A Guide to Choosing the Right Fulfillment Company

Finding the right fulfillment company can transform your business operations and drive growth. As a business owner, your focus should be on what you do bestselling and growing your company. That’s where choosing the right fulfillment partner becomes crucial.

Understanding Your Fulfillment Needs

Before selecting a fulfillment company, assess your specific requirements. Consider your order volume, product types, shipping destinations, and seasonal fluctuations. Do you need specialized services like kitting, assembly, or returns processing? Understanding these needs upfront helps you find a partner that can truly support your business goals.

Your fulfillment needs will evolve as your business grows. The partner you choose should accommodate these changes without disrupting your operations.

Key Criteria for Selection

Location and Coverage

Strategic warehouse locations directly impact shipping costs and delivery times. Look for fulfillment services with facilities positioned to serve your customer base efficiently. East and West Coast coverage provides nationwide reach while keeping shipping costs manageable.

Service Offerings and Scalability

Choose a fulfillment company that offers comprehensive services beyond basic warehousing. From order processing and pick & pack to customer service and returns handling, your partner should provide end-to-end solutions. Scalability is equally important—ensure they can grow with your business.

Technology and Reporting

Modern fulfillment requires sophisticated technology. Your partner should provide real-time inventory tracking, automated order processing, and detailed reporting capabilities. This transparency allows you to manage your business effectively from anywhere.

Why Medallion Enterprises Is Your Ideal Partner

At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we understand that every business is unique. Our facilities in Los Angeles, California, and Boston, Massachusetts, provide complete nationwide coverage with cost-effective shipping rates and fast turnaround times.

We offer maximum flexibility in selecting fulfillment services that meet your current needs while scaling as you grow. Our expertise serves both small startups and large businesses with equal dedication. From overseas container processing to specialized assembly services, we customize our solutions to fit your specific requirements.

The Benefits of Outsourcing Fulfillment

Partnering with an experienced fulfillment company offers significant advantages. You’ll reduce operational costs, eliminate the need for warehouse space and staff, and gain access to carrier relationships that lower shipping expenses. Most importantly, outsourcing fulfillment frees you to focus on marketing, sales, and business growth.

Our state-of-the-art technology ensures accurate order processing and complete tracking from order receipt to customer delivery. You’ll receive detailed inventory and shipping reports, enabling seamless business management from your desktop.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right fulfillment partner isn’t just about warehousing—it’s about finding a company that becomes an integral part of your business. At Medallion, we pride ourselves on creating true partnerships with our customers, providing personalized service that makes you feel like we’re right down the hall.

Ready to streamline your fulfillment operations? Contact Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics today to discover how our customized solutions can help your business grow while saving you time, money, and headaches.

April 28, 2025April 28, 2025

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!

April 14, 2025

Self Fulfilling: Ecommerce Fulfillment Limitations and How to Grow

Fulfillment Center worker picking a fulfillment service order.

How Fulfilling Your Own Ecommerce Orders Can Limit Growth

Fulfilling your own ecommerce orders might seem like a cost-effective way to manage your business initially. After all, when your business is just starting out, keeping things in-house feels manageable and gives you control. However, as your business grows, this DIY approach can become a serious bottleneck, limiting your ability to scale effectively.

At Medallion Fulfillment, we’ve worked alongside countless ecommerce business owners who have faced this challenge. Here are the key reasons why taking order fulfillment into your own hands can slow your business’s growth.

1. It’s Time-Consuming

Every second you spend packing boxes, managing inventory, and coordinating shipping is time taken away from activities that actually grow your business. Tasks like marketing, crafting new product lines, and building customer relationships are vital to your long-term success. Order fulfillment eats into this crucial time, leaving little room to focus on scaling your business.

2. It’s Not Scalable

What works when you have ten orders a week can quickly become overwhelming when your business starts receiving hundreds of orders daily. Suddenly, your home warehouse or rented storage unit no longer has the capacity, and your shipping process becomes tangled with delays and inefficiency. Scaling a business requires adaptable systems, and in-house fulfillment is rarely equipped to handle the needs of a booming ecommerce operation.

