How Two Growing Brands Overcame Fulfillment Bottlenecks

An excited business owner looking forward to partnering with an order fulfillment provider

Executive summary

Two growing eCommerce businesses faced critical operational hurdles—one struggling with the limits of in-house order fulfillment and the other lost in the shuffle of a massive third-party logistics provider. By partnering with Medallion Fulfillment, both brands transitioned to a scalable, transparent infrastructure supported by dedicated account management and received the best order fulfillment services. As a result, they achieved higher inventory visibility, reduced order fulfillment times substantially, and improved quarterly revenue.

Introduction

As your business grows, your supply chain operations must scale with it. For many business owners, fulfilling orders in-house starts as a cost-effective strategy but quickly turns into a major operational roadblock. Conversely, outsourcing to a massive fulfillment warehouse can sometimes leave a growing brand feeling like just another account number, lacking the personalized support necessary to thrive.

We recently partnered with two distinct eCommerce brands facing these exact challenges. One was an emerging brand hitting the ceiling of self-fulfillment, and the other was an established business struggling with a large, unresponsive fulfillment provider. Both needed a partner that could offer expert, tailored strategies to drive sales, enhance operational visibility, and deliver measurable ROI.

The Problem

Despite operating in different spaces, both clients experienced fulfillment challenges that directly impacted their bottom line and customer satisfaction.

Client 1: The In-House Bottleneck
The first client had experienced rapid organic growth, but they were still self-fulfilling all their orders. While handling pick-and-pack in-house gave them initial control, the sheer volume of orders quickly became unmanageable. The time spent printing shipping labels, packing boxes, and managing carrier relationships left their leadership team with no bandwidth to focus on marketing or product development. During peak seasons, their manual processes led to significant shipping backlogs, ultimately restricting their ability to scale.

Client 2: The Mega-Warehouse Maze
The second client had already outsourced their operations to a large fulfillment warehouse. However, they soon realized that bigger does not always mean better. Their previous provider did not take the time to focus on their unique business needs. The client suffered from a severe lack of operational control, poor inventory visibility, and subpar customer service. When issues arose, they were bounced between different departments, making it impossible to resolve shipping errors quickly. This lack of personalized support was damaging their brand reputation and frustrating their customer base.

The Order Fulfillment Solution

At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we know that your fulfillment strategy should be a win-win proposition that supports your growth. We stepped in to provide customized, scalable solutions for both brands, proving why we offer the best order fulfillment in the industry.

To resolve these operational roadblocks, we implemented the following tailored strategies:

  • Scalable Fulfillment Infrastructure: For the first client, we entirely eliminated their manual order processing. By integrating our advanced software directly with their eCommerce shopping cart, order data flowed seamlessly into our system. This allowed them to step away from the packing tables and focus entirely on market expansion.
  • Dedicated Account Management: For the second client, we replaced their frustrating mega-warehouse experience with a dedicated account management team. They were given direct access to a responsive support staff that understood the nuances of their specific business, ensuring high-touch customer service and fast issue resolution.
  • Transparent Inventory Control: We implemented a robust inventory control system that provided real-time data reporting. This gave the second client complete oversight of their stock levels, effectively restoring the operational control they had lost at their previous warehouse.
  • Precision Warehousing and Order Processing: Both clients transitioned their inventory to our secure facilities. We handled all aspects of order processing, from strict quality-control pick and pack services to optimized shipping logistics, ensuring that their customers received the right items on time, every time.

Result

By partnering with an experienced fulfillment warehouse, both clients transformed their logistics from a cost center into a competitive advantage. The tailored solutions provided by Medallion Fulfillment delivered immediate, measurable ROI.

Key outcomes included:

  • Eliminated Shipping Backlogs: Both brands achieved higher order accuracy and completely eradicated shipping delays during peak sales seasons.
  • Faster Fulfillment: We reduced order fulfillment time by half, enabling much faster delivery to the end consumer and boosting customer satisfaction.
  • Revenue Growth: By removing severe operational bottlenecks and freeing up their time to focus on marketing, the first client facilitated an increase in quarterly revenue.
  • Inventory Visibility: The second client improved their inventory tracking accuracy, restoring their confidence and full operational control.

