{"id":13997,"date":"2022-03-21T03:23:41","date_gmt":"2022-03-21T10:23:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/?p=13997"},"modified":"2024-05-15T03:27:03","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T10:27:03","slug":"comprehensive-fulfillment-provider-questionnaire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dcl-v3\/blog\/3pl\/comprehensive-fulfillment-provider-questionnaire\/","title":{"rendered":"A Comprehensive Questionnaire When Vetting a New 3PL Provider"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you are a small startup looking to outsource fulfillment for the first time, or a growing ecommerce business wanting to switch <\/span>3PL<\/span><\/a>s, there are many <\/span>variables to consider<\/span><\/a> when vetting a fulfillment service provider.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not all 3PLs (third-party logistics) offer the same services or level of support\u2014a provider that matches your needs is the right fit for you brand and getting that can make or break your success as a company.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve put together a full list of questions to take to your prospective fulfillment partner when vetting if they can support your company in the ways you need.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When is the Right Time to Switch 3PLs?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are noticing errors in your fulfillment flow\u2014like customer complaints about missed or incorrect products being sent\u2014it\u2019s probably time to start shopping around for a new fulfillment provider. Secondarily, if your 3PL is always behind on order processing\u2014for example, if you\u2019re growing and they just can\u2019t seem to keep up\u2014that\u2019s another <\/span>sign it might be time to switch<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finding a 3PL who can match your company needs requires rigorous work. Not only do you need to dig into your order and customer data to figure out what support you need immediately, you should also take into account your roadmap and future plans. Knowing which services you might need in a few years will help you choose a fulfillment provider who you can grow with\u2014it\u2019s no easy feat to integrate with a new provider, so you\u2019ll want to stick with a 3PL for many years.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Compare 3PLs<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When seeking a new fulfillment provider, don\u2019t be afraid to select a few and <\/span>compare quotes<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t focus just on the price. Yes, you need to make sure the cost of outsourcing fulfillment fits in your budget, but cost shouldn\u2019t be the only factor. It\u2019s really important to <\/span>tour their facilities<\/span><\/a> and spend time with their teams. Your potential 3PL\u2019s facilities, operations, and customer service are all really important aspects of your partnership. Ask hard questions about what they can provide your business.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get a 360-degree view of your new potential partner by asking to speak with clients of theirs. Bonus points if their clients have similar products or business goals as you. Tread lightly if you catch any <\/span>warning signs<\/span><\/a> in your evaluation process.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Comprehensive 3PL Services Questionnaire\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

General Operations & Pricing\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most brands will focus on costs, and rightly so. When you start paying to outsource order fulfillment, a very important aspect of your business, you want to make sure you are getting your money\u2019s worth. But when vetting a new 3PL partner, make sure their operations are running smoothly and are optimized for growth.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n