Aug 2, 2023 | Blog
Once your company grows large enough that you cannot meet the needs of all of your clients simply by fulfilling orders from your garage, you will have to outsource some services to other businesses. Whether this means choosing a fulfillment partner or finding a warehouse that provides inventory management to store your eCommerce products, or simply outsourcing shipping or customer service, third-party logistics (3PL) is a complex process.
Plenty of warehouses are willing to store your merchandise and handle your shipments, and people will claim to be experts on anything from sales and marketing to order fulfillment if it means that they can make a buck, but you can tell little about their handling of the execution of your fulfillment services just by listening to their sales pitches and watching their promotional videos.
Instead, you should thoroughly evaluate each vendor or service provider before you engage their services or pay them any money. You need a comprehensive 3PL evaluation template to get a realistic view of the service levels you can get from a prospective provider to see whether signing a contract to include this company in your supply chain logistics will be beneficial to your business.
Understanding the 3PL Evaluation Template
Think of the 3PL evaluation template as a job application. When you engage the services of a 3PL provider, you are not becoming partners in the sense of owning a percentage of each other’s business. The selection process is more like an employer choosing from among job applicants. You need to find out the details about how well the company can do the aspects of logistics that you need them to do, whether that is integrations, freight delivery, or returns from customers.
Before you decide which company to hire, you should write a checklist of evaluation criteria on which to base your decision. The criteria should not be vague, such as “quality of work.” Start by thinking about your requirements. For example, “We need A, B, C, D, and E,” and then write a list of questions that will tell you how well the prospective logistics provider can perform the services you need them to perform.
What is a 3PL Evaluation Template?
A 3PL template is a list of questions that a company you’re thinking of outsourcing some of your logistics processes to should answer in its proposal to provide services for your company. Many companies include the 3PL evaluation template in their request for proposals (RFP), and the applicants’ responses form the bulk of the proposal. If the proposal seems promising, then your company visits the service provider to discuss more details of a prospective business relationship before you make a commitment to hire them. The 3PL evaluation template could be a form that you ask prospective vendors to fill out, or it could simply be a detailed list of instructions and elements for them to include in their proposal.
Why Use a 3PL Evaluation Template?
A 3PL template enables you to be organized in the process of choosing service providers for outsourcing. By organizing your RFPs in checklist form, you can compare different companies’ answers to the same question at a glance. This will help you save time in the decision process and to focus on KPIs with greater accuracy and reliability. It also enables you to get down to nuts and bolts about costs and rates early in the process. Using a 3PL evaluation template is a mark of good planning and wise use of your company’s resources. When you take the responsibility to set goals before making demands of others and to communicate your expectations early and clearly, the result is greater success for the project and your supply chain partnerships.
Understanding the Importance of 3PL Evaluation and Selection
Service providers are more likely to want to participate in the operations of projects when the people in charge of the project have their act together. The worst boss is someone who does not know what they want and who wastes everyone’s time and resources by constantly changing their mind about procedures and workflow and giving self-contradictory instructions. If you are organized and forward-thinking enough to distribute a uniform 3PL evaluation template to all of your prospective logistics providers, you make a good first impression.
Even more importantly, a 3PL evaluation template with a breakdown of all of your requirements and specific questions about fees, pricing, and charges enables you to choose the company that will best meet your needs more accurately. You will find out a lot more about the company’s flexibility and capacity for meeting your needs than you would by simply asking open-ended questions such as, “What can you do for us?” If you have a system for evaluating 3PL providers, this will give you the insights that you need for the growth and success of your company.
The Role of Logistics Outsourcing in Supply Chain Management
Only the biggest companies have the capabilities to manage an entire supply chain network. Some examples of areas where companies outsource operations include warehouse management systems (WMS), fulfillment, and shipping. You know your business has outgrown your garage when you consider signing a service level agreement (SLA) with another company to outsource some of the work.
The Essentials of 3PL Evaluation and Selection Phase
Service level agreements are only the beginning of the last steps in outsourcing items on your to-do list. First, you should gather as much data and information about the company to which you are thinking of outsourcing work.
Data to source includes:
- Technology platform and specifics
- Pricing schedule & contract requirements
- Service level agreements
A 3PL evaluation template is one of the most valuable tools to which you have access. An effective 3PL evaluation template will help you pick the best company to meet your needs. Best of all, even an evaluation template with multiple categories doesn’t take up any storage space. It is small enough that numerous completed templates will fit in your email inbox.
At the beginning of the template, you should state your requirements for the services you wish to engage in, the term of the anticipated agreement, and the rights that each party will retain if you sign an SLA. You should then include a section with questions about the company’s products or services, capabilities, and previous projects and one for prices, at minimum.
Key Points in the 3PL Evaluation Phase
There are three key points of the 3PL evaluation phase.
Introduction
This stage usually begins with exchanging links and slide presentations by email and then proceeds to virtual meetings. During this phase, you get to present your brand idea and get a feeling of whether your company’s style of doing business is compatible with that of the other company.
Evaluation
The next phase is the reporting of first impressions. You and other team members at your company discuss whether you want to explore a business relationship with the service provider. Factors such as the company’s location might be as important as whether the company has a proven track record of success. It could be a small detail that tips the scales in favor of the company or against it.
RFP
The third step is to send a request for proposal (RFP). It is much easier to do this if you have already prepared an evaluation template, or several variations on one, that you send to all 3PL providers with which you are considering a business relationship.
Preparing for the 3PL Evaluation Phase
In a perfect world, you could use the exact same evaluation template for every company to which you outsourced tasks. It is not realistic, however, to ask the same questions to a company that provides an application programming interface (API) such as a trucking company or one from which you want to rent warehouse space.
If you have previously made a 3PL evaluation template when outsourcing other services, you are on the right track. You can simply modify your existing template. Some of the questions will still be relevant, but you may need to remove some of them and write some new questions.
Designing an Objective Scoring or Evaluation Process
It is not enough to decide on a list of questions to ask all prospective vendors in your 3PL evaluation template. You must also decide on the criteria according to which you will rate their answers. For example, fill in the responses that the ideal respondent would provide, and see how closely actual applicants’ responses match them. For example, if you need a company to do A, B, C, and D in a particular part of the process, give an applicant four points if it promises to do all of those things, three out of four if it only does three of them and so on. If you are willing to pay X dollars for a particular service, assign the applicant four points if they quote you X or less than X, three points if the amount they quote you is between 100 percent and 110 percent of X, two points if it quotes you between 110 percent and 120 percent of X, and so on.
Formulating Your Request for Tender (RFT)
A request for tender (RFT) is a formal invitation for suppliers to submit proposals to provide their services. You should finalize your 3PL evaluation template before issuing the RFT. You may choose to include the evaluation questions in the RFT, or you may simply include a general description of the services you need and the criteria on which you will evaluate applications. If you choose the latter option, then ask prospective applicants to email you to request the complete application form.
You should include a deadline on your RFT. The level of detail in which applicants can complete the proposal by the deadline can tell you a lot about how successfully they can complete the tasks that you are outsourcing to them.
Building a Cross-Functional RFT Evaluation Team
If the RFT has a single author, this is a recipe for trouble. It is almost as bad as downloading a sample RFT and simply adding your company’s name and logo to it. If one person writes the RFT singlehandedly, it will only reflect that person’s vision and concerns. You should assemble a team of employees from different departments of your company. They should write the RFT together, or at least review the draft of the RFT that you have written by yourself.
The people who wrote the RFT should review the applications, and so should others who did not participate in writing the RFT. You may wish to hire outside consultants to contribute to the writing of the RFT or the review of applications.
Maintaining Objectivity Throughout the Evaluation Phase
An objective process for evaluating 3PL bids is part of fair competition in business. Even if you have contacted certain companies individually to ask them to submit bids, the people who review the applications should not know which applicants submitted which bids. If an applicant later asks you why you did not choose them, you should be able to give specific reasons, none of which relate to your pre-existing relationship with another company.
Key Takeaways
Before you outsource services to another company, you should know what you are looking for. A uniform 3PL template will help you accurately choose a company that provides the services that you need. It can also help you be fair and objective during the selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Outsourcing requires as much planning and organization as doing everything in-house. These are some common questions that eCommerce businesses ask about 3PL evaluation templates:
How Can I Improve My 3PL Performance?
You can improve your 3PL performance by accurately assessing which tasks your company can handle in-house and which you should outsource. When you outsource work, you can get the best results by being clear with suppliers from the beginning about your expectations. 3PL evaluation templates serve this goal.
How do you Evaluate Logistics Performance?
You can evaluate logistics performance by measuring the speed and accuracy with which the logistics provider fulfills its tasks within the supply chain. You can also evaluate the extent to which the supplier helps you save on costs.
What are the Four Functions of 3PL Providers?
The four functions of 3PL providers are warehousing, transportation, distribution, and consolidation. Many eCommerce companies find it cost-effective to outsource their warehousing tasks to a company that deals exclusively with warehousing.
Contact ShipHero today for a demo.
Dec 30, 2022 | Blog
What is Warehouse Automation?
Warehouse automation solutions can help reduce the need for manual labor and improve accuracy and speed in the fulfillment of orders. While automation in warehouses is still a fairly new concept, there are already a wide range of solutions available and several warehouses have begun adopting as much automation as possible. Especially within the recent COVID years where supply chain and logistics companies were expected to double (and sometimes triple) their workloads. Warehouse automation refers to the use of technology and automation to improve the efficiency and productivity of warehouse operations. This can include the use of mobile robots and other automated equipment and softwares to handle tasks such as picking, packing, moving and tracking inventory, and shipment tracking.
How Does Warehouse Automation Work?
Most warehouse automation systems will use a combination of software, sensors, barcode scanners, robotics, and other technologies to track the movement of goods within the warehouse. This data is then used by the software to generate reports and provide real-time updates on inventory levels, order status, and other important information. The specific functionality of a warehouse automation solution can vary depending on the specific needs of the warehouse and the type of software being used.
