Choosing a 3pl

3PL Logistics: How to Choose a 3PL Warehousing Solution

Look, in today's fast-paced business world, getting your logistics right can make or break your company. It's that simple. For startups and scale-ups, managing all the details of supply chain operations can be a real headache. That's where 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) providers come into play. But here's the million-pound question: how do you choose the right 3PL partner?

What is 3PL?

3PL, or Third-Party Logistics, is basically outsourcing your logistics and distribution needs to a specialised company. These guys handle everything from warehousing and inventory management to order fulfilment and shipping. In a nutshell, 3PL providers are like an extension of your business, dealing with all the complex logistics so you can focus on what you're good at.

Why 3PL Matters for Startups and Scaleups

For growing businesses, trying to manage logistics in-house can be a total nightmare. As you expand, you're gonna find yourself grappling with:

  • Inventory that's getting more and more complicated

  • Shipping volumes going through the roof

  • Need to distribute stuff all over the place

  • Pressure to cut costs while somehow improving service

This is where 3PL services become a lifesaver. By outsourcing logistics, startups and scale-ups can tap into expertise and infrastructure that would cost an arm and a leg to develop internally.

Jamie Clark

Founder, IMPACT EVOLVE

Why Go 3PL?

The decision to use a 3PL provider usually boils down to three things:

  1. Core competency: If logistics isn't your secret sauce, 3PL is probably the way to go.

  2. Cost and complexity: Let's face it, the financial and operational headaches of managing on-site logistics can be a real killer, especially for growing businesses.

  3. Resource allocation: Here's the big one - where do you want to focus your limited time and energy?

By teaming up with a 3PL, you free up valuable time and brain power to concentrate on what actually drives your business forward. Think about it - a small clothing brand might be brilliant at design and marketing but struggle like mad with the complexities of global shipping. In this case, outsourcing to a 3PL lets them focus on their strengths while making sure their stuff actually gets to customers.

Understanding 3PL Logistics

Before we dive into how to pick a 3PL partner, you've got to understand what these guys actually do. Trust me, it'll make your life a whole lot easier when you're trying to figure out what you need.

Core Components of 3PL Services

Here's the core of what 3PL providers offer:

  • Inbound and receipt: Managing all the stuff coming in from your suppliers

  • Warehousing and storage: Keeping your products safe and sound

  • Inventory management: Keeping tabs on stock levels and making sure you don't run out

  • Pick and pack: Grabbing the right items and packaging them up for individual orders

  • Distribution: Getting orders out to customers or retail locations

Some providers even go into 4PL territory, which includes freight forwarding and broader supply chain management. That can be a game-changer if you're dealing with complex international logistics.

Types of 3PL Providers

Now, not all 3PL providers are created equal. They often specialise in different areas:

  • D2C and ecommerce: These guys focus on getting stuff directly to consumers

  • B2B and retail/wholesale: They handle bigger shipments to businesses or retail spots

  • Industry or sector-specific: Some 3PLs cater to specific industries like pharmaceuticals or food

  • International fulfilment: These are your go-to folks for cross-border logistics and customs

On top of that, we think 3PL providers usually fall into three tiers:

  1. Tier 1: Work with smaller brands and startups. They're often more flexible but might have limited capabilities.

  2. Tier 2: These guys have more mature warehouse and management structures. Higher costs, but more robust processes.

  3. Tier 3: The big players with global reach. Least agile but can handle complex, large-scale operations.

Understanding these differences is crucial when you're trying to find a 3PL partner that fits your current needs and can grow with you.

Benefits of Using 3PL Services

Alright, let's talk about why partnering with a 3PL can be a game-changer for your business.

Scalability and Flexibility

This is a big one. A good 3PL partner can help you adapt quickly when your business needs change. Whether you're experiencing rapid growth or dealing with seasonal fluctuations, they've got your back.

Here's a real-world example: Imagine you're a small business with 8 staff members and a rented warehouse unit on some industrial estate. Growing that business by 50% means renting more space, maybe at a different location. More employees, more rent, more admin headaches. But with a 3PL, you just call them up and say, "Hey, we're gonna be shipping 50% more over the next 12 months." From that point on, they handle all the details. It's way more flexible and scalable from your perspective.

Potential Cost Savings

Using a 3PL can lead to some serious cost reductions:

  • Lower operational costs through shared resources

  • Economies of scale in shipping and warehousing

  • No need to invest in your own logistics infrastructure

Think about it: A medium-sized electronics retailer based in Manchester could leverage a 3PL's existing warehouse network across the UK. They don't have to sink money into their own facilities. This not only saves on upfront costs but also gives them the flexibility to expand into new markets without breaking the bank.

