Where others see roadblocks, we thrill to the challenge.
The Challenge
Our client, a leading importer of consumer electronics and accessories, was caught in a bind with their manufacturing process running late on a shipment of goods destined for a big box retailer. Owing to unforeseen QC issues, production timelines were extended far past what they had initially accounted for. The client’s relationship with the retailer, was in serious jeopardy. At risk of losing one of their largest big box clients, the client was desperate for a solution that would salvage the relationship at any cost.
Expected Outcome
With the goods due at the retail stores in just 15 days, and carrier schedules such that the fastest ocean-based shipping option would result in a total transit time of 21 days to port plus distribution time, the straightforward, and seemingly sole solution, would be to fly the goods in via air freight, at a cost of $500,000.
The Uniquely All-Ways Solution
As the challenge presented itself, we first reserved a container on the ship so that we could send it the moment the issue would be resolved. This bought us an extra two days to catch the sailing. We assigned a container in advance of SI cut-off dates so that we could catch the
vessel up to a day and a half before ETD, rather than the traditional practice where cargo ready date is built around SI cut-offs.
We then brought the goods to our Asia warehouse for consolidation. At the warehouse we collaborated with the customer to take photos and see if the fault was with the factory or the inspector. Upon investigation, it was apparent that the factory was right, and we determined that the client’s inspector had been dishonest. The factory had finally refused to capitulate to his gratuitous demands and this was the inspector’s way of punishing the factory. As soon as All-ways had the facts sorted out, we collaborated to make sure the goods caught the designated vessel.
The Result
All-Ways saved the day. We got the goods from cargo ready date to in-store in 14 days – an unbelievable feat.
How We Do It
While an across-the-ocean air shipment would have been more profitable to All-ways, as partners in their success, we consider our clients’ interests to be our own. The creativity required to pull off a feat of this magnitude is ingrained in our culture. But beyond creative smarts, we have the execution skills to deliver on this level of coordinated services. At All-ways, our clients get the marriage of an end-to-end solution combined with the creativity and investedness that is integral the the All-ways culture.
Key ingredients
Creativity
Investedness
Seamless Services