Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Your Fulfillment Operation

By The Retail Online Integration Staff

Outsourcing Cons
1. You’ll lose some control over your products and how they’re shipped. If you outsource, remember a key fact: You’re depending on someone else to take care of the shipping, handling and receiving of your products.

2. Be ready to be an expert communicator. Outsourcing means that you’re relying on a third-party provider for all of your fulfillment needs. It’s critical that you clearly communicate with your fulfillment provider regarding inventory details, such as when it’s coming and how you want it handled. Communicate your needs (e.g., “please label with hangtags,” “please repackage,” etc.) and get the proper agreement from the warehouse. This must be done at all times, whether it’s your first receiving or your 100th.