Are you in search of a reliable 3PL partner that can help you succeed in your Amazon business? In this post, we will guide you through the intricacies of selecting the best 3PL partner for your needs. As an Amazon seller, it is crucial to choose a logistics partner who has a solid understanding of the rigorous preparation processes required before sending your products to an Amazon fulfillment center. The right 3PL can position you for success, while a wrong choice can result in wasted time and money.
What Is a 3PL Fulfillment Service?
A fulfillment company is responsible for storing, preparing, and shipping goods for e-commerce businesses. An efficient fulfillment company should have the necessary infrastructure and expertise to ensure that your products reach their intended destination quickly. As an Amazon vendor, you have a lot on your plate with managing inventory, responding to customer inquiries, and marketing your products (Global Parachutes can assist you with this!). By partnering with a reliable 3PL, you can delegate the storage and preparation work, giving you more time to focus on your customers and products.
5 Key Things To Look For In A 3PL Service
Choosing the right 3PL partner may seem straightforward, but it can be a complex process. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Look for 3PL partners with a solid track record. Don’t hesitate to ask for references and read reviews. Be aware that 3PLs are known for poor customer service, so keep this in mind during your search.
- Warehouse Tour: Ask for a virtual tour of the warehouse. A clean and organized warehouse indicates a well-managed facility. Also, consider the location of the warehouse. If it’s in a high-crime area, your products could be at risk of theft.
- Communication: Call the 3PL and inquire about their communication process. Find out if you’ll have direct access to someone in the warehouse who can address issues with your shipping plan or products. Avoid 3PLs that use answering services or outsource their services to third parties. Ask who your primary point of contact will be and how to reach them.
- Shipping Methods: A good 3PL partner will have negotiated competitive shipping rates with various carriers. In addition to Amazon’s partnered carrier rates, a good 3PL will offer other options to get your products to Amazon quickly, affordably, and safely. Make sure they understand Amazon’s requirements for carton and pallet size, weight, and labeling.
- Warehousing Facilities: Ask the 3PL partner about their warehouse’s pallet capacity and expansion plans. As your business grows, you’ll need a 3PL that can accommodate your increased inventory.
Which 3PL is Best For Your Specific Products?
Make sure your 3PL partner understands the specific preparation requirements for your unique products, whether they are oversized, liquid, perishable, or fragile. Failure to properly prepare your products can result in costly penalties from Amazon. Ensure that your 3PL partner has the necessary infrastructure and uses high-quality materials for product prep. Avoid 3PLs that use low-quality, cheap materials that can result in damaged products and unnecessary fees. Don’t hesitate to ask your 3PL partner about the materials they use for preparation to ensure that your products arrive at Amazon in good condition.
The Wrap-Up
As an Amazon vendor, your focus should be on growing your business and providing exceptional customer service. However, managing logistics tasks such as warehousing and shipping can be time-consuming and overwhelming. To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to partner with a reliable 3PL service provider.
A top-performing 3PL partner should have a strong reputation and a proven track record of success. It is essential to ask for references and read reviews from their past clients to gain insight into their service quality. Furthermore, the 3PL partner should have knowledge of Amazon’s specific requirements to avoid penalties and fees for non-compliance.
In addition, the 3PL should use high-quality materials for product prep, such as poly bags and packaging, to ensure your products arrive at Amazon without any damages. This will also help to avoid additional costs associated with returns, which can negatively impact your Amazon score.
Lastly, the 3PL partner should be able to help you get your products into Amazon quickly, safely, and cost-effectively. They should have competitive shipping rates negotiated with different carriers to provide you with various options to get your products to Amazon.
By partnering with the best 3PL partner for your Amazon business, you can focus on growing your product catalog and delighting your customers, knowing that your logistics tasks are taken care of by a reliable partner.