Category: Fulfillment Center

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Medallion’s Fulfillment Center Saves Ecommerce Client from Disaster

Medallion Fulfillment Center worker packing products.

When a client’s fulfillment center suddenly collapsed, Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics stepped in to prevent a business catastrophe. This case study details how our rapid response and comprehensive fulfillment services not only saved our client’s inventory but also set them on a path to greater efficiency and growth.

Executive summary

When an ecommerce business owner faced imminent collapse after his fulfillment provider went bankrupt, Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics executed an emergency inventory rescue. By swiftly relocating, cataloging, and managing his extensive inventory, we prevented a total business disruption. Our implementation of advanced technology and personalized support has since saved the client thousands of dollars and fostered significant business growth.

Introduction

Alvin R., a Ph.D. based in Santa Monica, California, runs a niche ecommerce business selling educational counseling videos and brochures. For years, he operated his mail-order company successfully, building a substantial inventory to serve his customer base. Unlike many modern businesses, Alvin preferred to manage his operations without computers, relying on mail, telephone, and fax. This unique business model required a fulfillment partner with the flexibility to accommodate his non-digital workflow while still providing efficient service.

The Problem

The crisis began when Alvin received a frantic call: his fulfillment center had gone out of business overnight. The situation was dire. The local authorities were on their way to lock the warehouse doors, which would trap his entire inventory indefinitely.

For a business like Alvin’s, which relies entirely on its physical stock, losing access to inventory meant losing the business itself. He faced several critical challenges simultaneously:

  • Imminent loss of all inventory: With the warehouse about to be sealed, Alvin was moments away from being unable to fulfill any orders.
  • Complete business disruption: Without products to ship, his revenue would drop to zero, and his company’s reputation would be destroyed.
  • No immediate alternative: Finding a new fulfillment partner and transferring a large inventory typically takes weeks or months—time Alvin didn’t have.
  • A complex, non-standard inventory: His stock of videos and brochures was considerable, and managing it required careful organization.

Alvin needed more than just a new warehouse; he needed a lifeline. He needed a partner who could act immediately and handle his unique operational needs without missing a beat.

The Solution

Alvin called us at Medallion in a state of panic, and we understood the urgency. We treated his emergency as our own. Without waiting for contracts or formalities, we mobilized our team.

  • Emergency Inventory Rescue: We immediately rerouted our trucks and dispatched a crew to Alvin’s defunct fulfillment house. In a race against time, our team loaded his entire stock and moved it to our secure facility just before the doors were locked by the authorities. While other customers of the failed warehouse lost access to their goods for months, Alvin’s inventory was safe.
  • Rapid Onboarding and Fulfillment: Our staff worked quickly to catalog and organize Alvin’s extensive inventory. Within record time, we had his products stored and were ready to resume shipping orders. This rapid transition ensured there was virtually no disruption to his business operations.
  • Adapting to a Unique Workflow: We respected Alvin’s preference for a non-computerized business model. Our team established a seamless process to handle his orders via mail, phone, and fax while using our own state-of-the-art systems to manage the backend.
  • Modernizing for Efficiency: Using our advanced computer technology, we provided Alvin with detailed inventory tracking, expedited order processing, and comprehensive accounting records. This gave him a level of insight and control over his business that he previously lacked.
  • Future-Proofing the Business: Recognizing that his VHS video inventory was becoming obsolete, we worked with Alvin to transition his products to DVD. Medallion’s on-demand duplication services for small media orders allowed him to modernize his offerings and further increase sales without a large upfront investment.

Result

Our partnership with Alvin yielded significant, measurable results that not only saved his business from the brink but also helped it thrive. As Alvin himself has said, “The executives at Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics have been here with me through ‘thick and thin’. These guys are really dedicated to what they do… given the amount of detail that is required in the fulfillment business, I don’t know how they do it!”

