Category: 3PL Provider

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3PL vs. Fulfillment Warehouse: Which is Right for Your eCommerce Business?

Ecommerce Business Owner Deciding Between a 3PL or Fulfillment Warehouse

If you’re running an eCommerce business, you’re probably already familiar with the challenges of managing inventory, packing orders, and shipping them to your customers on time. When it comes to outsourcing logistics, two terms often come up in discussions: 3PL (third-party logistics providers) and fulfillment warehouses. While these services share some similarities, their differences can have a big impact on how you grow and scale your business.

At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we’ve helped countless eCommerce businesses streamline their order processing and shipping. Here’s how 3PLs compare to fulfillment warehouses, so you can determine which option best suits your needs.

Key Differences Between 3PL and Fulfillment Warehouses

1. Control

Fulfillment warehouses give you much greater control over your inventory and processes. You can define what packaging is used, how orders are packed, and establish workflows that match your exact preferences. If you prefer a hands-on approach to logistics, a fulfillment warehouse is likely the better fit.

3PLs, on the other hand, take a more standardized approach. They handle logistics at scale, which often means less flexibility for customization, as their systems are designed to streamline operations for larger, varied client bases.

2. Scalability

If your eCommerce business is experiencing rapid growth or you’re planning to scale aggressively, a 3PL can be a powerful partner. 3PLs specialize in scalability, with the infrastructure and expertise to handle surges in order volume across multiple locations.

Fulfillment warehouses, while highly reliable, are typically better suited for businesses that want steady, manageable growth.

3. Technology

3PL services often come equipped with advanced technology and software integrations. From AI-driven forecasting tools to seamless integrations with your eCommerce platform, 3PLs excel in leveraging tech to keep your operations efficient. These additional tools can save time but often come with higher service costs.

Fulfillment warehouses, while tech-enabled, may offer fewer tech integrations in favor of simplicity and cost efficiency. If you don’t require complex technological solutions, this may be the more economical choice.

4. Cost

Fulfillment warehouses often have lower startup costs, making them ideal for small to mid-sized eCommerce businesses operating on tight budgets. You only pay for the storage space and services you actually need, keeping your initial investment minimal.

3PLs can be more expensive upfront due to their broader range of services and tech offerings. However, the added expense may pay off in the long term if you’re managing a high-volume or fast-growing business.

5. Expertise

3PL firms are logistics specialists. They handle everything from warehousing to freight negotiations, allowing you to tap into their deep industry expertise. For complex supply chains or international shipping, a 3PL can simplify challenging logistics.

Fulfillment warehouses, however, focus on the fundamentals of order fulfillment. If your needs are straightforward, like storing inventory and shipping orders, they offer a simple, stress-free solution without unnecessary extras.

Which Option is Right for Your Business?

Choosing between a 3PL and a fulfillment warehouse ultimately comes down to your business goals and needs. If you need scalability, advanced tech, and logistics expertise, a 3PL is a fantastic solution for supporting long-term growth. But if you want more hands-on control, cost-effective services, and a focus on the fundamentals, a fulfillment warehouse could be the better fit.

At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we know that every eCommerce business is unique. Our fulfillment services offer the perfect balance of flexibility, control, and cost-efficiency to help you grow your brand. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your eCommerce success!

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Why Ecommerce Businesses Should Outsource Logistics to a 3PL

3PL Services Illustration

Running an eCommerce business is as demanding as it is rewarding. While making sales and growing your brand is exciting, the logistics of getting products to customers can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where outsourcing your logistics to a Third-Party Logistics provider (3PL) can be a game-changer. At Medallion Fulfillment, we specialize in helping businesses like yours thrive by streamlining fulfillment processes and managing logistics like pros.

Here’s why partnering with a 3PL is one of the smartest moves for your eCommerce business:

Why Outsource Your Logistics to a 3PL?

1. Cost Savings

Handling logistics in-house can be expensive. Renting warehouse space, hiring staff, and managing shipping systems can stretch your resources. A 3PL already has the infrastructure in place. By outsourcing, you can leverage their resources and save significantly on operational costs.

2. Focus on What You Do Best

You didn’t start your business to get bogged down in shipping labels and tracking numbers. A 3PL allows you to hand over the complexities of logistics so you can focus on your core operations, like expanding your product line or enhancing customer experience.

3. Improved Efficiency

3PL providers are logistics specialists. They use advanced technology, streamlined processes, and expertise to ensure your products are delivered quickly and efficiently. This translates into happier customers and strong reviews for your store.

