3PL Logistics - Any tales of woe ?

[DSLiverpool]

Chaps I am designing (trying to design) the most efficient "ecommerce business" possible, they have sourced quite frankly a brilliant product with enough margin to make it worthwhile so now I have been asked to propose a supplier to customer logistic path.

They want to sell on ebay, amazon and site and dont want to see the item once it is made

So I am looking at 3PL - I have shortlisted 2 in the NW (goods come in to Trafford so want to use a NW warehouse) both can send to FBA and one has a call centre to arrange returns.

I know NOTHING about this I have never used it but from initial costings it looks a no brainer and yes I am aware that EVERYTHING other than the standard is an extra cost (labelling, bag removal, flyer insertion).

Anything I need to look out for? heads up would be appreciated and if I find a good one I am happy to share.

[RickRolled]

Cant answer all details, but can recommend a good company in Heathrow for 3PL solution / pick and pack operations.

Drop me a message if you'd like their details.

[DSLiverpool]

RickRolled said:

Cant answer all details, but can recommend a good company in Heathrow for 3PL solution / pick and pack operations.

Drop me a message if you'd like their details.

Appreciate that but they are adamant they want to be able to easily visit the stock - cheers though.

[951TSE]

Not sure that any fulfilment house will allow the client to visit their stock after it's been deposited in the warehouse, but I stand to be corrected.

Anyway you mention FBA. Why don't you just use them for all your intended outlets they do cater for other sites apart from just Amazon. not sure how they handle box labelling though? I'd like to think that they use vanilla packaging.

https://services.amazon.co.uk/services/fulfilment-...

Like you I only have limited knowledge of the subject.

[insurance_jon]

one thing to be wary of is insuring the stock.

whilst with the forwarder it will be covered for £x per tonne and only for a loss caused by their negligence i.e they left the door open and it got nicked.

you will need a stock throughput policy with the location named

[DSLiverpool]

Thanks - I hadn't thought of that to be honest!