Ecommerce customers have come to expect lightning-fast shipping speeds. A third-party logistics (3PL) partner can help you get them by handling your ecommerce fulfillment needs.
The right 3PL provider can help you with everything from warehousing to delivery, all while keeping costs down. But which is the best fulfillment company? Read on to learn more about your options.
What’s Involved in the 3PL Fulfillment Process?
A 3PL fulfillment provider can help you handle everything from:
- Warehousing
- Inventory management
- Order processing
- Picking and packing shipments
- Logistics and delivery
These services often extend to reverse logistics, which allows e-commerce merchants to develop a no-hassle return policy. The top order fulfillment companies will also provide additional services like branded packaging, inserts, and custom kits.
How Does Ecommerce Fulfillment Work?
3PL services typically start with a warehousing solution to help you maintain your inventory.
When an order comes in, the 3PL team gets to work, picking items from your inventory and packing a box for shipment. The provider then relies on a logistics network to ensure that your products reach your customers swiftly and affordably.
The best providers even use advanced tools that can help you keep track of your orders every step of the way.
What to Look for in an Ecommerce Fulfillment Company
How do you choose the right e-commerce fulfillment company? Look for 3PL providers that offer a range of features, including:
- Warehousing and inventory overflow
- Reverse logistics to handle customer returns
- Experience with a range of industries
- Transparent pricing
- Scalable solutions for startups and growing businesses
- Services that help you build your brand
- Assistance for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) sellers
Some providers also offer additional services that go beyond picking and packing. Kitting services allow you to create unique package deals with related inventory items — such as packaging electronic items with chargers and accessories.
The Best Ecommerce Fulfillment Companies of 2023
The expansion of online retail has also given rise to several 3PL platforms. How do you choose the best fulfillment company for your business? Here are some of today’s best options.
3PL Bridge truly offers everything you need in an ecommerce fulfillment provider. Not only does the company offer basic order fulfillment services, but they also provide reverse logistics so that online merchants can offer a convenient return policy.
Thanks to a nationwide network of warehouses, online merchants can enjoy fast, affordable shipping. And because the company has experience delivering a wide range of products (including wholesale items and medical equipment), it’s uniquely suited to serve businesses of varying sizes.
Additionally, the company offers value-added services such as subscription boxes, product kits, and unique flyers and inserts — all of which can help you build your brand. They even offer product preparation services for Amazon sellers, ensuring you meet the company’s compliance requirements before your items are shipped to an Amazon fulfillment center.
ShipBob is one of the top ecommerce fulfillment companies for small to midsize businesses. It can be ideal for ecommerce, crowdfunding, and product launches, the latter of which can be especially useful for startups.
Whitebox offers various services that allow companies to outsource things like marketing and store management, though the company is also an excellent choice for online merchants who sell items through Amazon.
Red Stag is a superb choice for online retailers who ship large items, high-value products, or other goods requiring additional attention during shipping.
FedEx is already a household name, and now business owners can also take advantage of a suite of fulfillment services that include warehousing, storage, delivery, and reverse logistics.
Shipwire ranks among the top fulfillment companies since they offer an extensive network of warehouse locations around the globe. This makes them a sensible pick for international retailers.
Simpl is a company based out of Austin that’s made waves by offering a 99.98% pick accuracy guarantee. But while the company offers dedicated support, they currently only have one warehouse.
Turn Clicks into Customers
With 3PL Bridge, you’ll be able to provide your customers another level of quality and speed. Contact 3PL Bridge today to learn more or request a quote.
