Growth is the goal of most e-commerce brands – but when it happens quickly, many brands face the sudden and scary realization that they don’t have the operational infrastructure to support it.
Luckily, there are networks of 3PL (which means third party logistics) providers which can be brought in to support your scaling business with warehousing and fulfillment, so you can expand into new markets and continue on your planned trajectory.
However, 3PLs are far more than just a place to hold and ship stock – and joining forces with a 3PL isn’t a decision to take lightly.
Risks and rewards
Get your choice of 3PL provider right and you’ll reap the rewards. You’ll be able to capitalize on growth opportunities, streamline operations to save some serious man-hours, and maximize that all-important customer experience. After all, 77% of bad experiences happen because of operational issues like delayed deliveries and mispicks.
However, get your selection of 3PL partners wrong and it can result in serious bottlenecks in order processing and shipping that can make or break your reputation. Using a 3PL means you are putting a chunk of the buying journey in someone else’s hands, so it’s vital you do your research and choose a provider you can trust to maintain your brand’s high standards.
So how do you find the perfect 3PL for your business?
Here are some key things to consider…
Locations
Working with a provider that has locations close to your target market will not only reduce your shipping costs but also minimize the time it takes your products to get into the hands of your customers, helping you keep up with consumers’ ever-growing expectations.
If you sell products internationally, you should also consider a 3PL that has locations in both the European Union and the United Kingdom as that will help reduce cross-border shipping and tax complexities.
Integrations & partners
Considering the different systems/apps you use and how they’re going to integrate with your fulfillment partner is another important factor.
We recommend checking the provider is or can be integrated into your e-commerce platform, retail operating system or ERP at the outset. If they can’t, you might fail to achieve streamlined operations and have to rely on manual processes (which we all know can result in time-consuming errors).
You should also check out your potential 3PLs partnership network. They often include marketing agencies, tax services, MarTech, and payment/BNPL solutions that could prove to be very useful now and in the future.
Top tip: With Inventory Planner by Sage you can also utilize advance shipping notices (ASN). This is like a lightweight integration that allows you to easily notify your 3PL when the supplier confirms details around shipping so that they can be prepared to accept and process the delivery.
Current customers
A great way to understand if a provider can support your wants and needs is by seeing if they work with similar brands. You could also check if they are partnered with any of the brands you look up to, because if the provider has helped them hit the next milestone, then there’s a chance they can help you achieve success too. That being said, no two brands are the same and no 3PLs are either – what works for one might not necessarily work for the other!
Services
Different providers offer different services, so you should make sure to find one that suits the specific needs of your business. While some offer more basic fulfillment options, others offer additional services such as container destuffing, inventory management, returns processing, and customer service.
When it comes to pick and pack, you should also make sure you find out what custom packaging options are available and if they can include inserts with your orders. Finding out if they offer kitting or bundling of orders could also help determine if they are right for you long-term.
If you’re selling temp-controlled, perishable and/or bulky goods then you might find it harder to find a provider that can support all your needs but they are out there!
Future needs
In addition to making sure a provider can support your current products and operations, you should also share your plans for the years ahead. While some merchants are happy relying on multiple 3PL providers, ensuring that your prospect provider will have enough warehouse space for your growing product lines and the ability to help you expand to new markets could solve major headaches later on.
Pricing
Price transparency is important when you’re looking for any product or service. You need to make sure you’re not going to be hit with a tonne of hidden fees down the road. However, you shouldn’t be put off if providers do not give their pricing on their website. Often this is a sign that more discovery is needed to be able to give you accurate pricing and a service that is tailored to your specific needs. In fact, communication, planning, and expectation setting are crucial for a successful 3PL relationship!
Our top pick providers
To help you get you started in your search for the perfect 3PL partner, we’ve put together a rundown of 3PL providers that have proven track records of powering fast-growing, successful global brands.
Note: We aren’t affiliated with any of the providers listed below and we’re including them here as suggestions only. We recommend also doing your own research.
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Bleckmann
Bleckmann is a market leader in Supply Chain Management (SCM) services for the fashion, lifestyle, and consumer electronics sectors. With a strong presence internationally, vast experience in IT solutions, and a globally unified platform for its clients, it’s no wonder Bleckmann supports such an impressive portfolio of high-profile brands.
