Working with a third-party logistics (3PL) supplier can greatly benefit your business by streamlining your supply chain and improving order processing efficiencies and capability.
However, maximising the value you get from your 3PL supplier like us at CBF Fulfilment requires collaboration, communication and a great trusted working relationship. This guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to optimise your relationship with your 3PL supplier and get the most out of their services and ensure your assets are looked after and processed on time and delivered to your customers correctly.
- Define Your Objectives and Expectations: Before engaging with a 3PL supplier, clearly define your goals and expectations. Identify the specific areas where you need support, such as warehousing, transportation, or order fulfilment. Outline key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success, such as order accuracy, on-time delivery, or inventory accuracy. Communicate these objectives to your 3PL supplier to align your expectations from the outset.
- Conduct Thorough Research: Take the time to research and evaluate multiple 3PL providers before making a decision. Consider factors such as industry experience, reputation, technological capabilities, geographical coverage, and service offerings. Always request and review case studies or testimonials from existing clients to gauge their performance. A thorough evaluation process will help you choose a 3PL supplier that aligns with your specific needs. Industry experience is nice to have but remember, your chosen 3PL partner is in place to work with you to understand your products and be trained on the eccentricities of your product specifics.
- Foster Clear and Open Communication: Establishing effective communication channels is crucial for a successful partnership with your 3PL supplier. Maintain regular and open lines of communication to ensure a seamless flow of information. Schedule periodic meetings, conference calls, or video conferences to discuss performance, marketing plans and product launches, address concerns and strategise for future improvements. Promptly share any changes in your business requirements to keep your 3PL supplier informed and prepared, it's the working partnership that makes this work successfully. We have seen so many relationships fail because of a difference in understanding of terminology or poor planning.
- Collaborate on Demand Forecasting: Accurate demand forecasting is essential for efficient supply chain management. Work closely with your 3PL supplier to share sales forecasts, marketing plans, and any relevant data. By providing them with insights into your expected demand, seasonal fluctuations, or promotional campaigns, they can better plan inventory, allocate resources, and optimise transportation routes. This collaboration minimises stockouts, reduces lead times, and enhances customer satisfaction all leading to those heralded 5-star reviews.
- Utilise Technology: Embrace technology solutions to enhance visibility, traceability, integrations into all your sales channels and collaboration with your 3PL supplier. Explore online inventory management systems, transportation management systems (TMS), or warehouse management systems (WMS) that integrate with your supplier's systems. Shared access to real-time data can help both parties make informed decisions, track shipments, monitor inventory levels, and identify bottlenecks keeping your e-commerce and logistics moving when times get a little more tricky than normal.
- Monitor Performance Metrics: Regularly monitor the agreed-upon KPIs to assess the performance of your 3PL supplier. Key metrics to consider include order accuracy, order cycle time, on-time delivery, inventory turnover, and customer satisfaction. Analysing these metrics allows you to identify areas for improvement, recognize top-performing areas, and address any issues proactively. Establish a review process with your 3PL supplier to discuss performance results and collaborate on improvement strategies.
- Provide Constructive Feedback: Effective feedback from both the 3PL supplier and client is crucial for continuous improvement. Share both positive feedback and areas for improvement with your 3PL supplier. Be specific about the issues you encounter and provide actionable suggestions for enhancement. Conversely, appreciate and recognise outstanding performance, as it encourages your 3PL supplier to maintain or exceed those standards. A transparent feedback loop fosters a stronger partnership and drives better outcomes.
- Continuously Evaluate and Optimise: Supply chain dynamics are constantly evolving, and your business requirements may change over time. Regularly evaluate your 3PL supplier's performance against your objectives and consider if any adjustments are needed. Assess their flexibility, scalability, and ability to adapt to your changing needs. Be open to exploring new services or technological advancements that could improve efficiency or reduce costs. Continuously optimising your partnership ensures long-term success.
Getting the most out of your 3PL supplier requires proactive engagement, clear communication, and a collaborative approach. By aligning expectations, leveraging technology, monitoring performance, and providing feedback, you can optimise your supply chain operations and achieve enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and improved customer satisfaction. Remember, an effective partnership with your 3PL supplier is built on trust, transparency, and mutual commitment to shared success.
Everyone in your supply chain makes money by touching your stock from the manufacturing, picking it from a shelf, packing it and sending it through a postal or courier network all require multiple touches to get your SKUs to the end user.
Your job if you choose to accept it is to do what you do best and shout about your products across the web and try to find those customers sat in all corners no matter where they hide. You need to be there when they need you most with the answer to their search query or problem they need solving.
We're here to help.
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:
Processing Times
We can work as fast as you need us to. We operate in a Perfect Operating Fulfilment (POF) world. Your clients will more often than not be able to operate as quickly as us with our order processing. So we are able to manage dispatch dates and process order to satisfy your clients and not hamper their processes. We can be as flexible as you would like us to be.
Understanding delivery performance, accurate delivery documentation, damage reporting and timeline traceability, your products can be located on pallets and picking locations all readily available for ordering anytime.
Picking/packing and dispatching orders to travel across the world daily, no matter the size of order. Our team will work with you help manage your book shipments, international customs paperwork and commodity codes to help aid the travel times.
Keeping it simple and efficient.
We guarantee a same day dispatch of your orders!
We Store
Securely and efficiently in our heated warehouse
Our warehouse is our own, We have a large space able to securely store pallets, boxes and goods on pick pack bays ready for your customers to order. With live inventory figures communicated to your marketplaces, sales channels and websites. You are never overselling. Why not come and see us.
We pack
Contract Packing or Order Fulfilment. We're ready!
For daily order processing or contract packing projects, we work with them all. Receiving orders from all your sales channels, we can pick/pack and dispatch the same day of order regardless of volumes. We automatically update your Shopify order status so your customers are kept informed of where their order is at all times.
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 sales channels will be sent the tracking information for each shipment automatically helping you get those five-star reviews.
Free API Integrations for all your Shopping and Courier Channels
We are all about the best reviews
for you and our processes.
Your brand and online presence will not grow if your fulfilment partner lets you down with poorly packed and mispicked items. We are all hunting for the 5-star review and together we actively work on providing the processes and tracking to keep you and your customers informed.
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