CMYUK has launched a consignment stock supply service – and is providing external storage containers for materials absolutely free.
If you’re stressing over materials supply chain and stockholding issues read on – because CMYUK, which has long been supplying roll material consignment stocks to its largest customers, has extended the service to other print service providers to help them handle the same supply chain issues and on-demand requirements as their bigger counterparts.
Palletised consignment shipments are now available to all those businesses that are able to store bulk material rolls internally. What’s more, for those that lack the internal space, CMYUK is also offering a unique solution - it will provide customers with a branded, shelf racked container for the external storage of materials. These containers are condensation-proof, highly secure, and can hold roll sizes up to 5m in width. And they’re absolutely free.
“There are numerous advantages to consignment stock procurement, and one of the main reasons that many CMYUK customers have not purchased roll material in this way previously was due to a lack of storage space. However, most customers have an accessible back yard where a container can be placed,” says Robin East, CMYUK group commercial director.
Consignment benefits
The benefits of consignment stock fulfilment have long been recognised by those that already purchase materials through this managed service. It reinforces the relationship between supplier and customer as ownership of stock is retained by the former until used for clients’ work.
With consignment purchases there are no upfront costs and only used stock is invoiced for at the end of each month. This can significantly assist with cashflow as CMYUK customers’ can invoice their clients for work produced before paying for the materials themselves.
Bulk consignment stock also safeguards against depleted inventories. Stock levels can be replenished automatically or topped up at any time. This ensures a higher degree of flexibility, enabling businesses to cope with non-forecasted peak business periods.
“While the benefits of buying consignment stock are not new, for clients in the UK and Ireland, these advantages have been further illuminated by Brexit and the inherent complexities within exports. Add the recent effects of Covid supply chain, logistical issues, and high transportation costs, bulk consignment stockholding becomes even more of an attractive proposition, propelling it to the forefront of good business practice,” stresses East.
Another advantage that is fast becoming a prominent consideration in the ordering of consignment stock is environmental impact. This fulfilment service greatly reduces the number of deliveries and lowers costs.
According to Damien Clarke, CMYUK’s sales director (materials), larger consignment stock customers have seen deliveries reduce significantly, adding to their own sustainability targets, and making savings on their carbon footprint by a minimum of 50%.
“Our larger customers may have two/three consignment deliveries a month compared to say ten or so standard deliveries. However, for a smaller customer, a single consignment delivery per month would be more than adequate. Customers are happy with the logistics and convenience offered by this procurement service,” says Clarke.
“Consignment order fulfilment means having the reliable assurance of stock on the shelf. This feeds into the whole customer experience that reduces job lead times and provides a tighter more efficient service. It’s these details that makes a good business better.”