These days, whenever you need to buy something, you first open your shopping app. Not only does online shopping save you time looking for exactly what you want or need, but you also get a lot of options in just a few taps. Online shopping is quick, easy, and convenient compared to going to brick-and-mortar stores, where you’ll probably settle for the first item you see because you’re too tired or lazy to check out other stores.
This is why e-commerce has boomed over the last couple of years. Buying online has become the preferred method for most consumers in the world. For business owners, it’s easier and cheaper to put up and run an online store.
Still, e-commerce is not without its challenges, the biggest of which is order fulfillment. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, where customers pay, and you pack and hand over their orders right then and there, e-commerce stores have to go through an entire order fulfillment process. This is where 3PL or third-party logistics come in.
What is 3PL?
3PL companies are one of the most critical elements of an e-commerce business. E-commerce businesses partner with 3PL providers to handle deliveries of products to the buyer’s doorstep. They simplify the order fulfillment and logistics process for a fee.
Services Provided by 3PL
3PL companies are not just limited to transportation and distribution roles. As such, they can also fulfill outsourced procurement and other essential functions of a business. However, here are the services that most 3PL companies are focused on.
Warehouse Management
Many e-commerce businesses don’t have their warehouse or warehousing facilities. But they need it to store items before they need to be shipped out to customers. With a 3PL company, business owners can rent an area of a warehouse operated by the 3PL so they can safely store their products.
Order Fulfillment
It’s the most crucial aspect of any e-commerce business. If you do this right, you can quickly move ahead of your competitors. But it’s also a complicated process because customers should get their orders on time and in perfect condition. That’s why e-commerce businesses need an expert to handle their order fulfillment, which 3PL companies can easily accomplish.
Shipment Consolidation
3PL companies also consolidate smaller shipments into larger ones to help suppliers save money on shipment charges and other taxes and duties.
Small business owners will most likely require one or two of these services. But bigger businesses will need a full-service 3PL. That’s why picking the right 3PL company can help expedite your order fulfillment process and improve customer service.
3PL Companies In New Zealand
United Parcel Service
UPS has been serving businesses for a century and covers all supply chain management requirements. Its warehouse facilities are one of the biggest, serving over 125 countries. UPS also boasts its last-mile delivery infrastructure. Its regional office is located in Auckland.
FloShip
Another 3PL company is FloShip, which supports businesses operating in the USA, Europe, and China. Floship’s core specialty is cross-border fulfillment, but businesses can also pool their client servicing team. It’s headquartered in Hong Kong but is quite popular in New Zealand because of its customer support and export-oriented capabilities.
Deutsche Post: DHL Group
DHL is one of the most well-known names in the industry, operating in more than 490 warehouses and over 220 countries. This makes it possible for DHL to
offer seamless supply chain services and capability.
Cardinal Logistics
Another New Zealand-based 3PL is Cardinal Logistics, which specialises in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and grocery products. It’s also an ideal fit for small and midsize businesses in Christchurch and major corporations in Auckland, as Cardinal Logistics provides heavy machinery services.
How Cin7 Integrates with Your 3PL Company
With a Cin7 integration, you can better use your data and make better decisions for your business. See all business activities in real time and get more accurate insights regarding sales and operation trends to calibrate your products, reduce costs, boost sales, and optimise your inventory.
Automate your order routing. All online orders will flow directly to your 3PL warehouse. Use local 3PL services to avoid delivery problems, marketplace penalties, and bad reviews. Also, manage remote warehouses easily with Cin7’s built-in 3PL connections. Accomplish all these without having to hire more staff to fulfill orders.
Are you interested to know more about Cin7’s 3PL integrations? Call, email, or message us to book a demo and learn more about how you can take advantage of Cin7’s order management software with your 3PL(s).
