What next after making a sale? Making a sale is just the start of a long process. It’s your obligation to ensure the product reaches your customer. That means you must cater to order fulfillment, including packing, inventory management, delivery, return handling, etc.
Product shipping is a very crucial element in e-commerce. Correctly executed shipping services earns your business positive feedback, which contributes to your business’s success. The complex nature of order fulfillment calls for adequate planning and management. Don’t tense yet if you’re inexperienced—many fulfillment services have got you covered.
This article guides you through the best fulfillment services for Shopify. Read through to learn more.
What is Ecommerce Fulfillment?
Ecommerce fulfillment is the process of picking, packing, and shipping merchandise to the respective customers. It involves locating items, storage, packing, inventory management, and delivery logistics management.
There are three order fulfillment methods, as shown below.
- You fulfil your orders independently or with your team.
- You sell merchandise from a dropshipper who, in turn, fulfils the order for you.
- You consider a logistic company which handles warehousing and order fulfillment.
The first option, fulfilling your order independently, is flexible and cost-effective. Therefore, it is the best option for startup businesses and ones with unique ecommerce packaging. It’ll be the perfect option for a struggling business as well.
Inviting third-party warehousing and fulfillment is the best option for businesses with sufficient cash. It is also the best option for businesses that are growing fast. Luckily, many logistics companies store merchandise, pack, and ship orders to their destinations.
Dealing with an ecommerce fulfillment company can be intimidating, but we shall guide you on how to go about it.
What Is a Fulfillment Service – How Does it Work?
A fulfillment service is a third-party body that picks, packs, and ships orders for you. The third-party warehouse conducts the order fulfillment from its physical fulfillment center.
Fulfillment service is crucial for businesses that want to avoid being directly involved in shipping or have outgrown their warehouse space.
Several third-party fulfillment service providers offer their services across Canada. For those looking to optimise their fulfillment strategy, consider working with a fulfillment service provider that allows you access to the central view of your data. They should also allow you the flexibility to allocate inventory across several warehouses.
But how does the fulfillment service work? Different fulfillment companies use different methods to fulfil your orders. However, the general order fulfillment process is as follows.
- The customers make a purchase.
- The fulfillment provider receives the product information.
- Inventory logistic management
- Receiving orders
- Picking (finding) items ordered
- Re-packing goods.
- Shipping orders
- The customer is notified of their order status
What Are the Best Fulfillment Services for Shopify?
The best fulfillment services for Shopify include:
ShipBob
ShipBob is a reputable fulfillment service provider trusted by many businesses. They offer logistics services at affordable rates. Besides, they have excellent customer service, enhancing your experience with them.
ShipBob has many features that elevate your business. It ensures you access many online integrations, letting you connect your online store with Shopify store. In addition, ShipBob offers its services to small and medium-sized businesses with its well-distributed fulfillment centers.
Pros
- It has multiple locations spread across the country
- It has a user-friendly dashboard with essential tools
- It ensures order tracking and real-time inventory
- It offers an expedited two-day express shipping program
Cons
- Services like refrigeration are unavailable
Shopify Fulfillment Network
Shopify’s fulfillment network is ideal for small businesses with Shopify stores. The benefit is that you can keep all your products together.
Shopify allows customers to see when their purchases will be available. Brands with shopping and shipping services on the platform ensure their customers enjoy seamless shopping experience. Besides, the Shopify fulfillment network has a two-day service, ensuring they receive their purchase soon.
Pros
- Fast shipping; two-day shipping
- Cost-effective services
- Seamless inventory management
- Seamless experience
Cons
- If your product doesn’t sell within the first six months, you’ll incur a storage fee worth $2.25 per cubic foot.
FreightPros Fulfillment Services
FreightPros is among the top fulfillment companies ideal for small businesses. They offer their services at competitive rates and have excellent customer support. This order fulfillment company provides LTL (less than load) and other tools for shipment control.
FreightPro monitors the fulfillment process from pick-up to the final delivery. Therefore, they can solve any delivery problem arising along the way.
Pros
- Correct pricing suggestions
- Personalised messaging
- Impressive customer service
- Handles process on behalf of client
Cons
- Their rates are more expensive than their close competitors
Simpl Fulfillment
Simpl Fulfillment are ideal for both small and large businesses. Established in 2016, it has built a massive reputation and customer trust. The good thing about Simpl fulfillment is their custom pricing model that considers your business needs. In addition, there are no monthly order minimums.
When shipping with this company, you won’t worry about packaging as they cater for it. It is the best fulfillment service for Shopify if your business deals with hazardous or fragile products.
Pros
- High pick accuracy
- Custom pricing
Cons
- Unfortunately, if you’re an Amazon FBA client, you won’t have an account manager.
Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment
Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) serves brands selling outside the Amazon Marketplace. It is a different service from Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
Amazon’s fulfillment service has reliable order fulfillment services and an extensive network of warehouses to serve customers from all over the country. In addition, they have affordable fulfillment service rates, ideal for startup businesses.
Pros
- Extensive fulfillment network
- Fast delivery speeds; next-day and 2-day shipping
- Transparent pricing
- Competitive rates
Cons
- It has limited sales channels
The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Ecommerce Order Fulfillment
The benefits for outsourcing order fulfillment include:
- Save valuable time
- Focus on your core business
- Get wider shipping coverage
- Access faster delivery times
- More affordable rates
Conclusion
Outsourcing your e-commerce orders to a fulfillment provider does not involve much in shipping activities. Consider outsourcing ecommerce fulfillment services if you experience fluctuating sales or need more time for shipping. This way, you can focus more on your core business. Another benefit is that you’ll leave order fulfillment to an expert who seamlessly navigates logistics challenges, ensuring customer satisfaction.
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