Why Small and Mid-Size Warehouses Can and Should Automate
While automation may seem like something only large-scale warehouses can afford, automation truly is for all warehouse facility sizes. Advantages such as automated storage and retrieval (AS/RS) systems are becoming wildly popular in any sized warehouse. Plus automation protects your warehouse as well. It both reduces human error and risk, while speeding up your operations and offering a higher rate of efficiency. We have all seen within logistics a technology upheaval is taking place, and warehouse automation is only going to improve. That’s why it’s key to get in on the ground floor and begin automating as many processes as you can so your warehouse can stay ahead of the competition no matter its size.
Benefits of Small-Scale Warehouse Automation
The client experience is everything. And the more automated your warehouse is the more you can handle increased client demand. Warehouses who implement automation can do more with less and minimize human error. They get benefits like:
- Enhanced data
- Low stockout events
- Highly optimized warehouse space
- Improved inventory control
- A high level of workplace safety and employee satisfaction
- Reduced operational costs
- Higher operating speeds and accuracy rates
With all of these benefits warehouse automation simply can’t be ignored and it’s quickly becoming a solution your warehouse needs or you may fall behind.
When to Automate Your Warehouse
But how do I know when is the right time to automate my warehouse? Between peak season and trying to keep things up and running, making such a switch in your technology may seem daunting. We recommend reviewing several factors when considering automation. If you see a rise in client order delays, inaccurate inventory counts, using spreadsheets to manage your warehouse, or if you have a limited workforce yet your procedures are labor-intensive, it is time to automate. To do so, you’ll want to examine your supply chain from head to toe, identify gaps in your physical and technological processes, and recruit an expert to help you make the switch.
Types of Warehouse Automation Technology
There are several types of warehouse automation solutions which can help you become automated. We’ve listed a few below:
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- Inventory Management Software: These types of software allow you to track inventory using processes of automation such as barcode scanning, inventory optimization, stock notifications, and report generation.
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): This can include tote shuttles and product carrying vehicles to retrieve products.
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): These robots use GPS to develop routes through your warehouse at max efficiency and are safe to operate with humans around them.
- Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs): These vehicles follow a fixed path within your warehouse using magnetic strips or sensors and cannot be used with spaces that have a high volume of human traffic.
- Automated Sortation Systems: This conveyor system will both identify an item and move it to the required warehouse location using barcodes, scanners, and RFID tags.
- Goods-to-Person (GTP): Inclusive of carousels, conveyors, and lift systems, to help improve the speed of warehouse picking.
Challenges of Warehouse Automation
While warehouse automation is highly needed in any warehouse size, you should first understand significant capital is usually required to get started. Not only in purchasing the equipment but in order to get the help needed for your business to set it up correctly and get it running smoothly. And with any equipment there is always the chance of failure within these processes. And if your equipment goes down, you can get unscheduled down time which can hurt your businesses delivery and efficiency rates. The best way you can avoid these downtimes is to schedule regular maintenance on your automated systems. There are third-party companies you can contract to do this service for you. If you keep your equipment regularly maintained it is highly unlikely to break down.
Ways to Automate Small and Growing Warehouse Operations
If you take a highly strategic approach to your application of automation you can benefit from these processes quickly. In many ways these solutions pay for themselves once they are up and running. Here are four steps to help you in your automation journey:
#1 Assess the Efficiency of Existing Operations
You must understand where you are at today in order to prioritize the automation you purchase first. This means you need to review your operational goals and understand where these goals succeed and where they fall short. If your workers struggle to do their work quickly, or you have continually been surprised by empty product stock, this can give you some idea of what automation will help your warehouse the most.
#2 Search Out Solutions That Increase Worker Efficiency
Your workers need technology which is simple to use. Technology which requires a high rate of training to understand will slow down your processes not only when you implement, but when you get new workers as well. So make sure the technology you choose is easy to use and to implement with a highly user-friendly interface.
#3 Find Ways to Improve Overall Workflow
Once you have provided your employees with technology that enhances their productivity, you need to evaluate your workflows. Review what labor-intensive and tedious tasks could be handled by AMRs (or other automation) instead of your employees. Reviewing the workflows in your warehouse allows you to process what is outdated and what works so you can implement automation accordingly.
#4 Select Technology That Can Grow With Your Business
As you automate, you will grow. It is often a result of the efficiency which comes with automation. Knowing this it is a good idea to start with software automation first which will grow and expand as you do, then begin adding robot technology into your warehouse as your business grows. Finding a partner who can work as a strategic advisor to you in this warehouse automation will be key in successfully implementing these practices.
Warehouse Automation Best Practices
As you look to automate your warehouse, we have identified a few best practices to help you along the way.
Invest in Scalable Solutions
Whether it be a warehouse automation technology, or robotics these solutions need to have the capability of scaling with you. Meaning you should have no problem integrating these technologies into future warehouse locations, teaching new employees, or evolving with supply chain partnerships.
Integrate with a WMS
Any automation software you utilize should integrate directly into your WMS platform. These solutions specifically should help you manage and track inventory as well as offer dashboards and reports with key inventory insights.
Perform Continuous Cycle Counts
Once you implement automated data collection systems you can use barcode scanning and RFID tags to help you automate your continuous cycle counts. With this technology you can validate the inventory levels in your WMS and check for any discrepancies using reporting dashboards.
Automate Data Collection
This is a great place to start when it comes to automating your warehouse. Cloud-based solutions which use barcode scanners are one of the simplest, low-cost paths to automation. Starting here allows you to eliminate human error and use the barcode scanners to capture highly needed performance and inventory data which can be used for further analysis.
Optimize Receiving
When you optimize receiving you gain the ability to identify incoming product information such as dimensions, classifications, and packaging. Using this data, your warehouse automation triggers specific rules to determine where to store and how to handle these products. Automating as much as you can from the moment a product enters your warehouse makes your workflows highly streamlined down the road.
Evaluate Warehouse Design
Some don’t realize to be successful many physical automation solutions like AS/AR systems do need space to be as successful as possible. Which means you may need to rework your warehouse with the help of a solution vendor so you are optimized for automation.
Selecting the Right Automation Solutions
We already know automating your warehouse is a quick way to improve efficiency and speed, but automation has many different solutions in the mix that may be right for some warehouses and not for others. When you invest in warehouse automation you should first decide the process in which you want to automate and what solutions to add first which can help build up to other solutions.
There are several levels of automation solutions to pick from including basic automation which includes scanning systems and basic conveyor systems. System automation which involves a software based system often to automate inventory, order picking, and performance reports. Mechanized automation which includes physical robotics. And advanced automation which means you use automation solutions from all of the previous three types. With how many automation solutions are out there, and the fact that these solutions are expected to grow tenfold in the coming years, you need to find an automation expert to help you along the way so you can pick the right automation solution in the right order. Especially because “right” will look different for every warehouse.
Key Takeaways
With automation technology, warehouses are no longer considered slow growing and highly manual work. Innovative automation will continue to propel the logistics industry as demand grows higher and worker availability plummets. Now, whether your warehouse is large or small, you have the benefit of using automation to get more tasks done with less. In fact, warehouse automation stats show automating your logistical systems makes a huge difference when it comes to warehouse efficiency. Deloitte did an analysis of supply chains and found, “79% of companies with high-performing supply chains achieve revenue growth superior to the average within their industries.” Which means if you don’t have automation up and running yet, it’s definitely something you should get started right away!
Small-Scale Warehouse Automation FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Automate a Warehouse?
Warehouse automation costs depend on the needs and size of your warehouse. You will need to first understand your own processes, and the software or robotics you’ll need to improve them, before you’ll get a scope of cost.
What Are the Types of Warehouse Automation?
When it comes to warehouse automation most different solutions can fall within two types: process automation and physical automation. While physical automation is specific to the process of moving products and often uses robots, process automation is about gathering and utilizing data so daily tasks can be automated and reporting presented with key insights.
Are There Any Fully Automated Warehouses?
Yes. Some warehouses are known as dark warehouses. The name comes from the fact that these warehouses don’t need lighting because they have no operators working inside of them. These dark warehouses are common in the automotive, food, and eCommerce industries.
Dec 1, 2022 | Blog
What is Adobe Commerce?
This eCommerce solution is focused on delivering a world-class shopping experience. With access to high powered page builders you can offer product recommendations, live searches, and specific shipping solutions to your customers. Recently changed from Magento to Adobe Commerce, you can manage your B2B, B2C, or D2C business in one platform. With this solution you can host multiple sites and get your business to market quickly with partner support and high powered easy-to-use tools. Plus, you can customize your experience with a long list of extensions to fill any business need Adobe Commerce may not cover on its own. If you’d like to see a demo of the software, you can request one here.
What is Order Fulfillment?
Order fulfillment is the process which gets your product from your warehouse, to your customer. While some large retail companies build out their own logistical processes, many smaller companies prefer to use a third-party order fulfillment provider instead who has already created this logistical structure and makes profit by fulfilling the orders of several companies at once.
How Does the Adobe Commerce Fulfillment Process Work?
The order fulfillment process includes inventory receiving, storing, processing, picking and packing, and shipping to the customer. When handling your shipping through Adobe Commerce, you will need to work with a fulfillment provider as Adobe Commerce does not currently have warehouse operations available to its users. Meaning once you receive an order on your stellar Adobe Commerce site, you either need to fulfill the order yourself or send your order to a third-party fulfillment provider who will pull the product from your inventory, pick, pack, and ship the product out. This process is made simpler and more automated if you pick a fulfillment provider who directly integrates into Adobe Commerce.
What Does An Adobe Commerce Order Fulfillment Provider Do?
A fulfillment provider is a company dedicated to fulfilling the logistics of other companies. They often don’t have inventory themselves. Instead they purchase a warehouse space with the equipment and experienced staff so they can contract their fulfillment services out to companies like yours.
What Are the Benefits of Using an Adobe Commerce Order Fulfillment Service?
A fulfillment provider enhances the customer experience. With their help you can be hands off when it comes to managing and shipping your inventory which gives you more time to run your business and ensures a high quality customer experience. Especially because with a fulfillment provider they are expected and contracted to meet certain standards of delivery so your customers are satisfied with the entire purchasing experience.