Expertise and Efficiency

3PL providers bring specialised knowledge and best practices to your logistics operations. They've got access to cutting-edge tech and processes, and they're always improving based on industry experience.

Here's an example: Let's say you're a small artisanal food producer in Cornwall. You're great at making unique, high-quality products, but you might struggle with the complexities of temperature-controlled storage and distribution. A specialised 3PL can provide the expertise you need in food logistics, making sure your products stay fresh and compliant with regulations throughout the supply chain.

Focus on Core Business

By offloading logistics responsibilities, you can concentrate on what you do best: product development, marketing and sales, and strategic planning.

Imagine a trendy London-based fashion startup. They might find themselves spending more time managing warehouse operations than designing new collections. By partnering with a 3PL, they can redirect that energy back into creative pursuits and brand building, which is crucial for growth in the competitive fashion industry.

Manage Operational Peaks and Spikes

3PL providers are equipped to handle fluctuations in demand, which is crucial during peak seasons. This is particularly valuable for businesses with seasonal products or those participating in major sales events like Black Friday.

Think about a Scottish whisky distillery that experiences a surge in demand during the holiday season and Burns Night. A 3PL can seamlessly scale up operations to handle this increased volume without the distillery needing to invest in additional year-round capacity that would be underutilised during slower periods.

3PL Warehousing

Risks of Outsourcing Logistics without a Strong Tender

While 3PL offers a ton of benefits, choosing the wrong provider can lead to some serious problems. This is where the tender process becomes crucial.

What is a Tender?

A tender is basically a formal process of inviting and evaluating proposals from potential 3PL providers. It's a structured way to compare offerings and select the best fit for your business. This process allows you to thoroughly assess each provider's capabilities, costs, and cultural fit before making a commitment.

The Danger of "You Don't Know What You Don't Know"

Without a proper tender process, you're taking some big risks:

  • Mismatching the maturity of the 3PL business to your own

  • Partnering with a provider that can't handle your specific requirements

  • Lack of due diligence in examining capabilities, especially around peak planning

  • Failing to get the most favourable commercial terms

  • Misalignment between the 3PL and your customers, potentially increasing logistics costs

The biggest risk here is an inexperienced company not going through the tender process correctly and ending up in a cycle of mismatches with different 3PL providers. Trust me, I've seen businesses waste valuable time and resources switching between unsuitable partners, and it can really hinder growth and operational efficiency.

Here's a critical note: Part of the tender process should include carrying out financial due diligence to ensure the 3PL won't go out of business during your contract. At the very least, a 3PL failure results in severe disruption to operations and a very difficult tender process for the next solution. This is an aspect that's often overlooked but can have devastating consequences if not addressed.

Key Considerations When Evaluating 3PL Providers

Alright, choosing the right 3PL partner is a make-or-break decision. You've got to consider a bunch of factors. Let me break it down for you:

Match to Business Requirements and Future Plans

This is paramount. You need to clearly define your current needs and future growth plans to ensure alignment with potential 3PL partners. I've seen businesses focus solely on their immediate needs, completely overlooking their long-term trajectory. That short-sightedness can lead to partnerships that quickly become obsolete as the business grows.

Here's an example: Say you've got a UK-based health supplements company that's currently focused on domestic sales but has plans to expand into Europe within two years. In this case, you'd need a 3PL partner with not just strong UK capabilities, but also the infrastructure and expertise to support European expansion should these changes fall within the term of your contract.

RFP Development

Create a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) document that your brand signs off on. This RFP will give insight into which providers are in scope and allow you to add or remove 3PLs from your list of prospects.

At IMPACT EVOLVE, we've found that a well-crafted RFP can save countless hours and prevent miscommunications down the line. It should clearly outline your current operations, future goals, expected service levels, and any unique requirements of your business. This level of detail helps potential 3PL partners understand your needs and provide more accurate, tailored proposals.

Service Capabilities

Evaluate the range of services offered and technological capabilities of each provider. This goes beyond just ticking boxes on a list of services. It's about understanding how these capabilities align with your specific needs and how they can evolve as your business grows.

For instance, if you're an omnichannel retailer, you'll need a 3PL that can handle both B2B shipments to your brick-and-mortar stores and D2C ecommerce fulfilment. Their technology should integrate seamlessly with your systems, providing real-time inventory visibility across all channels.

Industry Experience

Look for a track record and expertise in your specific industry. Different sectors have unique requirements, and a 3PL with relevant experience can provide invaluable insights and avoid common pitfalls.

