E-commerce is quickly gaining in popularity. Businesses are able to operate their B2C or B2B selling online. With a wide selection of various platforms, portals, and marketplaces, starting up has never been easier or faster. As the commerce-scape shifts in this direction, it also lessens barriers for more companies and entrepreneurs to enter the market, intensifying competition across industries.
As an e-commerce seller, maintaining a user-friendly platform works not just for your consumers, but also for your business, allowing you to focus on your operational continuity and efficiency for optimal performance.
At DHL Express, we focus on improving all aspects of your operations. Being an avid supporter of e-commerce businesses, we have created DHL Express Commerce (DEC) and developed an API for sellers to seamlessly integrate DHL Express services on their website, creating a better user experience for both seller and buyer.
DHL EXPRESS COMMERCE (DEC)
DHL Express Commerce or DEC is a platform that integrates DHL Express’s services directly onto your website for the convenience of you and your customers. Traditionally, when you receive an order, you would have to log in to MyDHL+ and manually key in information to create shipping documents. If you ship to multiple consignees this process can be very tedious. DEC helps to eliminate the manual portion of this process while also reducing the likelihood of entry errors. More importantly, DEC can manage the orders from multiple sites (assuming they are on a valid e-Commerce platform), allowing easy compilation for your convenience.
Similar to the functionality of MyDHL+, DEC allows the end-user to view DHL Express rates upon checking out, provide estimated transit times, and easy scheduling of pick-ups once the orders are confirmed. Necessary shipping information and documents will be transmitted directly to DHL Express, allowing us to ship and clear customs more efficiently.
*DEC is available for websites hosted on Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, etc, please visit https://dhlcommerce.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb for the full list and more details.
DHL EXPRESS API
The DHL Express API is able to integrate on most e-Commerce platforms and online selling marketplaces. It is best to contact us prior to the implementation to check for eligibility. While DEC features are focused on mirroring MyDHL+’s capabilities, the API allows for more customizable features that are designed to work in tandem with your operations and requirements.
While most of the core features are similar, you will have the flexibility to add or omit certain aspects that are presented to your end-user. Fully customizable options allow you to optimize your cross-border processes while easily managing all your orders. Add-on features include track and trace, electronic proof of delivery (ePOD), shipping labels and shipping invoices can be generated automatically based on you and your customer’s information plus the details of your products to help with international transport and customs clearance. Similar to DEC, the API allows for customizable collection schedules suited to your time-frames.
The API’s objective is to provide a unique shipping experience for you and your consumers while simplifying all the various logistics-related complications and automating all the manual processes.
HOW DOES E-COMMERCE INTEGRATION WORK?
The diagram below will give a better understanding of how a website integrated with DHL Express will work for you and your customer:
CONSUMER JOURNEY
Checkout journey
CHECK OUT
The customer selects what they want to purchase and add it to their cart.
ADDRESS DETAILS
Customers will then have to key in their details, including their delivery information.
SHIPPING METHOD
They will be allowed to select DHL Express as their shipping method.
PAYMENT
Customer completes payment.
ORDER COMPLETION
Orders are completed and submitted for your review.
MERCHANT JOURNEY
Order processing journey
ORDER CONFIRMATION
After seller reviews the order and make any amendments, data will be submitted to DHL Express.
COLLECTION
Opt for automated dispatch (once data is submitted) or arrange a collection manually.
DELIVERY
Upon delivery you will be able to view an electronic proof of delivery (ePOD), confirming the successful delivery!
LIST OF SERVICES
Both DEC and the API offers many different services and not all may be applicable to your business needs. This list is a summary of the available services. The integration process will be supported by a DHL Express IT representative to guide and recommend you accordingly.
- Product options
- Rates based on account-specific quotations with breakdown for visibility
- DDP option
- Easy shipment preparation
- Automatic data transfer to DHL Express
- Pick-up requests (automated or ad-hoc)
- Automatic paperwork generation
- Return shipment label generation
- Paperless trade, if you decide not to print the shipping documents, you can opt for this and the records will be stored digitally in our system
- Electronic proof of delivery
- Consolidation and summary of shipments
HOW CAN I GET STARTED?
First of all, you will need to be an existing DHL Express customer and have an online e-commerce platform or marketplace.
If you are interested in having this integration, reach out to your account manager and let them know. You will be directed to our IT department and they will take a look at your portal along with your products and services to recommend the optimal integration options to boost the performance of your platform.
While solutions like these tend to be costly or even command a monthly subscription, DHL Express Commerce plug-in is free! Make the most out of selling online by creating a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for yourself and your customers.
