Is It Time to Start Working with a 3PL Provider?



Is It Time to Start Working with a 3PL Provider?

For business owners, finding an effective way to keep up with logistics is an integral part of staying profitable and maintaining a competitive edge. As their business continues to grow, outsourcing supply chain services to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider can prove extremely beneficial. Working with a 3PL provider can give businesses a consistent way to exceed customer expectations without eating into profit margins. But how do you know if it's time to start working with a 3PL provider? We’ll answer this question and more.


What Services Do 3PL Providers Offer?

To understand if working with a 3PL provider is right for your business, it’s vital to have a comprehensive understanding of the services they offer. Simply put, 3PL services include the handling of all logistical processes. This can include handling all aspects of the supply chain process, including transportation, warehousing, distribution, and shipping and receiving. In addition, 3PL providers can handle all parts of order fulfillment, including inventory management, picking, packing, and shipping of orders. Partnering with a provider offers many advantages, including:

  • Scalable, Custom Solutions

  • Access to Technology

  • Cost Efficiency

  • Reduced Risk

  • Improved Customer Satisfaction


Signs You Should Start Working with a 3PL Provider

Although exponential growth can be a dream come true, it can also be crippling to the operations of a business if proper resources aren’t in place to accommodate that growth. This can have a directly negative effect on business. Unfortunately, many businesses wait too late to begin thinking about 3PL, and only begin to search for a 3PL provider once their supply chain and fulfillment processes have already become overwhelmed. It’s essential to take a proactive stance on logistics and begin the process of evaluating your metrics so that you can get in front of your needs. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you should be using a 3PL provider:

  • Is your business growing, or do you anticipate a spike?
    If you are experiencing consistent growth, or are anticipating a seasonal spike in sales, it can be a great idea to begin searching for a 3PL provider.

  • Are your staff overwhelmed, and customer complaints are piling up?
    If your current team is so busy keeping up with orders that you don't have time to interview and onboard additional staff, hiring a 3PL provider can be just what you need. They have experienced staff standing by to jump in and help. By bringing their team on board, you'll quickly see a decrease in complaints—from both your staff, and your customers.

  • Are you running out of storage for your inventory, or is your storage expense high?
    The cost of storage from a 3PL provider may be less than what you are currently paying for warehouse storage while offering more space. If you find that you are running out of room to house your inventory, and are also paying too much for space, it may be beneficial to investigate 3PL services.


Tips for Selecting a 3PL Provider

The use of 3PL services has grown exponentially in the past 15 years. More and more companies are discovering the convenience and cost-efficiency of outsourcing some of the components of their supply chain. When selecting a 3PL provider, you should consider:

  • Business Volume: It’s important to thoroughly evaluate your businesses inventory and the scale of your operations and choose a provider that is equipped with the resources to accommodate these adequately.

  • References and Portfolio: Does the 3PL provider you are interested in have references and positive reviews? It’s not only a great idea to search out what current and former customers say about a particular provider, but also pay careful attention to the feedback and experience of any companies from your sector or similar industry.

  • Technology: One of the benefits of using a third-party logistics company is that they can provide technology and software resources that are often beyond the scope of smaller businesses. Make sure your potential 3PL partner has the proper technological tools to accommodate your needs and ensure a seamless fit with your current operations.


Comet Delivery Services: Experienced 3PL Provider

As the way we conduct business has evolved, 3PL services have become a viable solution for companies around the world. For many businesses, partnering with a 3PL provider is an easy solution for maximizing efficiency and strengthening your bottom line. With Comet Delivery Services as your partner, you don't need the expense of a large warehouse, distribution center, or global network. We have a massive integrated network of physical, technological, and human resources that tap into the power and passion of logistics.

At Comet Delivery Services, we are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to get the job done. Our 3PL services will make your supply chain management smooth and effortless. We will offer you the best solutions for your business needs while overseeing every step of the process, making our services a natural extension of your business. Contact us today to learn more about how our 3PL services can bring you the convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness you need!

Call our 24 hour hotline: 1-888-266-3833 and find out how Comet can serve you and your customers.

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