If you’ve realized that you need a third-party logistics (3PL) provider to help you manage and grow your business, you may be wondering how to find an efficient fulfillment center? There are certain characteristics of 3PL providers that you will want to have, whether you are a small or medium-sized business. Here are some traits of a successful fulfillment center that you should look for when searching for the right fulfillment partner.
Real-Time Tracking
One of the biggest advantages when you partner with a 3PL provider is that you can monitor deliveries in real-time. You can see where inventory is moving in and out of your warehouse and when it arrives in stock or at your customer’s door. Tracking allows you to follow the progress of your orders to ensure that everything goes according to plan. It also allows you to provide accurate information to your customers to improve your service and reputation.
Scalability
With the help of a 3PL provider, their networks, and their scalability, you won’t be wasting any time, money, or human resources on managing logistics operations. This is a very important benefit because warehousing and logistics procedures often discourage businesses and slow down growth. Fulfillment centers allow companies to scale more naturally without the worry of logistics. While you focus on sales and acquiring new customers, they will take care of the rest.
Cheap Value-Added Services
By partnering with a 3PL provider, you can access their free or affordable value-added services, such as kitting and assembly services, quality control, state-of-the-art technology, and fast turnaround times. You may only require certain services to manage your operations, but these extra features always come in handy should you priorities or shipping needs change in the future.
Quality Customer Service
To improve your customer service, you need to earn customer trust. As a business, you need to guarantee that if they purchase from your business, they will receive quality items within a reasonable time. By working with a fulfillment center, you can benefit from their professional customer service teams who ensure quick and concise communication to help establish your brand as a trustworthy retailer.
Error Resolution
Complications are inevitable in the logistics industry which is why it is a good idea to partner with a 3PL provider. They can help you handle errors in shipping and other areas quickly and effectively and can provide forecasting so you can actively prevent them from reoccurring. They can help you react quickly and ensure things are as they should be on their end so you can bounce back.
Transparency
A good 3PL provider will be transparent about their fees and charges. They should be able to explain to you exactly what you will get in the package you require. A good 3PL provider will be clear, prompt, and honest when they communicate with you and should give you peace of mind as they take on the management of your supply chain.
Satisfied Customers
Your business will struggle if your customers are dissatisfied with your service. To make happy customers you need to deliver on your word. For example, if your inventory count on your online store says there are 20 items in stock, you need to ensure that those items are available as stated. Or, if your customers want faster shipping, you will benefit from partnering with a 3PL provider to shorten your shipping time to same day or next day shipping. If your customers are happy with your service, they’ll be more likely to share the good news with their friends.
Tailored Services
One of the best features of hiring a 3PL company is that you can successfully manage your sensitive cargo projects according to your needs. Most of these companies prefer to offer customized packages rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, so they can effectively manage the needs of each partner.
Latest Technology
Many of today’s 3PL providers are equipped with modern software which makes it easier for businesses to optimize their supply chain. IT solutions like robotics, business intelligence, error reduction, automation and real-time inventory tracking are core benefits when working with these service providers.
Customer Focused
The only way to ensure that each of your customers are satisfied with your business is to focus on them as individuals. High performance 3PL providers can do this from the point of initial customer contact to delivering an amazing unboxing experience. Focusing on the details that make the experience for every customer special and successful is what your business needs.
APS Fulfillment, Inc. for Small and Medium-Sized Business
Whether you have hit the ground running as a startup business or have been struggling to stay afloat with your medium-sized business, you may be wondering which 3PL provider can help you overcome your challenges. You may be intimidated as you consider trusting search a huge part of your business to another company; however, the right company will give you peace of mind, so you can focus on your other core competences. If you’re ready to get started, we can help.
APS Fulfillment, Inc. provides a variety of tailored services to help our partners grow. These services include real-time inventory management, e-commerce fulfillment, fulfillment solutions, and fulfillment markets. There are endless benefits to working with a 3PL company that uses the best-quality software systems to manage your warehouse, so if you’re looking for the right company, look no further than APS Fulfillment, Inc. You can contact us by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (954) 582-7450.