Ecommerce businesses have found great success from outsourcing fulfillment.
By outsourcing fulfillment, you’re able to scale your business faster by focusing entirely on customer acquisition.
Order fulfillment is important. People expect prompt service and quick product delivery. Even if you have the best product on the market. Your customer satisfaction will depend largely on the ecommerce fulfillment company you choose. What happens if it takes your customer six weeks to get their product? Or what if the shipment is damaged?
Smart ecommerce merchants outsource order processing and warehousing to a fulfillment center.
But where do you start? Here are our top picks for ecommerce fulfillment services.
Not all fulfillment companies are created equal. Every provider offers different types of order processing services.
There are several factors to consider, such as monthly order volume, the type of product(s) you sell, and where your customers are located.
What Does An Ecommerce Fulfillment Provider Do?
Ecommerce fulfillment companies specialize in order processing and delivery for ecommerce businesses. This process includes receiving and storing inventory, processing orders, picking and packing, inserting packing slips, and shipping. Learn how fulfillment and warehousing work.
Essentially they have software that connects to your website, so once an order is placed, they assemble your order into a package, scan it, and ship it out. And all this information is communicated back to your website. So let’s say you are selling shampoo. You probably have different-sized bottles and different scents. You can send all those directly to your fulfillment warehouse. Once they get an order, they will pick the size, scent, and quantity of your customer’s order and pack it up into a shipping box.
What Are the Benefits of Using an Order Fulfillment Service?
There are many benefits of order fulfillment which is why ecommerce companies use these third-party providers often.
Here’s why fulfillment service providers are high in demand:
- Expanded reach and sell products across the globe
- Increased space in your building for other business operations
- Customer service assistance is often offered, so you don’t have to handle it
- Shipping costs are reduced due to customer proximity to multiple locations
- Customized packaging options for improved branding
- Reduced operating costs
- The latest technology is used to get your orders completed quickly and correctly
- Streamlined supply chain management
Top Order Fulfillment Services Compared
When sourcing a 3PL (third-party logistics), there are several services beyond pick and pack to consider. The right 3rd party fulfillment company will make it easy to integrate your online store. Many 3PLs partners with top ecommerce platforms to streamline online store integration. With easy integration, setup is done faster without involving a developer.
Technology-enabled 3PLs combine shipping with inventory and order management technology. This automates the fulfillment process while providing full visibility into the entire process.
Some of the best fulfillment company features include seamless integrations, multi-channel fulfillment, multiple fulfillment warehouses, and easy returns management. You also want to make sure you can do all this within your monthly budget.
Company
Multiple Fulfillment Warehouses
Location is key when it comes to shipping orders fast. Choosing a 3PL with multiple fulfillment centers is the most efficient way to ship.
By reducing the distance a package travels, you can eliminate shipping to the highest, most expensive shipping zones. This also reduces transit times and shipping costs. It’s ideal to choose a 3PL that operates fulfillment centers in major hubs and cities close to your target customer location. With prime locations, merchants have the potential to reach a larger volume of customers.
Order Fulfillment Speed
When it’s time to put your online orders into motion, you want the fulfillment center to get the orders out the door and to your clients ASAP. Fulfillment speed is a crucial factor to consider when comparing competing providers to hire.
Ask the competing companies the following questions on how they fulfill orders:
- Do they offer same-day fulfillment?
- Is 1-day order fulfillment an option?
- Do they offer two-day shipping?
- What other timelines do they follow to get the orders to your clients?
- Can dropshipping take place?
- Are there any long-term storage fees?
- How big is your network of warehouses?
All this matters because happy clients are returning clients.
Storage and Fulfilment Fees
When you first start out, it’s really difficult to estimate your inventory size and storage fees. To make it even more complicated, different ecommerce fulfillment companies have different pricing models. Some do pricing per pallet or bin. You’ll have to look out for set-up fees, pick and pack fees as well. Amazon has a great calculator that I use to help understand fees based on Amazon. You have to have an Amazon seller account to use the calculator, though.