Need a fulfillment provider? Check out ShipHero!
What To Look For In An Adobe Commerce Fulfillment Partner
Here are the top seven factors to consider when searching for the right fulfillment partner for your eCommerce business.
eCommerce Platform Integration
Integration from your Adobe Commerce site to your eCommerce platform is important. It allows manual order processes to become automated and improves your overall customer experience.
Order Fulfillment Speed
When choosing to purchase your product, the speed of your fulfillment is a big factor for customers. While on the hunt for order fulfillment providers, the speed at which they can deliver your product should be a considerable factor in the partner you choose.
Storage and Fulfillment Fees
When you work with a fulfillment provider, you purchase space within their warehouse. Some fulfillment services charge for storage, by the item when shipped, or by monthly average order volume.
Pricing
Fulfillment providers price their services very differently. As you hunt for the perfect fulfillment partner, you can ask for a breakdown of costs to understand exactly what you’ll be paying and why. Ensure those costs fit your business needs. The best fulfillment partners will look at your current fulfillment spend, compare it to your needs, and help you find a process which saves you money.
Returns Management
The hassle of returns can quickly turn off a customer. A fulfillment provider who can help you with returns management in your eCommerce business can make all the difference.
Multichannel Integration
You need to have the ability to connect different systems or platforms involved in your eCommerce business together so you can create a consistent shopping experience when listing your product on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Google, and Walmart.
Ease of Use
Keep ease of use in mind when searching for a fulfillment provider. The goal of this solution is to take work off your plate and give you back time.
How We Chose the Best Adobe Commerce Fulfillment Companies
As we compared fulfillment provider solutions for Adobe Commerce, we looked at several factors. The above seven to be specific with an emphasis on the ability to integrate into your store. Based on our findings, below are the five best Adobe Commerce fulfillment providers for your store.
Best Adobe Commerce Fulfillment Companies
Here are the Best Adobe Commerce Fulfillment Companies:
With both a warehouse management system (WMS) and a fully outsourced fulfillment option, you can trust ShipHero has a solution for you. If you want to dump the headache of running your logistics, they can manage your fulfillment needs and help you strategize as you scale up.
Pros
With ShipHero you get a 30% increase in shipping speed and a 35% decrease in warehousing costs. They have a highly rated customer service team to help you with any logistical needs and a cutting edge software platform where you can view and manage your entire order directly integrated into your Adobe Commerce site.
Cons
There are no costs listed on the website, and if you’d like to get a cost you need to go through their quote process.
Pricing
With ShipHero you can request pricing directly on the site and receive a demo and a customized quote to your needs. Plus your quote will have pick, pack, box & postage fees built in so you don’t have to worry about the separate cost of those items.
2. Shipfusion
With the goal to help you fill orders fast and scale easily, Shipfusion handles your eCommerce fulfillment so you don’t have to. They strategize with you on the efficiency of your inventory management placement so your product is within easy reach of your customers. Plus, they offer both managed warehouse solutions and a robust eCommerce fulfillment platform.
Pros
Shipfusion offers competitive shipping rates and will help you manage customer returns. Their eCommerce platform eliminates tedious work and easily integrates into several eCommerce apps. And they can offer you temperature controlled warehousing and transportation so your food grade storage is safe.
Cons
Shipfusion includes a minimum of 500 shipments per month. Meaning if you do less, you may need to look for a different fulfillment solution.
Pricing
In order to get a price you’ll need to request a demo as their pricing varies depending on the needs of your store. As every eCommerce business is different they will customize a quote with your top needs in mind.
3. Deliverr
Their mission is to let any company, regardless of size, offer their customers fast and cost effective fulfillment. With no contracts, no minimums, and a quick start process which will allow most companies to get started within a couple minutes, they are a highly transparent fulfillment offering. They want to make sure companies who may not have huge order volumes have the same tools as a large company without the cost of the supply chain infrastructure.
Pros
There is a cost calculator tool on their site where you can input product information and get shipping costs quickly and easily if you want a quote. They have several freight options and offer benefits for selling through platforms such as Wish, Facebook, Shopify, Walmart, Google, eBay, and Instagram.
Cons
Unfortunately with Deliverr you won’t have access to international shipping which can be hard for growing eCommerce brands who want to scale.
Pricing
On their pricing page, Deliverr lists starting unit prices for both fulfillment and storage. This changes based on weight, dimensions, and service level needed for the product (you can choose from three different tiers based on shipping speed). If you sign up for a Deliverr account you can login and enter your product information to quickly see the pricing to fulfill and ship those products.
4. ShipBob
Focused on DTC businesses, Shipbob can provide you with global fulfillment solutions. They offer affordable 2-day shipping and can help to develop memorable unboxing experiences. With a wide range of offerings, they want to make sure you can be hands-off when it comes to your company’s fulfillment.
Pros
ShipBob will determine where best your product fits in their fulfillment centers based on the most common order locations. This way your inventory is strategically split across all their locations. With their order management software they will also track your shipments from beginning to end so you get clarity into where exactly your product is at any time.
Cons
Reviews have listed packaging errors as a common problem, for this reason you may want to ensure your contract with ShipBob includes a packaging accuracy rate.
Pricing
ShipBob offers a custom quote and a monthly subscription service quote on their pricing page. Plus they also offer a fulfillment estimation calculator, if you put in the width, height, length, and weight of your item, you can see where your fulfillment cost starts at and what the storage per bin, shelf, and pallet, will cost as well.
5. ShipMonk
With ShipMonk, you get both a cloud based inventory management software and fulfillment services. They boast a high performing customer team of “Happiness Engineers” who will spring into action and help when a problem arises. And they are focused on helping high-growth brands through powerful scalability.
Pros
Their software integrates with your sales channels including Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Walmart, and Target, so you can connect your order process to your shipping solution and is easy to use. Their inventory portal gives you the ability to identify your best selling SKUs and blacklist old skus. You can track your inventory levels across multiple channels, and with several fulfillment centers across the US they will split your inventory across locations and help you source the warehouse which offers the best price.
Cons
Some users report that ShipMonk also has receiving discrepancies when packing orders.
Pricing
Pricing is highly transparent. They offer both an eCommerce fulfillment price and a subscription box price directly on their site. All you need to do is move the sliding scale to input about how many orders you need shipped or assembled monthly and you’ll see the cost per item shipped. Once done you can continue to get pricing for your storage needs and any additional services or one-off costs like special projects or container unloading that may occur.
Final Thoughts
As the eCommerce landscape continually and dramatically changes, you need to choose a fulfillment provider who is on top of the latest technology so your company can keep up with the rest. Especially because a fulfillment provider can make a huge difference in the customer experience!
Order Fulfillment for Adobe Commerce FAQs
What Is Automated Order Fulfillment for Adobe Commerce?
You will benefit from automated order fulfillment when you connect your Adobe Commerce store to a fulfillment provider. If these two programs are integrated your orders can be automated. Meaning once a product is purchased from your store, the order immediately goes to your fulfillment provider to begin fulfillment and your customer gets automated updates along the way.
How to Improve Your Adobe Commerce Order Fulfillment Process?
When looking at your order fulfillment process, there are several great ways to make improvements. First, provide order tracking for your customer and for yourself. This helps you manage customer shipping speeds and provide a high quality experience. Second, make sure to offer your customers multiple payment methods. And third, make sure your product inventory counts are correct. If you are looking for more ways to improve your order fulfillment process, here is a guide from Adobe Commerce to help.
What Is Order Fulfillment Rate?
This is the number of orders processed, divided by the number of orders received. With order fulfillment software you can monitor this rate automatically as stock adjustments and goods receipts are provided for your orders.
Dec 1, 2022 | Blog
What is Weebly?
Weebly is a website builder with themes created by top designers. You can use the drag and drop builder, custom fonts, image editors, video backgrounds, site searches, and java script for those with coding experience. They do offer a free basic package in addition to paid packages which offer domain connections and more customization options. And on the eCommerce side Weebly offers a shopping cart, unlimited items, item options, inventory management, automatic tax calculators, and coupons for your store.
What is Order Fulfillment?
If you own an eCommerce store or have thought about opening one, you know you need to get your product to your clients. Order fulfillment is the process in which this happens. You can either handle order fulfillment yourself, contract with a third-party fulfillment partner, or build out the logistical structure needed for your business like Walmart and Target have done. Many smaller companies prefer to use a third-party order fulfillment provider who has already created this logistical structure and makes profit by fulfilling the orders of several companies at once.
How Does the Weebly Fulfillment Process Work?
Weebly does not currently have a way to get products to your clients. It is a website builder only. However it does have a slew of integrations which allows you to integrate your store with a fulfillment provider who can handle the process of inventory receiving, storing, processing, picking and packing, and shipping to the client.
What Does A Weebly Order Fulfillment Provider Do?
When you receive an order on your stellar Weebly site, the fulfillment process begins. Your eCommerce store should be integrated into the software of your chosen fulfillment provider so you automate this process. Meaning when an order is received in your store your fulfillment provider is notified and can then pull the product from your inventory, pick, pack, and ship the product out.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Weebly Order Fulfillment Service?
A fulfillment provider enhances the client experience. This means a higher rate of tracking for order shipping, more shipping options with negotiated rates, and less manual processes which can lead to lost orders. With their help you can be hands off when it comes to managing and shipping your inventory which gives you more time to run your business and ensures a high quality client experience. Because if someone has a great experience with you, they are highly likely to purchase from you again
Need a fulfillment provider? Check out ShipHero!
What To Look For In A Weebly Fulfillment Partner
When searching for the right fulfillment partner, there are many factors to consider. We have listed seven below which we recommend you consider.
eCommerce Platform Integration
Fulfillment for your business works best when your fulfillment provider integrates directly into your online store. It gives you the advantage by allowing your brand to keep up when many clients convert on multiple channels at once.
Order Fulfillment Speed
The speed of your fulfillment is a huge factor when clients make the decision to return to your store. In a world of single day and two day shipping, waiting any longer can stop your clients from completing orders, and send them looking elsewhere.
