Are you the right 3PL for me?
It’s all about the onboarding experience.
Choosing the right fulfilment company can seem like a daunting task. If you are already with another fulfilment company and are looking elsewhere it means you know the pain you went through to onboard. It is only fair to assume that more pain is down the track when switching to another 3PL, right? WRONG.
At ezi-Pac we make the onboarding process as smooth as possible. We understand that time is money and you need your stock to get moving. At ezi-Pac we can have your onboarding experience completed within 48hrs, from signing the contract to shipping out your first order.
How do you know you are picking the right company?
It is important when you are doing your research on 3PL companies to do your homework. One needs to ask lots of questions, it’s ok to ask. When setting out to make sure the fulfilment company understands your business you should have a list of questions armed and ready.
Examples of these questions include:
What type of contracts are required?
What’s your minimum monthly order volume? Are there charges if we don’t meet that number?
What is your service level agreement (SLA)?
What is your on-time shipping performance? Do you have an order accuracy performance guarantee?
Do you offer same-day order processing?
How long does integration usually take?
What is the full cost breakdown of your service fees?
What’s not included in the initial cost quote?
Who are your shipping partners? Make sure that you are looking at 3PLs with comparable networks in the area that applies to you.
How do you handle freight and postage fees?
Do you handle returns? If so, how do you track process for tracking? Do you help with refurbishment and/or disposal?
What percentage of shipments arrive on time and in full?
What percentage of my orders will reach customers in two days or less?
Do you fulfill international orders?
What international shipping partners do you work with?
It is important to provide as much information as possible to your new 3PL.
One’s onboarding experience will not only be enhanced, but your new fulfilment partner will be better equipped to understand your brand and position you for switching fulfilment companies.
During the sales process tell the 3PL anything and everything they might need to know, including
All your sales channels (what eCommerce platform you are using is important for integration)
Special packing or shipping instructions, including custom boxes
Number of SKUs you expect to ship
Typical package size and weight
Your goals for your fulfillment