Depending on the industry, the most common order fulfillment methods are in-house or through a third-party provider or 3PL.
The ultimate goal of any e-commerce business is for your customers to receive their products. So, how do companies accomplish that? Depending on the industry, the most common order fulfillment methods are in-house or through a third-party provider or 3PL. Both in-house and 3PLs have different benefits and challenges, so your company must select what’s ideal based on your present and future needs.
What is Necessary for In-House Fulfillment?
If you plan to maintain your order fulfillment in-house, consider the following factors:
- The warehouse space you select should meet your current needs and have room for growth regarding loading docks, warehouse racks, square footage, etc. Since your warehouse space is an investment, be ready to manage the associated costs – equipment, hiring, and insurance.
- Hiring the right staff is crucial for success. Organizations should also provide solid employee training, benefits, competitive salaries, and growth.
- Nowadays, companies expect speed in the supply chain game. So, it’s imperative for businesses to maintain a high accuracy rate to avoid negative reviews, minimize the number of returns and achieve positive brand loyalty.
Advantages of a Third-Party Provider
For those ready to outsource order fulfillment, there are numerous advantages to collaborating with a third-party provider, including:
- When partnering with a third-party provider, you can scale your labor, warehouse space, and inventory quickly and efficiently to manage peak seasons or rapid business growth. As your business grows, a 3PL can manage it all without the stress enabling you to focus on other tasks.
- A 3PL provider has the knowledge and experience in areas like shipping regulations, international compliance, transportation, etc. So, engaging with experts can advance and guide your logistics operation. As a result, you can concentrate on other core aspects of your e-commerce business.
- 3PLs often have advanced technology that most in-house operations lack due to the cost and technical resources. Also, innovative technology can assist with cybersecurity, inventory management, and automation to create better warehouse efficiencies.
See What Global Docks Can Do for You
After highlighting the difference between in-house and 3PL order fulfillment, only you can choose the best decision based on your business. Global Docks understands the speed and flexibility necessary for your e-commerce company to compete and thrive in today’s online marketplace.
Find out how Global Docks can transform your organization today by visiting our website!
Contact Global Docks for Your eCommerce Fulfillment Needs!
Seeking a fulfillment solution? Global Docks understands the speed and flexibility required for your e-commerce business to compete and thrive in today’s online marketplace. To learn more about our import, export, warehouse, or truck transport services, call our company at 305-200-5954 or fill out this contact form to receive a quote. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!