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Find the Best Ecommerce Order Fulfillment Services to Scale Your D2C Business

For ecommerce brands evaluating order fulfillment services, whether using a 3PL for the first time or switching from an underperforming one.

This resource covers what to expect from 3PL services, how to evaluate providers, pricing data from hundreds of warehouses, and what to ask before signing with a fulfillment partner. Built to help brands make informed decisions before committing to a 3PL contract or long-term service agreement.

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Find the Best Ecommerce Order Fulfillment Services to Scale Your D2C Business
📅 ✔️ Fact Checked Disclaimer
✍️ Written by: Will Schneider 🖊️ Edited by: Brandy Welborn
× We evaluate warehousing providers using research, data, and direct industry feedback, never paid placements or commissions. Learn how we maintain objectivity.

We’ll Match Your Business with Top Ecommerce Fulfilment Companies in the US and Canada

We connect ecommerce brands with vetted fulfillment providers. No commissions or paid placements. Our team uses real data from hundreds of warehouses to help identify providers that match your product type, shipping volume, and service priorities. We’ve helped thousands of businesses avoid mismatched partnerships and find fulfillment solutions that hold up as they grow.

  • Location : Chatsworth, CA, USA
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Pick and Pack, 3PL Services
  • Deals Closed : 23
  • Number of Reviews : 4

The company, a family-owned fulfillment provider in Southern California with an additional operation in Massachusetts, excels as a cost-effective partner for businesses across Los Angeles, Boston, and beyond. Led by... Read More About Southern California-based provider with Flat-rate Fulfillment Service

the Kent family, they offer responsive services such as warehousing, order processing, shipping, and customer support. Specializing in CD duplication, media printing, and unique shipping solutions, they cater to startups and established enterprises alike. With a focus on B2B, B2C, and LTL shipping, they provide tailored solutions to diverse business needs with efficiency and affordability. Their unique flat-rate fulfillment service is ideal for startups, new product introductions, and infomercials. They interface with all shopping carts and offer a robust fulfillment management system for inventory reporting. Although they don't have a large number of reviews, the company has received extremely positive feedback from users and industry partners, highlighting their commitment to high-touch service and meeting the specific needs of their clients.

  • Location : Salt Lake City, UT, USA
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Pick and Pack, 3PL Services
  • Year Established : 2020
  • Deals Closed : 5

The company aims to be a vital part of their clients' teams by offering fast, secure, and reliable order fulfillments that boost business efficiency. Serving various industries with supply chain... Read More About Customized Logistics Solutions in Salt Lake City, UT

management and shipping services, they make order fulfillment easy and transparent. Specializing in e-Commerce fulfillment, reverse logistics, and transportation, they use a cloud-based warehouse management system that allows customers to monitor their inventory at all times. Their services include multi-channel order fulfillment (B2B & B2C), short and long-term warehousing, logistics, cargo consolidation, kitting and assembly, labeling, and carrier integration with reduced parcel rates. They prioritize personalized support, providing clear information about shipments. With fast, reliable service, they ensure accurate inventory management and delivery tracking to keep clients satisfied.

  • Location : London, Ontario, Canada
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Pick and Pack, 3PL Services
  • Year Established : 1989
  • Deals Closed : 1
  • Number of Reviews : 1

Founded in 1989, this 3PL provider specializes in helping sellers effectively access the Canadian marketplace. With a dedication to quality and a passion for service, they have built trusted and... Read More About London, Ontario 3PL Provider Specializing in Canadian Market Access

successful relationships over the years. They offer customized solutions tailored to business needs, including packing, warehousing, and shipping services. Strategically located in London, Ontario, they are close to major transportation hubs, ensuring efficient North American coverage at competitive rates. Their deep understanding of the Canadian and US markets, combined with value-added services like kitting, marketing support, and B2B growth solutions, makes them a reliable partner. They pride themselves on being flexible, agile, and maintaining open communication with their clients, aiming to fulfill their potential and drive business growth.