4. Scalability for Growth

Whether it’s the holiday rush or a sudden spike in orders, scaling logistics to meet demand can be tough. A 3PL can seamlessly adjust operations to match your needs, so you’re always prepared, no matter how fast your business grows.

5. Access to Expertise

When you partner with a 3PL, you gain access to a team of professionals who know the ins and outs of supply chain management. From reducing shipping costs to navigating complex logistics networks, they bring the insights you need to stay competitive in the eCommerce space.

6. Tap into a Wider Network

Most 3PLs have established relationships with carriers and warehouses across regions, giving your business access to faster and more cost-effective delivery options. At Medallion, we help optimize your supply chain, ensuring your products reach customers without delays.

Is a 3PL Right for Your Business?

Partnering with a 3PL is perfect for businesses ready to simplify logistics and focus on growth. Our team at Medallion Fulfillment ensures every step of the process—from warehousing to shipping—is seamless and tailored to your business needs.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to streamline your logistics operations and elevate your eCommerce game, we’re here to help. Contact Medallion Fulfillment today to learn how we can customize our 3PL solutions for your business goals.

Make logistics one less thing to worry about, so you can focus on growing your brand.

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Tariffs and Their Impact on Your eCommerce Business

2025 Tariffs and 3PL Strategies

Understanding tariffs and devising strategies to mitigate their impact is critical for eCommerce business owners. At Medallion Fulfillment, we recognize the challenges tariffs present and are here to guide your business through these complexities. Here’s what you need to know and how to act.

What Are Tariffs?

A tariff is a tax imposed on imported goods, set by governments to regulate trade or protect domestic industries. These taxes often increase the cost of imported items, which can affect pricing, profitability, and supply chains.

Tariffs are typically categorized as:

  • Ad Valorem Tariffs: Based on a percentage of the item’s value.
  • Flat-Rate Tariffs: A set fee applied per unit, regardless of value.
  • Compound Tariffs: A mix of both percentage-based and flat-rate fees.

How Tariffs Affect Small Ecommerce Businesses

Tariffs lead to increased costs, often resulting in tighter profit margins, higher product prices, or disruption in supply chains. For eCommerce stores, these additional costs can make imported products less competitive, potentially impacting customer demand.

Key challenges include:

  • Increased operational costs.
  • Lengthier customs clearance processes.
  • Compliance with shifting trade regulations.

Strategies to Combat Tariffs

While tariffs can’t be avoided, there are actionable steps you can take to reduce their impact on your business:

1. Audit Your Supply Chain

Identify which products in your inventory are subject to tariffs. Look at your suppliers and evaluate whether alternatives from tariff-exempt countries can be sourced without compromising quality.

2. Adjust Pricing Strategically

Communicate transparently with customers about price changes due to tariffs. Gradual price increases or bundling affected products with other offerings can help soften the impact.

3. Negotiate with Suppliers

Many suppliers are open to sharing tariff costs or offering discounts to maintain partnerships. Proactively initiate conversations to explore solutions.

4. Diversify Your Product Offerings

Consider introducing products that are less affected by tariffs, such as domestically sourced items, to maintain profitability.

5. Automate Compliance

Invest in software or services to ensure proper documentation and tariff classifications. This can prevent costly delays and reduce manual work.

Partnering with a 3PL Can Help

A trusted 3PL (third-party logistics) provider like Medallion Fulfillment can be a game-changer for navigating tariffs. Here’s how we help:

  • Customs Expertise: We stay updated on tariff regulations to keep your shipments compliant and on schedule.
  • Cost-Effective Shipping: Our relationships with carriers help reduce fulfillment costs.
  • Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Options: We handle duties and taxes upfront, ensuring no surprise costs for your customers.

By collaborating with a 3PL, you gain the tools and expertise necessary to minimize disruptions and focus on scaling your business.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Tariffs are part of the global trade landscape, but proactive planning and expert support can help you thrive despite them. Reach out to Medallion Fulfillment today to learn how our tailored solutions can secure your eCommerce operations and boost your bottom line.

Contact us to get started!

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What is a 3PL?

What is a 3PL?

Unlocking the Benefits of a 3PL for eCommerce Fulfillment

The meteoric rise of eCommerce and virtual storefronts has made third-party logistics (3PL) a buzzworthy concept in the world of fulfillment services. Managing operations like warehousing, transportation, and order fulfillment can be challenging for small to mid-size online retailers. If you’re asking yourself whether outsourcing these tasks to a 3PL provider is right for your business, you’re not alone. This article highlights the key benefits of using a 3PL and why Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics should be your trusted partner.