Customers include: Superdry, Gymshark, Patagonia
Locations: NL, BE, UK, US
Perishables ✅ Large/Bulky items ✅ Electronics ✅ Subscription services ✅ Batch and Serial Tracking ✅
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Huboo
Huboo uses great people and smart technology to enable businesses to grow. Their unique hub model creates service-led, micro warehouses, putting people at the heart of an industry not known for it.
Customers include: Flare Audio, Au Vodka, West Ham United
Locations: UK, EU
Alcohol ✅ Subscription services ✅ Electronics ✅ Batch and Serial Tracking ✅
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James & James
Helping you reach customers internationally, James & James is a well-known industry-leading 3PL powered by a custom-built, award-winning inventory management platform.
Customers include: TALA, Cards Against Humanity, Gandys
Locations: UK,US,EU
Alcohol ✅ Perishables ✅ Subscription services ✅ Electronics ✅ Batch and Serial Tracking ✅
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Ryder E-commerce by Whiplash
Supported by its namesake e-commerce platform and a suite of advanced technology solutions, Ryder E-commerce by Whiplash operates in 25 distribution centers in the US and brings emerging and established brands the scale and vision they need to grow and succeed.
Customers include: Grayson, APL, Goop
Location: US
Large/Bulky items ✅ Subscription services ✅ Electronics ✅ Batch and Serial Tracking ✅
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SEKO
Since its conception in 1976, SEKO has continued to build a solid reputation around the world as an innovative and flexible provider of first-class logistics. From factory floor to front door, SEKO is a premiere retail and e-commerce logistics provider that specialises in transportation, logistics, forwarding and warehousing.
Customers include: Manscaped, Mous, Castore
Location: EU, US, MENA, AUSTL
Alcohol ✅ Temp controlled products (in HKG & US) ✅ Subscription services ✅ Electronics ✅ Batch and Serial Tracking ✅
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ShipBob
ShipBob is a global omni-fulfillment platform that supports over 7,000 e-commerce brands across a network of 40+ fulfillment centers. One of the big players in the 3PL world, Shipbob covers everything from analytics and insights to a customized unboxing experience, and even offers 2-day shipping across the continental US!
Customers include: PetLab Co., Hero Cosmetics, The Adventure Challenge
Location: US, CA, UK, EU, AUS
Subscription services ✅ Electronics ✅ Batch and Serial Tracking ✅
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ShipMonk
ShipMonk enables e-commerce companies to focus on building their brands and achieving next-level growth by providing revolutionary omnichannel fulfillment services and order, inventory, and shipping management software.
Customers include: Brumate, LiquidIv, Glamnetic
Location: US, CA, MX, UK
Temp controlled products ✅ Subscription services ✅ Electronics ✅ Batch and Serial Tracking ✅
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Synergy Retail Support
Synergy Retail Support provides bespoke 3PL logistics and fulfillment solutions tailored to your needs and designed to deliver a consistent customer journey. Powered by their talented workforce, industry-leading tech, and over 30 years of experience, they are renowned for being more than just your outsourced partner.
Customers include: Zara, Wilkinson Sword, Feel Unique
Location: US & UK
Alcohol ✅ Subscription services ✅ Electronics ✅ Batch and Serial Tracking ✅
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Torque
Award winning, end-to-end supply chain specialists, Torque prides itself on a personal approach to business. They ensure that your business runs like clockwork behind the scenes, so you can focus on the things that matter most to you. An exacting and made-to-measure service with state-of-the-art machinery, dedicated account managers, and in-house IT support are just some ways they deliver a personal service daily.
Customers include: Arsenal, Sweaty Betty, Crew Clothing
Location: UK
Alcohol ✅ Perishables ✅ Temp controlled products ✅ Subscription services ✅ Electronics ✅ Batch and Serial Tracking ✅
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Whistl
Whistl is one of the UK’s leading end-to-end logistics companies. Thanks to a 1.5 million sq ft national fulfillment warehouse network, the Whistl Group handles in excess of 100 million eCommerce and trade (B2B) orders annually.
Customers include: Yogamatters, Ethical Superstore, Rarewaves
Location: UK
Alcohol ✅ Subscription services ✅ Electronics ✅ Batch and Serial Tracking ✅