3rd Party Fulfilment: What it is and why it matters

What is 3rd party fulfilment?

Third-party fulfilment, also known as 3PL (third-party logistics), is when a business outsources its order fulfilment process to a specialised provider. Rather than managing warehousing, inventory, picking, packing, and shipping in-house, brands partner with a 3PL who handles these tasks on their behalf. For many growing eCommerce businesses, this can be the key to unlocking scalable growth.

When a customer places an order online, that order is automatically sent to the 3PL’s warehouse. There, the item is picked, packed, and shipped using pre-defined rules and technology integrations. Most modern 3PLs integrate with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay and more, so orders sync in real time.

Why use a 3PL?

Using a third-party fulfilment company frees up time, reduces operational headaches, and supports rapid scaling. Small businesses often reach a tipping point where in-house packing simply can’t keep up. As order volumes grow, so do the challenges: more space, more staff, more systems, and more risk.

With 3PL fulfilment, those operational challenges become someone else’s responsibility. A good 3PL partner takes care of the day-to-day logistics, enabling you to focus on growth, marketing, and product development. It also brings access to professional-grade tech and infrastructure.

Let’s break down the advantages:

Scale without the stress

With a 3PL, you can scale up quickly during busy periods like Black Friday or Christmas without hiring temporary staff or expanding storage. You’re tapping into infrastructure built for volume.

Faster, smarter shipping

Many 3PLs offer discounted carrier rates and smart shipping rules. For example, 3PL Fusion offers late cut-off times (as late as 11pm) and next-day delivery options across the UK. This keeps your brand competitive without stretching your own team.

Cost control

While some brands worry that 3PL will be more expensive, it can actually reduce your costs over time. You’re only paying for the space and services you use, and you benefit from bulk shipping rates and efficient processes.

What does a 3PL fulfilment provider actually do?

Here’s a breakdown of the core services offered by most third-party fulfilment providers:

Warehousing

Your stock is stored in a professional, secure, and optimised warehouse. 3PLs often store inventory using slotting techniques that reduce pick times and maximise space.

Inventory management

3PLs use warehouse management systems (WMS) that track inventory in real-time. This ensures accuracy and prevents overselling, especially if you sell across multiple platforms.

Picking and packing

Orders are picked and packed according to your brand guidelines. With services like 3PL Fusion, you can even include branded packaging, inserts, or kitting instructions.

Shipping and tracking

3PLs handle label printing, courier handover, and delivery tracking. Many integrate with leading carriers for better rates and faster shipping.

Returns processing

Some 3PLs offer full reverse logistics, including inspecting returned items, restocking, or disposing of goods if necessary.

Who should consider third-party fulfilment?

Third-party fulfilment isn’t just for big retailers. It’s increasingly used by:

• D2C eCommerce brands looking to scale efficiently.
• Amazon sellers wanting to diversify beyond FBA.
• Subscription box businesses with complex kitting needs.
• Brands selling across multiple channels (Shopify, Etsy, TikTok Shop, etc.).

If you’re spending more time packing orders than growing your business, it may be time to outsource.

Here’s a real-world example: A wellness brand selling supplements and skincare products was managing fulfilment in-house. As they expanded to Amazon and added international shipping, errors increased and customer reviews dropped. Since switching to 3PL Fusion, they’ve reduced mispicks by 98% and cut shipping time by two days on average.

Key considerations when choosing a 3PL

Not all 3PL’s are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Technology: Can they integrate with your sales platforms and provide real-time inventory visibility?
• Flexibility: Will they support custom packaging, returns, and value-added services like kitting?
• Customer service: Is there a dedicated account manager or helpdesk to support you?
• Scalability: Can they keep up with seasonal spikes or new product launches?
• Location: Are they well-placed to offer fast delivery to your key markets?

3PL Fusion, for example, provides full visibility of stock, orders, and returns through an intuitive dashboard. It supports multi-channel fulfilment and provides expert onboarding to make the transition smooth.

Integrating your business with a 3PL

One of the key reasons businesses hesitate to outsource fulfilment is the fear of a messy handover. But modern 3PLs like 3PL Fusion have dedicated onboarding teams who manage the process step by step:

• Syncing inventory systems (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, Linnworks)
• Migrating stock to the new fulfilment centre
• Testing order workflows before going live

Done right, the switchover is seamless, with no disruption to your customers.

The long-term benefits of 3PL partnerships

Third-party fulfilment isn’t just a short-term fix – it’s a foundation for long-term growth. Brands that embrace 3PL early are better positioned to scale, adapt to new markets, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

With services like 3PL Fusion, fulfilment becomes a competitive advantage. Rather than worrying about space, shipping, or staffing, you can focus on growing your brand and delivering for your customers.

Ready to scale with confidence?

At 3PL, we’ve helped hundreds of eCommerce brands take the next step with scalable, technology-driven fulfilment solutions. Whether you’re looking to improve accuracy, reduce operational costs, or enhance delivery speed, our team is here to help.

Get in touch today and discover how 3PL Fusion can transform your fulfilment.