The pricing information below isn’t complete, but it should be enough, along with the tools above, to estimate your pricing. For specific pricing, you should reach out to each provider and compare.
Pricing
Every ecommerce fulfillment provider will charge a different storage and fulfillment fee. Some require a minimum amount of inventory passing through their doors in order to work with your company. Also, the storage and ecommerce fulfillment fees may vary depending on how much business you do with the company you hire.
As you review the different companies, ask about provider fees. You can make an itemized list highlighting potential costs for ecommerce fulfillment services with each of the potential providers. This will help you determine which company offers the best rates and which third-party provider might be the most cost-efficient one to do business with.
Returns Management
Not all customers keep the products they buy from your ecommerce business. This is why you must think ahead and have a reverse logistics process in place in case customers need to do returns. In addition to packaging and shipping inventory, sometimes a fulfillment company will offer returns management services for customers.
These services can include receiving returns, refunding payments, and providing customer support every step of the way. You’ll want to work with a company that supports customization according to your return policy.
What To Look For In An Ecommerce Fulfillment Partner
When you’re ready to select a fulfillment center for your business, think about the following concepts to make the right choice. By doing so, you will hire the fulfillment services company that will work best for your company and offer the services you need.
Ecommerce Platform Integration
When you consider different fulfillment providers, ask about ecommerce platforms and integration. You want to work with a company that can successfully integrate with your ecommerce platforms.
Ecommerce Platform Integrations
3PLs, who are technology-driven, make it easy to connect your online store with their system. This establishes a two-way flow of information. By doing this, you’re able to check inventory levels in real time. You’re also given access to reliable, accurate, and transparent data.
You might think that integration for ecommerce platforms isn’t a big deal, but that’s not true at all. If your fulfillment provider can’t integrate with your ecommerce platform, the process won’t be a smooth or successful one.
Multichannel Integration
Multichannel integration enables ecommerce companies to sell inventory through various sales channels. With this in mind, it’s important fulfillment providers can accommodate these types of multichannel sales.
If you plan on selling through various channels, you have to be sure your chosen third-party fulfillment company can accommodate your needs. For example, if your ecommerce business sells on Shopify but also through Amazon and eBay, you want one service to cover all these sales options, like Rakuten or Shipmonk.
Multichannel Integrations
Shipping Provider Integration
Shipping provider integration capabilities are extremely important when comparing fulfillment company offerings. The right shipping provider integration features ensure that you are able to connect with your shipping providers for seamless order completion.
Shipping Integrations
Other shipping providers you may need to ask about
- Canada Post
- UK Royal Mail (see our list of UK fulfillment companies)
- Australia Post
Your ecommerce business might have one shipping provider that you work with exclusively or maybe you use a few different shipping providers. Whatever the case may be, you want to be sure you can easily integrate the software and that the company shipping the orders can communicate with the shipping software.
Some popular shipping software options include:
- ShipperHQ
- Shipstation
- AfterShip
- ShippingEasy
- Shippit
Ease Of Use and Best in Class Customer Service Support
Once all the integrations are compatible and set up, it should be smooth sailing. If there is an issue, though – you will need prompt help. When it comes to customer service, you may prefer phone or live chat. In general, the more avenues of customer support, the better. Having a dedicated account manager (AM) can also make a huge difference.
Customer Support
Advanced Features
It’s important to have someone pack and ship your products and accept returns, but it’s also vital to have an analytics and reporting plan in place for the benefit of your customers. Many companies offer this service to their clients, and the exact process the companies use will vary.
Features
When searching for the best ecommerce fulfillment provider, ask about analytics and reporting services. If special packaging is a need you have, will they take care of that for you? Or is there an additional company you have to hire to help?
Ask whether they offer these services and to what extent they provide them. Who do they partner with if they don’t offer the services you need?
Best Ecommerce Fulfillment Companies
When it comes to choosing a fulfillment company to partner with, you have choices. To make the right decision, start by identifying your unique needs. Then, begin weighing your options. Below breaks down the pros and cons of the top 10 leading fulfillment providers.