Storage and Fulfillment Fees
Some fulfillment services charge for storage, by the item when shipped, or by monthly average order volume. When you store inventory with a fulfillment partner, they will likely utilize different fees for different aspects of your inventory.
Pricing
Costs for fulfillment providers may include storage costs, inventory levels, distribution costs, bin occupation, palletizing costs, packing costs, shipping costs, and more. Though many companies find these fees are preferred to the cost of setting up their own logistical operation.
Returns Management
A fulfillment provider who can help you with returns management in your eCommerce business can make all the difference. The hassle of returns can quickly turn off a client. If they have a bad experience you can almost guarantee they won’t purchase from you again.
Multichannel Integration
With a multichannel integration you can sell online, in-store, on Amazon, on Etsy, and many other locations. Marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Google, and Walmart are key places to sell and a prime example of multichannel retailers.
Ease of Use
Keep ease of use in mind when searching for a fulfillment provider. Using your fulfillment providers platform shouldn’t be hard. You should never be confused about where orders go or struggle to set up your logistical processes. The goal of this solution is to take work off your plate and give you back time.
Best Weebly Fulfillment Companies
As we looked at fulfillment provider options for Weebly, we kept the above seven factors in mind. Here are the five best Weebly fulfillment providers we found for your store.
ShipHero is a solution that has it all. With a stellar warehouse management system and fully outsourced fulfillment, they have a solution for any business need you may face. Prepared to grow with you and offer you strategic insights, ShipHero is a high quality fulfillment provider who is ready to serve your eCommerce business.
Pros
Offering an average of 30% faster shipping and 35% reduction in warehouse costs, ShipHero is also the fiscally sound solution. They offer a one click integration into your store, dedicated account resources, and a highly rated client support team who is available to serve you.
Cons
If you would like a quote, you will need to request one on their website and give an account representative your eCommerce business information such as orders per month, size, and weight of the items you are shipping out.
Pricing
With ShipHero you purchase either the software and the fulfillment solution separately or together and you can get specific quotes for each offering by requesting one through their website.
Find out more about ShipHero’s Fulfillment Solution!
2. XPS Ship
This is a free shipping software which connects to your eCommerce store. With it you can print shipping labels, choose shipping rates from different carriers, and track your orders. You can ship both domestically and internationally and offer live client service should you need help. Though this is not a provider who can handle fulfilling your orders, if you want to try order fulfillment on your own, this is a great company to help you navigate the complexities of shipping rates.
Pros
With this site you can compare different shipping options with pre-negotiated rates. They offer integrations into marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Walmart and for your eCommerce website their integration is quick to set up.
Cons
This solution does not offer fulfillment services so you will be shipping out your product on your own.
Pricing
This is a free software to use and has no user fees. There is a calculator on the rates page which allows you to compare shipping rates with your current provider.
3. RedStag Fulfillment
This fulfillment company is focused on helping B2C and B2B online retailers with a cloud-based order fulfillment solution. They are trying to redefine fulfillment and want to become an extension of your business to help you achieve scalable growth. This is a very robust fulfillment solution with a high satisfactory rate and warehouses across the nation.
Pros
RedStag has a high rate of inventory accuracy and order accuracy which will ensure a better client experience. If your items are heavy, and high value, RedStag offers best-in-class big product fulfillment. Plus their software integrates into your website, is simple to use, and gives you visibility into your order across the board.
Cons
When using RedStag, clients are limited to using FedEx shipping only which can limit the negotiated shipping prices and options available.
Pricing
You can request a quote on RedStag’s website and receive a demo of their software. They use a pricing model which requires no long-term commitment, no setup fees, and no hidden fees.
4. 3PL Central
This software is a warehouse management solution for 3PLs. If you fulfill your own orders with your own warehousing space, they are a solution which can help you improve paper based and error prone processes. Building out your own logistical solution isn’t easy. It takes time and a great deal of money. With 3PL Central you can get a head of the game and get your logistical systems running smoothly in no time.
Pros
With 3PL Central you can optimize your warehouse operations, improve the efficiency of billing, go paperless, and get complete visibility into your inventory levels. This warehouse management software exists in the cloud and makes it so you can automate many routine tasks within your logistical processes.
Cons
According to user reviews, some of the accounting features within the program can be complicated and a bit confusing to use.
Pricing
If you would like pricing, request a free demo on their website where a 3PL Central account representative will show you the user interface and workflow capabilities of the program then offer a custom quote based on your needs.
5. WhiteBox
With Whitebox, you get a unique eCommerce platform which is both a fulfillment solution and an advertising agency. They help you manage your product listings, advertisements, and the sale of your products online. Plus they use both fulfillment and sales data to provide unique strategies to drive your brand growth.
Pros
With this software, you can integrate to your store and any marketplaces you use. Whitebox will handle your inventory and can ship straight to your clients door. When you are ready to list your products you get access to a market place team who help you advertise and increase conversions on your listings.
Cons
Whitebox is looking for clients who sell 1,000 orders per month on average as a minimum.
Pricing
On their website you can request a quote by filling out a very basic information form. Once you do so you will be contacted to discuss a customized quote.
Need a fulfillment provider? Check out ShipHero!
Final Thoughts
Overall, Weebly is a great solution for your eCommerce store. Not only can you make beautiful websites with Weebly, but you can also integrate several different eCommerce apps and fulfillment solutions into your site. With this comprehensive list of fulfillment providers you should find the right solution whether you fulfill on your own, are looking for a third-party fulfillment provider, or want to build out your own logistical structure. Picking your fulfillment is an important part of your business’s growth and the right one should complement you and your business!
Order Fulfillment for Weebly FAQs
What Is Weebly Order Fulfillment?
Weebly currently doesn’t have an order fulfillment feature because it is a website builder. If you need any fulfillment for your eCommerce store, you will need to partner with a fulfillment service and integrate their offering into your Weebly store, or pack and ship orders yourself. If you have a fulfillment provider integrated into your Weebly store, you can automate the order process so when a customer purchases a product, the order is automatically sent to your fulfillment provider to begin the fulfillment process.
How Do I Set Up Delivery on Weebly?
When prepping for a delivery, you can print shipping labels from your Weebly dashboard for self delivery. Or you can send your delivery to the fulfillment provider of your choice through integration into your weebly store.
Can You Dropship on Weebly?
While Weebly doesn’t have dropshipping available on their basic site, there is an app in their app store you can integrate called Wholesale2B Weebly Listing Tool. This app lets you list products from any drop shipper directly on your eCommerce store.
Nov 2, 2022 | Blog
If you’re a small or medium business owner that takes credit card payments online, you’ve probably heard of Square even if it’s not your preferred payment platform. They’ve been all over the news as a success story of a company that grew from a niche manufacturer of payment processing hardware for small merchants into a $100-billion-plus financial ecosystem.
And if you’re a client of Square Online or thinking about becoming one, then you know you need a strong, reliable fulfillment partner to complement the ease of use Square Online offers. Because if only two of the three elements of your customers’ experience with you are operating at peak efficiency (shopping and paying), and the third (fulfillment) is lacking, you’re playing with fire:
- 45% of shoppers expect their items to be delivered within four to five days
- 69% of online shoppers say they will be significantly less likely to shop with a retailer if they do not deliver within two days of the promised date
- 16% of online shoppers will take their business elsewhere after one incorrect delivery date
Before getting into the best fulfillment options for Square Online users, below is a quick recap for new eCommerce entrepreneurs. If you’re a veteran in the eCommerce space, skip down to “How We Choose the Best Square Fulfillment Companies.”
What is Square?
Square is a mobile payment processing app and card reader, and the very first of its kind, which is why the adoption rate was so high.
Overnight, Square (and then Square Online) let anyone accept credit card payments with their phones or tablets. And that “anyone” included those who up until that point only knew their business as a cash business like farmers’ market and flea market vendors.
Square was also unique when it launched because it didn’t require contracts, commitments, applications or monthly fees. All you needed was an email address and knowledge of how the Square dashboard works.
Today, Square Online is a complete revenue collection system for vendors on and offline; every account holder is enabled to accept online orders, ring up orders at POS and receive payments through the Square dashboard.
What is Order Fulfillment?
Order fulfillment is a quick way to describe the process of receiving a purchase order from a customer, processing that order and getting the purchased product to the purchaser. The fulfillment process begins when a customer’s order is received and ends when that customer receives their order.
When the customer receives the item or items they ordered in the time they were promised, this is considered positive fulfillment. If a hiccup anywhere along the fulfillment chain disrupts the process and the customer either receives their package late or doesn’t get what they asked for, this is considered negative fulfillment.
How Does the Square Fulfillment Process Work?
Square (and Square Online) makes fulfillment extremely easy for anyone from the Square dashboard.
From your Square dashboard that you can integrate into your site, you can set up curbside pickup or shipping fulfillment for any item. And you can set up a shipping fee if you see fit. Alternatively, you can use Square Online to build your own eCommerce site with a fulfillment option.
Either way, once you’re ready to accept orders with Square Online, you can choose your fulfillment method form the Square dashboard: fulfill yourself (i.e., you find the item, wrap it, box it and add arrange for curbside pickup or prepare the shipping label, ship it and track the shipment to make sure it gets to your customer), or you can bring in a third-party logistics (3PL) company for fulfillment.
What Does a 3PL Order Fulfillment Provider Do?
A 3PL order fulfillment provider will set the fulfillment method and handle the entire fulfillment process. It’s a massive headache off your plate and it gives you back hours of time per week (or more depending on how much you sell and how many shipping labels you have to produce) to put towards growing your business.
Some 3PLs will be software to help you pick, pack, create shipping labels and ship items purchased by your customers. Others own and operate their own warehouses to store your products and ship from there. And a few (like ShipHero) offer both.
What Are the Benefits of Using an eCommerce Order Fulfillment Service?
As mentioned above, the big benefit of using a 3PL for eCommerce fulfillment is getting rid of a huge pain in the neck, which you can do right from the Square dashboard.