For example, if you're in the fashion industry, you'll want a 3PL that understands the importance of careful handling to prevent damage to garments, efficient returns processing, and the ability to handle seasonal inventory fluctuations.

Cost and Value

Seek transparent pricing models and consider value-added services beyond basic logistics. While cost is obviously important, it shouldn't be the sole deciding factor. We often advise our clients to look at the total value proposition, including factors like scalability, technology, and strategic partnership potential.

A slightly higher-priced 3PL that offers advanced inventory management tools, proactive problem-solving, and growth consulting might provide more value in the long run than a cheaper option with basic services.

Choosing a 3PL

Reputation and References

Check client testimonials and industry reputation. Don't hesitate to ask for references, particularly from businesses similar to yours in size and industry. At IMPACT EVOLVE, we encourage our clients to speak directly with a potential 3PL's existing customers to get unfiltered feedback on their experiences.

Pay attention to how the 3PL handles challenges and whether they're proactive in suggesting improvements. A provider that sees themselves as a true partner in your success, rather than just a service provider, can be invaluable as your business grows.

Geographic Reach

Consider the provider's network of facilities and global presence, especially if you have plans for expansion. A 3PL with a broad geographic footprint can support your growth into new markets without the need to change providers.

For instance, a London-based skincare brand looking to expand into the US market would benefit from a 3PL with strong presences in both the UK and North America, ensuring smooth operations on both sides of the Atlantic.

Performance Metrics

Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure alignment with your expectations. These should be clearly defined and measurable, covering areas like order accuracy, shipping times, inventory accuracy, and returns processing.

We've seen cases where vague or misaligned KPIs led to frustration and misunderstandings between businesses and their 3PL partners. Clear, mutually agreed-upon metrics are crucial for a successful partnership.

After initial evaluation, create a shortlist of 3-4 providers for more thorough assessment:

  1. Conduct site visits

  2. Evaluate cultural fit

  3. Take an in-depth look at solutions, tech stacks, and integrations

This process should result in giving the 3PL enough information to create a detailed commercial proposal.

Finally, compare the commercial proposals from the shortlisted 3PLs. This in-depth evaluation should lead to two final candidates for contract negotiations.

How IMPACT EVOLVE Can Assist in 3PL Selection and Optimization

Look, at IMPACT EVOLVE, we specialise in guiding businesses through the complex process of 3PL selection and optimisation. Our approach includes:

  • Detailed Business Assessment: We start by thoroughly understanding your unique needs and challenges.

  • RFP Development: We help craft a comprehensive RFP that accurately reflects your requirements.

  • 3PL Filtering: Leveraging our industry knowledge, we create an appropriate list of potential providers.

  • Evaluation: Our prior experience allows us to effectively assess each candidate.

  • Shortlist Creation: We help you narrow down to the most suitable options.

  • Contract Negotiations: We assist in securing favourable terms with your chosen provider.

  • Transition Support: We guide you through the process of going live with your new 3PL partner.

Our team's extensive experience in the logistics industry allows us to provide insights and guidance that can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

Jamie Clark

Founder, IMPACT EVOLVE

Case Study: AKT London

Let me give you a real-world example of how the right 3PL partnership can drive growth.

AKT London, a founder-led brand, was experiencing rapid revenue growth but still operated with a small operations team. They had ambitious plans to launch in the USA and they recognised the need for a partner that could support their next phase of growth.

This is where IMPACT EVOLVE stepped in. Our team effectively expanded the resources and capabilities of AKT Londons operations during this critical transition. By guiding them through a thorough tender process, we helped AKT find a 3PL partner that was able to service all of their requirments in the USA and handled the contract negoitiations, created a transition plan to go live including tech and process testing to ensure a smooth launch for AKT.

The result? A seamless transition to a new 3PL provider that aligned perfectly with AKTs business stage and future plans to grow internationally.

Conclusion

Choosing the right 3PL partner is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business's growth and success. By understanding the intricacies of 3PL services, recognizing the benefits and potential risks, and following a structured evaluation process, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your business needs and future plans.

Remember, the goal isn't just to find a service provider—it's to find a strategic partner who can grow with your business and contribute to your long-term success.

If you're considering a move to 3PL or looking to optimise your current logistics operations, don't navigate this complex landscape alone. IMPACT EVOLVE is here to guide you through every step of the process, from initial assessment to final implementation. Our expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls, negotiate favourable terms, and ultimately find the perfect 3PL fit for your business.

Ready to take your logistics to the next level? Reach out to IMPACT EVOLVE today, and let's start optimising your supply chain for success. Trust me, it'll be the best decision you make for your business's future.