The Right 3PL Partner Is Vital, Here’s Why
Selecting the appropriate third-party logistics (3PL) provider doesn’t need to be difficult. That said, it does require you to spend a bit of time considering your options. The thing is, the one you decide on will have a massive impact on things like supply chain, customer service, and costs for your business for years. In the following paragraphs, we’ll look at a few of the critical factors you’ll consider when figuring out how to choose the right 3PL provider.
What to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a 3PL Provider
Before beginning the 3PL procurement process, you might want to ask yourself a few key questions:
What are the marketing, packaging, and shipping priorities for your business right now?
Will these priorities remain the same in the coming years or change?
Which qualities are the most desirable for you when it comes to an eCommerce fulfillment partner?
Reputation
When it comes to logistics and fulfillment, reputation is critical. The reputation of a 3PL company is built on things like delighted customers, carriers, vendors, and employees. It’s imperative to partner with one that is well-respected because reputable firms are able to come up with solutions to a variety of challenges utilizing their team, network, and industry connections.
Capability
Whether it’s fulfillment services, subscription box services, kitting, reverse logistics, or pallet displays, you should make sure that the third-party provider you go with is flexible enough to be able to meet your needs, even as they change. 3PL partners might perform well in one area but lack the expertise and flexibility to meet any other requirements you have.
In order to keep up with your consumer demand that drives shipping and storage, make sure the provider you choose offers simple integrations within whatever eCommerce platform you choose. You might also want to ensure that they possess a business intelligence interface that will let you make data driven, real-time decisions with just the click of your mouse.
Stability
Providers that have been operating for a while have a lot of experience with providing high-quality supply chain management and logistics services. Their industry changes constantly, so one that has years of experience adapting to those changes can assist you with staying ahead of the curve.
Security and Safety
The provider’s approach to safety issues will speak volumes about their overall performance. Safety regulations change on a near-constant basis within the industry. This means that it’s imperative to partner with a provider that remains up to date with all of the latest initiatives so they remain in compliance.
Aside from that, you also need one that takes security earnestly. Keeping financial information safe isn’t just important; it’s dire. Look for a 3PL company that has DFA, FDA, and PCI certifications along with a HAZMAT shipping certificate.
Benefits of 3PL Fulfillment
3PL firms offer massive advantages over trying to get everything done in-house. The main benefit is that they’ll be able to manage your shipping and inventory, which will free you up for any other tasks that need to be completed. Some other benefits include things like higher efficiency, enhanced visibility into the supply chain operations, increased capacity, reduced delivery errors, and reduced overhead costs.
It doesn’t matter what type of business you own, whether it’s an online retail giant or a store selling baseball cards, your time is valuable. Hiring a shipping staff of your own might seem to be an attractive option for business owners who want to attempt to keep all of that in-house, but a 3PL partner will bring more value when it comes to the productivity gained and money saved.
If you’re considering partnering with a 3PL provider, hopefully, what you’ve just read will make things a bit easier for you.