Best Fulfillment Services for Small E-commerce Businesses: 6 Reliable Providers
Running a small e-commerce business comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to fulfilling orders quickly and efficiently. Finding the right fulfillment service can make a big difference in how smoothly your operations run. In this article, we'll explore six reliable fulfillment providers that can help small e-commerce businesses thrive and avoid any pitfalls and expensive mistakes!
What are the best fulfillment services for an ecommerce businesses? Here are the Key Takeaways first.
- ShipBob offers comprehensive and affordable fulfillment services ideal for small to mid-sized businesses.
- Saltbox is perfect for businesses looking for flexible, on-demand fulfillment solutions.
- ShipHero excels in helping businesses transition to third-party logistics (3PL) with ease.
- Red Stag Fulfillment specializes in handling oversized, heavy, or fragile items with high accuracy.
- ShipMonk is great for businesses that manage subscription boxes or crowdfunding projects.
ShipBob
ShipBob is a rapidly expanding e-commerce fulfillment center with a nationwide warehouse network comparable to enterprise solutions. Despite its extensive reach, ShipBob remains accessible to small businesses and startups with a low minimum of 100 monthly orders.
Pricing
ShipBob charges a single fulfillment fee per order, which includes pick and pack (up to four items), basic packaging materials, and shipping costs. Here is a breakdown of some of their fees:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Onboarding | Starting at $499 (Growth plan) |
| Storage (Pallet) | $40/month |
| Storage (Shelf) | $10/month |
| Storage (Small Shelf) | $7.50/month |
| Storage (Bin) | $5/month |
| Receiving (First 2 hours) | $35 |
| Receiving (Each additional hour) | $45/hour |
| Picking | $0.26 per unit |
Standout Features
- Large Fulfillment Network: 37 US and 13 non-US locations in over 200 countries.
- Integrations: Extensive native integrations from shopping carts to CRM tools.
- Customization Options: Branding options to enhance customer experience.
- Highly Flexible: D2C orders, subscription boxes, and B2B sales with EDI compliance.
- FBA Prep: Prepares and sends inventory to Amazon for multichannel clients.
- Retailer Dropshipping Service: Items listed on major retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, and Target ship directly from ShipBob to customers.
- Managed Freight Program: ‘FreightBob’ offers comprehensive freight and inventory management, improving transit times and visibility for shipments from China.
- WMS (Warehouse Management Software): Proprietary WMS available for use in self-managed warehouses, compatible with ShipBob’s fulfillment services.
User Reviews
ShipBob's user reviews are mixed, with scores ranging from 3.6 to 4.3. While some users praise the excellent customer service and two-day express shipping, others complain about delayed orders and mishandled products.
With powerful technology and comprehensive e-commerce fulfillment services, ShipBob is the 3PL you need to grow your small business.
Saltbox
Saltbox is a standout choice for small and midsize businesses looking for flexible fulfillment solutions. Saltbox offers a unique combination of order fulfillment solutions tailored for small business. The company stands out with its flexible approach, providing customizable services such as warehouse rental and office equipment leasing, offering full control over order fulfillment. On-demand, additional workforce services are available, along with the ability to scale space for peak demands.
Pricing Plans
Saltbox has introduced membership plans, making it the only order fulfillment provider with clear-cut pricing plans. Here are the plans:
Access Plans:
- $199/month (Starting Shipper): Daily workspace rentals, basic logistics support including easy package drop-offs for major shipping carriers like UPS, USPS, and FedEx.
- $349/month (Growing Shipper): Everything in the Starting Shipper plan, plus inventory receiving support and storage access.
Workspace Plans:
- Pro Shipper (custom pricing based on size of warehouse suite): Everything in the Growing Shipper plan, plus dedicated warehouse suites for storage and fulfillment operations, advanced logistics support, including shipping, receiving, and inventory management, easy access to loading docks and receiving areas.
- Professional (custom pricing based on office suite size): Everything in the Growing Shipper plan, plus dedicated office suites with customizable layouts, advanced logistics support, including shipping and receiving, easy access to loading docks and receiving areas.
Standout Features
- Suite rentals: Rent an office or warehouse suite on a month-to-month basis (no long-term contract or lease).
- Business resources and amenities: Access to a photo studio, loading docks, conference rooms, and coworking areas.
- Flexible services: Create your own hybrid fulfillment arrangement—Saltbox is the only order fulfillment service with this kind of flexibility.
- Integrations: Over 30 integrations available, including Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Etsy, Magento, and Walmart—plus CSV upload and API options.
