Why You Should Consider Outsourcing Your eCommerce Fulfilment

Managing eCommerce fulfilment in-house can provide hands-on control and immediate access to your products, but as your business grows, in-house fulfilment can become costly, time-consuming, and ultimately unsustainable.

Outsourcing fulfilment is an attractive option for brands looking to scale without being burdened by logistical complexities.

If your team currently handles its own fulfilment, this article will help you understand the benefits of outsourcing and why partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, like E-PickPack, can be a strategic move to support your business growth.

Gain Time to Focus on Growth by Outsourcing Your Ecommerce Fulfilment

As your eCommerce business grows, so does the amount of time required to pack and ship orders.

Managing inventory, dealing with packing materials, coordinating with shipping providers, and handling customer service inquiries about delivery can take a considerable amount of time and effort.

By outsourcing these tasks to a fulfilment provider, you free up your team to focus on core activities like product development, marketing, and customer engagement.

Benefits of Focusing on Core Business Activities

• Better Customer Experience: Time spent on customer service and marketing translates into more satisfied customers and increased sales.
• Product Development: With more time on hand, you can focus on expanding your product line or improving existing products.
• Strategic Planning: Instead of being bogged down by logistics, you can work on new partnerships, expanding into new markets, or improving your overall business strategy.

How E-PickPack Can Help: Our team handles every aspect of the fulfilment process, from picking and packing to shipping and returns.

With E-PickPack managing your logistics, you’ll have more time to focus on scaling your brand.

Access to Advanced Fulfilment Technology

Technology plays a vital role in modern fulfilment operations. By outsourcing your fulfilment to a 3PL provider, you gain access to sophisticated warehouse management systems (WMS), inventory tracking, and order management tools without needing to invest in expensive technology infrastructure yourself.

Key Technology Advantages of a 3PL Provider

• Real-Time Inventory Tracking: Get full visibility of your stock levels in real time, reducing the chances of overselling or stockouts.
• Seamless Platform Integrations: Connect your sales channels, such as Shopify, Amazon, or WooCommerce, directly to the WMS for automated order processing and inventory updates.
• Data and Analytics: Gain insights into sales trends, shipping times, and customer order patterns, allowing you to make informed decisions about inventory and marketing.

How E-PickPack Can Help: E-PickPack uses Mintsoft’s Warehouse Management System to manage orders, track inventory, and integrate with over 150 eCommerce platforms.

You’ll get full visibility and control over your fulfilment operations with our advanced technology solutions.

Reduce Operational Costs

Running in-house fulfilment requires substantial investment in warehousing space, equipment, and staff. As order volumes fluctuate, you may find yourself overpaying for resources during slower periods, while struggling to meet demand during peak times.

Outsourcing your fulfilment allows you to leverage the cost efficiencies of a 3PL provider, reducing overhead and allowing for more predictable fulfilment costs.

Cost-Saving Benefits of Outsourcing Fulfilment

• No Need for Warehousing Investment: With a 3PL provider, you don’t need to lease or purchase warehouse space. You pay only for the space and services you use.
• Eliminate Labour Costs: A fulfilment partner handles staffing needs, allowing you to avoid the costs associated with recruiting, training, and managing employees.
• Scale on Demand: Fulfilment providers have the flexibility to scale up or down with your order volume, meaning you’re not paying for unused resources or struggling to find temporary staff during busy seasons.

How E-PickPack Can Help: Our flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing model means you only pay for the services you use, and our scalable fulfilment solutions allow you to adjust based on demand. By outsourcing with E-PickPack, you can keep costs predictable while meeting customer expectations year-round.

Improve Shipping Speeds and Customer Satisfaction

Fast, reliable shipping is crucial for customer satisfaction. Meeting customer expectations for delivery speed and accuracy can be challenging, especially if you’re fulfilling orders in-house.

A 3PL provider has established relationships with shipping carriers and streamlined processes to ensure that orders are shipped accurately and on time.

