E-retailers book an 18% revenue increase for Q3

The increase points to a healthy holiday shopping season, MarketLive says.

Online revenue increased 18.14% year over year in the third quarter for more than 100 retailer clients of e-commerce technology provider MarketLive Inc. MarketLive did not provide actual revenue figures.

For the three months ending Sept. 30, visits to the e-commerce sites increased 15.95% year over year, which the company says bodes well for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

"Merchants are in a strong position to take advantage of holiday opportunities," the company writes in its analysis of the third quarter performance of clients included in the MarketLive Performance Index. The index compares only retailers that were a client of MarketLive in both the recent quarter and the same quarter a year earlier, and that agree to provide MarketLive with access to analytics data.

The index also revealed:

• The conversion rate improved by 13.18% year over year to 4.55%.
• The cart abandonment rate dropped to 61.48% in Q3 from 62.25% a year ago.
• The average order size during the quarter stood at $147.28. Year-over-year comparison data were not available.
• 35.69% of site traffic came from search engines, 30.01% from direct traffic and 2.88% from social networks. The remaining 31.42% of traffic came from other sources, but MarketLive did not provide details.
• The engagement rate-the percentage of site visitors who place items in a shopping cart-was 10.42%, up from 9.15% a year ago.

                                                                                Allison Enright, Senior Editor - Internet Retailer

 

What this means for FSI is that our halls will be decked with a variety of new product arrivals and lots of orders to process, pack and ship with our usual Holiday cheer.  We would love to help your business to deliver its 2011 Holiday merchandise or campaigns to market, so just give us a call!

 

You are Invited to Join FSI at the 2011 Cobb Chamber B2B Expo

Thursday, May 19^th 4:00-7:00p.m.  at Cobb Galleria Centre

 

ATLANTA (May 9, 2011) – Fulfillment Strategies International (FSI) invites you to visit us at the 2011 Cobb Chamber Business to Business Expo at the Cobb Galleria Centre.  Known as the premier Chamber sponsored business-to-business exposition in the area, this annual event is held for the promotion of local businesses and corporate networking. More than 150 companies showcase their products and services to over 1,000 attendees at the Cobb Galleria Centre from 4 to 7 p.m. Open to the public, this event keeps participants on the competitive edge with networking, idea sharing, product introduction and service solutions attracting executives at every level. The EXPO is FREE to attend and this year’s Expo is slated to be the LARGEST to date.

 

FSI is in Booth #317 to showcase examples of our work as well as a visual presentation of capabilities including custom kit assembly, product, literature and promotion item order fulfillment.  View our suite of on-line client support systems and meet the FSI team.  Come by between 4:00 – 7:00p.m. and register to win a night out with a restaurant gift card.  

 

There will also be an After Hours cash bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres on the Business Expo show floor beginning at 5 p.m.  

 

We hope to see you there!

Information Contact:
Linda Williamson, FSI

678.391.5980
lindaw@fsifulfillment.com

www.fsifulfillment.com

For the fourth year in a row, FSI sponsors the 2011 AMY Awards event at the Fabulous Fox Theatre! This annual event, held on March 24^th, recognizes marketers who’ve made their mark on the Atlanta marketing scene during the past year.  The 2011 Atlanta Marketer of the Year Awards (AMY), presented by AMA Atlanta, is open to corporate and agency marketing professionals in Georgia.  For 54 years, the AMY’s have celebrated more than just creative – but have rewarded companies that have crafted innovative strategies, unforgettable creative and produced outstanding results. Twenty-two AMY Awards are presented across 10 different marketing categories, and two Marketer of the Year Awards recognize an agency and corporate individual for outstanding marketing achievement.

FSI sponsors the event and provides fulfillment services to support the night by kit packing 400 gift bags given to the “stars” that attend.   It is wonderful to work with the AMA to sponsor this event and celebrate our many clients who attend, recognized as finalists and who will win awards during the evening.  We love supporting their work and find our reward in their success.

Santa thinks FSI has been nice this year.

Pinch yourself if you’ve heard this before: The upcoming holiday season could make online retailers as joyful as Santa when he spies a plate of fresh-baked cookies.

The latest optimistic holiday forecast comes from Shop.org, the online retailing division of the National Retailer Federation. In recent report, Shop.org says that nearly 64% of retailers expect their online sales to increase by at least 15% compared with last year’s holiday shopping season.  Last year, only 46% of retailers said the same.

“Retailers continue to see the web as a bright spot in the industry and have put finishing touches on new site features so their customers will have good experiences when shopping online this holiday season,” says Fiona Swerdlow, Shop.org’s head of research.