  • Location : Cincinnati, OH, USA
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Pick and Pack, 3PL Services
  • Year Established : 1987
  • Deals Closed : 1

The company has a client-centered approach, boasting a 90% client retention rate and an average client tenure of nearly 15 years. They prioritize understanding their clients' specific needs through consultative... Read More About Innovative Fulfillment Firm with MFSA Accreditation Located in Cincinnati, OH

interactions, contributing to both short-term and long-term success. With extensive experience ranging from smaller privately-held companies to Fortune 50 Corporations, their core competency lies in fulfillment, supported by their proprietary fulfillment operating system, RADAR. Strategically located in Cincinnati, Ohio, they ensure two-day shipping to 75% of the U.S. population and prioritize shipping orders complete the same day or within 24 hours. Noteworthy is their national quality recognition, being among the elite fulfillment companies with MFSA accreditation. The company prides itself on generating innovative ideas, evidenced by real-world examples like developing an ROI Calculator App and Print-on-Demand solutions to cut costs, boost sales, and enhance operational efficiencies for clients.

  • Location : Alexandria, VA, United States
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Pick and Pack, 3PL Services
  • Year Established : 2021
  • Deals Closed : 1
  • Number of Reviews : 18

Specializing in e-commerce prepping, merchandising, and order fulfillment, this company provides expert "boots on the ground" 3PL services for e-commerce businesses. This company manages logistics for sellers on platforms like... Read More About Expert e-commerce fulfillment with personalized service in Alexandria, VA

Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, and Etsy without membership fees or minimum order requirements. As business volumes increase, the company ensures reliable and timely order processing, maintaining a strong commitment to customer satisfaction throughout the fulfillment process.

  • Location : Kansas City, MO, USA
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment
  • Year Established : 2004
  • Deals Closed : 6
  • Number of Reviews : 2

This 3PL provider has over two decades of experience in delivering efficient logistics solutions to businesses and sellers nationwide, offering services like warehousing, transportation management, and e-commerce fulfillment. They help... Read More About 3PL Provider with Nationwide Logistics Solutions for Warehousing and E-Commerce Fulfillment

businesses scale by managing logistics efficiently, allowing clients to focus on growth. With nationwide locations, they ensure quick distribution across the US, benefiting businesses seeking streamlined supply chain solutions.

  • Location : Olathe, KS, US
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Pick and Pack, 3PL Services
  • Deals Closed : 1
  • Number of Reviews : 1

Discover top-notch e-commerce fulfillment through a network of high-volume, high-performance warehouses. This company allows brands to grow efficiently, ensuring significant order volume growth and cost savings. Businesses can focus on... Read More About Top-Notch E-Commerce Fulfillment for Growing Brands in Olathe, KS

expansion while shipping complexities are expertly managed. With seamless integration and real-time alerts, customers stay informed every step of the way.

  • Location : Houston, TX, USA
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Pick and Pack, 3PL Services
  • Number of Reviews : 4

The company, founded in Houston in 2019 by a team of experienced e-commerce sellers, is dedicated to helping online businesses flourish. Recognizing the challenges faced by their partners with other... Read More About Houston-Based E-Commerce Fulfillment and Support Specialists

3PL providers, they stand out by offering access to their in-house fulfillment staff, ensuring better service and support. With plans to expand operations in Houston, Texas, they are committed to assisting more e-commerce sellers in scaling their businesses effectively. The company prides itself on its responsive and personalized approach, emphasizing open and transparent communication with clients. They prioritize timely responses and proactive engagement, understanding the critical role of communication in the dynamic e-commerce industry.

  • Location : Elgin, IL, USA
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Logistics, Call Center
  • Year Established : 35
  • Deals Closed : 2
  • Number of Reviews : 3

Established in 1981, this privately-held marketing support services company specializes in value-added customer engagement solutions. They provide clients with a single accountable resource for a wide range of services, including... Read More About Chicago’s Trusted Marketing and Fulfillment Services Provider

multi-channel contact center services, custom B2B and B2C fulfillment solutions, technology support, marketing communications support, and branded environment solutions. Based in Chicago, they offer warehousing and fulfillment, cross-docking, kitting, call centers, and freight services, servicing well-known companies such as Smucker’s and Serta. However, due to their size and volume minimums, they may not be ideal for smaller startups. Their commitment to quality is evident in their strategic problem-solving skills and continuous improvement efforts. Despite their extensive services and large client base, it is hard to find customer reviews, with a few negative reviews from past employees regarding the workplace. They do not publish their prices on their website, but quotes can be requested. They have a greater than 4-star review, albeit from a low number of clients. They pride themselves on exceeding client expectations and have become a trusted partner for a diverse range of Fortune 500 companies, offering efficiency, convenience, and exceptional service in every aspect of their operations.