Shipping Advantages of a 3PL Provider

• Faster Shipping Options: Many 3PL providers offer same-day or next-day shipping options, helping you stay competitive.
• Reduced Shipping Rates: By partnering with multiple carriers, fulfilment providers can often secure lower shipping rates, passing savings on to you and your customers.
• Accurate Order Fulfilment: With a dedicated team focused on picking and packing, you can minimise errors, reduce returns, and ensure that customers receive the right products.

How E-PickPack Can Help: E-PickPack partners with reliable shipping carriers to offer competitive rates and fast delivery options. Our fulfilment accuracy ensures your customers receive their orders quickly and correctly, enhancing their shopping experience and encouraging repeat business.

Expand Into New Markets with Ease

As you grow, you may want to start selling internationally or expanding into new regions. Managing international shipping and navigating customs and import regulations can be overwhelming for an in-house team. A 3PL provider with international fulfilment experience can handle these complexities, making it easier to reach new customers.

Global Expansion Benefits of Outsourcing Fulfilment

• Customs and Duty Management: A 3PL provider understands international regulations, ensuring that your shipments meet compliance requirements and avoid delays.
• Multi-Location Warehousing: Storing inventory in multiple locations allows you to reduce shipping times and costs to customers in new regions.
• Seamless Cross-Border Fulfilment: Expand to new markets without the hassle of dealing with cross-border logistics, from managing import taxes to handling currency exchanges.

How E-PickPack Can Help: With our international fulfilment capabilities, E-PickPack enables you to reach customers around the world. We manage customs clearance, global shipping, and international warehousing, allowing you to expand your reach while focusing on your core business.

Enhance the Customer Experience with Custom Packaging and Value-Added Services

Creating an impressive unboxing experience can set your brand apart and improve customer loyalty.

From custom packaging and branded inserts to kitting and bundling, a fulfilment provider can help you deliver an experience that aligns with your brand and enhances the perceived value of your products.

Value-Added Services Offered by 3PL Providers

• Custom Packaging: Provide branded boxes, inserts, or eco-friendly packaging that enhances your brand’s image.
• Kitting and Bundling: Sell products as bundles or kits with customised assembly options, creating added value for customers.
• Returns Management: Simplify the returns process by allowing your fulfilment provider to handle returns, inspections, and restocking.

How E-PickPack Can Help: We offer a variety of value-added services to create a memorable customer experience. From custom packaging to returns processing, E-PickPack helps you deliver on your brand promise, ensuring customers enjoy their purchase from start to finish.

Reduce Risk and Increase Flexibility

In-house fulfilment comes with risks, from staffing shortages to equipment breakdowns. By outsourcing, you can reduce your exposure to these risks and maintain a more flexible, resilient fulfilment process. A 3PL provider has the resources and experience to address challenges quickly, ensuring a stable fulfilment operation that supports your business needs.

Risk Reduction Benefits of Outsourcing

• Reduced Staffing and Equipment Risks: Fulfilment providers handle staffing and equipment needs, so you’re not affected by potential shortages or technical issues.
• Adaptability to Market Changes: A 3PL can quickly adjust to shifts in demand or changing market conditions, offering you the flexibility to stay competitive.
• Built-In Contingency Plans: Fulfilment providers have contingency plans to manage potential disruptions, ensuring a consistent customer experience.

How E-PickPack Can Help: At E-PickPack, we offer flexible, reliable fulfilment solutions that minimise risk and adapt to your changing business needs. Our team is equipped to handle any challenges, so you can rest assured that your fulfilment is in capable hands.

Conclusion: Is Outsourcing Fulfilment Right for Your eCommerce Business?

If your in-house fulfilment operation is struggling to keep up with demand or becoming too costly to maintain, it may be time to consider outsourcing.

By partnering with a 3PL provider like E-PickPack, you can reduce operational costs, improve shipping speeds, enhance customer satisfaction, and gain the flexibility needed to grow your brand.

At E-PickPack, we’re dedicated to helping eCommerce brands like yours streamline fulfilment and scale with ease.

Our comprehensive fulfilment solutions, advanced technology, and value-added services make us a trusted partner for brands looking to outsource fulfilment.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your growth and take your fulfilment to the next level.