Choosing the right 3PL for your company’s warehousing and distribution is challenging because it’s hard to know whether they’ll deliver. It’s a good idea to start interviewing global warehouse solutions partners before you need one so that you can check out their background and current performance, and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Serious Mistakes Real Businesses Make All the Time
Here are the three major 3PL mistakes you must avoid to ensure you pick wisely:
Choosing A 3PL On Price
Price isn’t an indicator of a good or a bad order fulfillment center as some inexpensive 3PLs may include hidden fees or charge for things that their competitors offer for free. When comparing 3PLs, you may want to make sure you know what’s included and what services cost extra.
Accepting A Partner Who Doesn’t Use Big Data
When you enquire about the accuracy of the pickers or the pick to the pack floor duration, most 3PL companies should provide the information quickly and easily. A warehouse management system, as well as the ability to use it, is mandatory in today’s competitive market. Otherwise, how are they going to know where or what is in inventory?
Believing Poor Customer Service Is Okay
When you call a 3PL partner for a quote or sign up for a service, they should bend over backwards to accommodate you. Without a customer-first attitude, they will treat your orders as if they’re an inconvenience, too. After all, the philosophy of the organization permeates every inch of the business. Therefore, customer service is everything as you’re looking for a fulfillment house to shoulder the burden.
If you want the best 3PL partner possible, and avoid costly 3PL mistakes, contact us today.