Why should you reach a 3PL matchmaker instead of discovering your 3PL yourself? A 3PL matchmaker has a vast network of 3PL providers in distinct industries with experience, capabilities, and market understanding.
Therefore, when you tell them your requirements for transitioning from in-house fulfillment, they know which 3PL provider can satisfy you. Moreover, it saves you time and the expense of trial and error of trying various 3PL providers.
In this guide, you will understand why you require a 3PL provider and how they can assist you in swapping from in-house fulfillment to a 3PL provider.
What Is A 3PL Matchmaker?
A 3PL matchmaker is a company or firm that helps you discover the right third-party logistics providers for your brand. Finding a 3PL all by yourself can be complex and challenging. Therefore, if you give all your necessities to a 3PL, they will assist you in finding the right 3PL partner.
Moreover, they will analyze your brand’s requirements and find the perfect fit.
Why Transition To A 3PL?
If you ask yourself, “Why transition to a 3PL?” It allows you to ease your workload by moving the logistics-related activities to a 3PL. It will assist you in focusing on the essential business goals and leaving the logistics to a professional.
By doing so, you can get the following benefits:
- Outsourcing a 3PL allows for a decrease in overhead expenses, such as warehouse leases and labor charges.
- You can improve the scalability by having trustworthy 3PL providers who can adapt to your order volumes.
- Ability to use advanced technology through the 3PL services, such as real-time tracking to AI-powered analytics.
- You can consider expanding to international markets since you have a 3PL who can handle most of the work process.
- You can get the opportunity to deliver fast, ensure accurate tracking, and provide a reliable service.
What Is The Role Of A 3PL Matchmaker In The Transition From In-House Fulfillment To A 3PL Provider?
If you want to know how the 3PL matchmaker can assist you with swapping from in-house fulfillment to a dedicated 3PL, this section will brief it. Moreover, a 3PL matchmaker allows you to simplify this process by recognizing the key aspects and allowing you to move effectively.
1. What Are Your Needs?
The initial step a 3PL matchmaker would take is to identify your fulfillment requirement. They will then dig deep into your expectations and how you expect the 3PL to change them. In general, they may analyze different factors of your brand, such as product type, order volume, geographic distribution, and budget.
Here are some key questions they may ask from you to identify your requirements, and you can prepare the answers accordingly:
- What is your average order volume? (helps to determine daily, monthly, and seasonal order quantities).
- What types of products do you sell? (such as such as perishable, breakable, or oversized products).
- Where are your customers located? (whether you function locally, nationally, or globally).
- What challenges are you currently facing with in-house fulfillment? (specific pain points, like slow delivery times).
- What is your budget for fulfillment? (to identify your financial constraints).
- Do you have any technology requirements?
- What are your scalability needs?
- What is your expected turnaround time for orders?
- Do you require specialized services? (such as kitting, custom packaging).
- How do you measure fulfillment success? (such as order accuracy and delivery speed).
Once your 3PL assesses the key factors, they will select one or more 3PLs that match your requirements for review.
2. Market Expertise
Depending on your brand’s industry, the matchmaker will find the right 3PL with experience dealing with similar brands like yours. Moreover, since matchmakers have been in the industry for a long time, they have an in-depth understanding of your logistics requirements.
Certain logistic aspects may not be evident, but your matchmaker will know. Therefore, they will help you find the specific 3PL that fits your brand, experience, and expectations.
3. Smooth And Effective The Selection Process
Your 3PL matchmakers will have a network of 3PL providers with varying talents, reputations, experiences, and more. Therefore, they will use a targeted approach to sift through the dozens of 3PL providers.
Once the matchmaker selects the ideal 3PL, you can talk to them and check how well they fit you. If it’s a perfect fit, the matchmaker will help you build the relationship to the next step by negotiating the terms and conditions.
4. Take Care Of Negotiations
Is negotiating a difficult task? Yes, negotiating contracts and pricing is a difficult task. Moreover, both parties should conclude, including the 3PL provider and the company hiring the provider.
Therefore, the matchmaker is an intermediary to build a secure business relationship. They ensure businesses secure favorable terms and avoid hidden fees or long-term commitments. At any point, if there are conflicts or disagreements, both parties can talk to the matchmaker and get the work done.
5. Onboarding Support
The matchmaker can carry onboarding support once both parties are happy with the terms and conditions. During this time, the matchmaker will help you to transition the fulfillment services by negotiating with 3PL. These tasks may include the following:
- Operational adjustments
- Data integration
- Process alignment.
Hence, matchmakers will help ensure a smooth transition and effectively hand over the tasks to the 3PL provider.
6. Ongoing Optimization
After you find a 3PL, negotiate the relevant process, and onboard, the matchmakers’ relationship doesn’t end here. If you need further assistance or have conflicts with the 3PL, they will always be there to help.
Moreover, certain matchmakers may also provide continuous support by monitoring the partnership’s performance. They will give recommendations and help you have a long-term relationship if necessary.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a 3PL matchmaker will help you find the right 3PL provider for your brand and effectively transition from in-house fulfillment.
If you need the assistance of a 3PL matchmaker, don’t forget that 3PeeL is always here to help. We will help you find your most reliable and best-suited 3PL provider based on the unique requirements at your fingertips.