What Is a 3PL?

At its core, a 3PL provider steps in to manage essential supply chain operations for your business. These services can include:

  • Warehousing for inventory storage
  • Order fulfillment that ensures accurate packing and shipping
  • Transportation and shipping brokerage to optimize freight and reduce costs
  • Supply chain strategy to streamline operations and meet customer expectations

Whether you need help with all of these functions or just one, a 3PL offers a way to offload operational complexity while maintaining control over your brand. Notably, 86% of Fortune 500 companies rely on 3PL providers for an average of three services, proving their immense value for businesses of all sizes.

Why Use a 3PL Provider for Shipping and Fulfillment?

If you’re an eCommerce business owner, fulfillment is likely one of your biggest expenses—not just in terms of finances but also in time and energy. Here’s why outsourcing to a 3PL like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics could transform your operations:

  1. Focus on Growing Sales

Sales are the lifeblood of any business. Yet, without a 3PL, valuable time is often spent juggling inventory management, shipping logistics, and warehouse supervision. By outsourcing operations to a trusted 3PL provider, you can free yourself to focus entirely on scaling your sales and engaging customers.

  1. Cost-Effective Operations

Running your own warehouse and employing a logistics team is expensive—especially for small to mid-size businesses. Outsourcing allows you to cut costs on facility rentals, equipment, and staff salaries. Additionally, 3PLs can often negotiate significantly reduced shipping rates with carriers like FedEx or UPS, thanks to their high-volume shipments. These savings can be funneled back into growing your business.

  1. Meet Customer Delivery Expectations

Fast shipping is no longer optional. Same-day and next-day deliveries have become industry standards, and customers expect their orders to arrive quickly and reliably. With their established distribution networks, 3PLs like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics ensure orders are delivered on time, no matter where your customers are located.

  1. Maintain Control Over Your Brand

Outsourcing doesn’t mean losing control. With a 3PL, you’re still the face of the company, managing branding, customer service, and the overall customer experience. The 3PL simply handles the behind-the-scenes logistics, working seamlessly to align with your business’s goals.

  1. Leverage Strategic Warehouse Locations

The location of your inventory impacts both delivery speed and shipping costs. With Medallion’s dual warehouses on the East Coast and West Coast, eCommerce providers can enjoy rapid shipping across the nation while lowering transit times. Storing inventory at both locations means reaching customers faster while cutting down on costs.

  1. 3PL Options for Every Business

You don’t need to be an enterprise company to reap the rewards of working with a 3PL. Even startups with limited resources can benefit. Medallion’s specially-designed flat-rate fulfillment program ensures that smaller businesses get access to professional logistics solutions without breaking the bank.

The Key Functions and Benefits of Partnering with a 3PL

Collaborating with a 3PL provider allows businesses to optimize their workflows in several ways:

  • Improved Efficiency: A 3PL handles the complexities of fulfillment, allowing you to operate more efficiently.
  • Scalability: Partnering with a 3PL makes it easier to scale your business operations during periods of growth.
  • Access to Technology: Advanced logistics platforms provided by 3PLs monitor inventory, automate processes, and increase transparency within your supply chain.
  • Expertise at Your Fingertips: Logistical expertise means fewer delivery delays, packaging errors, or inventory management hiccups.

Why Choose Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics?

With decades of experience in fulfillment, Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics differentiates itself not just with top-tier logistics services but also with a focus on customer satisfaction. Medallion stands out by:

  • Offering customized solutions for businesses of all sizes, including startups.
  • Maintaining a coast-to-coast warehouse network for nationwide shipping efficiency.
  • Providing a flat-rate startup program, making professional fulfillment accessible.
  • Enabling detailed shipment tracking and tasting notes to deliver a premium customer experience.

Medallion is committed to helping businesses like yours thrive in the competitive world of eCommerce, ensuring seamless fulfillment and unparalleled support.

Is a 3PL Right for Your Business?

Outsourcing fulfillment is about more than just saving time—it’s about setting your business up for long-term success. By partnering with a 3PL provider like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, you can streamline your processes, meet customer expectations, and remain focused on what you do best—selling great products.

Interested in taking the next step? At Medallion Fulfillment, we specialize in creating tailored solutions for eCommerce businesses. Contact us today to learn how we can make your operations more efficient and cost-effective.

Start building a stronger, faster, and smarter fulfillment operation with Medallion—because your business deserves the best.

