Contrary to popular belief—3PL warehouses provide more than just storage and transportation.
They also help reduce overhead costs, improve customer service, and expand your market reach. And because they have years of experience with supply chain management, they can help you navigate crises and avoid risks.
Most importantly, they inspire innovation and encourage business growth.
In fact, the growth of the eCommerce and 3PL industries is so intertwined that US eCommerce 3PL revenue reached $4.34 billion in 2019. And it’s been growing ever since.
So, what else can 3PL companies do for you?
In this article, we’ll discuss how a 3PL warehouse can benefit your eCommerce business.
#1 – Gain Safety & Security
3PL warehouse companies already have an optimized inventory system. So, there’s minimal chance of your products getting lost or damaged. Plus, many high-quality 3PL warehouses provide 24/7 security and smart lockers, ensuring your goods are always safe and secure—no matter what happens. Another important feature is that some 3PL providers offer insurance, giving you a safety net for unexpected events.
#2 – Leverage Supply Chain Expertise
The supply chain can be so complex that one small mistake can set it off track. This can be anything from delayed orders to unsellable goods due to improper storage.
While you can’t prevent all disaster situations, a reliable 3PL service can minimize them. Because of their years of experience, they can immediately identify potential risks and losses and help you navigate through them. This, in return, will help you quickly bounce back from a crisis and reduce the likelihood of it happening.
#3 – Provide 24/7 Service to Customers
One thing about eCommerce is that your customers are always on. You can wake up one morning to 500 new orders, which can be difficult to fulfill on your own. But you don’t have to worry about that with 3PL warehouse management. In fact, many 3PL warehouses provide 24/7 services, allowing you to ship out orders as soon as you receive them.
#4 – Distribute to Local & International Markets
Aside from having strategic warehouse locations, 3PL companies also have more cost-effective shipping rates. This is because they can better negotiate with carriers. Plus, they’re knowledgeable about customs and the legalities of other countries. So, your eCommerce store can reach wider markets, as well as offer faster and more affordable delivery to your customers.
#5 – Enjoy Flexibility & Scalability
A good 3PL warehouse service allows eCommerce businesses to adjust their storage according to their needs. So you don’t have to constantly worry about space when your store reaches peak season. And you can avoid high overhead costs during slow months. More than that, your 3PL warehouse provider can customize plans based on your eCommerce company’s needs.
#6 – Drive Cost Savings
With a 3PL warehouse, you don’t have to spend on manpower, storage space, technology, and extra security. That’s because 3PL warehouses provide all this for you at a more affordable packaged price. Additionally, they can help you avoid costly mistakes as they have years of experience to back you up.
#7 – Helps You Prioritize
Because you’re offloading your eCommerce logistics to your third-party logistics company, you can spend less time operating it. Instead, you can focus on key aspects of your business, like product development, customer service, and marketing.
#8 – Innovate Your Operations
Finally, because you and your team have more resources, you have more time to innovate. You can explore new ways to reach target audiences and optimize internal processes. You’ll also have more time to spend developing a new product or upgrading your current products.
With a reliable 3PL partner, you can supercharge your eCommerce growth. You can gain safety and security, leverage expertise, improve customer service, expand market reach, and save on costs. Most of all, you can streamline your operations, optimize efficiency, and stay competitive in the ever-evolving eCommerce landscape.
Looking for a reliable 3PL company to work with?
At San Legend, we help eCommerce businesses scale their brands and break into new markets by providing customized, agile, and forward-thinking third-party logistics solutions. Reach out today to see how we can help.