How do you choose a fulfilment partner for your web shop?

Since webshop logistics is a crucial part of the success of your webshop, you need a professional logistics solution that fits your business.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a fulfilment partner that fits the needs of your web shop. To get you started in your search for a logistics partner for your online shop, we will discuss the most important factors in this blog.

Services of the fulfilment partner

Of course, the services and possibilities vary per fulfilment partner. Depending on your needs and wishes, you should determine which logistics service provider best suits them. Would you like the return processing or customer service of your webshop to be taken care of as well? Do you want your products to be delivered abroad quickly? Or would you like your customers to be able to opt for same-day delivery? The possibilities are endless. It is therefore a good idea to first map out your needs and wishes for your webshop logistics. This makes it easier to compare and to see to what extent the services of the fulfilment partner match.

Integration between sales channel and fulfilment partner

Is it possible to integrate the online ordering system and stock management of the web shop with the system of the fulfilment partner? This prevents extra costs being incurred to connect the systems. This is important in order to benefit optimally from the advantages of e-fulfilment.

The location of the fulfilment partner

To be able to minimise the shipping costs, it is important that the company that takes care of the logistics for your webshop is also located close to the buyer of your products. This will improve the shipping speed and will therefore contribute to your customer satisfaction. As long as it concerns domestic shipments and it concerns a British fulfilment partner, the differences will be minimal. Is your buyer located abroad and do you therefore choose a foreign logistics partner? Then it is also important to look at the tax regulations that are involved and whether the fulfilment partner can advise you on this.

Minimum requirements set by the fulfilment service provider

There may be requirements regarding, for example, shipping volumes. Depending on this, you may or may not become a client, or the price and service may be adjusted accordingly. Depending on your shipping volumes, the storage capacity may also be determined. It is therefore important to compare these conditions with each other within the various fulfilment companies and not only to look at the price. 

Flexibility of a fulfilment partner

Apart from things like shipping options and storage capacity, you should also think about individualisation possibilities. Think for example about the packaging your products will be shipped in. This is the business card of your web shop and contributes to the distinctiveness and quality that you want to radiate. It is therefore important to include the packaging options in your choice.

Costs for outsourcing the web shop logistics

The price that a fulfilment service provider charges for its services can vary greatly. Of course, this is also determined by the products you offer in your web shop. Is there a lot of storage capacity needed, for example? The costs are also dependent on your wishes and requirements for the webshop logistics.

The importance of sustainability

Both companies and consumers want to reduce their ecological footprint. Consumers therefore increasingly opt for companies that operate sustainably. It is therefore important to take this into account when choosing a fulfilment partner. The logistics of your shop determines for a large part the footprint you leave behind as a company.

Curious about the fulfilment options for your webshop at Active Ants?

As a fulfilment partner we understand that outsourcing the logistics of your online business can be a big step. That is why we would like to get in touch with you to discuss the possibilities for your web shop. So don't hesitate to contact the e-fulfilment specialists of Active Ants today, without any obligations. We can help you with the first step towards outsourcing your web shop logistics!