  • Location : Gardena, CA, USA
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Pick and Pack, 3PL Services
  • Deals Closed : 11
  • Number of Reviews : 4

This eCommerce solutions provider helps businesses grow by leveraging extensive industry experience to support leading brands in capitalizing on online sales opportunities. Known for its trustworthiness and global reputation, the... Read More About Advanced E-commerce Logistics with Multiple California Locations

company focuses on delivering exceptional customer experiences through innovative hardware, software, and services. By partnering with this provider, eCommerce brands can focus on their core objectives of business expansion and growth, while benefiting from advanced technology and expert team support. With locations in Southern California, Missouri, and North Carolina, they strategically position inventory for expedited shipping across the country. The company integrates seamlessly with all online shopping carts and offers a transparent pricing schedule with no hidden fees or contracts, making it an ideal choice for startups.

  • Location : Cincinnati, OH
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Pick and Pack, 3PL Services
  • Year Established : 2009
  • Deals Closed : 2
  • Number of Reviews : 6

This fulfillment partner specializes in B2B and B2C services with high accuracy and customer satisfaction ratings. They streamline the fulfillment process by seamlessly connecting eCommerce stores, storing inventory, and ensuring... Read More About Cincinnati-Based Fulfillment Partner for B2B and B2C Needs

timely deliveries to customers or distribution centers. For Amazon sellers, they offer prep services for FBM, FBA, and SFP fulfillment, as well as eCommerce fulfillment to boost sales and efficiency. Their B2B services include retail dropshipping support, EDI connections, and retail compliance expertise, making them a reliable choice across various industries. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, this e-commerce fulfillment service caters to global brands, both small and large. With a commendable 4.6-star rating on Google from 34 reviews, they have proven their capabilities and quality, offering a trustworthy solution for businesses seeking comprehensive fulfillment services.

  • Location : Madison, VA, USA
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Logistics, Shipping, Packaging
  • Year Established : 2007
  • Deals Closed : 2
  • Number of Reviews : 11

With a focus on third-party logistics, this company excels in order fulfillment, inventory management, and distribution services. They offer accurate and efficient inventory control, customizable reporting, and seamless compatibility with... Read More About Seasoned Logistics Partner in Madison, VA

accounting and order entry systems. Their expertise extends to order fulfillment for distributors, retailers of all sizes, and direct-to-consumer shipping. Additionally, they navigate international shipping requirements, streamline distribution processes, and offer product services like quality assurance, packaging, kitting, and returns processing. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of excellent service, they ensure quick and efficient delivery of orders to customers, making them a valuable part of any business team.

  • Location : Lee, MA, USA
  • Services Offered : Warehousing, Fulfillment, Logistics, Warehouse Space, Shipping, Packaging, Call Center, Printing
  • Year Established : 1974
  • Deals Closed : 3
  • Number of Reviews : 5

The company helps product entrepreneurs, e-commerce merchants, retailers, and marketing teams outsource and automate their fulfillment operations, only charging for what is used. Their services include fast and accurate order... Read More About 3PL for Product Entrepreneurs and Retailers in Fresno, CA and Lee, MA

processing, kitting, shipping, and returns, with easy tracking of inventory levels through real-time status and reporting. Their service-driven, hands-on partnership approach ensures logistics are handled with scale, experience, and continuous improvement. By allowing businesses to focus on customers and growth, they help create lasting impressions with every package sent.

What Ecommerce Brands Should Know About Outsourced Fulfillment

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers handle the day-to-day work of storing your inventory, preparing orders for shipment, and getting packages delivered to customers. This lets your ecommerce team offload time-intensive warehouse work and focus on other parts of the business. This approach is especially valuable for startups and scaling businesses that lack the resources to build an in-house logistics system from scratch. But not all providers deliver the same level of accuracy, speed, or communication.