- Crowdfunding/batch fulfillment: Support for crowdfunding ventures and limited product launches at the same capacity as standard DTC businesses.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Custom packages include a combination of in-house and/or third-party services.
- Easy access to inventory and facilities keeps sellers in full control.
- Membership includes amenities such as office space.
Cons:
- Limited volume capacities may not work for large or enterprise-level businesses.
- Business-only customer support hours.
- Lacks amenities for cold storage.
Saltbox is the perfect destination for ecommerce and small businesses looking for help with fulfillment. Its strategically located warehouses in metropolitan areas allow clients easy access to their inventory for direct management, offering a level of control and convenience not typically found with other fulfillment providers.
ShipHero
ShipHero is a versatile fulfillment service that caters to both in-house and third-party logistics needs. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline your e-commerce operations, making it a strong contender for small businesses looking to scale efficiently.
Pricing
ShipHero uses an 'all-in-one' fulfillment fee structure. This includes flat-rate postage, pick and pack for one item, and packaging materials. However, these rates are custom-quoted to better meet individual business needs. For storage, ShipHero charges $0.70 per cubic foot per day and $0.33 for each additional pick.
Standout Features
- Fulfillment Network: ShipHero has five U.S. and two Canadian warehouse locations.
- Warehouse Management Software (WMS): This software is used globally by large-scale warehouses to manage and optimize day-to-day operations.
- Integrations: Over 50 turnkey integrations plus API options.
- Batch Fulfillment: Offers per-project services for crowdfunding campaigns and product launches.
- FBA Prep and Seller-Fulfilled Prime Eligibility: Power your Amazon sales with ShipHero’s programs and qualify for an Amazon Prime badge.
- Operational Visibility: See order status in real-time, including photos of every packed box.
- Accessible Customer Support: Dedicated support contact for personalized customer service.
User Reviews
ShipHero maintains a high overall rating from real-world user reviews, averaging around 4.4 out of 5. Users commend ShipHero’s helpful staff, easy onboarding process, and effective software for both fulfillment and WMS. However, some negative feedback includes poor communication, mishandled inventory, and frequent late shipments.
ShipHero provides logistics software and a fulfillment network of third-party logistics providers (3PLs) that allows e-commerce manufacturers and merchants to manage their operations efficiently.
Red Stag Fulfillment
Red Stag Fulfillment is a top choice for small e-commerce businesses, especially those dealing with oversized, heavy, high-value, or fragile items. Their order accuracy rate is an impressive 99.98%, ensuring minimal errors and high customer satisfaction. They also offer a zero-shrink guarantee, meaning you won't lose inventory due to theft or damage.
Red Stag Fulfillment provides several standout features:
- Service guarantees: They pay $50 for any order fulfillment error and resolve it for free, giving you peace of mind.
- Specialization in large and valuable items: Ideal for businesses selling items like furniture, artwork, and electronics.
- Free 30-day trial period: Test their services without any initial costs.
- Enhanced warehouse security measures: Their warehouses are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems.
Pricing with Red Stag Fulfillment is customized based on order volume, package weights, and SKU count. They offer free onboarding and discounted rates with carriers. Here's a quick look at some average costs:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Inbound receiving | $13.25 per pallet |
| Monthly storage | $2 per bin, $15 per pallet |
| Order pick-and-pack | $2.25 to $2.64 for the first item, $0.30 for each additional item |
| Shipping boxes and materials | Included at no extra cost |
| Shipping fees | Discounted FedEx rates |
Red Stag Fulfillment is a reliable partner for small businesses, offering high accuracy, security, and specialized services for large and valuable items. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes them a standout choice in the fulfillment industry.
Flexport
Flexport is a top choice for small e-commerce businesses, especially those selling on competitive marketplaces. It scored an impressive 4.02 out of 5 in our evaluation.
Pros
- Large warehouse network with robust shipping capabilities
- Prime-like badges to advertise fast shipping
- Intelligent inventory allocation
Cons
- No custom packaging options
- Cannot fulfill FBA or Amazon SFP orders
- Fluctuating and expensive storage costs
Overview
Flexport is ideal for small businesses selling on online marketplaces. It partners with hundreds of carriers to provide digital freight brokerage. This service is similar to Amazon FBA but focuses on non-Amazon marketplaces like Walmart, Wish, eBay, Facebook, Instagram, and Google Express.