The fulfillment process has so many moving parts and so much that can go wrong along the way that entire college-level courses are dedicated to it. And if you run an eCommerce business, you’re most likely too busy to take it. This would put you in a disadvantageous position if things went off the rails.
With a 3PL behind the scenes, whatever happens wouldn’t be your problem. And if the worst did happen, you’d know you had real experts in the field to respond, react and fix the issue before it cost you a customer.
Find out more about ShipHero’s fully-outsourced Fulfillment Solution now.
Factors to Consider While Selecting an Order Fulfillment Partner for Square Online
Like in almost every other business-to-business service market, the 3PL options for fulfillment are plentiful and varied, with many pretenders for every one contender. That’s why it’s important to be diligent in your research before selecting a 3PL fulfillment partner for your eCommerce business.
Fulfillment Type/Order Fulfillment Speed
This is the biggest one because failure here can lead directly to lost business (as stated above). You should definitely be looking for a 3PL that offers some sort of same-day delivery, as 41 percent of consumers are willing to pay a charge for same-day delivery.
Pricing and Storage/Fulfillment/Transaction Fees
On the surface, you’ll pay more for 3PL fulfillment than if you were to do it yourself. But if time is money, the investment in self-fulfillment is substantial. So, the goal when finding a 3PL is to spend less than you’d spend doing it yourself. Only you know that number, but be steadfast getting under it.
Returns Management
Less than one in 10 products bought in bricks-and-mortar stores are returned. Online, it’s close to 30 percent. So, the effectiveness of your returns process is very important for operations, but also for customer retention: 92 percent of consumers surveyed said they would buy again if the product return process was easy.
What to Look for in a Square Online Fulfillment Partner
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of possible 3PL vendors, you’d be wise to look under the hoods of each to make sure they can work with Square Online and the Square dashboard, and that they are in fact a fulfillment expert for Square Online. How well they execute the fulfillment type they promise will dictate their value to you.
eCommerce Platform Integration
This is obviously the most important part. If a 3PL provider can’t plug into Square Online or the Square dashboard, they’re of no use to you whatsoever.
Multichannel Integration
You never want your 3PL to keep you from growing, so you have to trust them to know everything about where you want to start selling next, and how to follow or adjust their fulfillment type to handle those orders.
Ease of Use
Often overlooked in 3PL selection is smoothness across the fulfillment process, and this starts with an interface that everyone along the line can use. And be picky. Find something you know will work for you and your team, where the transaction fees are minimal or non-existent, and that works with the Square dashboard.
How We Chose the Best Square Online Fulfillment Companies
You have many order fulfillment partner choices, so choosing one can be tough. Fortunately, we can help with that. Here are the criteria we use when choosing the best Square fulfillment companies:
- Shipping speed
- Fulfillment network
- Fulfillment software features
- Returns management
- Subscription, storage and shipping costs
The Best Square Online Fulfillment Companies
ShipHero was founded by a former eCommerce entrepreneur who was frustrated with the shipping software options available and decided to do something about it.
Pros
As mentioned above, the big pro ShipHero has going for it is the choice you have to either use their software to ship from your warehouse, or to let them ship your items from their warehouse, giving you back days of time by the end of every year.
Cons
Right now, the perceived knock on ShipHero is that it’s not a market leader yet. But that’s changing quickly.
Pricing
ShipHero Fulfillment offers flat rate shipping costs that includes picking, packing, shipping, mailing supplies and postage. Pricing is more competitive without shipping zones and costs are more predictable.
Find out more about ShipHero’s fully-outsourced Fulfillment Solution now.
2. ShipStation
ShipStation is a web-based order management and shipping software. They don’t have their own warehouses, but their software is used in North America, Europe and Australia.
Pros
- Fairly flexible and relatively easy to use
- Integrates with QuickBooks
Cons
- Can be clunky to use for some people
- Once your shipments reach 500 per day or more, the system loses its efficiency and can actually slow you down
Pricing
They offer six tiers up to $229.99/month based on how much you think you’re going to ship.
3. ShipBob
ShipBob is another web-based platform in the ShipStation family, and it has a built-in analytics cruncher.
Pros
- The ShipBob staff is very large, so help with problems when they arise is easy to get
Cons
- The learning curve is steep for beginners and tech newbies
- Struggle with API issues and compatibility
Pricing
Shipping costs are customized per client.
4. Ordoro
A shipping solution for small- to medium-sized businesses with a small business, homespun feel.
Pros
It has an intricate inventory tracking tool, which works well for eCommerce companies with multiple SKUs.
Cons
Overall, the features aren’t as robust as others.
Pricing
Pricing is definitely competitive, but you get what you pay for.
5. Shipedge
Shipedge has a suite of products to manage the entire order management lifecycle, supply chain and logistics in one centralized platform.
Pros
Easy to integrate with most platforms.
Cons
Not the most user-friendly interface.
Pricing
Pricing is modular.
Find out more about ShipHero’s fully-outsourced Fulfillment Solution now.
6. Printful
Printful is a 3PL fulfillment company primarily for eCommerce apparel companies, and specifically apparel creators.
Pros
You can use Printful to design your own products
Cons
- Its functionality is limited to the needs of its primary audience
- Products are not made until ordered which could cause shipping delays
Pricing
Pricing is customized
Final Thoughts About Square Fulfillment
If you’re a Square Online customer, you clearly care about quality and about giving your customers the best possible experience. By choosing the right 3PL shipping partner, you complete the loop.
Don’t work with Square? Find the best carriers for many of the highest profile marketplaces on the web.
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May 10, 2022 | Blog, Warehouse Management Software
ShipBob is an industry-leading third-party order fulfillment company. It delivers scalable services to startups and small and midsize businesses (SMBs) with affordable pricing, no monthly minimum, and a wide warehouse network to keep your shipping spend low.
However, ShipBob’s drawbacks may make it a less-than-perfect fit for certain businesses—including Amazon sellers, those with oversized or high-maintenance goods, and those seeking high levels of customer support. The company also received an influx of negative reviews recently, which may cause business owners to explore other options.
We evaluated dozens of providers to find the best ShipBob competitors for outsourcing fulfillment.
Read more at Fit Small Business
Jun 9, 2023 | Blog, Warehouse Management Software
ShipHero vs. Logiwa: Know All the Best Options
ShipHero and Logiwa are popular names in the Warehouse Management Software (WMS) space. Keep reading to compare both companies’ offerings, pros and cons, and how well ShipHero performs as an alternative to Logiwa.
ShipHero Overview
ShipHero is a WMS provider known for its end-to-end solution that covers every aspect of managing an eCommerce warehouse. It offers tools for order fulfillment, inventory management and sales forecasting, making it a comprehensive solution for eCommerce businesses.
Pros:
- Sales Forecasting: ShipHero provides sales forecasting features, enabling data-driven decisions for future demand potentially improving inventory management and customer satisfaction.
- Extensive Integrations: ShipHero integrates with major eCommerce platforms, shipping carriers, and industry leaders, ensuring seamless connectivity across the eCommerce ecosystem.
- End-to-End Control: ShipHero offers comprehensive control and visibility over warehouse operations, including stock monitoring, optimized picking routes, and AI-driven packaging recommendations.
- Flexibility and Scalability: ShipHero is suitable for medium-sized businesses, 3PLs, and large enterprises, with no contract options and free onboarding.
Bottom Line:
ShipHero is the go-to choice for DTC brands and 3PLs seeking advanced features like sales forecasting, end-to-end control over warehouse operations, an extensive library of available integrations, and an open API. It’s highly adaptable and transparent in pricing.
Logiwa Overview:
Logiwa is a cloud-based WMS provider known for its accessibility, tailored plans, and focus on digital warehousing. It offers solutions for order fulfillment, inventory management, and efficiency optimization.
Pros:
- Tailored Plans: They provide a variety of custom plans, including options for different business sizes and specific needs.
- Mobile App: Their app is compatible with iOS and Android devices, enabling on-the-go scanning, verification, and information updates.
- Digital Warehousing Focus: They emphasize digital warehousing with features like smart picking and mobile scanning, designed to streamline warehouse operations.
Bottom Line:
The key difference between Logiwa and ShipHero is the former’s Android-compatible mobile app. Objectively, ShipHero is a more complete WMS solution than Logiwa and provides a wide option covering all warehouse management aspects.
ShipHero vs. Logiwa
In the competitive world of Warehouse Management Software, ShipHero and Logiwa emerge as top contenders.
While both streamline warehouse operations, a closer look reveals ShipHero as the superior choice for many businesses.
End-to-End Control and Visibility
ShipHero: ShipHero excels at providing end-to-end control and visibility. Users can monitor stock levels, optimize picking routes, and even receive AI-driven packaging recommendations. This holistic approach empowers decision-making and enhances overall business performance.
Logiwa: Logiwa offers control over warehouse operations but doesn’t match ShipHero’s comprehensive feature set for visibility and decision support.
Integration Domination
ShipHero: With an impressive array of integrations, ShipHero stands out. It seamlessly connects with major eCommerce platforms, shipping carriers, and industry giants like NetSuite and SPS Commerce. This robust integration network ensures smooth data flow, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency.
Logiwa: While Logiwa offers integrations, it’s behind ShipHero regarding diversity and breadth. For extensive connectivity with your eCommerce ecosystem, ShipHero takes the lead.
Beyond the Basics
ShipHero: ShipHero goes beyond order fulfillment and inventory management. It equips users with powerful sales forecasting tools, granting valuable insights into future demand. This data-driven approach can lead to improved profits and heightened customer satisfaction.
Logiwa: Logiwa primarily focuses on warehouse operations, offering solutions for picking, packing, shipping, and optimization. However, it lacks the sales forecasting feature that ShipHero provides.
ShipHero: The Warehouse Management Powerhouse
- ShipHero specializes in order fulfillment and inventory management for eCommerce businesses. They provide comprehensive tools to streamline the entire order fulfillment process, from receiving orders to shipping products.
- ShipHero offers real-time inventory tracking, order processing automation, multi-channel order management, and integration with various eCommerce platforms and carriers.