What Third-Party Ecommerce Fulfillment Can Offer

  • Cost Savings: Outsourcing reduces costs by utilizing shared employees for labor, implementing more sophisticated storage tactics, and leveraging aggregated buying power for freight, packaging, and other supplies.
  • Startup Cost Savings: Upfront investments in space and equipment may not be feasible for new or small businesses.
  • Scalability: Larger organizations can easily scale operations, eliminating the need for major infrastructure investments during periods of growth or contraction.
  • Expertise and Technology: E-commerce fulfillment providers utilize their experience and advanced tools that startups usually lack.
  • Faster and Lower Cost Shipping: Fulfillment centers’ strategic locations and carrier relationships enable quicker delivery times, improving customer satisfaction. They also offer better shipping rates through bulk carrier discounts, which can lower your cost per order.
  • Enter New Markets: Using outsourced fulfillment allows businesses to expand into new regions or countries effortlessly.
  • Focus on Core Business: Businesses free up time and resources to dedicate to product development, marketing, and customer service by outsourcing.
  • Product Specialization: Certain products, such as climate-controlled or food-grade items, require specialized handling that is cost-prohibitive for many businesses to implement and manage in-house.

What to Look for in an Ecommerce Fulfillment Company

Most advice on choosing an e-commerce fulfillment company emphasizes commonly-known factors like checking customer reviews, years in business, or reputation. While these are important, they only scratch the surface. To find the right fulfillment partner, you need to take a deeper dive into their capabilities and qualifications.

Here are a few “gems” to look for in an e-commerce fulfillment company:

  • Product Specialization: Ensure the provider specializes in your product type. If they don’t have experience with your specific product, it’s a red flag.
  • B2C Service Orientation: If you only sell to consumers, choose a provider that prioritizes B2C operations and has experience with this sales channel rather than primarily focusing on B2B or traditional warehousing. Too many merchants have received poor service from a company that had the wrong focus – or focused on too many things.
  • Order Flexibility: Look for a company that offers good cut-off times (late in the day) and fast order processing turnaround times, but that also allows you to make last-minute changes to orders when necessary.
  • Reporting and Flexibility: Evaluate their ability to provide custom reports – some fulfillment providers only offer superficial canned reports, lacking the specific details you need for your business operations.
  • Quick and Accurate Receiving: Many brands complain that it takes too long for their 3PL to receive new inventory OR that the inventory counts are consistently accurate.
  • Geographic Location: Smaller businesses usually need a single location provider, and it doesn’t necessarily need to be near you.
  • Shipping Discounts: Some companies lure you in with a promise of aggressive rates only to bait and switch. Make sure you get actual sample prices for mock shipments to ensure the rates they’re providing are as good as promised.
  • Efficient Returns Handling: Some companies don’t process returns for weeks. Quick returns processing ensures not only accuracy but a better ability to refund customers quickly and reuse sellable stock.
  • The Right Size: Most e-commerce fulfillment companies won’t help startups or smaller volume brands. If you’re a smal business, there are companies that will help – they’re just harder to find.
  • Transparent Pricing: Look for affordable rates without hidden fees or unexpected rate changes after signing. Countless companies have switched providers because they were promised rates but found out the pricing was more than promised.
  • Avoid Biased Sources: Don’t trust ‘top lists’ (they’re mostly paid, they are self-produced and rank themselves first, and they only include a few of the thousands available), referral sites that say they’re free (they’re almost certainly not unlike our company and almost always earn commissions that impact your business one way or another), software companies that earn money by referring 3PLs that use their service, or 3PLs that refer you to other 3PLs (even 3PLs are monetizing the referral to other 3PLs).