3. It’s Costly in the Long Run

DIY fulfillment might save money when your order volume is low, but as your business grows, costs can balloon. Renting storage space, hiring staff, and buying packing supplies can add up quickly. Factor in higher shipping fees from lack of carrier partnerships, and the actual cost of in-house fulfillment might be higher than you realize.

Additionally, mistakes like shipping the wrong items or delayed deliveries not only cost money but chip away at customer trust, which is far more expensive to rebuild.

4. It Stretches Resources Thin

Ecommerce businesses often thrive on innovation, creativity, and customer engagement. Handling fulfillment drains your resources, leaving little room to invest in areas essential to growth. Whether it’s building a stronger marketing strategy or expanding into new product categories, your focus shifts away from these priorities when you’re knee-deep in tape and shipping labels.

The Solution? Partner with a Fulfillment Center

Fulfillment centers like Medallion Fulfillment specialize in streamlining order fulfillment, inventory management, and shipping. By outsourcing fulfillment to an experienced partner, you’ll gain back your time, minimize costs, and unlock the ability to scale––without worrying about the logistics.

Here’s what we offer to help your ecommerce business thrive:

Expert Inventory Management: Know exactly how much stock you have at all times.
Faster Shipping: We’ve built carrier relationships that keep shipping costs low and delivery times fast.
Tasting Notes of Customer Satisfaction (Exclusive Deals): From next-day delivery services to personalized packaging, our services drive repeat orders.

Growing a business is challenging enough without being weighed down by fulfillment tasks. At Medallion Fulfillment, we’re here to remove that burden and help you focus on what you do best––growing your brand.

Contact Medallion Fulfillment today to discover how we can help your ecommerce business scale with ease.

March 17, 2025March 10, 2025

3PL? Everything You Need to Know About 3rd Party Logistics

3PL Logistics and Ecommerce Order Fulfillment

If you’re running an ecommerce business, it’s likely you’ve weighed the challenges of order fulfillment, inventory management, and shipping logistics. That’s where third-party logistics (3PL) comes in. At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we’ve seen the dramatic impact a reliable 3PL partner can have on scaling a business, improving efficiency, and boosting customer satisfaction.

This guide breaks down what 3PL logistics is, the services it offers, and how it can reduce operational burdens for your ecommerce business.

What is 3PL/ 3PL Logistics?

Third-party logistics, or 3PL, refers to outsourcing your company’s supply chain operations to a specialized partner. Simply put, a 3PL provider becomes an extension of your business, taking over complex tasks like warehousing inventory storage, order fulfillment, shipping, and even returns processing.

For ecommerce companies, partnering with a 3PL means you can focus on growing your brand while we handle the nitty-gritty details of logistics. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a growing online store, 3PLs are often key to maintaining smooth operations and optimizing costs.

Core Services Offered by 3PL Providers

3PLs offer a wide range of services designed to meet your business’s specific needs. Here are the essentials:

1. Inventory Management and Warehouse Storage

At our 3PL warehouse, we manage your inventory so you don’t have to. From organized storage to real-time data on stock levels, we ensure your products are tracked and ready to fulfill customer orders.

2. Order Fulfillment

A 3PL takes over the entire order fulfillment process—picking, packing, and shipping. Accurate picking ensures your customers get the correct items, while professional packing reflects your brand in every delivery.

3. Returns Processing (Reverse Logistics)

Dealing with returns is time-consuming but critical for customer satisfaction. A 3PL handles the returns process, inspecting items and efficiently restocking or redirecting them.

4. Transportation Services

Whether your business needs full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), or same-day shipping, 3PLs like Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics specialize in moving your products quickly, securely, and cost-effectively by partnering with shipping companies like the USPS.

Additional Services to Support Ecommerce Growth

Beyond the basics, 3PL providers often offer value-added services to further enhance your operations:

Global Supply Chain Management

If your business operates internationally, services like import/export assistance and customs clearance ensure smooth global operations.

Kitting and Assembly

Bundling multiple products together? Our kitting services make it easy to prepare subscription boxes, gift sets, and more.

Warehouse Management Software (WMS)

Gain access to advanced software systems that offer real-time inventory tracking and order status updates, all integrated with your online store.

How 3PLs Reduce Operational Burdens

Here’s why outsourcing to a 3PL could be a game-changer for your business.

