It’s not always easy to distinguish between a fulfillment center and a warehouse. Although both are massive structures with goods on sale, the applications and services they provide are frequently very different. Let’s examine each alternative so you can select the finest ecommerce shipping solution for your company.
What is a Warehousing Solution?
A warehouse is a business that keeps items for an extended length of time. A warehouse is a big storage facility for storing inventory in bulk. Forklifts and containers with very tall shelves are filled with massive quantities of goods, which may be loaded on them by forklifts and carried to customers’ doors.
Warehousing services are tailored to large-scale wholesale companies or B2B ecommerce purchases in big quantities, although a few specialize in smaller quantities. Some larger businesses will have their own warehouses to store overstock, but many others will rent warehouse space.
Small and mid-sized businesses may benefit most from leasing warehouse space, although rates are determined on the lease terms accessible. If they don’t have enough room in their home, some smaller ecommerce vendors might opt to rent even less expensive places like local lockers or storage containers.
What is a Fulfillment Center?
A fulfillment center is the nerve center for all of your logistics procedures, from start to finish. It manages every step of the order fulfillment process, including picking, processing, packing, and shipping. Launch Fulfillment, for example, uses its fulfillment facility to receive, process, and ship client purchases for ecommerce firms as a 3PL (third-party logistics provider), such as Amazon). eCommerce companies are relieved of this demanding yet necessary procedure by distribution centers, which are located to ensure that online orders reach consumers as soon as possible.
What is the difference between warehousing and fulfillment centers?
A warehouse keeps and stores items, whereas a fulfillment center fulfills customer demands when it comes to shipping. With that in mind, a fulfillment center has continual movement while a warehouse is much more stationary or inactive. Fulfillment centers are ideal for fulfilling orders because they are run by 3PLs. Receiving inventory, generating pick lists, and picking items are all activities performed in a fulfillment center. The major activity in a warehouse is the addition or removal of stock. All of those other services aren’t provided.
Conclusion
Any ecommerce firm must find the best and most cost-effective approach to manage and maintain their inventory. Although it may appear that warehouse and fulfillment center are interchangeable, having storage in a warehouse is distinct from requiring the assistance of a logistics provider. Once you’ve decided what you’re searching for, go online to learn more and locate the finest business for you.
If you’re interested in learning more about us at Launch Fulfillment, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have. We’d want to collaborate with you and assist your ecommerce operation grow and prosper.