Pricing
Flexport’s pricing is similar to FBA but often more affordable for multichannel sellers. Storage costs can fluctuate, especially during peak seasons, so it's important to budget carefully. Shipping charges are based on three service levels: Standard (5-7 days), 3-day, and 2-day delivery.
Standout Features
- Social selling: Works with Facebook, Instagram, and Google, in addition to Shopify, Etsy, and Walmart.
- Prime-like badges: Promotes fast shipping with badges on marketplace listings.
- Fulfillment network: Over 50 warehouses across the US.
- Shipping carriers: Supports 12 carriers, including FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL.
- Advanced logistics: Offers a broad range of services, including freight and customs.
User Reviews
Flexport has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5. Users appreciate the user-friendly interface and high level of guidance, though frequent updates can be a double-edged sword. Some users also find it expensive for low-volume shippers.
ShipMonk
ShipMonk is a top choice for small e-commerce businesses, especially those dealing with subscription services. One of the key advantages of ShipMonk is its technological solution for managing the entire fulfillment process. This makes inventory management and order processing much easier, helping to reduce delivery times and increase customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Dedicated rep with client-specific training
- Warehouse automations
- Affordable batch fulfillment
Cons
- Limited international fulfillment network
- Hidden fees reported in fine-print pricing
- Difficult to terminate services
Pricing
ShipMonk has a minimum requirement of $250 in pick and pack costs, which is lower than some competitors. The pricing model is scalable, with volume discounts starting at 500 orders per month. However, fragile items and items heavier than 5 lbs will incur additional charges.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Storage | $25 per pallet per month or $1–$4 per container per month |
| Order fulfillment | $3 per order, 75 cents for each additional item |
| Returns processing | $2 per order |
Standout Features
- Subscription Services: Special pricing, inventory forecasting, kitting, and custom packing procedures.
- Advanced automation: Warehouse automation technologies for quicker fulfillment times and higher picking accuracy.
- Quality control: Features like “Snap n’ Pack” and automatic reshipment of orders.
- Duty-free import with Section 321: Ship to ShipMonk’s Mexico location and import incrementally into the US.
ShipMonk is particularly beneficial for businesses that offer subscriptions and perform crowdfunding projects. The company provides scalability and flexibility necessary to manage these types of projects.
User Reviews
ShipMonk’s reviews from third-party sites average 4 out of 5. Users appreciate its warehouse efficiency, responsive support, and fast order turnaround times. However, some users have reported hidden fees and a difficult termination process.
ShipMonk is your go-to partner for all things e-commerce. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, ShipMonk offers the tools and support you need to succeed. Ready to take your business to the next level? Visit our website today and discover how we can help you grow.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fulfillment service is a big step for any small e-commerce business as it can have so much influence on your margin. The six providers we discussed each offer unique benefits that can help streamline your operations and improve customer satisfaction. Whether you need specialized handling for fragile items, subscription box management, or scalable solutions for a growing business, there's a fulfillment service out there for you. By carefully considering your specific needs and the strengths of each provider, you can find the perfect partner to help your business thrive. Remember, the right fulfillment service can make a huge difference in your efficiency and customer happiness, so choose wisely!
Also, check out our full e-commerce guide for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fulfillment service?
A fulfillment service is a company that handles the storage, packing, and shipping of products for other businesses.
Why should small e-commerce businesses use fulfillment services?
Fulfillment services help small e-commerce businesses save time and money by managing inventory, packing, and shipping, allowing them to focus on growing their business.
What makes ShipBob a good choice for small businesses?
ShipBob offers fast and affordable shipping, real-time inventory tracking, and a wide network of warehouses, making it ideal for small businesses.
How does Saltbox help with in-house fulfillment?
Saltbox provides flexible, on-demand warehouse space and fulfillment services, allowing businesses to manage their own inventory while still getting help with shipping.
Can ShipHero help businesses transition to third-party fulfillment?
Yes, ShipHero specializes in helping businesses move from in-house fulfillment to third-party logistics, offering tools and support for a smooth transition.
What types of products does Red Stag Fulfillment specialize in?
Red Stag Fulfillment is known for handling heavy, oversized, fragile, and high-value items, providing specialized care and guarantees.
Why is Flexport good for marketplace selling?
Flexport offers comprehensive logistics solutions that are ideal for businesses selling on multiple online marketplaces, ensuring efficient and reliable shipping.
What makes ShipMonk suitable for subscription services?
ShipMonk excels in managing subscription boxes, offering customized packing and shipping solutions that cater to the unique needs of subscription-based businesses.