- Their strength is helping eCommerce businesses improve order accuracy, reduce shipping errors, and optimize warehouse operations.
Who Should Use ShipHero?
eCommerce businesses & 3PLs that want to benefit from automated order fulfillment processes, especially those with complex inventory management needs, should use ShipHero. By centralizing the process, companies can manage multiple sales channels more efficiently and improve customer experience by ensuring accurate and timely deliveries.
Bottom Line:
ShipHero is a robust solution for eCommerce businesses seeking to streamline their order fulfillment operations, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency. It is a good choice for companies focusing on providing excellent customer service through accurate and on-time deliveries.
Logiwa: A Warehouse Management Software Alternative
- Logiwa is a cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS) designed to optimize warehouse operations. They provide end-to-end warehouse management solutions, including inventory control, order processing, and shipping management.
- Logiwa offers advanced features like demand forecasting, warehouse automation, and multi-location inventory management, making it suitable for businesses with complex supply chains and high SKU counts.
- They focus on helping businesses reduce warehouse costs, improve order accuracy, and enhance overall supply chain visibility.
Who Should Use Logiwa?
Small- to medium-sized businesses prioritizing optimizing their warehouse operations and supply chain management should use Logiwa. So should companies dealing with high volumes of inventory, multiple warehouses or distribution centers, and a need for real-time visibility into inventory levels and order statuses.
Bottom Line:
ShipHero specializes in eCommerce order fulfillment and inventory management, while Logiwa focuses on warehouse management and supply chain optimization. ShipHero offers a complete warehouse management solution, while Logiwa provides similar features but focuses more on supply chain optimization.
Key Takeaways
- ShipHero is a WMS provider with extensive integrations, advanced features like sales forecasting, and end-to-end control over operations.
- Logiwa is a cloud-based WMS provider known for accessibility and focus on digital warehousing.
- ShipHero excels in integrations, sales forecasting, and end-to-end control, while Logiwa offers responsive support, tailored plans and mobile app support.
- ShipHero is best suited for eCommerce businesses seeking to streamline order fulfillment operations and improve customer experience; Logiwa caters to companies looking to reduce warehouse costs and enhance visibility into inventory levels.
ShipHero vs. Logiwa FAQs
How does ShipHero compare?
When it comes to integrations, there’s no contest between ShipHero and Logiwa. ShipHero boasts one of the widest integration networks in the industry, connecting with major names in eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and robotics. You can connect most platforms to the software and instantly sync your data, reducing errors.
While both provide reports on inventory and sales, only ShipHero provides upfront data on potential future demand based on past sales.
Does ShipHero offer inventory optimization?
Yes, ShipHero offers inventory optimization through its warehouse management software. Some of its inventory management features include cycle count, reorder and replenishment level setting, multi-warehouse allocation and putaway optimization. These help you efficiently track stock levels, manage inventory movement, and improve your warehouses’ picking and packing efficiency.
Does Logiwa offer eCommerce management?
Yes, Logiwa offers eCommerce management through its WMS integrations. It automatically updates your stock levels to prevent understocking and overselling.
ShipHero vs Logiwa: Which has better functionality?
ShipHero’s Warehouse Management System has better functionality and more features. Aside from its order fulfillment and inventory management solutions, it offers putaway optimization, automation rules, and detailed sales forecasting tools.
Apr 2, 2024 | Blog, Fulfillment
In the current e-commerce landscape, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth. One solution that has gained significant traction is outsourcing fulfillment services.
By partnering with specialized third-party logistics providers, companies can offload the complexities of order processing, warehousing, and shipping, allowing them to focus on their core competencies.
Fulfillment services encompass a range of processes that ensure products reach customers efficiently and accurately. From receiving inventory to picking, packing, and shipping orders, these services play a crucial role in the success of online businesses.
Considering outsourcing your fulfillment services? Dive deeper into the benefits, challenges, and considerations of outsourced fulfillment with our detailed guide at what is outsourced fulfillment. This article offers a closer look at how outsourcing can streamline your operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
Below, we will delve into the intricacies of fulfillment services, exploring their key components, benefits, and considerations for businesses seeking to optimize their operations. Whether you’re a seasoned e-commerce entrepreneur or just starting out, understanding the nuances of fulfillment can be a game-changer in today’s competitive market.
What are Fulfillment Services?
Fulfillment services refer to the processes involved in handling and delivering customer orders for online businesses. These include:
- Receiving inventory from suppliers and inspecting for quality/quantity
- Warehousing and organizing inventory
- Picking and packing ordered items
- Shipping orders to customers
Outsourcing fulfillment allows businesses to focus on their core operations while logistics experts handle the complexities of order fulfillment. Fulfillment services ensure accurate and timely order delivery, impacting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Understanding eCommerce Fulfillment
eCommerce fulfillment is the specific branch of fulfillment services that caters to online businesses. It involves managing inventory, processing orders, and ensuring timely delivery to customers. With the rapid growth of eCommerce, efficient fulfillment has become more important than ever.
Common Misconceptions about eCommerce Fulfillment Services
Several misconceptions plague eCommerce fulfillment services. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones:
- Myth: eCommerce fulfillment is only for large businesses. Contrary to popular belief, eCommerce fulfillment services are not exclusive to large businesses. In fact, small and medium-sized businesses can benefit greatly from outsourcing these services. Fulfillment providers offer flexible solutions that can scale with your business needs.
- Myth: Outsourcing fulfillment services is too expensive. While there are costs associated with outsourcing fulfillment services, they can often be more cost-effective than handling everything in-house. Fulfillment providers have established networks, efficient processes, and volume discounts that can help reduce costs.
- Myth: Outsourcing fulfillment means losing control over the customer experience. Many businesses fear that outsourcing fulfillment will lead to a loss of control over the customer experience. However, reputable fulfillment providers understand the importance of maintaining a positive customer experience and work closely with businesses to ensure brand consistency and customer satisfaction.
Key Components of Fulfillment Services
Fulfillment services consist of various key components that work together to ensure smooth order processing and delivery:
- Receiving: The first step in the fulfillment process is receiving inventory from suppliers. Fulfillment providers carefully inspect and verify the quantity and quality of received goods.
- Warehousing: Inventory is stored in warehouses equipped with advanced tracking systems. Fulfillment providers ensure proper storage, organization, and security of the stored products.
- Picking and Packing: When an order is placed, fulfillment providers pick the required items from the inventory, carefully pack them, and prepare them for shipping. Efficient picking and packing processes minimize errors and ensure timely fulfillment.
- Shipping: Fulfillment providers have partnerships with shipping carriers to facilitate the delivery of packages to customers. They handle all aspects of shipping, including package labeling, tracking, and, if necessary, managing returns.
The pick and pack process is a cornerstone of efficient fulfillment services, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. Learn more about the importance and complexities of pick and pack fulfillment services with our focused discussion at pick and pack fulfillment services, which sheds light on optimizing this critical step for your business’s success.
Types of Fulfillment Services
Fulfillment services come in different forms, depending on need:
- In-house Fulfillment: Some businesses choose to handle fulfillment operations in-house. While this allows for greater control, it can be resource-intensive and restrict scalability.
- Third-party Logistics (3PL): 3PL providers specialize in managing all aspects of fulfillment for businesses. They offer expertise, infrastructure, and scalability, making them an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
- Crowdsourced Fulfillment: This emerging model taps into a network of independent contractors who handle various aspects of fulfillment, such as picking and packing, in a decentralized manner. It offers agility and cost-effectiveness.
Costs Associated with Fulfillment
When considering fulfillment services, it’s essential to understand the costs involved:
- Warehousing and Storage Fees: Fulfillment providers charge fees for storing your inventory in their warehouses. These fees can vary based on factors such as the amount of space required and the duration of storage.
- Pick and Pack Fees: Fulfillment providers charge fees for picking and packing each order. These fees typically depend on the complexity of the order and the number of items included.
- Shipping Fees: Shipping fees cover the cost of delivering packages to customers. Fulfillment providers negotiate discounted rates with shipping carriers, which can result in significant savings.
- Additional Services: Some fulfillment providers offer additional services like returns management, kitting, and customization. You may incur additional costs for these services but they can add value to your business.
To further understand the critical role and complexities of shipping within fulfillment services, explore our comprehensive article on the importance, challenges, and costs of shipping and fulfillment. This resource provides valuable insights into how optimizing these aspects can significantly impact your business’s bottom line.
Industries Benefiting from 3PL
Businesses across industries enjoy the advantages of outsourcing fulfillment services:
- Online Retail: eCommerce businesses rely heavily on efficient fulfillment to provide a seamless shopping experience for their customers.
- Subscription Boxes: Subscription box services, which deliver curated products regularly to subscribers, require specialized fulfillment to handle the unique needs of this business model.
- Health and Beauty: Fulfillment providers with expertise in handling delicate or perishable products are especially beneficial for the health and beauty industry.
- Electronics: The electronics industry often faces rapid product turnover and complex supply chains, making it ideal for outsourcing fulfillment.
Choosing the Right eCommerce Fulfillment Provider
Several factors should be considered when selecting an eCommerce fulfillment provider:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a fulfillment provider with experience in your industry and a track record of success. They should have the expertise to handle your specific requirements efficiently.
- Technology and Integration: Ensure that the fulfillment provider’s systems can seamlessly integrate with your eCommerce platform and other systems for inventory management, order processing, and tracking.
- Scalability: Choose a provider that can accommodate your business’s growth and seasonal fluctuations in demand. The provider should have the resources to scale their operations accordingly.
- Cost and Pricing Structure: Evaluate the provider’s pricing structure, including fees for warehousing, picking and packing, shipping, and any additional services. Consider the overall value they offer for the cost.
- Customer Support: Opt for a fulfillment provider that offers excellent customer support, ensuring smooth communication and issue resolution throughout the fulfillment process.
Making the Final Decision
After evaluating different eCommerce fulfillment providers, consider requesting quotes and conducting a cost analysis. Take the time to review the terms and conditions, service level agreements, and any other relevant documentation before making your final decision.
