Ecommerce enterprises regularly switch fulfillment providers, but the current moment is making it more essential.
This last quarter occurred during a pandemic that was exacerbated by worldwide supply chain disruptions. Many ecommerce firms have hit roadblocks as the ever-changing shipping environment throws them for a loop.
We assisted thousands of businesses during the holiday season at Launch Fulfillment, and we have the capacity, resources, tools, and know-how to assist thousands more.
In 2020 and 2021, we kept our operations going at a breakneck pace while still doing the proper thing for our clients, even when it was more expensive for us. In particular, Launch fulfillment:
- Didn’t raise prices in Q4, stop delivering inventory, or limit any services for our clients, as other fulfillment firms have.
- We’ve upgraded orders at no additional cost to our clients in order to assure that they would arrive by Christmas.
- We kept our fulfillment center open and running smoothly by making sure everyone was well-trained.
- Shared carrier performance data is transparent.
- New fulfillment centers were opened.
- In a few hours, I built a bespoke tool that enabled us to begin relabeling orders when FedEx Express was overwhelmed and not collecting from anyone, so we could utilize another service and ensure these goods arrive before Christmas.
- Some new carrier partners have been added.
- A lot more, in fact.
You’re already familiar with the expenses, processes, and operations involved in outsourcing ecommerce order fulfillment if you work with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. That may be why you aren’t sure whether your present fulfillment company is appropriate for your company.
While you may be able to get by with just one 3PL, most businesses require more than one because the company lacks a tailored solution for each need. Working with an inadequate 3PL might result in slow growth or even client loss.
It may never seem like the right moment to switch 3PL providers — but taking a hard look at your present 3PL and retail fulfillment approach is critical for setting your business up for future success. And, surprisingly, switching 3PLs isn’t as difficult as you might believe.
In this article, we’ll go through how to figure out whether you need to replace your 3PLs, how to select a new ecommerce fulfillment business, and what to do if you’re ready to move on.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Switching 3PLs
Reduce the chance of error and provide a smooth conclusion.
A note on meeting customer expectations
Before we get into the specifics of when and how to change 3PL fulfillment service provider, it’s crucial to comprehend the influence your 3PL may have on your company.
It’s no secret that today’s customers have high standards, and the delivery process is no exception:
- 38% of customers say they’ll never shop with a retailer again following a negative delivery experience.
- 73% of shoppers expect affordable, fast deliveries.
- 24% of customers cancel an order due to slow shipping.
If your 3PL isn’t assisting you in providing a top-notch customer experience, you might be missing out on potential consumers and income. If you can’t provide your customers with quick, inexpensive delivery that they’ve come to expect, they’ll most likely head elsewhere.
In any case, it is critical to your ecommerce business’s success that you work with a 3PL that can help you meet rising consumer demands.