Scalability and Flexibility

Whether it’s holiday season or a promotional surge, 3PLs scale operations up or down to meet demand without overextending your team.

Focus on Core Business Activities

By delegating logistics to experts, you gain time to focus on marketing, product development, and customer acquisition—moving the needle on your business goals.

Unlock Efficiency and Growth with a Trusted 3PL Partner

3PL logistics isn’t just about simplifying operations; it’s about creating opportunities for growth. At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we work hand-in-hand with ecommerce businesses to tailor solutions that meet their unique challenges and goals. Still on the fence? See what our customers have to say!

If you’re ready to reduce operational stress and elevate your business to new heights, contact us today and learn why businesses trust our flexible and cost-effective fulfillment services.

February 17, 2025February 22, 2025

Ecommerce Fulfillment FAQs for Small Business Owners

Ecommerce fulfillment can feel like a puzzle for small business owners. From managing inventories to ensuring timely deliveries, there are layers of logistics involved in keeping your customers happy. But tackling fulfillment doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

This guide answers the most frequent questions about ecommerce fulfillment, explains its key components, and offers expert advice on overcoming common challenges. By the end, you’ll have the clarity and confidence to optimize your fulfillment strategy and grow your business.

What is Ecommerce Fulfillment?

Ecommerce fulfillment refers to the entire process of getting orders into the hands of your customers. It starts after the purchase is made on your ecommerce platform and includes everything from inventory storage and order processing to shipping and returns. Put simply, it’s the backbone of your ecommerce business.

For small business owners, strong fulfillment practices can mean the difference between repeat customers and abandoned shopping carts.

Key Components of Ecommerce Fulfillment

Here’s a breakdown of the main components you’ll need to manage or outsource effectively:

1. Inventory Management

Keep track of stock levels to ensure that customers only order what’s available. Inventory accuracy prevents frustration for both you and your buyers.

2. Order Management

Once an order comes through, fulfillment services coordinate the picking, packing, and processing efficiently.

3. Product Storage (Warehousing)

Do you have enough space to store your products? If not, partnering with a fulfillment center can save you time and space.

4. Shipping and Delivery

Fast and reliable delivery is crucial. Many customers expect their orders to arrive within days.

5. Handling Returns (Reverse Logistics)

A smooth return process builds customer trust and loyalty.

Common Challenges in Ecommerce Fulfillment

Small businesses often face similar hurdles, including:

Limited Resources: Running low on time, manpower, or storage space can strain your fulfillment process.
Scaling Logistics: Growing order volumes often require systems that can scale quickly.
High Shipping Costs: Negotiating affordable rates with carriers can be especially challenging for smaller operations.
Accuracy Issues: Errors in order picking or packing can lead to dissatisfied customers.

Solutions & Best Practices for Overcoming Fulfillment Challenges

Optimize fulfillment by adopting these strategies:

Outsource Fulfillment Services

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers can handle warehousing, packing, and shipping for you, freeing up time and resources.

Use Inventory Management Tools

Platforms like Shopify and TradeGecko keep your stock levels accurate and provide valuable data insights.

Streamline Shipping Costs

Partner with fulfillment services that have relationships with carriers to access discounted rates.

Prioritize Training and Quality Control

Investing time into proper training ensures your team processes orders accurately.

Offer Flexible Returns

A transparent and hassle-free return policy builds trust with your customers, encouraging repeat business.

The Future of Ecommerce Fulfillment

Emerging trends and technologies are revolutionizing the industry, offering even more tools to small businesses. AI-driven inventory platforms predict demand, while automated warehouses reduce the reliance on human labor. Sustainability is also growing in importance, with eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipping options becoming available.

Staying ahead of these developments will set your small business apart, keeping operations efficient and customers satisfied.

Empower Your Business Through Fulfillment

Ecommerce fulfillment doesn’t have to be a headache. By understanding its key components, addressing common challenges, and following best practices, you can create a streamlined process that saves time, reduces costs, and keeps customers coming back.

Want expert help? Partnering with the right fulfillment service can give your small business access to professional logistics support without breaking the bank. Contact us today and discover how optimized fulfillment can become your key to growth with Medallion Fulfillment.