Outsourcing in the Wholesale Trade Industry

Introduction

The outsourcing trend in the wholesale trade industry is on the rise and expected to continue. If you are considering outsourcing roles to experts in the industry, there are some essential things you need to know.

Preparing for Challenges Ahead

"Be prepared" is a motto that the wholesale trade industry should embrace at present. Despite 2018 being a successful year for the industry, the National Association of Wholesale Distributors has warned its members to expect a slowdown in growth in the years ahead. This slowdown will be driven by various factors such as trade tariffs, wage increases, and higher shipping costs, alongside a general economic slowdown.

To ensure that your business can weather the challenges ahead, it's essential to implement measures to address issues such as supply chains, inventory, warehousing, transport, and staffing. As margins become tighter, controlling costs will be vital, while effective marketing and customer service will become even more critical to keep your business moving forward in a slower market.

The Benefits of Outsourcing in the Retail Industry

Successful Management in Less Than Ideal Circumstances

Outsourcing in the retail industry provides an opportunity to manage successfully in less than ideal circumstances. Historically, offshoring provides access to labor at a much-reduced cost. However, technology has permeated every facet of the industry, presenting opportunities to integrate remote teams more easily into day-to-day operations and increase the level of expertise in roles that are not traditionally part of the core business but are increasingly imperative to survival.

Why the Wholesale Trade Industry Is Suited to Offshoring

Fortunately for wholesale trade businesses, offshoring is particularly well-suited for the industry. This is due to the following reasons:

1. The industry increasingly requires skills in data management, IT support, and omnichannel platform development and maintenance - areas that are particularly well-catered for by offshore BPO companies.
2. Most processes utilize cloud-based software that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
3. A lot of work can be done at any time - not just in business hours, enhancing the ability to provide out-of-hours service, so you can be available for customers when they want you to be, in any timezone.

Frequently Offshored Wholesale Trade Roles

Some of the more frequently outsourced retail industry roles include:

1. B2B (Business to Business) Sales Representative/ Consultant
2. Trade Marketing Specialist
3. Account Manager
4. Sales Manager
5. Customer Care/ Client Services Spec
6. Wholesale/ Trade Coordinator