Ozon Kazakhstan: Invest in logistics complex to optimize cross-border e-commerce experience
Russian e-commerce giant Ozon is gradually expanding its business territory in Kazakhstan. In order to adapt to the growing demand for services in the local market, the company has invested approximately 15 billion Kazakh tenge (approximately US$33.7 million) in Almaty. (Almaty) to build a logistics complex covering an area of 42,000 square meters. The facility is expected to be completed within 12 months and create approximately 2,000 jobs. This logistics center will provide local sellers with one-stop services from storage to packaging to distribution, thereby better supporting Kazakhstan’s growing e-commerce needs.
In order to ensure the smooth implementation of the project, Ozon has cooperated with Focus Logistics, a subsidiary of the Kazakhstan construction group Bazis. Since entering the Kazakhstan market in 2021, Ozon has continued to expand its logistics network, operating two local operation centers and more than 100 pickup points, and plans to increase the number of pickup points to 1,000 by the end of 2023.
Logistics options in cross-border e-commerce
On the Ozon platform, sellers can choose from a variety of logistics methods, including FBO (Fulfillment By Ozon), FBS (Fulfillment By Seller) or RFBS (Return Fulfillment By Seller). FBO allows sellers to store goods in the Ozon warehouse, and Ozon is responsible for packaging and delivery; FBS requires sellers to handle these steps themselves; RFBS allows sellers to set different warehouse parameters and handle returns themselves. For new cross-border sellers on the Ozon platform, they can only choose official online logistics, which means delivering the goods to Ozon’s cooperative logistics provider’s warehouse in China, and then the logistics provider sends them to Russia.
Logistics Optimization: Integrated and Integrated Logistics
The integrated logistics and integrated logistics services provided by Ozon have their own characteristics. Integrated logistics originates from third-party freight forwarders, but many Chinese sellers have reservations about it due to uneven quality. On the contrary, integrated logistics is favored due to its price advantages, ease of communication, convenient shipping, and wide distribution coverage. It is worth noting that Ozon integrated logistics currently only has pick-up and drop-off points in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
Conclusion
Although the comprehensive logistics of the Ozon e-commerce platform is not the only option, it does have obvious advantages. For Chinese sellers who want to expand into the Russian market, it is crucial to understand Ozon’s logistics services and choose the appropriate cooperation method according to their own needs. By optimizing logistics strategies, sellers can not only improve operational efficiency, but also enhance customer satisfaction and lay a solid foundation for long-term development.
This article is compiled from multiple articles about Ozon’s investment in Kazakhstan and its cross-border e-commerce logistics strategy.