Is Your Business Growing? What To Look For In A 3PL Service

Is your e-commerce business growing at a great pace? Maybe it’s time to look into 3PL!

3PL (Third Party Logistics) is a service that allows you to outsource operational logistics from warehousing, all the way through to delivery, and ultimately enables you to focus on other parts of your business.

Every business owner will have their own needs and wants for their 3PL, but how do you decide what is best for you? Here are 5 factors you should consider when searching for a 3PL service for your business.

Price

Although price is a determining factor in the search for a fulfilment partner, it is important to remember that price will reflect quality. When it comes to pricing, itis crucial to understand what you will actually be invoiced for, not the price of the services themselves. Before establishing a partnership, be sure to check for any hidden or additional costs that may not be outlined in the initial pricing scheme.  When surveyed, over 70% of Quickmail’s 3PL customers find competitive pricing to be imperative to their choice of 3PL service provider.

Location of Fulfilment Centres

It is important to ensure the location of your 3PL provider is in reasonable proximity to your desired geographic location. Speedy-delivery will set your business apart from the rest, especially since the increased expectation of “next day delivery” is becoming a factor in consumers’ final purchase decisions. This is something we are Quickmail are always conscious of. When surveyed, 90% of Quickmail’s 3PL customers found that their goods inward, stock, and dispatch orders were processed in a timely manner.

Shipping

One of the biggest advantages that comes with a 3PL partnership is having access to decreased shipping prices. Establishing a partnership with a high-quality 3PL service will allow you to reassess your businesses pricing scheme for the better. If you have access to lower shipping rates, you have the ability to perhaps inflate your price per product in order to offer a free shipping service. This is a popular marketing tactic that can often elicit a great result!

Customer Support

It goes without saying that customer relationship management is the key to running a successful business, especially when it comes to e-commerce. If there is a mishap with a customer’s order and you are partnered with a high-quality 3PL provider, they will make it their priority to rectify any issues in a time efficient manner. At Quickmail, the needs of our customers are always our top priority. Over 85% of our 3PL customers agree that we are clear communicators that ensure a seamless service for their business.

Branding Options

Your product is the most important part of your business. However, the fundamentals of your brand are just as important. A minor addition here and there can make a considerable difference in the way in which a product is received by the consumer. It is vital to assess the branding options your potential 3PL provider will offer. This could be the addition of an enclosed personalised message in each package, a sticker, or something as simple as putting your logo on the packaging itself. Be aware that custom packaging by a 3PL provider may come at an extra cost… so make sure you ask before signing up!

More than anything, it’s important that the decision to move to 3PL is all your own. Many small business owners find enjoyment in packing and dispatching their own products, especially when it comes to physical goods. However, if this is slowly becoming difficult to handle or taking away from other areas of your business, it may be time to start your 3PL search!

Joining forces with Quickmail for your fulfilment needs can help you to grow your business by giving you freedom from the daily picking and packing, plus you get access to our great rates with Australia Post and other courier providers.

100% of our 3PL customers (when surveyed) agreed or totally agreed that they would feel confident recommending Quickmail’s services to others. If you’d like to see if Quickmail is the right fit for your business – get in touch!