Options Distribution

Started in 1989 as a distribution agency, Options initially was the distributor for the likes of A.G. Jeans and Replay. Over the years, as their business model changed, they began working with US-based brands too, focusing on expanding their European distribution and e-commerce.

Additionally, they launched their own brands and soon realised they needed a system that could manage all activities for their growing list of brands. “We’re an all-encapsulated agency. We do a little bit of everything, from manufacturing to distribution, to wholesale, and e-com. That’s why we thought Zedonk was a good idea for us. We can overlook our distribution, we can connect to Shopify, and we can keep track of manufacturing. Zedonk is a one-point-stop for all our brands.”

Beforehand, the UK-based company wasn’t using a system, and it was when they were integrating their e-commerce that their warehouse recommended looking into Zedonk. “Everything was fairly manual. We were using a B2B marketplace for our wholesale and to get analytics out of that. We got in contact with Zedonk after we went to our new warehouse ALPI, they said it was really good.”

By integrating their e-commerce operations, the team are now able to clearly keep track of stock levels and report on each brands’ individual sales. “We have 5 Shopify Connectors and it has been pretty seamless. We use the reporting system to give feedback on bestsellers, units sold, territories, etc.”

With multiple brands to manage, that also means having to keep track of a lot of products. And what used to be a time-consuming process is much faster now. “We have 10 brands in there and must have about 3000 - 4000 SKUs in the system at the moment. The upload was easy. If we need to change the prices, change SKUs or add a new one, it can be done in 10 seconds rather than having to take a couple of days. At the click of a button, you can see what your profit is and what your margins are. It is definitely a lot quicker and a lot easier with Zedonk.”

Not only do Options manage their online sales within the system, but also their B2B sales. Now, their buyers can be sent personalised line-sheets and relevant paperwork to place orders remotely, without even having to visit their London showroom. “We are using the Offline B2B Sales App and that has been pretty easy too. We are a lot more professional when we’re sending out order confirmations, deposit invoices, etc, everything is well-formatted.”

From analysing all their data in one place, each department has full control and transparency, from sales and operations to production and logistics. “It’s like a one-stop-shop, you can do everything, from invoicing to pick and pack, seeing how much has been shipped on orders, what’s not shipped or what units have been under-delivered. It’s a really good analytical tool.”

Being able to add modules, as they needed, has allowed Options to familiarise themselves with the system, and at their own pace. “When we started, we didn’t have any extras in there. We ended up adding custom reports and the Shopify Connectors. It’s quite good especially as they can be put in really quickly.”

Of course, with the implementation of a new system, on-hand support and assistance eliminates any confusion and ensures a smooth transition. “The Support team have been really good, the customer service is second-to-none. It’s important because whenever you’ve got a system, which isn’t bespoke, you need help. It has been such a good experience with Zedonk. We’ve had no issues at all, everyone has been helpful and accommodating. It’s a big system, so, to get into the depths of it, you do need support to optimise it.”

“Everything can be done in there, from pieces for manufacturing, products for wholesale, exchange rates, margins, and stock. If you’re a company that touches on everything, like we do, whether you do e-com, wholesale or manufacturing, it’s a great system to put all of your information in and hold it. It’s been a really good decision moving to Zedonk because we needed what they provide.”

After fully optimising the system, Options have complete visibility over their entire company’s operations. Having access to real-time data and seamless integrations are making their lives a lot easier.