3PL fulfillment providers are more important than ever in today’s fast-paced online shopping, quick commerce, and global trade era. 3PL ecommerce fulfillment helps businesses run their operations more smoothly.
Quick commerce is growing quickly in India, with the market increasing ten times between the years of 2021 and 2023. The q-commerce sector’s market size is currently $700 million and is projected to grow eight times, reaching $5.5 billion by 2025. Also, the ecommerce sector in India is booming, with revenue expected to hit INR 4,416.68 billion by the end of 2024. The ecommerce market is set to grow at an annual rate of 11.45%, reaching INR 7,591.94 billion by 2029. The growth in quick commerce and ecommerce needs efficient logistics solutions, which 3PL logistics providers can deliver well.
But what exactly is 3PL fulfillment, and what’s the process, and how does it benefit companies? In this guide, we’ll explain what 3PL ecommerce and retail fulfillment is, how it works, and why it is important for modern supply chains.
What is 3PL Fulfillment?
3PL fulfillment is a service where a company handles another business’s logistics needs. Warehousing, inventory management, order processing, packaging, and shipping are some of the tasks that 3PL ecommerce Fulfillment Companies manage. That helps businesses focus on their core activities, such as product development and marketing, while ensuring their logistics operations run smoothly and efficiently by 3PL company.
The Role of 3PL Providers
The Indian 3PL market is estimated at USD 40.03 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 56.88 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.28%. This growth is driven by the manufacturing, FMCG, retail, and ecommerce sectors. Additionally, the Indian 3PL industry is set to grow by US$10.74 billion from 2021 to 2025 at a CAGR of 8%.
3PL providers act as a middleman between a business and its customers. They take care of the complicated order fulfillment process, which includes storing, packing, and shipping products to the customers. 3PL Fulfillment utilizes its expertise, infrastructure, and technology to offer a smooth experience, often at a lower cost than the business could manage by itself. 3PL Fulfillment is especially helpful for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that don’t have the money or staff to create and run their own logistics systems.
The 3PL Fulfillment Process
We divided the 3PL fulfillment process into five steps. This makes it easier to understand each step:
Step 1: Receiving Inventory
The 3PL fulfillment process starts with receiving inventory, also known as the inward process. This is the first step when items are brought into the warehouse and accounted for. The 3PL ecommerce fulfillment provider receives products from the business’s suppliers or manufacturing facilities and documents them in their warehouse management system (WMS). WMS tracks each item’s quantity, location, and status, ensuring proper inventory management.
Step 2: Warehousing and Storage
Once the inventory is received, it is stored in the warehouse. These warehouses are equipped with advanced storage solutions, such as pallet racking, shelving, and climate control, to store different kinds of products. The WMS helps organize the inventory efficiently, making it easy to locate and retrieve items when needed.
Step 3: Order Processing
The 3PL provider’s system automatically starts the order processing workflow when a customer orders something. This process involves picking the ordered items from the warehouse, packing them securely, and preparing them for shipment. Modern 3PL fulfillment providers use automated systems, like barcode scanners and robotics, to enhance accuracy and speed.
Step 4: Shipping
Once the orders are packed, they are ready to be shipped to the customers. 3PL warehouse logistics providers have established connections with different carriers, helping 3PL Fulfillment offer competitive shipping rates and options. They handle the entire shipping and logistics process, from label generation to tracking, ensuring customers receive their orders accurately and on time.
Step 5: Returns Management
Returns Management Service is a critical aspect of the ecommerce fulfillment process. When you return something, the 3PL fulfillment company gets it. They check if the item is okay. If it’s not, they give you your money back or send you a new one. This efficient returns management helps maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Benefits of 3PL Fulfillment
Cost Savings
3PL fulfillment helps businesses save money. When businesses outsource 3PL Logistics Companies in India for their logistics needs, they don’t have to spend on things like maintaining their own warehouse storage spaces, hiring people, or buying new tech. 3PL fulfillment companies provide flexible warehouse services, so businesses only pay for what they use.
Expertise and Technology
3PL companies are experts in their field and use the latest technology. They are up to date with new trends, rules, and the best ways to do things in the logistics industry. These updates help them ensure that their work is done well and that they follow all the rules. 3PL’s Logistics expertise benefits businesses that may need to learn more about logistics.
Scalability and Flexibility
As businesses grow, their logistical needs could be changed. 3PL fulfillment offers scalability and flexibility. This means 3PL logistics services providers can easily adjust to changes in demand without changing their infrastructure. During peak seasons, such as festivals and holidays, 3PL providers can handle increased order volumes seamlessly.
Focus on Core Competencies
When businesses let a 3PL logistics company handle their logistics, businesses can concentrate on what they do best: developing products, marketing, and taking care of customers. This focus can lead to innovation, improved product quality, and enhanced customer experiences.
Real-World Example: AAJ Supply Chain Management Best 3PL Fulfillment Service Provider
AAJ Supply Chain Management, a prominent player in the 3PL logistics and warehousing sector, provides comprehensive 3PL fulfillment services across India. AAJ Supply Chain Management has 9+ warehouses across India, including Bangalore, Delhi, Bhiwandi, and Kolkata. They provides tailored storage solutions and full logistics assistance. Our advanced technology and experienced team ensure that clients receive top-notch 3PL services, enabling them to thrive in a competitive market.
Conclusion
3PL fulfillment isn’t just about moving products from point A to point B—it’s about enhancing operational efficiency, improving customer satisfaction, and driving business growth. Whether you’re a small business looking to scale or an established company seeking to optimize your logistics, 3PL logistics offers the solutions you need to succeed.
In summary, 3PL fulfillment is an important part of modern supply chain management. By hiring experts to handle logistics tasks, businesses can save money, benefit from specialized knowledge, and concentrate on their main activities. The 3PL logistics process, from receiving products to shipping customers and handling returns, ensures customers get their orders on schedule. As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, partnering with a reliable 3PL provider like AAJ SCM can be a game-changer for businesses aiming to stay ahead in the market.
AAJ Supply Chain Management