1. ShipBob – Best Overall
ShipBob is number one on the list as it holds the prestigious position of being the best overall USA fulfillment company. This well-known and trusted company is experiencing rapid growth every step of the way with the services it offers and the customers it serves.
ShipBob offers shipping costs and logistics services at affordable prices and is known for its highly applauded customer service. ShipBob’s experience dates back to 2014.
ShipBob has many attractive features, but you’ll also want to review some of the cons associated with ShipBob. Check out the following details to see how ShipBob stands out from the competition and what the company might need to work on:
Pros
- ShipBob has multiple locations across the United States
- User-friendly dashboard with helpful tools
- Multiple location distribution for inventory
- Real-time inventory and order tracking
- Offers 2-day express shipping program
- Address verification to prevent packages from being sent to the wrong address
Cons
- Certain services are not offered by ShipBob, such as refrigeration
- The company doesn’t specialize in B2B ecommerce fulfillment (although it’s offered)
ShipBob offers a lot of tempting ecommerce features, which is why it’s frequently chosen as a fulfillment provider by online businesses. From ecommerce inventory features to advanced filter capabilities, ShipBob has really thought of it all.
ShipBob offers easy access to many online integrations, which makes it easy for you to connect your online store to ShipBob.
Here are answers to your integrations questions and whether ShipBob offers the right options for your ecommerce company:
ShipBob offers competitive pricing, which makes it possible for all size ecommerce businesses.
ShipBob offers excellent customer service and provides each ecommerce business with its own dedicated account manager.
If you’re looking for an ecommerce fulfillment company that’s best overall and checks many of the boxes of your must-have features list, ShipBob is one to explore.
2. Phase V Fulfillment – Best for Small Consumer Goods
Phase V Fulfillment is a small fulfillment operation based in Ft. Myers, Florida. It is best for consumer goods.
Pros
- Volume based pricing
- Warehouse-based account management
- Lot and expiry control
- Can integrate with any ecommerce platform
Cons
- Not for hazmat materials
- Not for large products
3. Deliverr – Best for Startups with US Based Customers
Deliverr is a relative newcomer to the fulfillment scene. Founded in 2017, the company is built on democratizing fulfillment. With Deliverr, you can offer 2-day shipping like Amazon Prime – across multiple sales channels. In July 2022, Shopify acquired Deliverr to expand its Shopify Fulfillment Network.
One thing that sets them apart from the competition is transparent pricing. You can enter product information into the cost calculator on their website to find out exactly how much you can expect to spend.
Pros
- Integrates with major ecommerce platforms and online marketplaces – Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Amazon, Wish, Walmart.
- All-in-one fees include receiving and fulfillment
- Real-time inventory and order tracking
- Returns processing and subscription box kitting available
Cons
- Lots of poor customer feedback around delayed shipments causing a bad customer experience
Deliverr makes it easy to see where you have products, and how many units are in each location. With the map on the dashboard, you’ll be able to see how well each part of the U.S. is serviced. You can also build inventory buffers to prevent stockouts.
Deliverr may be a young company, but its continued rounds of investments provide the funding it needs to remain competitive and carve out its place in the market.
4. Falcon Fulfillment – Best for Established Businesses with US Based Customers
Founded in 2015, Falcon Fulfillment is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have over 1 million cubic feet of warehouse space across multiple distribution centers. They specialize in health and wellness and cosmetics products.
They are an ideal choice for established ecommerce businesses with US based customers. This is because of the 4,000 minimum monthly order requirement and the fact that there are no international warehouses.
Pros
- Live order editing
- Custom packaging options available
- Eco-friendly packaging options available
- Kitting services
- Returns management
Cons
- High minimum order volume not suited to startups
- No international warehouses
- Some integrations require ShipStation.
