You’ve finally decided it’s time to move your business to a fulfilment centre, but want to make sure you make the right decision. Clearly defining your business goals will help you with finding the perfect fulfilment centre, but we also have some tips that might make things easier when weighing which UK fulfilment centre to partner with.
Trustworthiness and Reliability
You may already feel unsettled by the idea of handing everything over to a 3PL, since you don’t know how smoothly things are going to go until things actually get started. Both merchant and customer expectations have increased as the industry has evolved, with customer experience and satisfaction being at the forefront of everyone’s focus. Without customers, businesses would slowly begin to sink.
You don’t want to opt for a UK fulfilment centre that can’t get your orders out on time as you risk ending up with unhappy customers and a bad business reputation. When partnering with a fulfilment centre, their behind-the-scenes work becomes an extension of your business.
Anyone can claim they are great, but results and evidence are needed to prove those claims. We advise you to always check any reviews and testimonials to see what others are saying. Reviews and testimonials are extremely insightful and can help you in making your decision.
Consider ALL of your options
Don’t just go with the first fulfilment centre that gives you a decent quote, explore all of your options. It’s also worth considering the location of the warehouse and the location of your customers. Let’s say the majority of your customers are based in the North of England, finding a good warehouse in the North could save you a great deal in shipping costs.
Equally, your shipping times will decrease, meaning customers are more likely to be satisfied with their purchase and return to you in future. It’s even more beneficial if the 3PL is based near major ports, here at TSP we are situated only 15 minutes away from our Local Port meaning that we help to reduce customers costs due to how close we are.
Plan a visit beforehand
Choose a 3PL that uses industry leading technology
Communicate all questions and requirements
Whilst your fulfilment centre will have a good idea of what’s required, they can’t predict everything without the requisite information.
We advise you come prepared with any questions, concerns and requirements, so there is transparency from the outset. A lack of communication could result in you ending up in a non-beneficial contract.
Will they help your growth or restrict it?
Have you found a 3PL that’s promised they have the space to help you grow and scale your business? Or maybe you’re looking to switch purely because your old fulfilment partner couldn’t follow through on their promise.
There is nothing worse than being tied down in a contract, and disappointed by the fact you can’t grow and scale your business.
However, here at TSP, we understand there is nothing worse than feeling restricted as a result of external forces, which is why we offer all clients guaranteed space. Talk to us today and obtain a quote. We’ve got you covered and we’ll help you successfully grow and scale your business.
