include: | | | | assembly and display set-up. Not only are these |
| 1. Does the company provide services nationally and | | | | services adding value to the offerings these |
| in Canada? | | | | companies already provide, but they are also adding |
| 2. Does the company employ all it's workers as W-2 | | | | revenue to the bottom-line. Don't be left behind in |
| employees? This will result in a more committed and | | | | today's competitive logistic environment. Look for a |
| dedicated worker than utilizing independent | | | | company with whom you can partner with |
| contractors for employees. | | | | confidence. |
| 3. Does the company have staying power? Have | | | | |