  • Avoided a Complete Business Shutdown: Our immediate action prevented Alvin from losing his inventory and allowed him to continue fulfilling orders without interruption.
  • Saved Thousands of Dollars: By implementing efficient inventory management and order processing systems, we significantly reduced his operational costs.
  • Improved Operational Oversight: Our technology provided Alvin with precise tracking of his inventory, orders, and accounts receivable, empowering him to make better business decisions.
  • Supported Sustainable Growth: The transition from VHS to DVD opened up new sales opportunities, and our scalable services ensured we could support his growing business needs.
  • Peace of Mind: Alvin has been a satisfied customer ever since that initial crisis. He knows he has a reliable, financially sound partner he can count on, no matter what challenges arise.

Conclusion

The story of our partnership with Alvin is a powerful example of Medallion’s core values in action. As a family-owned company with over 30 years in the fulfillment center business, we understand the pressures entrepreneurs face. We pride ourselves on being more than just a service provider; we are a strategic partner dedicated to our clients’ success. Our ability to respond decisively in a crisis and provide flexible, personalized solutions sets us apart.

Whether you’re facing an emergency or simply looking for a more reliable fulfillment partner to help you grow, Medallion has the experience and infrastructure to support your unique needs. We offer scalable services that can grow with you, from basic warehousing to comprehensive order processing, inventory management, and customer service.

Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on what you do best—building your business.

Ready to partner with a fulfillment provider you can trust? Contact Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics today to learn how our customized solutions can benefit your business.

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My Search for a Fulfillment Center Was a Hot Mess. Here’s How I Found My People.

Cat in a cowboy hat in search of a fulfillment center

I remember the exact moment the magic died. My online store, “Cats in Hats” (don’t judge, it’s a lucrative niche), was finally taking off. Orders were pouring in. My apartment, however, had transformed from a cozy living space into a cardboard box labyrinth with a faint, persistent scent of packing tape and catnip. I tripped over a stack of mailers on my way to the coffee machine and realized this wasn’t sustainable. This was a fire hazard with a purring soundtrack.

The solution seemed simple: I needed a fulfillment center. A magical place where my adorable, hat-wearing cat merchandise would be stored, picked, packed, and shipped by organized professionals. I pictured a serene warehouse, possibly with angels singing softly as they placed tiny fedoras on plush felines. The reality of finding this place was, to put it mildly, a journey into the heart of corporate jargon and confusion.

My search began, as all modern quests do, with a frantic Google search. “What is a fulfillment center?” was followed by “3PL for small business” and eventually, “help my apartment is a box fort.” The results were overwhelming. Every website was a sea of acronyms: 3PL, WMS, EDI, FBA… I felt like I was trying to decipher secret government codes, not find someone to mail a cat wearing a sombrero.

The Rabbit Hole of Rate Cards and Robot Overlords

Each company I investigated seemed to fall into one of two categories. First, there were the mega-corporations. Their websites were sleek, filled with videos of intimidatingly efficient robots gliding through warehouses the size of small nations. Their “contact us” forms felt like applying for a top-secret security clearance. I imagined my small inventory of felt berets getting lost in a sea of protein powder and subscription boxes, a tiny fish in an ocean of commerce.

Their rate cards were even scarier. They talked about receiving fees, storage fees (calculated by cubic foot, as if I knew the volumetric dimensions of a fluffy cat), pick-and-pack fees (per-item or per-order?), and something called a “long-term storage penalty.” I started having nightmares about an unpaid invoice leading to my entire inventory being launched into the sun. I just wanted someone to put my stuff in a box and mail it, not solve a complex calculus problem to figure out my monthly bill.

Then there was the other end of the spectrum. The “we’re two guys in a garage” operations. While the personal touch was appealing, their websites looked like they were designed in 1998. The lack of clear information or professional processes gave me visions of my orders being packed by a guy named Chad between rounds of video games. I needed reliability, not just a friendly dude who might misplace a box of tiny propeller beanies.