5. Simpl Fulfillment – Best for Fragile and Hazmat
Simpl Fulfillment is an ecommerce fulfillment solution that works well for small and large businesses alike. It was founded in 2016 in Austin, TX, and is scaling to provide services to more companies every day.
There are no monthly order minimums, and pricing is customized based on your unique business needs and fulfillment strategy. The company offers support for custom packaging, crowdfunding fulfillment, and more. If your company deals with fragile or hazardous materials, this may be the best option for you.
Pros
- Climate-controlled warehouses
- Amazon FBA Prep
- 99.98% pick accuracy guarantee
Cons
- Account managers aren’t available for Amazon FBA clients
- Single warehouse location based in the US
6. Ryder E-Commerce by Whiplash – Best for Growing Businesses
Ryder E-Commerce by Whiplash is based in California. With 24 US-based warehouses and two international options, they are well-equipped to handle any growing business. They use a 4PL partner network to handle accounts with 500 to 2,500 orders.
The Whiplash technology platform has a lot of great features, including support for dropshipping orders. The automation rules make it easy for you to control the packaging, shipping carriers, and order routing from within a single dashboard. There’s support for lot number control, which is helpful for businesses in the health and beauty industry.
Pros
- Automation rules
- Lot control
- Dropshipping support
- Live order editing
- Audit trail
- Returns management
- Bundling and kitting services
Cons
- Not practical for small businesses
- Pricing information is not available on the website
- Limited customer support availability
7. eFulfillment Service – Best for Startups
eFulfillment Service operates on the mission of simple, trusted, and reliable service and offers fulfillment services that many ecommerce companies will appreciate. One type of company that’s sure to be a fan of eFulfillment Service is a startup company, especially since there is no minimum order required.
You’ll also love to know how much experience they have. eFulfillment Service has been in the product delivery and warehousing game since 2001.
To give you a closer look at what this company offers, here are some pros and cons you’ll want to review:
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Excellent terms for ecommerce and startups
- No setup fees
- No long-term contracts
- Free shopping cart integration
- Discount shipping costs
- In-house IT team
- No order minimums
Cons
- Deals with smaller shipment needs
- Limited in advanced functionality, like reporting
- No custom packaging.
eFulfillment Service caters to startup ecommerce companies and the order fulfillment needs of small-to-midsize businesses. However, that doesn’t mean this company can’t handle larger company needs as well. This third party fulfillment provider offers many attractive features your business can use to accomplish online ecommerce sales distribution goals.
Integrations are extremely important in the ecommerce world. You want to be sure your order fulfillment company offers this accessibility so you can achieve the best results for your clients.
The pricing scale eFulfillment Service offers is affordable, especially for startup companies that might not have a lot of money to spend.
Customer service offered by any company, especially order fulfillment companies, is extremely important. How your business handles customer service could determine whether a one-time customer becomes a repeat customer.
If you operate new businesses or small-sized ecommerce stores, you’ll want to consider learning more about eFulfillment Service for your company.
8. Red Stag Fulfillment – Best for Large, Heavy Items
If you’re an online retailer that sells large, heavy items, Red Stag Fulfillment may be the company for you. Although this company fulfills all types of product orders, this business is well-versed in packing and shipping larger, heavier items.
Here are some of the pros, and a few cons, to keep in mind when reviewing Red Stag Fulfillment offerings:
Pros
- Experts at handling heavy, bulky products
- Video monitoring
- Excellent customer support
- Pallet delivery system
- Same-day shipping and order completion guarantee
- Fulfillment warehouse network
- Excellent scalability
Cons
- More expensive than other 3PL companies
- No dedicated account manager
- Doesn’t integrate with Walmart
Red Stag Fulfillment has exceptional scalability, so the company can handle the needs of small companies as well as larger-sized companies. With expanded services, Red Stag Fulfillment offers many features ecommerce store owners can put to good use and help them get inventory to intended destinations fast and efficiently.
If you want a fulfillment company that can handle your complex shipping needs or heavy items, Red Stag is a strong consideration.