Where 3PLs Often Fall Short

Choosing the wrong provider can cripple your business. Many companies switch 3PLs due to unexpected cost increases, hidden fees (e.g. touting that they don’t charge certain fees but inflating shipping costs, which ultimately leads to higher overall expenses in the long run), and broken pricing promises. Performance issues, such as slow or inaccurate receiving, lost inventory, incorrect orders, and subpar shipping practices, are also common concerns, as are poor communication and the inability to meet technology requirements (like custom reporting or system integrations). Be careful of these common performance issues:

  • Inventory isn’t logged correctly when it arrives, which can cause delays, stockouts, or the wrong items getting shipped
  • Some providers won’t allow last-minute order edits, which can make it difficult to fix mistakes or update shipments before they go out
  • Rates may increase after you commit to an agreement, making it harder to forecast expenses
  • Some providers only offer basic reports, which limits your ability to track order issues or see how inventory is moving
  • Returns may sit unprocessed for weeks, which may delay refunds to customers

Signs a 3PL May Not Be a Good Fit For Your Business

  • If a provider hasn’t worked with your type of product before, they may store it incorrectly or mishandle it during packing
  • Vague pricing or sample rates that don’t reflect actual costs.
  • Weak support for B2C order fulfillment or B2B order fulfillment, which can lead to slower deliveries or packaging that doesn’t reflect your brand
  • Canned reporting with no SKU-level or exception detail
  • Reviews or social validation that suggests returns may sit for too long without being processed, delaying refunds and upsetting customers
  • Other negative reviews that report poor customer service, pricing disputes or accuracy issues
  • If you’re a startup or lower-volume brand, many providers may turn you away or offer limited support. Keep in mind, there are smaller fulfillment services that cater to early-stage businesses.

Find Reliable E-Commerce Fulfillment Partners You Can Trust

Search results can be misleading—sponsored listings often overshadow the best providers. Since 2005, we’ve built a trusted network based on genuine, unbiased reviews to help you connect with dependable warehouse services right here in Florida. Just fill out a quick form or give us a call, and we’ll match you with the right fulfillment solutions for your business.

What You’ll Pay for E-Commerce Fulfillment

E-commerce fulfillment costs typically include setup fees, receiving fees, storage fees, fulfillment fees (pick and pack), and additional service charges. According to our latest survey of over 600 warehouses that have been conducted since 2017, here’s what to expect:

ServiceService DefinitionService Costs
Set Up FeesCharges for onboarding and system integration.Per Account: $425 (Range: $0 to thousands)
Receiving FeesFees for processing and handling inbound inventory.Per Hour / Per Container: $45.67/hour (Range: $425-$500)
Storage & Warehouse FeesCosts for storing goods in the warehouse.Per Pallet: $20.17 per pallet (Alternate methods: $0.4625/cubic ft, $3.08 per bin)
Amazon FeesFees for labeling, preparing, and storing products to meet Amazon's FBA requirements.Per Unit / Per Label: $0.37 per label (Range: N/A)
Fulfillment Fees (Pick and Pack)Charges for picking items from inventory and packaging them for shipping. Either structured as a per order fee or a per order fee plus a per item fee.Per Order: $3.25 per single item order (Range: $2.50-$4.79)
Inbound Shipping FeesCost of sending products from suppliers to the fulfillment center.Per Shipment: Discounted off carrier rates (Varies by carrier)
Outbound Shipping FeesCost to send products from the warehouse to customers.Per Shipment: Markup over cost (Range: 14.60%-16.20% markup; 30-55% discount off rates)
Box FeesCharges for packaging materials used to prepare orders.Per Box: $1.19 per box (Range: $0.50-$1.50)
Order InsertsFees for adding promotional inserts or special labeling to orders.Per Insert / Per Label: $0.17 per insert (Range: $0.05 per label)
Return FeesCosts for handling returned items, including inspection and restocking.Per Return: $4.06 per return (Range: $3.50 + $0.56 per item)
Kitting Fees (I.e. Subscription Boxes)Fees for assembling multiple products into a single package.Per Hour / Per Unit: $43.30/hour (Range: $0.25-$0.65 per unit)
Account Management FeesCharges for ongoing account management and customer service support.Per Month: $102.88 (Range: $30-$500)
Call Center Services FeesCosts for providing inbound customer service via the 3PL's call center.Per Minute: $1.29 per minute (Range: N/A)

