What Services Can a Fulfillment Company Offer?

The services offered by fulfillment companies canthe U.S. will almost always cost less because the
vary fairly dramatically, so when you're shoppingdistance traveled is always less. To get a better
for a fulfillment service provider, make certainpicture about the impact on your costs and
you match your needs to the particular set ofdelivery time, visit the delivery map which can
services provided.typically be found on each company website.
Check out their specialty and the facility'sPurchasing and managing multiple inventories in
amenitiesseveral geographical locations can be costly and
For instance, some companies specialize in certainmay not really generate much in the way of
types of fulfillment such as books and videos,savings on shipping costs.
where others might specialize in fulfillment forMake a list and check it twice!
infomercials and direct response television spots.Here is a tip: If you want more than just a pick
Still others, may fulfill specialty products, such aspack/ship service, sit down with your business
nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, which require apartners and/or executive team and make a list
climate-controlled warehouse environment. So beof the services that are most important to you.
sure to discuss your specific needs to ensure theHere are some areas to consider:
fulfillment company knows exactly what your• Customizable services to fit your specific
business requirements are and can carefullybusiness needs
match them with the services they provide. Also,• Web order processing
ask about any particular special services that• Credit card processing with DCI-PSS
might be provided by the firm you arecompliance
considering.• Inventory management
Size matters• Shipment tracking and confirmation of
Size is another factor to be explored. Somedelivery
fulfillment companies will have acres of warehouse• Climate-controlled facilities and storage
under one roof, which may be necessary for a• An in-bound call center operation
very large volume business. But if your business• Customer service and order-entry via the
ranges from, say, 20 to 1,000 orders a day andphone
you're looking instead for "high touch" customer• Measurable accuracy in "pick and pack"
service and high quality account management, you• A dedicated account manager
might be better served to select a midsize• Database management
company that offers hands-on account• Data mining to assist your marketing efforts
management to ensure your customers have a• Scalability to fit your growing business.
first rate experience.• The ability to ramp up for seasonal spikes
Location, location, location• Central shipping for faster and more
Location is one of the most important things tocost-effective delivery.
consider. Having your fulfillment based in theTime spent now can mean a big payoff later
central part of the country can make a HUGEBy taking the time now to consider any special
difference in both your shipping time and the costrequirements you need for storing, handling and
of your delivery. And quicker delivery can oftendelivering your product, as well as how you want
mean the difference in getting a customers orderyour customers to be treated, you will have the
and losing it, especially if the customer would havespecific criteria necessary to choose the right
to pay expedited fees to ensure delivery in timefulfillment provider. As a result, you will have more
for a birthday, Christmas or other seasonaltime to manage the many other aspects of your
holiday and special occasions.business and avoid any unexpected issues that
A central location can also mean uniform shippingmight affect the quality of your merchandise or
costs since UPS and FedEx both base their ratesthe level of service your customers receive.
on distance traveled. Shipping from the center of