Transitioning to Your New Fulfillment Provider
Once you have chosen a new fulfillment provider, a smooth transition is essential to minimize disruption to your business. Consider the following steps:
- Inventory Assessment: Take stock of your inventory and work closely with the fulfillment provider to ensure a seamless transfer.
- Training and Communication: Train your team on any new processes and systems introduced by the fulfillment provider. Maintain open communication to address any concerns or issues.
- Testing and Evaluation: Implement a pilot phase to test the new fulfillment process and evaluate its effectiveness. Identify and resolve any challenges or bottlenecks.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
When outsourcing fulfillment services, be aware of these common pitfalls and take proactive measures to avoid them:
- Inadequate Planning: Proper planning is essential to ensure a successful transition to a new fulfillment provider. Neglecting this step can lead to costly mistakes and delays.
- Failure to Communicate: Maintain open lines of communication with your fulfillment provider, ensuring they know your expectations and requirements.
- Inaccurate Inventory Management: Accurate inventory tracking and management are crucial to prevent stockouts and delays. Regularly reconcile your inventory with the fulfillment provider’s records.
- Ignoring Metrics and Data: Continuously monitor and analyze key metrics, such as order accuracy, delivery time, and customer satisfaction, to identify areas for improvement.
Key Takeaways
- Enhancement of eCommerce Efficiency: Fulfillment services streamline the order handling and delivery process, allowing businesses to focus on core activities while improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction through timely and accurate deliveries.
- Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability: Contrary to common misconceptions, outsourcing fulfillment is affordable and beneficial for businesses of all sizes, offering cost savings and the ability to easily scale operations in response to market demands without worrying about logistics and infrastructure.
- Crucial Selection and Smooth Transition: Choosing the right fulfillment provider requires considering factors like industry experience and technology integration, while a well-planned transition minimizes disruption, ensuring the partnership enhances operational effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can fulfillment services help reduce shipping costs?
A: Yes, fulfillment providers have established partnerships with shipping carriers to negotiate discounted shipping rates. This can help businesses save on shipping costs.
Q: Are fulfillment services only beneficial for online retailers?
A: No, fulfillment services can benefit businesses across various industries, including subscription boxes, health and beauty, electronics, and more. They offer expertise, efficiency, and scalability to businesses of all sizes.
Q: How do fulfillment providers handle returns?
A: Fulfillment providers typically have established processes for handling returns. They manage the logistics of receiving returned items, inspecting them for damage or defects, and facilitating refunds or exchanges according to your business’s policies.
Apr 21, 2023 | Blog
Picking: The Essential Step in Order Processing
In the world of e-commerce, picking items from your warehouse is a pivotal part of the order fulfillment process. Without a reliable picking list, there’s a risk of sending products that might be out of stock or on backorder. Delays in generating pick lists can also postpone customer orders, especially when items are requested for delivery by a specific date. Dive deeper into the world of picking lists and discover ways to enhance their creation. Read more about warehouse picking strategies here.
Understanding the Picking List
A picking list is a vital document used by warehouse personnel during the order fulfillment phase of ecommerce businesses. This list provides the necessary information to find the items ordered within your warehouse or fulfillment center. In the fast-paced manner of e-commerce operations, it’s essential to have accurate picking lists. Relying solely on memory can lead to errors, especially when dealing with a high volume of orders or when items are on backorder. For example, if one product is out of stock, the system can flag it, ensuring that available alternatives are considered.
Distinguishing Between the Two Types of Picking Lists
With the rise of e-commerce, picking lists have evolved. These digital pick lists are accessed via devices like smartphones, tablets, or even more advanced tablets with specialized software. They’ve become increasingly popular due to their convenience. With digital lists, warehouse managers can automatically generate order details, including the quantity and bin location, and forward them to pickers. These lists can also provide comprehensive product information, ensuring pickers don’t mistakenly select the wrong item. Discover the best practices for warehouse bin storage systems here.
Key Components of a Picking List
A picking list should contain specific details about the customer order to guide warehouse pickers. Here are the crucial elements of pick tickets:
- Order Number: This auto-generated number offers transparency, allowing you to trace any issues back to the picker responsible. It’s especially crucial when handling purchase orders or when items are requested for delivery by a specific date.
- Product Details: The SKU, quantity (qty), and warehouse location, down to the specific bin, are paramount. Detailed location data, such as aisle, shelf, and bin, should be included. Regular inventory counts by hand ensure that items needed soon are available and those nearing their reorder point are flagged.
- Customer Information: While this isn’t essential for pickers, packers and shippers need the customer’s name and shipping details to verify order specifics and generate a packing slip. This section might also include special delivery instructions provided by the customer.
Optimizing the Picking and Packing Process
To enhance your picking and packing operations:
- Organize Your Warehouse: Minimize movement within the warehouse for increased productivity. Consider zoning and clustering frequently purchased items together. This not only reduces travel time but also minimizes errors. Regular inventory counts by hand can help maintain accuracy, especially when determining reorder points.
- Evaluate Your Picking Method: There are various picking methods, like batch picking, zone picking, and wave picking. The ideal method depends on factors like order volume and warehouse layout. For example, batch picking might be best for high-volume operations.
- Embrace Automation: Implementing a warehouse management system (WMS) can offer real-time insights and improve staff performance. Other automation options include warehouse robots and conveyor belts.
- Prioritize Packaging: Selecting the right box size and packing materials is crucial. Cartonization, a process of determining optimal box sizes based on product dimensions, can be beneficial. Learn about the different types of warehouses in supply chain management here.
The Role of Picking Lists in a Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Integrating picking lists with your WMS offers numerous advantages. A WMS can auto-generate picking lists when a customer places an order, eliminating manual creation. It also tracks stock movements in real-time, enhancing inventory management. This real-time data ensures that manual stock checks aren’t required after each order. A WMS digital picking list can also suggest temporary containers for pickers to place items before forwarding them to packers.
Optimal Picking Routes: Enhancing Warehouse Efficiency
Imagine a dance of efficiency within the warehouse – the art of optimal picking routes. Just as choreography guides dancers, optimized routes lead pickers through a symphony of productivity. By sequencing the order of item retrieval, businesses can cut down on unnecessary travel, decrease aisle congestion, and create a ballet of streamlined warehouse operations.
Picking List Customization: Tailoring to Uniqueness
In the vibrant tapestry of business, no two threads are alike. Extend this notion to picking lists by exploring the realm of customization. Unveil the power of tailoring lists to specific orders or customer quirks. Whether it’s prioritizing high-value treasures or grouping similar gems, customization of pick lists adds a bespoke touch to the art of order fulfillment.
Real-time Inventory Updates: Navigating the Now
In a world where seconds matter, the magic of real-time inventory comes alive. Dive into the fusion of picking lists with real-time updates, ensuring that pickers aren’t led astray by phantom stock. Imagine a harmony where customers access real-time product availability, enhancing transparency and trust.
Multi-Location Picking: Across Warehouses and Beyond
Imagine a puzzle where pieces reside in different realms. This is the essence of multi-location digital picking lists. Illuminate the complexity and benefits of managing inventory across diverse warehouses or fulfillment centers. From warehouse to warehouse, the orchestration of picking lists shifts to encompass a world of diverse storage landscapes.
Picking List Visualization: A Picture of Precision
In the sea of text, visuals emerge as guiding stars. Welcome the concept of visually enriched picking lists – a world where images and QR codes guide the pickers’ hands. Like an artist’s palette, visual aids simplify the picking process, and reduce errors born from similar-looking items.
Picking List Auditing: The Rhythm of Accuracy
In the symphony of the order fulfillment process, harmony is maintained through routine audits. Envision the rhythm of picking list audits, where meticulous checks ensure alignment between paper and reality. Uncover how these rhythmic checks keep the performance accurate and the applause unmarred.
Picking Metrics and KPIs: Measuring the Symphony
Amid the crescendo of picking, metrics emerge as the scorecards of success. Enter the world of measuring performance with KPIs – pick accuracy, pick to order, fill rates, and picker productivity. This is where numbers paint a vivid picture of efficiency and guide the melody of improvement.
Voice-Powered Picking: Commanding Efficiency
Imagine a world where words hold the power of action. Enter voice-powered picking, where spoken commands guide the hands of pickers. Unshackled from screens or paper, pickers navigate the warehouse with seamless commands, like a symphony conducted by speech.
Picking List Integration with Customer Experience: Beyond the Box
Extend the narrative to a realm where accuracy becomes synonymous with customer delight. Showcase how precision in picking list details translates to seamless order fulfillment. This journey uncovers how accurate and discrete picking list also influences the chorus of customer satisfaction.
Picking List Adaptation to Seasonal Demand: Shifting with the Seasons
In the tapestry of commerce, seasons cast their spell. Unveil the art of adapting picking lists to the ebb and flow of demand. As seasons change, picking lists transform, ensuring that both the quantities and right products dance forward in sync with customer desires.
Picking List Training and Onboarding: Nurturing Expertise
In the realm of order fulfillment, pickers wield expertise. Explore the significance of training and onboarding, where pickers master the art of deciphering picking list details, navigating warehouse maps, and finding their rhythm in the symphony of operations.
Picking List and Returns: The Echo of Efficiency
As the curtain falls on order fulfillment, returns take center stage. Extend the spotlight to picking lists in the realm of returns. Unveil how a well-crafted pick list, guides the choreography of return processing, ensuring that items find their way back to the warehouse with grace.
Picking List Beyond Warehousing: Unveiling Possibilities
From warehouses to the world, the concept of picking lists journeys beyond your own warehouse. Embrace the broader canvas, where picking lists guide not only warehouse staff but also retail employees replenishing store shelves or orchestrating in-store pickup experiences.
Take a look at what a picking list in our ShipHero software looks like!
Key Takeaways
- Picking lists guide warehouse staff in retrieving customer-ordered items.
- They detail product codes, warehouse location, and quantities.
- Properly crafted picking lists reduce errors and offer pickers a clear tool for their daily tasks.
Picking List FAQs
What is a picking list?