I was stuck. One side felt too big, too impersonal, and too expensive. The other felt too small and too risky. Where was the Goldilocks of fulfillment? Where was the company that was just right?

What I Really Wanted Was a Fulfillment Partner, Not a Vendor

Through the haze of confusing quotes and soulless corporate websites, I started to realize what I was truly looking for. I wasn’t just outsourcing a task; I was looking for a fulfillment partner to help my business grow.

I needed a team that would actually answer the phone. I wanted to talk to a human being who knew my name and understood that a sudden rush on “Formal Friday” top hats for tabbies was a good thing, not a logistical nightmare. I wanted someone who would treat my products with the same care I did. After all, I’d spent countless hours sourcing those miniature cowboy hats. They deserved respect.

Most importantly, I wanted transparency. No hidden fees, no confusing upcharges. Just a clear, straightforward process from a company that felt like they were on my side. I was starting to believe such a place was a myth, a legend whispered among burned-out Etsy sellers.

Finding the Medallion Family

Just as I was about to give up and accept my fate as the queen of a cardboard kingdom, I stumbled upon a company called Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics. The name sounded solid, dependable. But what really caught my eye was the phrase “family-owned and operated Fulfillment Center.”

Intrigued, I clicked. There were no videos of scary robots. Instead, I found information about a company that had been doing this for years. They talked about partnership, about treating their clients’ businesses as their own. It sounded… nice. It sounded human.

I learned they had two strategic Fulfillment Center locations, one in Los Angeles and another in Boston. This was a game-changer. I could split my inventory and reach my customers on both coasts faster and cheaper. My West Coast cat lovers could get their hats in record time, and so could my East Coast feline fashionistas. It was the reach of a big company with the feel of a local business.

Taking a deep breath, I filled out their contact form, half-expecting another automated email or a week of silence. To my surprise, a real person—a friendly, knowledgeable person—called me back that same day. They didn’t laugh at my “Cats in Hats” business model. In fact, they asked smart questions about my products, my order volume, and my goals. They explained their pricing in simple terms, walking me through every line item until I actually understood it.

There was no jargon, no pressure. It felt less like a sales call and more like a conversation with a wise, experienced friend who just happened to be an expert in logistics. They understood the anxieties of a small business owner because they were a family of business owners themselves.

I knew I had found my people.

Today, my apartment is an apartment again. My cats (the real ones) have room to roam without navigating a box maze. And my business? It’s thriving. My inventory is safe and sound in Medallion’s warehouses in Los Angeles and Boston, and my orders go out on time, every time. When I have a question, I know exactly who to call.

The search for a fulfillment center can feel like a lonely, confusing ordeal. But finding the right one, a team that genuinely cares about your success, makes all the difference. For me, that team was Medallion. They didn’t just give me warehouse space; they gave me peace of mind and became a trusted part of my “Cats in Hats” family.

This humorous post about a fictitious scenario, provides a real-world view of the struggle finding the right Fulfillment Partner that many business owners face.

Visit the Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics website to meet “your people”, the friendly and knowledgeable team at Medallion Fulfillment today.

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How to Choose the Right Clothing Fulfillment Center for Your Business

Apparel 3PL Provider and Fulfillment Center Options

When it comes to running a successful clothing business, logistics plays a pivotal role. Choosing the right third-party logistics (3PL) provider can make or break your operations, especially in an industry as dynamic and detail oriented as fashion. At Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics, we understand the challenges and nuances of apparel fulfillment better than anyone else. Here’s how you can choose the perfect 3PL partner to ensure your business thrives.

Understanding Clothing Fulfillment Challenges

Apparel fulfillment brings unique challenges that require precision and expertise to manage effectively. Unlike other products, clothing comes in diverse sizes, styles, and materials, which makes inventory management complex. Beyond inventory, specific packaging needs, such as hangers or foldable boxes, further complicate matters.

