3PL companies provide services like warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping, returns processing, and more to help ecommerce merchants simplify their supply chain.
What are the benefits of using a 3PL?
Benefits include cost and time savings, supply chain expertise, easy business scaling, and more. 3PLs allow merchants to focus on their core business.
What technology should my 3PL business invest in?
Invest in technology for barcode scanning, inventory and order management systems, shipping software integrations, warehouse equipment like forklifts, and more.
How can I market my 3PL company?
Use inbound marketing content, paid ads, SEO, promote your key services, and leverage your market positioning to attract new 3PL clients.
What should I consider when starting a 3PL?
Consider warehousing needs, competition, adding unique services, properly pricing services, and understanding target customer needs in your area.
How did Simpl Fulfillment start?
Simpl Fulfillment began from a need for better order fulfillment solutions for small ecommerce businesses. They now provide easy, affordable 3PL services.
What are operational best practices for a 3PL?
Best practices include implementing technology, hiring the right staff, maintaining compliance, providing quality customer service, accurately fulfilling orders, and continuously improving.
Is the 3PL industry growing?
Yes, the global and US 3PL markets are experiencing strong expansion as more companies outsource supply chain activities to focus on core business.
A recent data exposure at a fulfillment vendor affected thousands of ecommerce customers' records. Four questions worth asking about data retention, access controls, breach notification, and subprocessors before you sign with a 3PL.
Apparel fulfillment is harder than standard ecommerce: size-and-color SKU matrices, high return rates, and poly-bag and hang-tag requirements. Here's what changes when you move clothing through a 3PL, what to ask before you sign, and how Simpl runs apparel programs, starting at $7/order.
3PL companies in Austin, TX for ecommerce brands, compared on location, services, and pricing transparency, starting with Austin-based Simpl Fulfillment.