A document detailing a customer’s order, aiding warehouse staff in selecting the right items for shipping.
What’s the purpose of a pick list?
It helps locate the correct items in the warehouse to fulfill customer orders.
How does order picking affect profitability?
Efficient order picking ensures order accuracy, leading to fewer returns, reduced costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Nov 2, 2022 | Blog
In the digital age, customer expectations are high. We’ve entered a time where no matter how relevant your message or how unique your product, your customers expect a streamlined delivery experience. Delays in shipping or products harmed along the way turns a loyal customer into a frustrated one. This is why fulfillment is a huge issue across the world during the pandemic. Manufacturing has slowed, carrier rates are on the rise, and ports are congested; resulting in packages getting lost or taking double the time to arrive. For many, investing in logistical infrastructure has become a high priority because efficient fulfillment processes are required for customer happiness and retention.
What is Order Fulfillment?
This is the process which allows you to get a product delivered to your customer after they order it online. Within the supply chain, this process includes inventory receiving, storing, processing, picking and packing, and transporting the items to the shipping destination of the customer. The efficiency of this is measured in the time it takes for an order to get to the customer’s porch once processed. These fulfillment services are complicated. They take a heavy chunk of change to get up and running and if you don’t do them right, they become costly to a business.
This is why many large multi-million dollar companies have their own supply chain infrastructure, but many smaller companies can’t afford to bring those services in house. Which is where a third party fulfillment center can help. They are decked out with the latest technology and streamlined processes so your company doesn’t have to invest in its infrastructure.
Types of Order Fulfillment
There are a few different order fulfillment strategies you can utilize.
In-House Fulfillment
This works great when you are small, or if you have millions to invest in a warehouse and the crew required to man it. But unless you have the money to invest in a fulfillment infrastructure and know how to do it well, this isn’t a great option.
Dropship Order Fulfillment
This is where you don’t keep the products you sell in stock. Instead you as the seller would purchase the inventory as needed from a manufacturer to fulfill orders. However this can be difficult due to manufacturing shortages and congestion in the ports. Now your product is stuck and you have any customers who haven’t received an order.
Third-Party Fulfillment
This is a great strategy which gives you control of your supply chain with the help of professionals who know the industry and how to navigate it. When using a third-party fulfillment company you contract them to store, pick, pack, and ship your product all while providing you with key strategies for your logistical needs.
Why Third-Party Fulfillment
Likely, you have already felt the major supply chain disruptions within your own company. So why go to third-party fulfillment? It drives revenue. Because in today’s world eCommerce companies will get ignored if they can’t offer 2-day shipping. This has become such a standard for customer satisfaction it is often highly annoying to clients if they have to wait longer.
You can fulfill your orders in house, but often, this only works for so long. Especially when order volumes become too high and force you to invest in high quality fulfillment infrastructure (staff, technology, warehouses, shipping) which gets pricey!
Often it’s better to work with a third-party provider because they scale up and down in order volume as you need, they have the tools in place to provide customers with a seamless and speedy delivery, and they provide your business with strategic insights. Some of the best fulfillment services help you elevate your eCommerce business with strategies to turn your fulfillment from a cost to a revenue driver.
When picking the best fulfillment center available to you, there are a slew of options. Especially with the continuous improvement of equipment and technology.
Top 10 Order Fulfillment Options for eCommerce
Let’s take a look at a few third-party order fulfillment companies.
ShipHero
If you want to dump the headache of running your own warehouse, or if you want to run your warehouse more efficiently, ShipHero has a solution. With both a stellar warehouse management system (WMS) and a fully outsourced fulfillment option their clients have peace of mind.
The warehouse management system (WMS) streamlines your warehouse’s entire processes and procedures to increase efficiency and make your team more effective. Plus, they offer 30% faster shipping times than many competitors and a highly rated Client Support team which provides you with a fulfillment expert to help you with any questions or concerns on your supply chain.
Overall ShipHero simplifies your picking, packing, and shipping in order to allow your team to pick and pack more in the same amount of time.
If you’re interested in learning more, here is a case study.
Amazon Fulfillment (FBA)
What is FBA? This fulfillment solution allows businesses to outsource their order fulfillment directly to Amazon. Meaning, your business would send its product to Amazon fulfillment centers, then as the customer purchases the product, Amazon will pick, pack, and ship it. And, when an item is sold you pay Amazon a small percentage of the total price (this includes item price, shipping cost, and gift-wrapping costs). The average seller typically pays about 15% of their product’s cost.
Due to their size, Amazon FBA has no maximum monthly order volume which makes it ideal for large operations. They also have more than 200 million Amazon Prime members who search Amazon.com frequently, which means your product gets in front of more people than usual. As Amazon grows it has become one of the fastest growing fulfillment companies for many multichannel sellers.
Red Stag
In their eCommerce fulfillment offering, RedStag has a few benefits worth highlighting. First they have the option of same-day shipping and fulfillment services with as late as a 5pm cut off. Second, their WMS helps you gain visibility into the different phases of your supply chain. Third, they offer eCommerce returns processing. Returns are a common part of the supply chain but unfortunately it can be difficult to have a solution for them. However RedStag offers a reverse logistics process to help you turn a lost sale into a good customer experience. They do this by offering a high speed return process which documents any damage done to the product then they can refurbish and restock the product for you.
They also offer custom packaging and help you source and test appropriate boxes for your product. And when doing this they take into consideration how best to consolidate the items within your packages to help clients lower their number of packages per order and become more eco-friendly as sustainability is top of mind for many eCommerce brands.
ShipBob
A third-party logistics provider who fulfills your eCommerce orders for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. Meaning companies who don’t use a middleman like retailers or wholesalers to get their product in-front of a customer. ShipBob will determine where best your product fits in their fulfillment centers based on the most common order locations between their network of fulfillment centers. This way your inventory is strategically split across all their locations so your products are near your customers.
With their order management software they will also track your shipments from beginning to end so you get clarity into where exactly your product is at any time.
3PL Central
For those of you who want to do self-fulfillment, 3PL Central is a good option. They have a warehouse management software which automates many processes required within your fulfillment process. With this platform they help you optimize your warehouse workflow so your processes and operations are streamlined.
Their WMS is a cloud-based solution and it automates billing, integrates with API, EDI, shopping carts, retailers, and shipper connections. Above all they strive to eliminate manual errors, offer high quality reporting, and help you move to paperless operations. They also integrate seamlessly with your existing systems.
ShipMonk
They offer both a cloud based inventory management software and fulfillment services. Their inventory portal gives you the ability to identify your best selling SKUs and blacklist old skus. What’s more you can track your inventory levels across multiple channels.
And with several fulfillment centers across the US they will split your inventory across locations and help you source the warehouse which offers the best price. They also boast a high performing customer team of “Happiness Engineers” who will spring into action and help when a problem arises.
Stord
This company is a single partner to fulfill your freight, warehousing, and fulfillment needs. Their goal is to make your supply chain a competitive advantage by helping you optimize everything from port to porch. They offer fulfillment, freight, and cloud based software. Their software connects all the programs you use within your supply chain in one place so you have one dashboard to see your entire supply chain process. In addition, it also helps you find shipping rates for different freight loads.
Their focus is a holistic approach to fool-proof your supply chain and they want to help you create a strategy so you can optimize your physical and technological solutions.
Deliverr
Here you get free two day shipping through platforms such as Wish, Facebook, Shopify, Walmart, Google, Ebay, and Instagram. They also have several freight options including drayage, transloading, and LTL services. Their mission is to let any company, regardless of size, offer their customers fast and cost effective fulfillment. Meaning they want to make sure companies who may not have huge order volumes have the same tools as a large company without the cost of the supply chain infrastructure.
In addition they want to provide eCommerce businesses with the tools they need to grow and understand their fulfillment costs so they easily compare fulfillment options.
FlowSpace
You can utilize FlowSpace for eCommerce fulfillment, retail fulfillment, and warehouse storage. They offer both fulfillment services and a WMS which gives you the ability to track both inbound and outbound shipments and even give you real-time inventory management insights and recommendations. These data insights help you forecast your inventory. They have a fulfillment network which will connect to your brand, provide faster delivery, and help you identify key fulfillment centers to reach your customer quickly. Their warehouses are equipped to palletize your inventory and perform customer kitting services.
Ware2Go
This is an on demand fulfillment and warehousing company owned by UPS. They are out to change the traditional 3PL model for companies of all sizes. They have a nationwide network of warehouses and their fulfillment processes are designed for scale so you never outgrow their ability to handle your product. They offer software to help you streamline both of your fulfillment, and sales channels as in this platform the algorithm learns your company’s sales patterns and gives you inventory and distribution insights based on those patterns.
This is their “FulfillmentVu” technology and it combines WMS, OMS, and TMS into one platform. Plus you can integrate your current marketplaces into the software as well.
Pick What Highlights Your Business
Overall there are many third-party order fulfillment options for eCommerce sellers to consider. And each one has unique options available for different business needs. No matter what fulfillment service you use for your eCommerce company, you should consider your options carefully. Especially because those you work with will affect your customers’ perception of your business as a whole. Your fulfillment partner should be one who you trust to have your company’s interests in mind. They should help you generate a strategy to improve your fulfillment as your business grows, and they should relieve the headache of tracking your fulfillment instead of adding to that headache. Because a streamlined order fulfillment process is key to standing it. It means you become a staple household brand by clients who want to repeat a great purchasing experience. Making your pick of a third-party order fulfillment provider a high impact decision.
If you need any help in this decision, we are always happy to discuss. Schedule a time to chat with us here.
Find Out More about Order Fulfillment Options
Check out these blogs that highlight the best order fulfillment options for 9 different eCommerce sellers.
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment for Amazon
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment Partners for Walmart
Top 10 Order Fulfillment for eBay
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment Options for Wix
Top 6 Best Order Fulfillment Options for Square
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment Partners for ChannelAdvisor
Top 6 Best Order Fulfillment Partners for WooCommerce
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment Options for BigCommerce
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment Options for Squarespace