Managing Your 3PL Order Fulfillment Relationship

Effectively managing your relationship with a 3PL e-commerce provider is possible if you institute a clear agreement with specific SLAs (service level agreements) and regularly hold the company accountable during check-ins and meetings:

  • Inventory Receiving: How soon inventory will be logged into their system once it arrives. Ideally, inventory should be logged within 1–2 business days.
  • Shipping Deadlines: The cut-off time each day for orders to ship the same day. A common standard is orders placed by early afternoon ship the same day.
  • Inventory and Pick/Pack Accuracy: Define acceptable error margins for order accuracy and inventory management. According to industry data, the average picking accuracy is 99.51%, with an average inventory shrinkage of 0.65%. Ensure your 3PL tracks and commits to specific error rates within the contract.
  • Return Processing: How quickly returns are processed, restocked, and refunds issued. Generally, returns should be processed within a week.
  • Contract Length: Determine a contract duration that aligns with your business needs. Over half of fulfillment providers offer month-to-month agreements, providing flexibility, while others may require annual or multi-year commitments. Choose the best option for your company – short-term flexibility or reduced rates from longer terms arrangements.
  • Warehousing Fees: Clarify all associated costs, including storage, handling, and any additional services. Pricing can vary based on factors like volume levels, product types, and geographic location.
  • Service Levels and Responsibilities: Explicitly outline the services provided by the 3PL, such as order fulfillment, returns processing, and customer service and specify achievable goals to track performance.

Your contract should also include:

  • Regular performance reviews every few months, allowing you to discuss any concerns and adjust expectations based on actual outcomes.
  • Clear information about insurance coverage and the claims process, specifying who covers costs for lost or damaged products.
  • Technology requirements, confirming the 3PL’s ability to integrate with your ecommerce platform, including inventory synchronization, order tracking, and return updates.

Connect with Trusted E-Commerce Fulfillment Services

Don’t rely on search rankings alone—many top listings are paid placements, not the best options. Our curated network, built on unbiased reviews since 2005, connects you with reliable warehouse services in Florida. Fill out our form or call us to get your tailored matches today.

When Does it Make Sense to Switch to a 3PL?

Managing your own fulfillment gives early-stage brands direct control over every order, but it also comes with significant workload and growing costs. As order volume increases, what was once manageable may become challenging and expensive to sustain.

Challenges of Managing Order Fulfillment In-House:

  • Growing Costs: Renting warehouse space can cost $1,000–$5,000 per month, plus expenses for packaging materials ($0.50–$5.00 per order), equipment, and shipping.
  • Time and Labor: Packing and shipping orders take significant time away from other important tasks. Hiring help can quickly become expensive, starting around $16.95/hour.
  • Manual Tracking Issues: Without proper inventory software, manually tracking orders can easily lead to mistakes, missed items, or unhappy customers.
  • Difficult to Scale: What works for a handful of orders each day quickly becomes unsustainable as your business grows, requiring more space, equipment, and staff.

If your brand is reaching a point where in-house fulfillment is taking significant time away from things like customer support, it may be time to explore outsourcing to an ecommerce 3PL provider. Third-party logistics providers offer scalable infrastructure, predictable costs, and most importantly allows you to focus your energy on your brand.

Linda J. Eads, Calizo Condiments

“I traveled two paths of destruction in three and a half years that nearly put me out of business… not because I did not ask the right screening questions, but because companies and people are not who they say they are or portray. The first fulfillment house I used outright lied saying they were set up to do the work, but they had never done the work before. So I started calling one company after the other…. I was a start-up, and no one from the internet was interested in a start-up business relationship….so I stayed a few months longer. Through one of my co-packers, I was directed to another warehouse that seemed to be just right…but within months, the warehouse went from $3.50 to $8.50 per pack. When I explained the pricing system was killing my business, no change was offered. That’s when I found WarehousingAndFulfillment.com, which helped me find my current provider. My advice for people looking for an e-commerce fulfillment center is simple – ask tons of questions, beware of empty promises without accountability, and be resilient…if one company fails, keep searching…never give up your dream.”

