Logistics and fulfilment companies are all the same, yes? Well actually the answer is “no, they’re not”. Certainly they all perform the same basic functions which is pick your item up and get it delivered to your end customer, but it’s how they work with you and for you that really counts.
This week I spoke to Kate Lester, the founder and CEO of diamond logistics to find out what makes them special and why you might want to use them.
Kate started her first business when she was just 20 and her big belief is in collaborative working for ‘Shared Success’ and that’s the fundamental principle behind the way she has built diamond logistics. Here’s what she had to say:
What does diamond logistics do?
diamond logistics is the GO TO one stop logistics company to help you evolve your online business. Whether its just despatching your goods via our multi-carrier solution from your own premises OR taking control of the entire shipping process from storage, pick pack and despatch, Diamond provides a complete solution for businesses working in the FMCG industry. It’s same-day, overnight & international plus fulfillment from ONE supplier.
Why would someone use diamond logistics over competitors?
Because:
It’s all about Shared Success © at Diamond:
Our work is all about mutually beneficial partnerships.
We are unique:
20+ Owner managed depots who truly care about delivery because their income depends on it!
We are pragmatic and honest:
We’d rather under promise and over deliver – so that we exceed your expectations – we’ve had 1000’s of years of combined experience so we can be realistic and tell you what can and can’t be achieved.
We are innovative:
Our multi-carrier platform enables delivery of pretty much, anything anywhere! That’s same-day, overnight, international, plus storage and fulfillment from one place. Online management, integrated, smooth. Nice!
We are award winning:
Not just in service delivery but in European and UK Awards for Entrepreneurship too, with our services and delivery proven to build businesses, just like yours.
We are NOT perfect:
But when we make a mistake we do what we can to sort it out.
We are a really good company to trust, work for and belong to:
Over 2,000 companies in the UK choose us as the GO TO logistics business to deliver.
What does your size enable you to do that perhaps I couldn’t do myself?
Well you don’t have to queue at a post office ever again for a start ;)
Plus:
• We combine our multimillion pound spend to get the best service and the best rates from our carriers.
• We use 10+ carriers so you can specifically use the best carrier for each of your products increasing the success metrics.
• We proactively monitor EVERY DELIVERY so if something does go wrong then YOU find out about it before your clients do. This means much happier clients, and much more repeat business for you!
• We are small enough to care – and your goods wont languish lost in a 1000000000 sq ft warehouse being picked by a drone. YOU and your business matters.
What would your ideal customer look like?
Diamond like to work with people who want to focus in sourcing and selling their products – not running despatch departments and warehouses! Diamond particularly like to work with businesses that are in their growth stages, ready to move from lock up to warehouse but who really embrace the concept of outsourcing their entire logistics. We are committed to helping your business expand. It’s all down to Shared Success © – you grow, we grow – happy days! :-)
What product categories or types of product do you specialise in/avoid?
We don’t specialise and can even despatch batteries and flammable goods subject to approval. We avoid temperature controlled and/or ambient storage and transport.
Which carriers do you use?
DX Courier
DX Secure
DX Freight (Night Freight)
TNT Domestic
TNT International
Parcelforce
DHL
UK Mail
DPD
Whistl*
Yodel
Tuffnells
Collect +
All tracked services except *
Which platforms do you support or integrate with?
Preferred integration is full API, although we can handle CSV import. We have preconfigured integrations with Magento and bespoke options available for all other platforms. Plugins are currently being created for other platforms.
What else would you like to tell Tamebay readers?
You can trust us to treat your products with the care and attention they deserve. We are invested in each and every one of our clients’ despatches – and our success in reaching the Virgin Fast Track 100, 2016 is down to primarily one thing. Retention of great clients. As our clients have grown, so have we.
A little old fashioned maybe but when you have been around for 25 years you twin innovation with good old traditional customer care. It’s a winning recipe for all parties.
Case Studies
An online retailer selling electronic products
Challenge
Their business can run from their office except the import of pallets of electronic goods and sending orders through the UK and internationally from online purchasers. They want to specialise in buying and marketing their product not running a warehouse and pick and pack function.
Solution
To provide an actual warehouse for their virtual business by providing storage, goods in, stock management, pick and pack, and despatch all rolled into one.
Results
• Freed from the need to run a warehouse, despatch or stock management system or employ ANY staff for this function
• Easy to budget fixed per item despatch and low cost fixed monthly storage charges
• 100% breakeven on logistics costs
• Savings across the board on the carriers due to specialised routing and utilisation of Diamond’s great buying rates.
https://diamondlogistics.co.uk/storage-and-fulfilment/
A traditional seed producer with over 100 years’ experience producing premium seeds
Challenge
Administration, cost and customer service.
Solution
With Diamond overnight & international they are able to book 99% of their freight with Diamond, saving time, money and manpower in administration. Shipment will automatically be allocated to the most cost-effective carrier via the specialist online booking system.
Diamond customer services manage their client enquiries, leaving them free to grow their business along with daily online reporting so their accounts department can recharge their logistics costs.
Results
• One supplier, one invoice, one booking system.
• A dedicated proactive customer service team that eliminates 97% of customer queries on deliveries.
• Savings across the board on the carriers due to specialised routing and utilisation of Diamond’s great buying rates.
https://diamondlogistics.co.uk/overnight-international-deliveries/
Contact diamond logistics
diamond logistics are based at Unit 3C, Henley Business Park, Pirbright Road, Normandy, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 2DX.
You can contact them on +44 (0) 1483 387092, via email at info@diamondlogistics.co.uk or direct via the diamond logistics website.