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3PL Third-party logistics is a service that allows e-Commerce businesses to outsource their logistics to a third-party fulfillment service provider. A third-party logistics (3PL) partner works with businesses to ensure that their products are delivered on schedule to customers.
The activities of a third-party logistics company are highly sophisticated and vital to the success of an eCommerce business. Working with a third-party logistics provider allows your business to remain competitive in the marketplace. While the process of picking, packaging and shipping is time-consuming and costly in house, a third-party logistics company can handle it on your behalf from product inbound and storage to shipping and allowing you to focus on your core business.
A third-party logistics (3PL) partner is a company that specializes in managing the complete supply chain. As a result of partnering with a 3PL, your firm will be able to improve the cost efficiency and efficacy of its inventory management, order fulfilment, distribution, and shipping processes. A 3PL logistics partner will help your business keep a detailed inventory of all incoming and outgoing goods to ensure the complete accuracy and efficiency of every order and shipment.
What does a 3PL third-party logistics partner entail?
Faster Delivery
Working with a 3PL logistics service provider can help you get your products to your customers faster. A fulfillment center provides services ranging from inventory management to shipment tracking, payment processing to customer data protection, and timely and secure delivery without requiring a major financial investment. You can ensure that all orders are processed quickly and delivered to your clients on time by using a fulfillment service provided by a 3PL company.
Inventory Management
This involves inventory tracking and restocking to ensure that your company always has enough merchandise on hand for order fulfillment and shipping. Proper inventory management through e-commerce distribution systems is especially vital during especially busy times like the holidays or even when lockdown due to the pandemic. Since most consumers prefer to order products online for their convenience.
Failure to keep accurate inventory records, forecast demand for certain items or refill in-demand items can result in major problems for e-Commerce businesses on long backorders and out-of-stock situations. A third-party logistics (3PL) partner usually has the system and the infrastructure to help your e-commerce business keep track of your inventory closely and ensure inventory supply is able to keep up with high demands. A 3PL third-party logistics partner also works closely with warehouses to ensure that inventory records are always kept up to date for your business.
Pick and Pack Fulfillment Services
Third-party logistics (3PL) typically works at a faster pace for order fulfillment. From product mixing, packing, cross-docking, and other functions. Is your company in need of a unique label or package? Do you require special packaging for your orders? If you answered yes, a third-party logistics partner will have the experience and capability to handle customization service requirements. A good pick and pack fulfillment process comes in handy in this situation.
Returns Management
Returns are common for businesses, whether for e-Commerce companies or brick-and-mortar businesses. While e-Commerce businesses, on the other hand, face a slightly more difficult situation than brick-and-mortar stores. Returns can be handled by your 3PL logistics partner, and that makes the process of returns become simpler and easier for both customers and e-commerce businesses. Making the return process as straightforward as possible ensures consumer satisfaction and can aid future purchase retention.
Additionally, one of the most significant advantages of using a 3PL logistics partner is that they handle inventory restocking and inventory count on behalf of enterprises. To ensure that there are no product shortages, a 3PL logistics partner must be able to provide a real-time record of the inventory as required.
What are the benefits of using 3PL logistics providers?
Efficiency
Every e-Commerce business is different and has different delivery requirements. 3PL logistics providers have the experience and the warehousing management system that is able to keep track of inventory and orders to help businesses fulfill their orders efficiently. They can provide cost-effective and efficient shipping solutions to e-Commerce businesses, and allow them to get products to end-users as quickly and safely as possible.
Reduce Overall Distribution Costs
Small e-commerce businesses might benefit particularly from e-commerce fulfillment services. As 3PL logistics providers can assist organizations in managing high-volume orders and inventory management. While free shipping and fast delivery upgrades are popular marketing techniques for online merchants, E-Commerce fulfillment services can help small businesses keep shipping costs low, whether they absorb shipping and freight costs to offer free shipping or pass those costs on to customers. The same thing will apply to warehousing and inventory management. As e-Commerce fulfillment service providers have developed a mechanism to assist e-commerce businesses in managing inventory and tracking client returns. With a strong dedication to eliminating waste throughout every step from the supply chain to the distribution process, a 3PL logistics provider helps reduce overall fulfillment expenses.
Integrated with Cutting-Edge Technology
3PL logistics providers usually use systems that are able to integrate with multiple e-Commerce ordering platforms. Your 3PL logistics provider has a system and technology that works nicely with your existing tech stack. Many eCommerce organizations employ the entire tech stack, and if your company uses multiple eCommerce platforms, those connections are important for flawless logistics across all channels.
Ensure customer satisfaction
Customer happiness and loyalty can be improved through e-Commerce fulfillment services provided by a 3PL logistics provider. There’s no doubt that customer happiness is crucial when it comes to selecting a service. When a service meets or exceeds a customer’s expectations, it can result in higher customer satisfaction and, as a result, increased loyalty.
While increasing client happiness may be challenging for some e-Commerce businesses, fulfillment service providers can assist in this endeavor. 3PL third-party logistics service providers can assist businesses to have their customers feel secure in their purchases by delivering a high-quality fulfillment service that ensures they get the product or service they expected. Furthermore, a solid fulfillment service can assist businesses in retaining consumers. By offering excellent customer service and ensuring client satisfaction
Why Choose SPExpress as your 3PL third-party logistics partner? At SPExpress, we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding customer expectations to the best of our ability. We can help you streamline your e-commerce or brick-and-mortar distribution processes by using our unrivaled industry experience and knowledge. SPExpress can help you monitor inventory levels, fulfill orders, process refunds, and improve customer service. To learn more, please contact us immediately.