Whether you’re planning the launch of a new business or looking to improve the logistics of your existing operations, you need a great fulfillment partner to achieve your goals. With tons of options available, it can be tough to cut through the noise and pinpoint the best fulfillment companies.
But you don’t have to go it alone. This article highlights six of the top fulfillment partners available to help you find the ideal provider for your growing business.
Quicklook: Best fulfillment companies
- Best for efficient fulfillment: ShipBob
- Best for small businesses: Shopify Fulfillment Network
- Best for shipping to the U.K. and Europe: ShipMonk
- Best for providing free trials: Red Stag Fulfillment
- Best for domestic shipping: ShipBots
- Best for software integrations: ShipHero
6 best fulfillment companies
ShipBob
ShipBob is known for its user-friendly interface, exceptional service and innovative platform that helps maximize the efficiency of your fulfillment processes. The company has warehouses throughout the U.S. and across several international locations.
Best for: Efficient fulfillment
Shipping speeds: One to two days
Software order features:
- Cross-platform integration capabilities, including with Shopify
- Inventory management
- Automatic label printing
Packaging options: Standard and branded
Return management: Yes
Pricing: Contact for a quote
Shopify Fulfillment Network (SFN)
Widely known e-commerce platform Shopify also offers fulfillment services. These services are best suited for businesses shipping a small to moderate volume of goods. Shopify does not charge up front fees for the first six months, making it easy for you to keep fulfillment costs in check as you ramp up sales.
Best for: Small businesses
Shipping speed: Two days
Software order features:
- Inventory management
- Order tracking
- Automatic label printing
Packaging options: Standard
Return management: No
Pricing: Contact for a quote
ShipMonk
ShipMonk is a provider that has facilities in the U.K. and European Union. Additionally, ShipMonk has facilities in Mexico and Canada, making it an overall great option if you frequently ship internationally.
Best for: Shipping to the U.K. and Europe
Shipping speeds: Several days to a week
Software order features:
- Integrations with top platforms
- All-in-one management platform
- Detailed reports
Packaging options: Standard and branded
Return management: Not offered but integrates with solutions like Returnly
Pricing: Starts at $2.50 per order but contact for a detailed quote
Red Stag Fulfillment
Red Stag Fulfillment boasts 100% order accuracy, great customer support and fast shipping options. The platform offers a 30-day free trial, which distinguishes it from the other providers on this list. It also easily integrates with several popular e-commerce platforms, including Shopify.
Best for: Providing free trials
Shipping speeds: Both one- and two-day shipping speeds are available
Software order features:
- Order tracking
- Inventory monitoring
- User-friendly interface
Packaging options: Standard and branded
Return management: Yes
Pricing: Contact for a quote
ShipBots
ShipBots has three U.S. warehouses, enabling the company to promptly fulfill orders across the nation. Each is temperature controlled to protect sensitive products. ShipBots also offers transparent billing and excellent merchant support.
Best for: Domestic shipping
Shipping speeds: One- to three-day shipping
Software order features:
- Label printing
- Push notifications about returns
- Integrations with popular platforms
Packaging options: Standard
Return management: Yes
Pricing: Contact for a quote
ShipHero
ShipHero has an extremely user-friendly platform and numerous integrations with top software. The provider primarily serves the U.S. and Canada.
Best for: Software integrations
Shipping speeds: Three to four days
Software order features:
- Warehouse-management software
- Inventory monitoring tools
- Reporting capabilities
Packaging options: Standard and branded
Return management: No
Pricing: Contact for a quote
What is a fulfillment company?
A fulfillment company is a business that oversees order fulfillment. Specifically, the company will oversee order-taking, product packing, deliveries and, in most cases, return processing. The company’s software suite should integrate with your existing technology to facilitate a seamless order-management process.
How do fulfillment companies work?
Typically, a fulfillment company will integrate its technology into your e-commerce platform, such as your Shopify site. When a customer places an order through the site, the fulfillment company is notified, and a label is printed. The company then gets to work processing the order, which includes picking products off warehouse shelves, packing them and shipping them to the customer.
Fulfillment companies can handle reverse logistics activities too, like sending replacement items, accepting returns and issuing refunds.
5 benefits of partnering with fulfillment companies
Partnering with a fulfillment company gives you access to the following perks:
Technology
From the outset of your partnership, your fulfillment company will provide you with robust new software solutions that help you operate more efficiently. The software it provides may include warehouse management technology and inventory tracking tools.
Customer service assistance
The best fulfillment partners also offer customer service assistance. This can reduce your team’s workload so you have more time to engage in core business processes.
Lower costs
Cutting costs is probably at the top of your priority list, as it should be. The ideal fulfillment partner will help you keep costs low by streamlining core shipping, packing and inventory management processes. It will also connect you with new technologies that further promote business efficiency, helping you boost profitability and fuel future business growth.
Customized packaging
Some providers allow you to ship your goods using customized packaging. The best partners will also assist with package design and development so you can create materials that reflect your brand voice.
Expanding your reach
The right partner will empower your business to expand its reach. You will be able to serve more customers, sell more products and grow your business.
Which fulfillment center is right for you?
When comparing the best fulfillment companies out there, you should focus on ones offering services that align with your unique business needs. If you need returns management and warehousing, for instance, double-check that the providers on your list offer them.
Additionally, ensure that your prospective partner is familiar with your industry. If you specialize in clothing and apparel, verify that your fulfillment company is among the top providers in the apparel sector.
By carefully vetting potential providers with these criteria, you significantly increase your chances of finding a fulfillment partner capable of supporting your long-term growth goals.
FAQ
In most cases, yes. Fulfillment centers are a great option for businesses of all sizes, as they take the hassle out of processing and shipping customer orders.
A 3PL and a fulfillment provider are quite similar. Both provide packing and shipping services along with returns handling and other support. A 3PL offers additional services like inbound freight and supply chain management.
No; you can buy your own warehouse or rent space in an existing facility, but you would still be responsible for fulfillment. Conversely, a fulfillment center provides warehouse space and handles all other aspects of fulfillment, including picking, packing and shipping.
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