Calizo Condiments

Connect with Trusted Order Fulfillment Providers

Finding the right fulfillment center for your ecommerce brand doesn’t have to be a drawn-out process. WarehousingAndFulfillment.com makes it easy by matching you with providers. Fill out our form today, and we’ll connect you with a solution that fits your operational demands.

FAQ’s About E-commerce Order Fulfillment

What is E-Commerce Fulfillment?

E-commerce fulfillment is the receiving, storing, fulfilling, and delivering of online orders to customers (D2C), which can include orders from a Web store as well as other online sales channels (Amazon, eBay, Etsy, etc.). Key parts of e-commerce fulfillment include automatically integrating with various online sales channels to receive orders, shipping small parcel orders, handling customer returns, and robust reporting of orders and inventory.

What are the Order Fulfillment Methods?

There are four main methods for order fulfillment. Each method has unique benefits and challenges, making it essential to choose based on your business model, resources, and goals.

  1. Self-Fulfillment: This method involves managing the entire fulfillment process in-house. Businesses handle inventory storage, picking, packing, shipping, and returns directly from their facilities. It provides complete control but requires significant time, space, and resources.
  2. Outsourcing Fulfillment: With this approach, a third-party logistics (3PL) provider manages storage, order processing, shipping, and returns. This option is ideal for scaling businesses that want to offload logistical complexities and focus on core operations.
  3. Drop Shipping: In drop shipping, the retailer does not hold inventory. Instead, when a customer places an order, it is forwarded to a supplier who ships the product directly to the customer. This method minimizes upfront costs but offers less control over inventory and shipping.
  4. Hybrid Fulfillment: A combination of methods, hybrid fulfillment allows businesses to self-fulfill some orders (e.g., high-priority or custom items) while outsourcing or using drop shipping for others. This approach offers flexibility to meet diverse business and customer needs.

How Does E-Commerce Work Using an Order Fulfillment Center?

Outsourced e-commerce fulfillment involves a series of steps that streamline the storage, processing, and delivery of online orders. Below is a concise breakdown of these steps:

  • Account Setup: The fulfillment provider integrates with your e-commerce platform by syncing shopping carts, creating unique SKUs, configuring shipping carriers, and customizing order processing settings.
  • Receiving Inventory: The provider catalogs your products (descriptions, SKUs, and variants), inspects incoming shipments based on purchase orders, labels, or barcodes products as needed, and ensures inventory tracking aligns with your online store.
  • Order Processing: Orders are transmitted to the fulfillment center via manual entry (for special cases), file uploads (bulk orders), automated APIs (real-time or interval-based updates), or Web Services, ensuring accuracy and accommodating order changes.
  • Printing and Packaging Orders: Orders are packaged using standard or custom materials (e.g., branded boxes) with options to include packing slips, invoices, promotional inserts, or gift wrapping.
  • Shipping Orders: Providers handle address verification, carrier selection (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx), optimized shipping rates via bulk discounts, and automated tracking notifications sent to customers.
  • Inventory Control: Advanced warehouse management systems provide real-time inventory syncing, stock level alerts, and seamless updates to prevent overselling and ensure accurate inventory visibility.
  • Returns Management: Returns are processed through authorization, inspection, restocking of sellable items, or disposal of damaged goods, with inventory updates and clear communication to your e-commerce platform.

Who are the Best E-commerce Fulfillment Centers?

While Shipbob, Shopify, ShipNetwork, Red Stag, ShipHero, EFulfillment Service, FBA, Shipfusion, and Shipmonk are the most listed, from the data we’ve collected, may not be the best option for most companies that are looking for small business fulfillment, lower costs, consistently high reviews, low error rates, and personalized customer service.

Is Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) a good option for E-commerce fulfillment outsourcing?

FBA is very popular, but it’s also very problematic. The cons of FBA far outpace the pros these days for most small businesses: no customization, chat support instead of a live person, higher costs than boutique online fulfillment centers, unrealistic standards for labeling and long-term storage, ever-changing policies (such as the newly revised compensation for lost product), and the fact that at any moment, like during Covid, they can shut down your business for being “non-essential”.

When should a brand consider outsourcing fulfillment?

When managing fulfillment on your own becomes too time-consuming, costly, or complex, outsourcing can free up resources to help you grow your business.

