Whether you’re a retailer with small or big commerce fulfillment needs, you likely use a third-party logistics provider. However, as your business changes and your current provider no longer suits your needs, you might want to switch 3PL providers.
Here’s what you need to know before you initiate that 3PL transition process. We outline five reasons you might need a new third-party logistics provider for your e-commerce business if you want to take things to the next level.
1. Lack of Support
Besides providing order fulfillment services, your third-party logistics provider should be able to handle your returns, exchanges, and refunds. Surprisingly, not all 3PLs offer this service. If they do, they might not have 24/7 availability or consistent support to accommodate your customers and business needs.
What about tech support or inventory emergencies? Does your current provider have enough staff and availability to provide the support you might need? If not, it’s time to switch 3PL providers.
2. Inadequate Warehouses
Proper warehouse management is a must for 3PLs, but some may fall short of what your business might need or expect. Is there an inability to embrace technology and evolve fulfillment processes to improve services? Maybe the problem is that there are not enough warehouses to accommodate nationwide merchandise distribution.
Either way, a lack of warehouses and efficient practices hurts your business. Consider looking for a provider that won’t hinder your growth.
3. Shipping Issues
As a business owner, the last thing you want for your customers is shipping delays. Timely shipments build trust with your clientele and solidify your brand as reliable. Shipping delays from your 3PL, on the other hand, jeopardize the trust and rapport you have worked so hard to build with your customers.
Delays aren’t the only shipping problem. When conducting a logistics provider evaluation, you may realize that you’re paying a lot more for shipping with your current provider. Even if the shipments from the warehouse make it to their destinations on time, expensive shipping costs impact your bottom line.
4. Excessive Customer Complaints
What do customers say about the quality of your company’s deliveries? Are they complaining about wrong items or waiting longer than expected for their shipments to arrive? That signals an ineffective 3PL.
Too many bad reviews can harm your brand’s reputation. Get to the bottom of the problem to avoid lasting damage or switch 3PL providers.
5. Overpriced Services
If you pay premium prices for fulfillment, shouldn’t you receive premium services?
Getting excellent customer service, timely shipments, outstanding inventory management, and reliable support? If not, you’re probably overpaying.
Connect With Streamline Fulfillment Today
There are many reasons to switch 3PL providers, including supply chain efficiency and shipping cost optimization. Choosing a provider like Streamline Fulfillment gets you tailored fulfillment and warehousing services to accommodate your unique needs.
Choosing a 3PL provider is easy. Experience the Streamline Fulfillment difference – call us at 509-888-2880 to schedule a consultation! With warehouses in California and the Pacific Northwest, we are set up to serve enterprises countrywide.