Seizing opportunities in an evolving global marketplace

In today’s fast-paced global economy where commerce knows no borders, SkyNet Worldwide Express sits at the forefront of embracing new opportunities to meet the evolving needs of businesses and their customers alike.

To align with the changing consumer behaviour for whom the world is now accessible, SkyNet South Africa has recently pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, expanding its presence into the major e-commerce global markets.

The acquisition of SkyNet operations in key markets such as Belgium, Germany, Mozambique, Namibia, the UK and, more recently, Hong Kong, has not only bolstered SkyNet’s global footprint but also unlocked a myriad solutions for businesses seeking to tap into new markets.

“With 388-million online shoppers in Africa, and Asia being the epicentre of e-commerce, and the demands this creates for cross-border trade, investing in Hong Kong was an easy decision,” says Tommy Erasmus, CEO of SkyNet International Holdings.

Using its strategic acquisitions and partnerships, technological advancements and customer-centric solutions to navigate the complexities of the modern global marketplace, SkyNet has developed a reputation as a game-changer in the local market when it comes to embracing innovation.

The strategic location of its Hong Kong operations, considered a vital gateway to China and Asia’s largest e-commerce market, is providing upstream supply chain solutions for the business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets. The recent partnership with a listed company in Hong Kong and Dongguan, China, specialising in business-toconsumer fulfilment, now provides customers in the growing e-commerce industry with the advantage to capitalise on the cost savings that consolidation creates.

It also opens the market for more business-to-business and business-to-consumer entrants into the lucrative African economy. SA is often used as the gateway into the rest of Africa and, with its stronghold in SA, SkyNet is ideally positioned to serve its customers from around the world into the growing lucrative African market.

Erasmus says innovation lies at the heart of SkyNet’s approach to addressing the challenges of cross-border e-commerce.

“Recognising the intricacies faced by e-tailers in calculating the landed costs, including VAT and duties, we have developed strategic partnerships to automate this process ensuring compliance and minimising transaction delays,” he says. Removing this barrier, especially for the e-commerce industry, now opens international trade for even the small and medium-sized companies looking to grow their business.

According to a recent blog by Wise Systems, last-mile delivery accounts for 53% of the total cost of shipping. SkyNet’s approach to omnichannel lastmile delivery solutions demonstrates a proactive approach to reducing re-delivery attempts, in the process reducing costs and enhancing consumer convenience. Some of these last-mile solutions include lockers, counterpoints, secure delivery solutions and even using the kasi economy to reach the wide spectrum of consumers requiring a last-mile delivery option.

“By embracing innovative solutions and partnerships, companies such as SkyNet are reshaping the last-mile delivery landscape, driving efficiency and customer satisfaction,” says Erasmus.

Shopify recently noted that the average return rate for e-commerce is typically 20% to 30%. The reasons for returns vary from product dissatisfaction, incorrect sizing or discrepancies between the product and its online description. SkyNet’s streamlined and innovative returns approval process enables e-tailers to manage returns through a user-friendly dashboard.

“Consumers are able to request a return of the product purchased directly on SkyNet’s Returns dashboard,” says Erasmus. “The system automatically triggers a notification to the e-tailer who then authorises the return (or rejects it). This seamless process accelerates refunds and ultimately enhances customer satisfaction.”

Realising the cost implication of cross-border returns to e-tailers, the company has also implemented a solution to reduce the costs associated with cross-border returns. Through its Return Fulfilment solution, returned items are graded and nondamaged items are repackaged and remotely warehoused for resell rather than an expensive return to country of origin.

“This solution,” says Erasmus, “not only simplifies the returns experience for e-tailers and consumers but also reduces the costs associated with cross-border returns. It’s a customer-centric approach which not only enhances customer satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and repeat business.

“As the global marketplace continues to evolve, we are embracing new opportunities with fervour and agility, leveraging acquisitions, technology and customercentric innovation to navigate the ever-changing logistic requirements of the global market, in the pursuit of growth and success. Most importantly, underpinning all the innovation is our drive to reduce our carbon footprint through technology, following industry best-practice standards to reduce our carbon emissions,” says Erasmus.

INNOVATION LIES AT THE HEART OF SKYNET ’ S APPROACH TO ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF CROSS-BORDER E-COMMERCE