9. Rakuten Super Logistics – Best for Enterprise
Rakuten Super Logistics is known as a 3PL provider best suited for enterprise companies. Rakuten Super Logistics offers packing and shipping services to its customers and marketing services as well. This multifaceted service provider knows what its customers need and answers the call.
Pros
- Tailored services to fit enterprise business customer requirements
- Offers integrated marketing services for merchants
- Fulfillment centers located across the United States
- 1-2 day ground shipping in the United States
- Specialty fulfillment centers
- Kitting services
- Subscription box services
Cons
- No global fulfillment centers
- No custom packaging
- No DHL integration
Since they cater to enterprises, you have to contact Rakuten for a custom pricing quote.
For a company that offers all your favorite integrations and customizable fulfillment services, Rakuten Super Logistics deserves a closer look.
10. Amazon FBA – Best for High Volume/High Margin Products
Amazon has the most advanced fulfillment network. The Amazon name is one many individuals know and one that ecommerce businesses trust for their inventory handling needs and products. Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is used by online retailers who sell all types of inventory. Amazon FBA is also a top choice for ecommerce business owners who specialize in high volume inventory and high margin products.
You’ll find the following pros and cons when you choose this provider as your fulfillment service company:
Pros
- Top choice for high end inventory
- Top choice for high volume inventory
- Well-known company name
- Beneficial for ecommerce stores and brick-and-mortar shops with online selling
- Deals with a variety of inventory
- Provides Prime shipping for inventory
Cons
- Inventory and other fees vary and change constantly
- Amazon gets your customer data
This company offers tempting features online sellers are sure to love. Businesses that choose this fulfillment provider have the popular name of Amazon handling their packing, products shipping, returns, and customer service plus there are additional benefits for Amazon Prime customers.
When it comes to pricing, you know Amazon is trying to make the most money possible, which is why they have varying warehousing fees. And their pick and pack rate varies by size and weight.
Storage Monthly (January – September)
- $0.75/cubic ft. for standard items
- $0.48/cubic ft. for oversize items;
September-January
- $2.40/cubic ft. for standard items
- $1.20/cubic foot for oversize items
They do have an FBA calculator you can use to guesstimate. Its really easy to use, all you have to do is find a similar product (or the exact one) and Amazon will calculate fulfillment costs based on the exact product size.
For a well-known fulfillment company that handles fulfillment services for customers, Amazon FBA should be considered as a third-party logistics provider for your products.
11. FedEx Fulfillment – Best for International
If your ecommerce store ships overseas quite a bit, you want a fulfillment service provider that can handle these shipping needs. FedEx Fulfillment is best for international shipping and order management.
Pros
- Handles international shipments on a frequent basis
- Well-known company name
- Many ecommerce integrations
- Easy-to-use platform
- Impressive delivery network
Cons
- No product-based batch fulfillment
- Inconsistent customer assistance
- No set up fees but account fees when below minimum
If you do a lot of international shipping and order fulfillment, choosing FedEx Fulfillment as your third party provider will help make your job a whole lot easier.
12. ShipMonk – Best for Subscription Products
Another fulfillment provider that makes the top 11 list is ShipMonk. Founded in 2014, you definitely won’t want to neglect looking into this logistics provider.
ShipMonk provides all-around fulfillment services, specializing in B2C eCommerce, subscription boxes, and crowdfunding campaigns.
Pros
- Handles B2C eCommerce, subscription boxes, and crowdfunding
- Uses proprietary SaaS software for order, inventory, and warehouse management
- Easy integration with 75+ shopping carts, marketplaces, and solution providers
- 3 warehouse locations in Florida, California, and Pennsylvania
- No setup or inventory receiving fees
- Discounted shipping rates
- Claims management
- International order processing
Cons
- No Wix integration
When you use ShipMonk you’ll gain access to a large list of integrations so you can choose the options that work best for your company.
ShipMonk is known for its subscription fulfillment services, but that’s only a portion of what they do for customers. No matter what your products or inventory niche may be, ShipMonk can help you with your online store needs. ShipMonk’s experience dates back to 2014.
