The Right Time to Reassess Your 3PL Partnership
For ecommerce brands experiencing growth, the 3PL that worked perfectly at launch might not be the right fit a year or two down the line. The reality is that as order volumes scale, customer expectations shift, and technology needs evolve, what made sense initially can quickly become a bottleneck.
The key is regular evaluation—not just when problems arise. Brands should periodically assess whether their current fulfillment partner's capabilities, technology stack, and pricing structure still align with where the business is headed. This proactive approach helps identify misalignment before it impacts customer experience or margins.
Three Critical Areas to Evaluate
When considering a potential switch, focus on three core areas. First, fulfillment capabilities: Can your current 3PL handle your projected volume? Do they have the geographic reach you need? Second, technology integration: Does their system connect seamlessly with your ecommerce platform and provide the visibility you require? Third, cost structure: As your volume changes, are you getting competitive rates that support healthy unit economics?
The decision to switch 3PLs shouldn't be made lightly—transitions take time and resources. But staying with a partner that no longer serves your business can be even more costly in the long run. The brands that scale successfully are those that aren't afraid to make changes when the data shows it's time.
