A free guide to switching 3PL fulfilment providers
Moving 3PL suppliers can be a business-critical move. The want or need to move can provide very different constraints and needs for your 3PL requirements. We see a lot of desire to move from current suppliers due to lack of communication or an inability to scale to cope with client’s orders.
Switching to a new 3PL will never be seamless, there are terminology differences, software training and new processes that need to be adhered to. Make sure your stock is fully accounted for and packed ready to be received by your new provider, this will save you time and money.
Here is a guide on how to get everything together to move successfully.
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Evaluate your current situation:
- Identify the reasons for dissatisfaction with your current 3PL provider. Is it due to poor service quality, high costs, lack of scalability, communication or other issues?
- Assess the scope of your fulfilment requirements, including order volume, product variety, SKU numbers, and specific services needed (e.g., inventory management, packaging, shipping). Integrations and sales channel support for all order workflow.
- Determine your desired outcome for the transition, such as cost savings, improved efficiency, better customer service, or expanded capabilities.
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Research and shortlist potential providers:
- Conduct thorough market research to identify alternative 3PL providers that align with your specific needs and industry requirements.
- Evaluate potential providers based on factors like experience, reputation, capabilities, geographic coverage, technology infrastructure, and customer references.
- Request detailed proposals from the shortlisted providers, including pricing structures, service-level agreements (SLAs), and any additional costs.
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Analyse the proposals:
- Carefully review the proposals to compare pricing, services offered, contractual terms, and any limitations or exclusions.
- Pay close attention to hidden fees or extra charges that might affect your overall costs.
- Assess the technology platforms and integrations offered by each provider to ensure compatibility with your existing systems. Is training included and how is the solution supported?
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Conduct site visits and due diligence:
- Schedule site visits to the facilities of the potential 3PL providers on your shortlist.
- Evaluate their infrastructure, warehouse layout, equipment, and security measures to ensure they meet your requirements. Check accreditation validity.
- Request references from current or past clients to gain insights into their experiences with the providers.
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Plan the transition process:
- Develop a comprehensive transition plan with the new provider, outlining key milestones, timelines, and responsibilities.
- Collaborate with the new provider to develop a detailed onboarding strategy to minimize disruptions during the transition.
- Determine the inventory transfer method and ensure proper coordination to avoid stockouts or excess inventory.
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Address contractual considerations:
- Review your existing contract with the current provider to understand termination clauses, notice periods, and any potential penalties for early termination.
- Engage legal support, if necessary, to ensure a smooth and legally compliant transition.
- Negotiate contractual terms with the new provider, including pricing, service guarantees, liability provisions, and termination conditions.
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Test the new provider's capabilities:
- Perform trial runs or pilot projects with the new provider to assess their operational efficiency, accuracy, and customer service capabilities.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) during the trial period to evaluate the new provider's performance against agreed-upon SLAs.
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Implement the transition plan:
- Collaborate closely with both the current and new provider to ensure a seamless transition.
- Communicate the transition plan to all relevant stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers.
- Coordinate data migration, system integrations, and staff training to ensure a smooth handover.
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Monitor and optimise performance:
- Regularly track and analyse performance metrics with the new provider to identify any areas for improvement.
- Maintain open lines of communication with the new provider to address concerns or resolve issues promptly.
- Continuously optimize your fulfilment processes and workflows to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Pitfalls to be aware of:
- Insufficient due diligence: Failing to thoroughly evaluate potential providers can lead to selecting an unsuitable or unreliable partner.
- Inadequate planning: Insufficiently detailed transition plans can result in disruptions to your operations, leading to customer dissatisfaction and financial losses.
- Inaccurate inventory transfer: Mishandling inventory transfer can lead to stockouts, delays, or damage during the transition, affecting order fulfilment.
- Incompatibility with systems: Inadequate integration between your systems and the new provider's platforms can result in data discrepancies or operational inefficiencies.
- Contractual issues: Lack of attention to contract terms, penalties, or termination clauses can lead to unexpected costs or legal disputes.
By being aware of these pitfalls and following the outlined steps, you can increase the chances of a successful transition to a new 3PL provider. Good luck with your ecommerce fulfilment business, CBF Fulfilment!
Ecommerce Order Management
with ONE login
All E-commerce clients have access to our FREE Software Integrations with your shopping carts.
- Online Stock Controls
- Live Order Tracking
- Multi-Channel Order Management
- Shipping Management
- Full Reporting
- Barcode Verified
- Cloud-based, Easy to use
- & it's free to you.
In the last month we have processed the following:
Keeping it simple and efficient.
We guarantee a same day dispatch of your goods.
WE STORE
Securely and efficiently in our heated Warehouse
Our warehouse is our own, We have a large space able to securely store pallets from only £2.00 per week, boxes and goods on pick pack bays ready for your customers to order. Come and see us.
WE PACK
Contract Packing or Order Fulfilment. We are ready!
Daily order processing from £0.50 per order or contract packing projects, we work with them all. Receiving orders from all sales channels we can pick/pack and dispatch the same day of order regardless of volumes.
*T&Cs may apply.
WE DISPATCH
Any size of consignment, anywhere in the world.
Our teams work with all packing suppliers as well as the National Couriers, Royal Mail and Pallet Networks all day every day. Talk to them about how to ship your orders securely and efficiently.
Your 3PL Ecommerce Fulfilment, Distribution Centre and Contract Packing partner. Planned, Integrated, Packed and Delivered.
T: 01242 802140
CBF Fulfilment
1-11 Alvin Street
Gloucester
GL1 3EJ
UNITED KINGDOM
