The dietary supplement industry has some of the the most stringent requirements in e-commerce:
- various product forms (liquids, powders, capsules),
- temperature restrictions,
- the need for appropriate packaging,
- high sensitivity of the products to moisture and light,
- seasonality of demand (e.g. autumn/winter period).
Therefore, in the fulfilment of supplements, it is easy to make mistakes that can cost the brand money, customers and reputation.
Here are the most common ones - and proven ways to avoid them.
1. Incorrect storage conditions
This is the most common and also the most dangerous mistake.
❌ What can go wrong?
- moisture damages the hard capsules,
- High temperatures destroy probiotics or enzymes,
- improper lighting shortens the shelf life of liquids and shots,
- lack of FIFO rotation results in batches becoming overdue.
✅ How can this be avoided?
Choose the fulfilment it offers:
- temperature and humidity control,
- FIFO/FEFO system,
- protected areas for sensitive products.
👉 All these standards are ensured by PharmaDot Fulfillment: https://pharmadot.pl/fulfillment/
2. Errors in order picking
Swapping flavours, weights, or a completely different product - this is one of the main reasons for turnarounds in the industry.
❌ What can go wrong?
- the order contains 2 products and only 1 was sent,
- the wrong option was sent,
- mistakes when packing multipacks.
✅ How can this be avoided?
- automation of fulfilment,
- scanning of products during picking,
- integration of the shop with the warehouse system,
- double quality control in packaging.
3. inadequate packaging of the consignment
Supplements - especially in glass - need to be properly protected.
❌ What can go wrong?
- damaged bottles,
- sachets pierced,
- unsealed shots,
- crushed cardboard boxes.
✅ How can this be avoided?
- selection of packaging for the type of product (glass, PET, blister),
- anti-shock fillers,
- suitably sized cardboard boxes,
- shipment strength tests.
4. lack of stock control
In the supplement industry, stock must be ideally managedbecause production takes a long time and turnover is sometimes seasonal.
❌ Problems:
- the sale of products that are not in stock,
- sudden stock shortages,
- too much stock and frozen capital.
✅ Solutions:
- online magazine updated in real time,
- low level alerts,
- turnover and demand reports.
5. lack of system integration with e-commerce
Without automation, data is transcribed manually → and this generates errors.
❌ What can go wrong?
- incorrect shipping addresses,
- confused variants,
- implementation delays.
✅ How can this be avoided?
Choose fulfillment that integrates with:
- Shopify, WooCommerce, Shoper,
- Allegro, Amazon, eBay,
- payment and ERP systems.
At Pharma Dot all these integrations are available.
No strategy for international shipments
Supplements abroad require:
- the relevant customs codes,
- composition statement,
- compliance with local regulations.
❌ Incorrect documents = delays and refunds.
✅ Solution:
Fulfillment, which encompasses shipments to the UK, the EU and outside Europe - just as Pharma Dot Fulfillment.
7. shipping too slow and no tracking
Customers of supplements often buy them cyclically, which is why delays are particularly acute.
❌ Problems:
- no automatic tracking,
- delayed transmissions,
- no e-mail confirmations.
✅ How can this be avoided?
- system for automatic notifications,
- fast shipping SLA (e.g. 24 hours),
- courier integrations.
Summary
Fulfillment of supplements requires precision, quality control and good automation.
The most common errors - inappropriate storage conditions, picking mistakes, poor packaging or lack of integration - can be eliminated by choosing a a partner that specialises in the food supplement industry.
👉 If you want to avoid these mistakes and improve your brand logistics, check out:
https://pharmadot.pl/fulfillment/
