Outsource Fulfillment: How to Choose An Outsource Partner

Here’s a quick read on how to outsource fulfillment with an outsource partner that aligns with your customer service goals…

Outsource Fulfillment Best Practices

Learn outsource fulfillment tips here.

Let’s be clear about something. There are many criteria you can use to evaluate and select an outsource fulfillment company. But if you’re hoping for – or insisting on – superior performance, that will narrow the field considerably. You need a true fulfillment partner, not just a commodity service company. There is a big difference.

First, be sure you know what you need

Every company has unique goals and challenges when it comes to customer care and fulfillment. Make a list of your must-haves, so you can easily eliminate companies that cannot meet those basic requirements. Then identify the metrics you want to use to evaluate ongoing performance. Is industry average good enough for you and your customers, or does your brand demand exceptional, above-and-beyond service?

Make a wish list, too. There can be a lot more to fulfillment than you might think, if you choose the right partner. For example, at USA Fulfillment, we sometimes advise customers to change their product packaging in order to improve fulfillment results. And we always look for opportunities to upsell and cross-sell customers as they are ordering.

Learn more about our order fulfillment center now.

Now you’re ready to proceed

With your lists at hand, consider these other criteria to assess potential outsource fulfillment partners:

• How do they go about deciding whether or not their company will be a good fit for you? Are they so anxious to sign you to a contract that they just assume your goals and their capabilities are a match?

Or do they take time to really study your list of needs and wishes? To learn about your specific fulfillment (or business) challenges, your corporate personality, and products? Do they make recommendations even before you’ve officially hired them?

• What’s their track record? This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. Performance statistics tell you what your company can expect in the way of results. Is your candidate company operating at industry average? That’s pretty good, but is it enough for you? How excited are they about upping the ante for you, by delivering faster and more accurately? Can they do it?

• Will they meet with you face-to-face? These days, technology makes it easy to conduct business without ever meeting your counterparts. But a top-notch outsource fulfillment company wants to become your long-term working partner. You should want that, too.

So you’ll want to look them in the eye, to see if you like them and to build trust. Are they willing to come to you, so their team can see your operation first-hand? Are they excited to host you at their facility, for a tour and meet-and-greet with the people who will be handling your fulfillment?

When it comes to outsource fulfillment, you’re looking for the best possible match — a company that will complement and enhance your company’s customer care reputation. Choose well. Your customers are depending on you.