72% of U.S. online consumers say they will shop online for holiday gifts this season, and 40% of those shoppers say they’ll spend from $100 to $300 for gifts at e-retailers. Another 24% say they’ll spend up to $500, according to exclusive research conducted for Internet Retailer. More than a third of online shoppers (34%) will buy gift cards this season.

FSI is already busy meeting the needs of our on-line retail customers, packing and shipping thousands of orders daily following the Thanksgiving weekend and Cyber Monday.  Just remember, when you need a world-class e-commerce pick/pack/ship experience for the Holidays and all year through… FSI Delivers!

Source:  Internet Retailer.com

ATLANTA (September 20, 2010) – FSI is selected by Cobb Chamber of Commerce to the prestigious Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year for the 3rd consecutive year! After nomination just a few short months ago, candidate companies undergo an intense application and judging process. FSI was chosen in the Top 25 ranks by a panel of judges composed of Cobb business and community leaders. Companies are judged on product/service innovation, growth, financial strength, employee benefits, overcoming adversity and community service outreach.

Ken Marbutt, FSI’s President/CEO and Forrest Marbutt, VP & General Manager were presented with the award at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s First Monday Breakfast in June at the Marriott Northwest in Atlanta. Forrest Marbutt notes, “As the saying goes, we believe there is a recession going on, we just choose not to participate.” We put a heavy focus on streamlining our processes in every aspect our business. All departments were tasked with finding ways to save money without diminishing FSI’s services.


Pictured are the Cobb Chamber Chairman Rob Garcia, Forrest Marbutt
and Ken Marbutt of FSI and Eric Moran of AJC Media Solutions.


Be sure to check out the video!

Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year - FSI from Balanced Video Solutions.

 

Inc. Magazine Unveils Exclusive List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies: The Inc. 5000

New York, NY - Aug 24, 2010 – For the 2^nd year in a row, Inc. magazine ranked FSI among the top 5000 fastest growing private companies in America in its exclusive annual Inc. 5000 list.  The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Music website Pandora, convenience store chain 7-Eleven, Brooklyn Brewery, and Radio Flyer, maker of the iconic children’s red wagon, are among the prominent brands featured on this year’s list.

"The leaders of the companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 have figured out how to grow their businesses during the longest recession since the Great Depression," said Inc. president Bob LaPointe.  “The 2010 Inc. 5000 showcases a particularly hardy group of entrepreneurs.” 

FSI, founded in 1996 by Ken Marbutt, has continued to grow and expand every year in its 14-year history.  "We are especially proud of this recognition for our growth in these current economic times" states Forrest Marbutt, FSI’s Vice President & General Manager.  "We stick with our core competencies of order fulfillment, kit packing, pick/pack/ship, online reporting solutions, and constant attention to internal process improvements, and our customers have rewarded us for this focus.  We're thankful that the strategy has been paying off these past 14 years."  Not only did FSI crack the top 5000 in the US, but upon further review of the rankings, FSI is within the top 200 fastest growing private companies in the state of Georgia and in the top 10 in the Logistics and Transportation category.

Methodology

The Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2006 through 2009. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by the first week of 2006, and therefore able to show four full calendar years of sales. Additionally, they have to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- as of December 31, 2009. Revenue in 2006 must have been at least $80,000, and revenue in 2009 must have been at least $2 million.   Despite the fact that most of this year’s measuring period of 2006-2009 took place during the latest recession, aggregate revenue among the companies on the list actually increased to $321.6 billion, up more than 50 percent from last year. The effects of the recession are seen, however, in the median three-year growth rate, which dropped to 96 percent from last year’s 126 percent. This year’s Inc. 5000 employ a record 1.4 million people, up from one million on last year’s list. With unemployment remaining stubbornly high, policymakers and business leaders will do well to look to the Inc. 5000 companies for fresh ideas on achieving growth and creating jobs.

About FSI

Founded in 1996, FSI delivers a winning combination of logistical fulfillment, inventory management, pick/pack/ship and custom kit packing assembly for major corporations and agencies. FSI distinguishes our fulfillment services by combining proven logistical fulfillment with advanced technology. The FSI reporting system delivers data on orders, projects and inventory via the web, 24/7 on a user-friendly dashboard.  We help make your job easy!  When You Need Experience, FSI Delivers.

About Inc. Magazine

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today's innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 712,647, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology.

