As a small business, managing ecommerce fulfillment, DTC logistics, B2B logistics, and DTC fulfillment can be quite difficult. There are plenty of logistics tasks, including managing a warehouse, tracking inventory, communicating with clients, and staying competitive in the industry, etc., that are going to use up your energy, time, and money.
This is why a lot of rapidly-growing ecommerce businesses partner with third-party logistics, such as 3PL Bridge, that provides small business logistics solutions. Continue reading to learn more.
What Are Small Business Logistics Solutions?
Logistics solutions for small and ecommerce businesses consist of supply chain management. This encompasses everything from storing inventory in a warehouse to picking goods and packing services to automated shipping and returns management.
Benefits of Using a Small Business Logistics Solutions Provider
Also commonly referred to as 3PL, a logistics solutions partner can facilitate ecommerce businesses, and even brick-and-mortar stores, scale their businesses more quickly by taking care of their logistics. Here are some benefits of using a small business logistics solutions provider.
1. Increased Cost Savings
Firms providing small business logistics solutions specialize in logistics and, therefore, have a more extensive network than your firm’s supply chain function. They have built exclusive relationships within the logistics field and can have a much larger impact during negotiations. Moreover, they can even help to provide higher volume discounts to customers. These factors cumulatively can reduce overhead costs.
By working with a third-party logistics supply chain management company, you can even save on significant infrastructure investments, as it includes warehouse space, transportation, tracking technology, and staff, among several other things.
2. Get Access to Efficiency and Expertise
A lot of businesses opt for third-party logistics as they don’t possess the knowledge of logistics themselves. It might be that you are passionate about the product you sell and the industry you work within – not necessarily about logistical compliance policies and laws.
A benefit of using a small business logistics solutions provider is that they’re well-versed in handling every aspect of your supply chain – from regulations related to EDI compliance to safety and health regulations in the warehouse.
Moreover, years of experience in providing the best supply chain management services means that a third-party logistics company might have great solutions to the problems your business faces. This means you face fewer issues in your delivery chain, and even when you do, they are resolved efficiently and quickly.
Simultaneously, when your third-party logistics provider handles your supply chain, you can spend more time on other more value-adding tasks such as business and strategy development.
3. Ability to Focus on Core Competencies
Outsourcing your logistics requirements to third-party logistics can offer all businesses the opportunity to focus on core competencies rather than dedicating resources and time to essential but non-core aspects of the organization. Transportation, in particular, can consume a lot of time, and small business logistics solutions providers can help by offering the manpower and resources to handle it efficiently.
4. Flexibility and Scalability
An advantage of working with a third-party logistics provider is that you can scale transportation, labor, and space according to your inventory requirements. If you run a small business, an ecommerce business, or a brick-and-mortar store with seasonal periods, you can enjoy hassle-free transitions between market ups and downs. This is primarily because you have the ability to use more resources and space when required.
Using a third-party logistics provider lets you expand your business into new regions without any trouble. In addition, as you expand, third-party logistics providers can help you scale as they possess the resources to facilitate growth into a new market.
5. Constant Process Optimization
Third-party logistics providers have the resources to make improvements and adjustments to every link in the supply chain. In fact, 3PL experts are going to make sure your requirements are met by using the most efficient, cost-effective, and quickest methods. A third-party logistics provider has the tools needed to restructure the supply chain and utilize technology that makes sure the right number of supplies reaches when and where you need them.
High-level management software can analyze and track practices to remove inefficiencies and streamline the supply chain. Whether you have to provide e-commerce fulfillment or DTC fulfillment, 3PL service providers are going to make sure constant improvements are made to your logistics process. All in all, third-party logistics providers can cut down wait times, improve customer service, and increase profits.
6. Enhanced Customer Experience
Customers are the most important part of any business. If your customers are not happy, your business will not be successful. On the other hand, if you work with a third-party logistics provider that fully understands the importance of customer service, you will surely reap the benefits in the form of repeat purchases, great recommendations, and excellent reviews. A 3PL provider can provide:
- A vast range of delivery options at various prices with different transit times
- Efficient and swift free exchanges and returns
- Free same- or next-day delivery at a reasonable and affordable cost to the business.
Customers don’t just expect these things. In fact, they’re some of the factors they keep in mind when deciding where to buy from. For instance, 67 percent of buyers consider quick and easy returns as a major element when buying online, whereas a massive 88 percent consider free shipping to be more important than quick shipping.
If your competitors offer these things and you don’t, you should get in touch with a 3PL provider to help you capture the market share.
7. Integrated Solutions
3PL providers generally have a fleet of trucks and ships and operate through various shipping ports and storage facilities. This means they can offer integrated solutions that encompass pickup, storage, shipping, and delivery, all in a single package. This means you don’t need to go through the trouble of negotiating with multiple companies. In addition, it even improves efficiency and reduces paperwork.
Last Few Words
If you are looking for a reliable small business logistics solutions provider, get in touch with us at 3PL Bridge. We offer a vast network of vetted and dependable 3PLs that align with your existing and future needs. We are going to save you countless headaches and hours using our best in-class matching techniques. Contact us to learn more!