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Why You Need a 3PL Warehouse for Your TikTok Shop

Woman watching TikTok videos and then shopping.

Running a successful TikTok Shop takes more than just great videos and trending hashtags. Behind every captivating video showcasing your products is a logistical challenge—managing inventory, packing orders, shipping on time, and handling returns. It’s a lot, right? If you’re feeling the pressure, outsourcing to a 3PL (third-party logistics) warehouse could be the game-changer your TikTok business needs. Here’s why.

What is a 3PL Warehouse, and How Does It Work?

A 3PL warehouse is a fulfillment hub that manages the backend logistics of your e-commerce store. Instead of storing, packing, and shipping orders yourself, a 3PL provider handles everything from inventory management to customer returns. For TikTok Shop owners, this means spending less time worrying about logistics and more time creating engaging content that sells product.

Why a 3PL Warehouse is Perfect for TikTok Shop Owners

1. Free Up Your Time to Focus on Content Creation

Let’s face it, creating TikTok videos that go viral takes time and effort. Instead of juggling logistics, why not leave the heavy lifting to industry experts? A 3PL like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics can handle warehouse management, order processing, and shipping, allowing you to focus on what you do best—growing your TikTok audience and making sales.

2. Small-Business Friendly Pricing

Many small businesses hesitate to use 3PL warehouses because of the perceived high costs. But Medallion’s Start-Up Program is designed with small businesses in mind. Its unique Flat Rate Fulfillment Starter Program lets you test new products and markets with minimal financial risk. For a flat fee, you’ll receive full-service support, including inventory management, shipping, credit card processing, and customer returns.

This flexible pricing model allows TikTok Shop owners to keep startup costs low while maximizing the return on investment.

3. Efficient Order Processing and Shipping

TikTok shoppers expect quick shipping and seamless order fulfillment, and a 3PL ensures you never fall short on these expectations. Medallion’s 3PL solutions take care of the details, so every order arrives on time and as promised—turning shoppers into repeat customers.

Whether your fulfillment needs are local (Los Angeles or Boston), regional (the West Coast or East Coast), or international (including Canada), Medallion has you covered.

4. Handle Busy Periods with Ease

If you’ve hit the jackpot with a viral TikTok video, it’s only a matter of time before orders start flooding in. Can your current system handle it? A 3PL warehouse is built for scalability, meaning they have the resources and staff to process orders quickly, even during peak sales periods.

5. Build a Stronger Customer Experience

Customer reviews and loyalty count for everything on TikTok. Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics offers expert service that keeps customers informed about their order status, handles returns professionally, and ensures smooth delivery. These small touches build a stronger reputation and foster trust in your brand.

Special Features of Medallion’s Start-Up Program

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics is especially well-suited for TikTok Shop owners, thanks to their innovative Flat Rate Fulfillment Starter Program. Here’s what you’ll get:

  • Custom Flat Rate Pricing tailored to your business needs
  • Full-service support for 500 to 1,000 orders in a 60-day period
  • Services include inventory handling, credit card processing, customer service, shipping, and returns
  • A cost-effective solution that allows you to test your product’s market potential with minimal financial commitment

Once your test phase is complete, you can seamlessly transition to Medallion’s full-service fulfillment program to support your growing business.

Fulfillment Solutions Across the US and Canada

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics provides tailored solutions for TikTok Shop owners across the United States and Canada:

  • Local solutions in Los Angeles, Boston, and other key cities
  • Regional solutions for the West Coast and East Coast
  • Nationwide solutions for expanding brands
  • Cross-border fulfillment into Canada

Whether you’re selling a collection of trendy clothes, beauty products, or quirky home goods, their services are designed to scale with your success.

How to Get Started with Medallion

Taking your TikTok Shop to the next level has never been easier. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Visit Medallion’s Start-Up Program page to learn about their flat-rate pricing and tailored solutions.
  2. Reach out for a custom quote based on your product and expected order volume.
  3. Relax and focus on creating content while Medallion handles the logistics.

Final Thoughts

Growing a TikTok Shop is exciting but managing logistics shouldn’t slow you down. By partnering with a 3PL warehouse like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, you can streamline your operations, ensure a seamless customer experience, and dedicate more time to building your brand.

For small businesses, Medallion’s flexible pricing and full-service solutions are tailored to help you achieve success without stretching your resources.

Don’t wait—turn your TikTok success into an unstoppable e-commerce brand. Visit Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics today to get a 3PL warehouse for your TikTok shop.