 

ATLANTA (July 22, 2010) – FSI is selected by Cobb Chamber of Commerce to the prestigious Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year for the 3rd consecutive year! After nomination just a few short months ago, candidate companies undergo an intense application and judging process. FSI was chosen in the Top 25 ranks by a panel of judges composed of Cobb business and community leaders. Companies are judged on product/service innovation, growth, financial strength, employee benefits, overcoming adversity and community service outreach.

Ken Marbutt, FSI’s President/CEO and Forrest Marbutt, VP & General Manager were presented with the award at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s First Monday Breakfast in June at the Marriott Northwest in Atlanta. Forrest Marbutt notes, “As the saying goes, we believe there is a recession going on, we just choose not to participate.” We put a heavy focus on streamlining our processes in every aspect our business. All departments were tasked with finding ways to save money without diminishing FSI’s services.


Pictured are the Cobb Chamber Chairman Rob Garcia, Forrest Marbutt
and Ken Marbutt of FSI and Eric Moran of AJC Media Solutions.


Be sure to check out the video!

Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year - FSI from Balanced Video Solutions.

FSI Team Participates in Dallas Dash 5K to Benefit River of Life

Just show us a good cause and the team from FSI is off and running again! FSI sponsored a team of 30 runners for the 2010 Dallas Dash 5K on June 12, 2010 to benefit Dallas First United Methodist Church’s River of Life Mission Project. River of Life, held every July, hosts 120 youth and over 150 adult volunteers who divide into teams to work on various construction projects in the community. Building wheelchair ramps, roofing, painting, and other household projects for the elderly and financially disadvantaged families gives River of Life participants a hands-on way to contribute to those in need. River of Life changes the world one shingle, 2x4, hammer, nail, blister, deck post, sunburn and prayer at a time!

There were individual award winners among the FSI team as well as special recognition during the awards ceremony for FSI having the largest team participating. Thanks to all who spent their morning giving, it will go a long way in helping others…and isn’t that really what it’s all about?

If there is one word related to pick and pack fulfillment that I always get asked about, it is accuracy. "Linda," they say, "how can you guarantee the accuracy of your pick and pack fulfillment service?"

• "99.9% pick and pack fulfillment accuracy? Wow, that’s unheard of. How does your team do it?"
  
  
• "I’m concerned about getting the highest levels of pick and pack fulfillment accuracy. You know, our product line has lots of variations. Are you sure you guys can handle this?"

Yep, I’ve heard it all before. The questions are common. There may be many variations on how the questions are asked, but each new client is concerned about the same thing…getting the most from their pick and pack fulfillment program.

Accuracy in pick and pack fulfillment is a huge concern to our clients. And they are right to be concerned. The last thing they need is to have orders ship out incorrectly to customers. The last thing we want is to be responsible for pick and pack fulfillment mistakes.

At FSI, we strive for complete pick and pack fulfillment accuracy. We also realize that people are human and that mistakes happen. So we settle for our 99.9% pick and pack fulfillment accuracy rate. Our pick and pack fulfillment team is so talented and dedicated that they are able to meet the demands placed on them, no matter how high the volumes or short the deadlines. We have backed them with a state-of-the-art bar coding system that enables them to be sure they are selecting the proper size, color and quantity of each item they package for shipment. Their jobs are challenging, but they do them well and always make it look easy.

If you have questions about how FSI can impact pick and pack fulfillment accuracy for your company, simply contact us at info@fsifulfillment.com.

Join FSI at the 2010 Cobb Chamber Business to Business Expo
Thursday, May 20th 4:00-7:00p.m. at Cobb Galleria Centre

ATLANTA (May 7, 2009) – Fulfillment Strategies International (FSI) invites you to visit us at the 2010 Cobb Chamber Business to Business Expo at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Known as the premier Chamber sponsored business-to-business exposition in the area, this annual event is held for the promotion of local businesses and corporate networking. More than 150 companies showcase their products and services to over 1,000 attendees at the Cobb Galleria Centre from 4 to 7 p.m. Open to the public, this event keeps participants on the competitive edge with networking, idea sharing, product introduction and service solutions attracting executives at every level. The EXPO is FREE to attend.

FSI is in Booth #216 to showcase examples of our work as well as a visual presentation of capabilities including custom kit assembly, product literature, and promotional order fulfillment. View our suite of on-line client support systems and meet the FSI team. Come by between 4:00 – 7:00p.m. and register to win a Guitar Hero 5 game bundle including software and guitar in the format of your choice. FSI will perform a drawing at the end of the event for one lucky winner!

Then stick around for the After Hours cash bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres on the Business Expo show floor beginning at 5 p.m.