How do fulfillment centers handle returns?

Fulfillment providers inspect returned items, restock those that can be resold, and discard or recycle damaged products. They update your inventory levels and inform you of the return status.

Can my ecommerce brand use multiple fulfillment centers?

Yes, you can use multiple fulfillment centers to deliver products faster and lower shipping costs. Confirm this capability with providers before partnering.

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author avatar
Will Schneider President

Will Schneider is the Co-Founder and President of WarehousingAndFulfillment.com. He’s responsible for the strategic vision of the company. Previously, he served CEO of RMC Fulfillment and Clear Stream Fulfillment within the 3PL industry, gaining invaluable experience that helps the company best assist companies looking to outsource their fulfillment. In addition, Will served in executive management in the lead generation industry while at NetQuote, a leading lead generation company in the insurance vertical. See full bio

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I want to say thank you for your help in finding a warehouse so quickly. Your service was amazing. I received replies the same day and have selected a company that will work well for us. I definitely recommend your services.

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Vee Zeniuk

I wanted to express my gratitude for your services and let you know that it was a very enjoyable experience! We have selected one of the companies and they are awesome!

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Mujeeb

You are doing such a great job and this service that you provide is a life saver for people especially startups like me....We cannot spend budgets on researching as much as the big firms can...and you provide us one stop solution which will answer all our questions.

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Joyce Sloss

I just wanted to let you know that I selected one of your vendors as our fulfillment house. They can do what we need and we’re looking forward to working with them. They can handle our “special projects” fulfillment, which was key to our decision in bringing them onboard. I appreciate this service. It was great for our company.

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Jeffrey Schmidt

I didn’t know there was so much difference in fulfillment companies — this was my first time in need of this sort of service. After a Google search I luckily stumbled upon WarehousingAndFulfillment.com. They saved me an incredible amount of time and money. Within minutes I had a couple of emails from good companies that fit my situation. I am very appreciative of their help.

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Eric Kolb

Warehousing and Fulfillment was the perfect matchmaker in finding us a fulfillment partner. They provided several great options, all of whom were very responsive and willing to take the time to talk through our needs. We ended up going with W&F’s top match and we couldn’t be happier. I highly recommend W&F, particularly to anyone whose business relies on a strong fulfillment partner.

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Paul Sauer

We were having multiple issues with our 3PL fulfilling warranty replacement parts. Our company needed to make a change and make one fast. I reached out to WarehousingAndFulfillment.com to facilitate my search for a reputable, service oriented 3PL that can handle the demands of a highly seasonal business to pick, pack and ship parts quickly. I received several qualified 3PL leads that matched what we were looking for and we found a great partner.

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Denis Mills

We found the perfect third-party fulfillment vendor through insightQuote. We never would have found them on our own. We can’t thank you enough and our customers thank you too.

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Sarah De Munck

Thanks for all of your help. This was a huge undertaking for us and your guidance was extremely helpful!

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Gwynne MacHattie

Thank you so much for your excellent service. We have chosen one to go forward with. This has saved us a great deal of time.

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Ash Cook

They really listened to our requirements and then matched us with great vendors that could meet our specific challenges.

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Corky Bless

I just wanted to say thank you so much for setting me up with these vendors. I have found pricing better than I ever expected to find.

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Brian Chui

Legit, this was such a good experience ... I was shocked how fast the vendors contacted me and got the ball rolling. This was such a pleasant experience

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Donald Willick

What an awesome service. A problem I fought with daily for over 3 weeks, solved in less than 24 hours.

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WarehousingAndFulfillment.com’s content, including ratings and recommendations, is curated by a team of dedicated warehousing experts with decades of experience in the logistics industry. Each writer and editor adheres to WarehousingAndFulfillment.com’s strict editorial and evaluation guidelines. Our work has been featured in authoritative industry publications such as Information Week, Bplans, Supply & Demand Chain Executive, Chain Store Age, Parcel Industry, Manufacturing Digital, and The Association for Supply Chain Management. Since 2005, our experience in matching businesses with warehouse solutions and vetting warehouse providers includes:

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