And let’s not forget about scalability. Apparel businesses thrive on seasonal demand, from summer collections to holiday promotions. A good 3PL must be flexible enough to handle these spikes without compromising efficiency or service quality.

Key Considerations When Choosing a 3PL

Here are the critical factors every apparel business should consider when evaluating 3PL providers:

1. Experience and Industry Expertise

Look for a 3PL provider with a proven track record in apparel fulfillment. Their knowledge of handling diverse apparel categories—from casualwear to accessories—is essential to navigating industry-specific challenges like sizing complexities, fashion seasonality, and returns processing.

2. Efficient Warehousing and Inventory Management

Apparel inventory requires careful organization and real-time tracking. Efficient warehousing ensures your products are stored securely and categorized neatly. Advanced inventory management systems that provide live updates and insights are a must-have to avoid stockouts or overstock situations.

3. Order Processing and Accuracy

Smooth order processing is a critical aspect of customer satisfaction. A reliable 3PL should offer automated systems that integrate seamlessly with your e-commerce platform, ensuring every order is fulfilled accurately and shipped on time.

4. Returns and Exchanges Handling

Returns and exchanges are inevitable in the apparel business. Your 3PL provider should have robust processes for inspecting returned items, restocking inventory, and processing refunds or replacements promptly. A seamless return experience can build customer loyalty.

Move Forward with Confidence in Your 3PL

Choosing the right 3PL partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your apparel business. From managing inventory to scaling with seasonal demand, a reliable 3PL like Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics can streamline your operations, delight your customers, and drive your growth.

Get a Free 3PL Consultation today and see how we can take the hassle out of apparel fulfillment while helping your business reach new heights.

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Unlock Business Growth with 3PL Logistics Pt.1

3PL Logistics Provider

Supply chain management has evolved significantly in recent years, with businesses of all sizes grappling with increasing complexity, rising customer expectations, and the need to remain competitive. Now more than ever, strategic third-party logistics (3PL) partnerships are paving the way for businesses to scale, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.

This blog explores the world of 3PL logistics, offering insights into their role, benefits, and the critical factors to consider when choosing the right partner. In our next post we’ll also highlight real-world success stories that showcase the transformative potential of 3PL partnerships.

What is a 3PL Logistics?

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers offer outsourced logistics services that include inventory management, warehousing, distribution, and shipping. These providers act as the connective tissue in supply chains, enabling businesses to offload logistical complexities and focus on their core competencies.

Scope of Services

The services offered by 3PL companies typically include:

  • Warehousing for storing goods safely and efficiently.
  • Inventory Management to monitor and optimize stock levels.
  • Order Fulfillment to manage picking, packing, and shipping.
  • Freight Forwarding for global or regional shipping logistics.
  • Returns and Reverse Logistics to ensure a smooth return handling process.

Why Businesses Need 3PL

Many businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), find it challenging to meet fluctuating demand and keep up with operational complexities. This is where 3PLs provide unmatched value by acting as logistics experts and operational partners.

Benefits of Strategic 3PL Partnerships

Outsourcing logistics to a capable 3PL partner offers several advantages beyond simple operational support.

Cost Reduction

By leveraging economies of scale, 3PL logistics providers can negotiate better rates with carriers, optimize warehouse space, and reduce overhead costs. This translates to significant savings for your business.

Improved Efficiency

3PLs specialize in logistics and bring tried-and-tested processes to the table. With their expertise, businesses achieve faster shipping times, fewer errors, and optimized supply chain workflows.

Scalability and Flexibility

Expanding into a new market? Facing surging seasonal demand? A 3PL partner can help your operations scale seamlessly, allowing your business to respond to new opportunities or challenges without disrupting operations.

Access to Technology and Expertise

3PLs invest in cutting-edge logistics technology, such as warehouse management systems (WMS) and advanced analytics platforms. Leveraging these technologies ensures better tracking, data-driven insights, and real-time transparency for your operations.

Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

Quick, reliable delivery and hassle-free returns are essential for creating loyal customers. A competent 3PL partnership ensures your customers’ expectations are met every time, enhancing satisfaction and retention.

Harness the Potential of 3PL Logistics Partnerships

The future of business is dynamic, and agility is key to thriving in rapidly changing markets. Strategic 3PL partnerships allow businesses to unlock potential, improve efficiency, and exceed customer expectations in ways that would be difficult with in-house logistics alone.

At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we’ve spent decades crafting tailored logistics solutions for businesses across industries. Leveraging expertise, technology, and a people-first approach, we help you achieve operational excellence every step of the way.

Explore our 3PL services today to see how we can help your business grow. Contact us to get started.

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How to Choose the Right 3PL Logistics for Your Healthcare Supplement Business

3PL Logistics for Healthcare Supplements

When it comes to the healthcare supplement industry, partnering with the right third-party logistics (3PL) provider can make or break your operations. At Medallion Fulfillment, we understand the unique challenges you face and how a top tier 3PL logistics  company can help you overcome them. Whether you’re dealing with strict regulations or scaling to meet increasing market demands, making the right 3PL Logistics choice is crucial.

This guide will walk you through the growth of the supplement market, the risks of choosing the wrong partner, and the essential qualities your supplement 3PL must offer.

The Growing Healthcare Supplement Market

The global demand for healthcare supplements is booming. With the market expected to reach $230 billion by 2028, driven by growing health-conscious consumers, eCommerce businesses like yours have enormous opportunities to thrive. However, this expansion also comes with new complexities like tighter regulatory requirements, high customer expectations, and increased competition.

This is where a trusted 3PL comes into play.

Risks of Choosing the Wrong 3PL Logistics Provider

The right 3PL is an extension of your business. Choosing the wrong provider can have implications far beyond late shipments. Here are some risks to keep an eye on:

  • Regulatory Non-Compliance

FDA and other industry mandates are strict, and failure to align with them could result in fines, product recalls, or damage to your reputation.

  • Inventory Mismanagement

A sloppy 3PL can lead to stock mishandling, surplus, or shortages, resulting in dissatisfied customers.

  • Lack of Scalability

If your logistics partner can’t grow with you, you risk operational bottlenecks just as your business takes off.

Making the wrong choice could cost you more than money; it can erode customer loyalty and hinder long-term growth.

What to Look for in a Healthcare Supplement 3PL

Here at Medallion Fulfillment, we’ve outlined the essential requirements every healthcare supplement business should prioritize when selecting a 3PL partner.

1. Regulatory Expertise

Healthcare supplements are highly regulated. Look for a 3PL with comprehensive knowledge of FDA requirements, labeling standards, and certifications. A compliant partner will act as a safeguard for your business.

2. Inventory Tracking & Reporting

Real-time visibility into your inventory is non-negotiable. Your 3PL should offer advanced systems to track stock levels, shelf life, and shipments seamlessly. Clear, automated reporting ensures accountability and efficiency.

3. Dedicated Support & Communication

Your business deserves more than generic customer service. At Medallion Fulfillment, we provide clients with updates to keep you informed and address issues promptly.

4. Scalability & Business Alignment

Partnering with a 3PL logistics provider that aligns with your growth strategy is crucial. From handling peak seasons to accommodating new products, your logistics provider must adapt as your operations expand.

5. Industry Expertise

Choose a 3PL with specific experience in the healthcare supplement sector. They’ll understand the nuances of handling sensitive products like protein powders and vitamins, ensuring both compliance and quality.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Selecting a 3PL logistics provider for your healthcare supplement business is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Medallion Fulfillment, we take pride in helping eCommerce businesses like yours succeed with tailored 3PL solutions that meet industry standards and exceed expectations.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today for a consultation. Together, we’ll build a logistics strategy that supports your current operations and positions your business for future growth.