Information Contact:
Linda Williamson, FSI
678.391.5980
lindaw@fsifulfillment.com
www.fsifulfillment.com


For More Expo Information:
http://www.cobbchamber.org/cwt/external/wcpages/chamber/business-to-business_expo.aspx

75,000 product samples in 7 days!

Does that sounds like an impossible product fulfillment services task? For some companies it might be. For FSI, it is just another day at the office. Our product fulfillment services team hit the ground running the day we got that order. This is just another example of how our team pulled together to meet the needs of our clients and achieve product fulfillment services success.

Here’s how this product fulfillment services story unfolded:

• It supported a major product launch at a national meeting held in Las Vegas.

• FSI product fulfillment services received the order to prepare 75,000 product sample packages.

• From start to finish, we had 7 business days to get the packages ready to ship to Vegas for the show and to accommodate residual show orders.

• The result: A total product fulfillment services success story. All of the packages were assembled, packed and shipped in time for the client’s needs. They arrived on time, in pristine condition and the client was thrilled!

At FSI, this is pretty much standard operating procedure for product fulfillment services. Most of our product fulfillment services run on very tight timelines. With very specific delivery dates, event dates or launch dates, there just isn’t a lot of wiggle room associated with product fulfillment services. In order to make sure that we are able to meet the needs of our all of our clients, and more importantly to exceed their expectations, our product fulfillment services team works very hard to partner with our clients throughout the whole process. Working closely with our clients to plan each milestone, and ensure on time delivery of each component of the package guarantees, product fulfillment services success.

To experience your own product fulfillment services success story with FSI, contact our sales team at info@fsifulfillment.com.

Have you ever wondered what the FSI order fulfillment services team does to get your orders fulfilled and shipped out? Never had a chance to take a tour of the FSI order fulfillment services facility, but always wanted to get a peek at the behind the scenes action? We’ll admit that our behind the scenes might not be as glamorous as the Oscars, but we still think it is pretty interesting how our order fulfillment services team gets so many orders organized, boxed and shipped in just a matter of hours. The order fulfillment services team works hard to manage the many variables that would make most of us crazy. Here’s a look at just a few of the things that order fulfillment services addresses in a typical day:

• The volume of daily order fulfillment services varies dramatically. Mondays are the busiest days and can see order fulfillment services volumes climb to literally thousands above other weekdays.

• FSI uses bar code technology to ensure order fulfillment services success. Bar codes are used in every step in the process from receipt verification, to order selection, to shipping. This ensures that the order fulfillment services team gets each order packed and shipped accurately.

• Did you know that order fulfillment services must have morning orders picked, packed and shipped early so that the afternoon batches that soon follow can be processed on time?

• Our order fulfillment services receiving area checks in materials and makes certain that they go from dock to stock within 8 business hours.

This is just a small portion of the order fulfillment services that the FSI team tackles each day. Working together in perfect harmony, our team is able to meet deadlines and keep our clients happy. If you would like to schedule a tour of our Atlanta-area facility, give your sales representative a call. We would love for you to see the order fulfillment services team in action!

What would you do if you came into work Monday morning to find that you had literally thousands of things on your to do list? Turn around and walk out? Run for cover? Some Monday mornings at FSI, our warehouse fulfillment team faces work volume that is literally thousands higher than the normal workday. Instead of hanging their heads and wondering how to get it done, the warehouse fulfillment team digs in and gets moving.

How do they do it? How can the FSI warehouse fulfillment team manage such fluctuations in work flow and volume? Well, to be honest these spikes can be a challenge, but our warehouse fulfillment team is always ready. With ongoing preparation and the proper alignment of resources, we are able to continually exceed the high warehouse fulfillment expectations our clients set. FSI’s warehouse fulfillment team is skilled at adapting to new challenges, and our proven processes support any volume making it easy for us to adapt to Monday spikes, as well as the seasonal variations that inevitably arise.

When it comes down to it, it is the combination of our warehouse fulfillment staff and superior technology that makes these successes possible. Our warehouse fulfillment barcode technology guarantees quality in every process from receipt verification to order selection and shipping. Ensuring that each of our warehouse fulfillment associates is fully trained in their specific functions, and has a back up ready to assist during high volume times, makes it possible for us to meet tight deadlines and fulfill thousands of orders on those crazy Monday mornings.

At the end of the day, whether it is a busy Monday or not, the key to warehouse fulfillment success is a dedicated team of professionals working together to get the job done. Our team’s attitude of “Yes we can!” is one of the main reasons that FSI continues to achieve warehouse fulfillment success!

