Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Services

3PL or third-party logistics refers to outsourcing a business’s logistics to a third-party provider. What this means is that instead of managing tasks like inventory management and returns logistics in-house, you hire a company to do it for you. 

Fulfillment is one of the many aspects of logistics. The goal of order fulfillment is to ensure the products your customer purchases from your store get to them on time and in excellent condition. To achieve this, a lot of hard work is done behind the scenes.

When a customer places an order with your business, it kicks off a complex series of processes, from receiving the order, picking and packing it, packaging it and sending it to the customer. It also involves tracking shipments and handling returns. 

Many businesses outsource order fulfillment to a 3PL provider, as doing so saves them time and resources while ensuring a positive customer experience.

Not exactly. Amazon FBA’s solutions fall under the umbrella of 3PL e-commerce order fulfillment services, but the program is not a 3PL order fulfillment company.

The Amazon FBA program offers some of the services that a 3PL fulfillment provider offers, such as: 

• Storing inventory in its distribution centers
• Picking and packing items
• Delivering items
• Managing returns 
• Providing customer support 

While many businesses find Amazon FBA convenient, there are also disadvantages. 

These include: 

• High Storage Fees: Storage with Amazon FBA can be more expensive than with a 3PL fulfillment services provider. Rates may also spike during the holidays.
• Lack of Packaging Customization: Amazon FBA ships in boxes branded with the Amazon name and logo. Custom packaging branded with your company’s name or even inserts or leaflets are not options with Amazon FBA. This can negatively impact your branding because the Amazon-branded boxes make it seem to customers that they’re buying directly from Amazon. 

Many companies that want the convenience of Amazon FBA but want more control over the order fulfillment process choose to partner with a 3PL fulfillment services provider for Amazon FBA prep services. This option allows businesses to perform quality checks on their products and helps ensure they meet Amazon’s requirements. 

However, e-commerce businesses may choose a 3PL provider instead of Amazon FBA for order fulfillment because FBA can be more expensive. Additionally, companies may have less control over their fulfillment operations with FBA.

Here are some other reasons why e-commerce businesses should consider choosing a 3PL order fulfillment provider instead of Amazon FBA:

• More Flexibility: 3PL companies offer a more comprehensive range of fulfillment services than FBA, and they can be more flexible. For example, we at Warehousing Pro are happy to take on special projects and don’t require long-term contracts. We also offer custom packaging and labeling solutions that reflect our clients’ branding. 
• More Control: Businesses have more control over their fulfillment operations when they work with a 3PL company. For example, when you partner with us, you can negotiate the terms of your service agreement.

Better Customer Service: 3PL order fulfillment companies typically offer better customer service than FBA. This is because they are more focused on providing personalized service to their clients.

At Warehousing Pro, our strengths include seamless order fulfillment and convenient warehousing solutions. A trusted leader in 3PL in Nashville, we have been in business for over 10 years, equipping us with the expertise and resources needed to meet our clients’ logistics needs. 

We offer flexible services and straightforward monthly pricing without the fuss of long-term contracts. Our fast onboarding and customized solutions ensure your unique fulfillment requirements are met efficiently. Whether you’re a small business needing storage for a few days or an industry leader who needs 3PL e-commerce fulfillment services for several months, you can rely on us.

When you have a question, concern or something you need help with, we’re just a call or email away. We understand that fast and clear communication is crucial, which is why our team is committed to responding promptly. 

What’s more, our 3PL warehouse storage facility is conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown Nashville. We provide exceptional accessibility with proximity to major highways: I-65, I-24, I-40, Briley Parkway and Ellington Parkway.