Choosing an eCommerce order fulfillment method can be difficult. This article discusses the benefits and risks of both self-fulfillment and outsourcing. It also addresses the tech systems that are needed. Outsourcing is often less expensive but requires a complex tech system. Self-fulfillment is also more complex and will require specialized training. However, if you have a small, niche online business, you can do it yourself.

Outsourcing eCommerce order fulfillment

Outsourcing eCommerce order fulfillment allows you to focus on creating your brand and marketing efforts instead of managing the tedious order process. Managing orders can take up precious time that you would otherwise spend developing new products and marketing ideas. Moreover, if your business has experienced rapid growth, you’re well aware of the growing pains of scaling your in-house operations.

Outsourcing eCommerce order fulfillment can help you avoid these growing pains and provide you with time and resources for other tasks.
One major advantage of outsourcing eCommerce order fulfillment is that it requires fewer resources and less headache. Managing orders can be a complicated process, requiring extra space, hiring and training employees, and buying equipment. This leaves little time for expanding your business or hiring fulfillment employees. Outsourcing your order fulfillment to a third-party frees up your time and allows you to concentrate on growing your business. Moreover, it allows you to focus on your core competencies.

However, one drawback of outsourced eCommerce order fulfillment is the lack of control that you can have over your business. In addition, you won’t have the same access to a third-party fulfillment company’s contacts. Moreover, you won’t be able to control the tasks of third parties as you would with in-house employees. Furthermore, they won’t be able to give you as much attention as you’d give to a customer. Additionally, the time spent managing and shipping orders will be wasted, as will your efforts on customer service and marketing.

Self-fulfillment

Using self-fulfillment for eCommerce order fulfillment is one option available to small-scale sellers who want to take control of their business. However, self-fulfillment isn’t without its downsides. If you’re a small seller, you should avoid marketplace fulfillment unless you’re prepared to shell out a substantial amount of money. For this option, you only need to pay for shipping and packaging. In addition, it allows you to sell your products to customers worldwide.

Third-party logistics providers, or 3PLs, can handle fulfillment tasks for eCommerce businesses. Some companies manage warehouses and take care of picking and pulling. Others manage fulfillment from multiple warehouses. If you have limited resources and don’t want to invest in hiring a full-time team, self-fulfillment may be the best option. In-house fulfillment involves processing and packing orders in-house. Most often, an in-house fulfillment team manages inventory.