FSI has long been known for providing its customers with the best online order processing services.  Our clients know that when partnering with FSI for online order processing, they will receive superior customer support and attention to detail.  The FSI team is committed, not only to meeting our client’s online order processing needs, but exceeding their expectations for online order processing services. 

At FSI, we pride ourselves on having assembled the best online order processing team in the business.  Members of the FSI team are committed to providing our online order processing customers with the high level of service and support they have come to expect. But at FSI, we are so much more than just the best company for online order processing.  We are also an online order processing company committed to giving back to the community. 

You see, at FSI, we firmly believe that giving back to those in need is a vital part of our business.  We encourage all members of the FSI team to find organizations and causes that inspire them.  FSI team members have supported a wide variety of charitable organizations and participated in many activities over the years.  

A popular choice for many of our employees is supporting the Make A Wish Foundation.  In the fall of 2009, members of the FSI team participated in the 2009 Make A Wish 5K Run.  Another popular event for our employees is the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure.  Our employees are also active in many organizations in the communities in which they live.  The River of Life Project, News for Kids and Helping Hands are just a few of the many community-based organizations that our employees support each year.   

We are so proud of their commitment to the community and to helping those in need.

 

I recently watched an episode of Ace of Cakes where they made a life-sized motorcycle out of cake.  Needless to say, it was a challenge that the whole team had to come together to meet.  It got me thinking about all of the interesting kit packing projects that the FSI kit packing team has tackled.  Some of those kit packing projects have taken our days from average to extraordinary in a matter of moments.  Here is just a peek at some of the super cool and unique kit packing projects we have been lucky enough to be involved with over the years.

• Special kit packing for special audiences.  We have completed some really cool kit packing projects for some amazing events over the years.  We have worked with the press corps and the Screen Actors Guild to put together packages to introduce new television shows. We have also assembled kit packing projects to prepare for the Oscars.  These were really unique opportunities for everyone on the kit packing team.
• Giving back to those who give so much.  At FSI, our kit packing team was so proud to prepare over 60,000 kits for new recruits to the US military.  These keepsake kits welcomed them as they began their training to serve of our great country.  With so many members of the kit packing and FSI team knowing and loving someone in the military, this kit packing project had special meaning for many of us.
• Game on!  Many of us think of games as something for kids, but our kit packing team spends quite a bit of time working on packages for game events for adults.  From the X-Games to the Olympics to golf tournaments, our kit packing team always seems to be building a new and exciting package for adults at play!

I can’t wait to see what kind of wonderful kit packing projects will be heading our way over the next few months.  If your company has a kit packing project on the horizon, let us know how we can help!

 

 

Fulfillment Strategies International – FSI, is pleased to sponsor the American Marketing Association’s Atlanta Chapter 2010 AMY Awards for the 3rd consecutive year.  The 2010 edition of the AMY Awards gala will recognize companies and individuals who have made their mark on the Atlanta marketing scene during the previous year and stood out above the rest. AMY awards will be presented for 10 different marketing categories, and two Marketer of the Year awards will recognize an agency and corporate individual for outstanding marketing achievement. Additionally, Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons will be honored with the 2010 AMY Lifetime Achievement Award.

Held at the historic Fox Theatre on March 11th, this year’s AMY Awards event will be a great opportunity for FSI to salute our industry, our clients and their achievements.  It is clients such as these and the programs we manage for them that drive the FSI team to be our very best!

Atlanta, Georgia



Early projections for the 2009 Holiday buying season are up from 2008 numbers, but spending could still remain flat at $438 billion. This is why FSI is working feverishly with our Clients to deliver their new products and Holiday lines to market to secure a slice of valuable early Holiday purchasing.

In the consumer electronic sector, the latest gaming devices and gaming software will likely be in high demand for the 2009 Holiday season. With the economic downturn, more families are spending less on expensive outside entertainment options and travel. Home entertainment systems and game software become a great way to spend quality and fun time together. FSI is helping our gaming software Client to deliver three new product versions to market at strategic in-market deadlines beginning Oct. 27th and ending in mid November - right before for the busy Thanksgiving weekend and Black Friday. We hope this strategic timing on delivering product will put our Client right where they need to be, just in time for families looking for that special Holiday gaming purchase.

Our many apparel and accessory Clients are also pushing their product to market quickly during this pre-Holiday buying season. Containers from all over the globe are coming into FSI to be quickly turned around as merchandise is packed out for retail store deliveries. The quicker we get these orders to retailers, the sooner our Clients can reach the pocketbooks and reap the benefits of the savvy retail shoppers. More...