When to Consider a 3PL for Your Business
3-minute read
You import and sell products online, and you find that your small e-commerce business has experienced significant growth to the point where you struggle to keep up with customer orders and manage inventory.
It may be time to consider a solution that allows you to focus on networking and expanding your business while leaving the logistics to professionals.
This is where Third-Party Logistics (3PL) comes into play.
3PL offers a valuable service for businesses like yours that have reached a point where managing the entire logistics process becomes overwhelming.
Instead of spending your valuable time packing and sending out customer orders, you can outsource these tasks to specialized professionals who excel in logistics management.
By partnering with a 3PL provider, you can benefit in several ways.
Firstly, it allows you to shift your focus towards business growth and build strong connections with suppliers and customers.
With logistics taken care of, you can allocate more time and energy to networking, exploring new opportunities, and developing strategies to expand your business.
Outsourcing logistics to professionals also brings expertise and efficiency to your operations. 3PL providers are experienced in managing supply chains, transportation, warehousing, and order fulfillment. They have the necessary infrastructure, technology, and networks in place to streamline these processes.
This expertise translates into improved efficiency, faster order processing, and, ultimately, enhanced customer satisfaction.
According to the 2023 NZ Couriers Ecommerce Insights Merchant Report, the delivery experience for online shoppers is a direct reflection on the retailer, so choosing trusted logistics partners is vitally important to attracting and retaining customers.
Furthermore, by leveraging the services of a 3PL provider, you can tap into their established relationships with delivery partners and benefit from their competitive rates across NZ’s freight networks with options for small, large, or urgent freight deliveries when needed, ensuring your customer orders are delivered promptly and cost-effectively.
Outsourcing logistics to a 3PL provider also offers financial benefits. Instead of investing in warehouse facilities, transportation vehicles, and technology systems, you can avoid these upfront costs and allocate your resources to other critical areas of your business.
One of the key advantages of 3PL is scalability. As your business continues to grow, a 3PL provider can accommodate increased order volumes, warehouse space requirements, and distribution needs.
They can quickly adapt to changes in demand and seasonal fluctuations, allowing you to meet customer expectations without investing in additional resources or infrastructure.
We’re halfway through the year, and the holiday season is approaching.
We all know that November and December are the busiest months, especially for online businesses. If you have an online store, the holiday season means more work and less time for yourself.
How well you prepare for the high sales period will have a big impact on how customers feel about your business. With so many options available to online shoppers, how you handle orders, shipping, and returns will determine if your business succeeds or fails during this busy time.
During the holidays, things get really busy. According to Stocka, NZ’s professional third-party logistics provider, a 3PL company, can help take away the stress of extra warehouse space, order processing, delivery, and returns.
This will free up your time to focus on other important things like marketing and sales. It might even give you a chance to relax and spend time with your loved ones during the holidays. Doesn’t that sound nice?
In conclusion, if your small business has grown to the point where you struggle to keep up with customer orders or you wish to focus on business growth rather than logistics management, 3PL can be the ideal solution.
By partnering with a reliable and experienced 3PL provider, you can offload the burdensome logistics tasks, gain access to expertise and efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and allocate your time and resources towards networking and expanding your business.
To start with 3PL, first, look at your current logistics operations and see where outsourcing can help. Think about the specific services you need, like moving goods, storing them, keeping track of inventory, or handling customer orders.
Remember, each business is unique, so tailor these steps to your specific needs and circumstances. Effective planning, careful evaluation, and selecting the right 3PL provider can lead to improved logistics efficiency and overall business success.
Want to find out more about 3PL services? Why not have a chat to professionals at Stocka to find out how they can help your business?
P.S. Easy Freight Ltd helps New Zealand importers & exporters to save money on international freight and reduce mistakes by guiding how to comply with Customs and biosecurity rules.
➔ Contact us now to learn how we can assist you.