13. Fulfillment.com – Best for High Volume
If you handle a high volume of business and want to consider fulfillment companies other than Amazon FBA, Fulfillment.com can handle your large order amount. If you are an international ecommerce company that does high volume, Fulfillment.com is even more helpful to you as a fulfillment center.
Read on for some pros and cons associated with Fulfillment.com to get the research started:
Pros
- Handles high volume orders
- International orders
- Cloud-based platform
- Worldwide fulfillment center locations
- Account managers assigned to each customer
- Same-day order processing
Cons
- Non-refundable deposit fee
- Limited customer support availability
With a large fulfillment provider such as Fulfillment.com, you better believe the features would be expansive as well.
Fulfillment.com offers many different types of integrations so you can easily integrate with the sites you need to and get your customer orders filled with ease.
If you have high volumes of shipments or send products internationally on a frequent basis, Fulfillment.com can help alleviate your fulfillment duties.
14. Ruby Has – Best for Competitive Shipping Rates
Ruby Has offers a lot of attractive features for online sellers. From competitive rates to complete fulfillment services, you’re going to love what Ruby Has offers.
Check out the pros and cons of Ruby Has:
Pros
- Offers competitive shipping rates
- Has multiple fulfillment center locations
- Offers 30+ built-in API integrations
- Provides high quality pick and pack services
Cons
- Limited customer support channels
If you want a service provider that offers the best rates and is known for its high quality and pick and pack services, Ruby Has is it.
Third-Party Fulfillment vs. Self-Fulfillment
Now that you have information on third-party fulfillment including what some of the best companies offer, it’s time to consider if this option is for you or if you want to stick with self-fulfillment.
In order to make the right decision, you should weigh the options carefully. You can determine if you’re able to handle the fulfillment duties on your own or if it’s in the best interest of your company to hire a third-party business to take care of fulfilling your online orders.
As you weigh the options, consider the following:
- Do you have a place for inventory storage?
- Do you have the time to handle packaging the shipments as quickly as possible?
- Are you good with order and warehouse management?
- How much will the storage fees be?
- Can you meet customer expectations?
- Can you offer a privacy policy?
- Do you have the time to handle the shipping process and multiple shipping options as quickly as possible?
- Are you technologically savvy and able to be processing orders with fulfillment software?
- Can you handle the amount of product fulfillment duties?
- Do you want to handle the fulfillment duties for the long term?
FAQs
Is Outsourced Fulfillment Right For You?
If you answered “no” to the questions above, you should hire an order fulfillment company to help you achieve customer satisfaction. If you can afford to outsource ecommerce order management to another company, it might be in your best interest to do so. When you choose to use a third-party logistics company to handle the inventory, packing, shipping, customer service, and other duties for you, the time you save can be used for building up your business.
Consider these aspects when selecting a fulfillment company:
- Integrations with your ecommerce platform
- Order minimums
- The type of businesses they serve
- Warehousing and fulfillment costs
- How fast they turn around and ship orders
- Customer support availability and contact information (phone, live chat, email)
- Real-time reporting management system
- Product order volume capabilities
- Type of inventory system software and warehousing capabilities
- Network of fulfillment centers, location, and warehouse space
- Whether they can provide everything you need in a single solution
- Quality control measures to ensure they get the right products to customers
By considering all these things and how they relate to your individual business, you can narrow down your fulfillment center options. When you do so, you’ll be able to select the best services provider to help your company achieve its multifaceted sales goals.
Ultimately, it’s about choosing the right fulfillment operation that can deliver to your unique needs. You also need to make sure they integrate seamlessly with your ecommerce platform. You also need to consider the type of fulfillment you need and pair that with the level of customer service you expect.
If you’re looking to source potential 3PLs, ShipBob is a great place to start. You’ll be given the support, facilities, and technology you need to scale your business faster.
Your partner matters. Choose a fulfillment services expert.
Interested in ShipBob? Request a quote.