Conclusion

Selling is what you know and love. Spending hours managing warehouse operations or fighting with an unresponsive 3PL provider only takes you away from your core business goals. By transitioning to Medallion Fulfillment, both of these brands secured a cost-effective, reliable foundation for long-term growth. They now benefit from scalable infrastructure and the personalized support necessary to adapt to an ever-changing eCommerce landscape.

Keep your eCommerce shop running on all cylinders 24/7. Partner with a fulfillment warehouse that prioritizes your success and scales seamlessly alongside your business.

Ready to streamline your shipping and improve your bottom line? Complete our free quote form today to learn more about our innovative, cost-effective solutions tailored to fit your specific needs.

The Medallion Difference: Why Family Owned Matters for Order Fulfillment

Order Fulfillment Logistics

When you are scaling a brand, choosing the best order fulfillment partner often feels like a gamble. Will they care about your unboxing experience as much as you do? Will they pick up the phone when a rush order hits at 4 PM? At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we don’t just move boxes—we build relationships. As a family-owned and operated business, we take your success personally.

We aren’t a faceless conglomerate buried in bureaucracy. We are a dedicated team that understands the nuances of your business. Whether you need complex kitting, specialized packaging, or just reliable pick-and-pack services, our flexibility allows us to adapt to your specific requirements. We don’t believe in “one size fits all.” If your marketing campaign demands a sudden pivot, we pivot with you.

Our strategic footprint gives you a massive competitive advantage. With prime locations in Los Angeles and near Boston, we offer true bicoastal reach. This means faster delivery times and lower shipping costs for your customers, no matter where they are located. You get the robust capabilities of a large logistics provider with the agility and personalized care of a family partner.

Trust isn’t built on promises; it’s built on performance and people. Let us handle the logistics and order fulfillment so you can focus on growing your brand. Experience the difference a committed, flexible partner makes.

Ready to upgrade your fulfillment strategy? Contact our team today to discuss a custom solution.

5 Tips on Hiring a Fulfillment Company for New eCommerce Business

Medallion is your top choice for fulfillment warehouse services.

Partnering with the right fulfillment warehouse can be the difference between steadily growing your sales or floundering in place. Here are five questions to ask when evaluating a potential fulfillment company.

1. Do they provide speedy shipping?

Home delivery is part of the convenience of online shopping. Customers don’t want to wait for their purchases, and they’ve come to expect rapid shipment. Slow delivery times is one of the major reasons consumers switch to another eCommerce company.

2. Are they reliable?

Both you and your customers need to rely on the performance of your fulfillment company. Communication should be open and frequent across all channels, and the company should be providing you with comprehensive and accurate data regarding inventory, delivery times and other metrics.

3. Are they tech-forward?

With all the moving parts involved in the order fulfillment process, it’s nearly impossible to manage it manually. Sophisticated high-tech systems provide real-time data that enables you to respond promptly to any areas that need attention.

4. Are their services cost-effective?

Use of a fulfillment warehouse is a good way to consolidate expenses, but you still have to make it work within your budget. When evaluating costs, go past the initial charges to see if they have tiered pricing schedules, volume discounts and other ways to maximize your investment.

5. Are they scalable?

As your business grows, the last thing you want to do is start over with a different fulfillment company because your original choice can’t handle the increased workload. Look for a company that can accommodate seasonal fluctuations and long-term growth so you can develop a mutually beneficial partnership.

Your Top Choice for Fulfillment Warehouse Services

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics has extensive experience working with eCommerce companies of all sizes and types. Contact us to learn more.

Is Amazon FBA Right for My Business: Fulfillment Services Comparison

Fulfillment Services

Is Amazon FBA Right for My Business?

As someone who’s worked with countless ecommerce businesses at Medallion Fulfillment, I’ve seen firsthand how the choice of fulfillment services can make or break a company’s growth trajectory. Amazon FBA has become incredibly popular, but is it the right fit for your business? Let me walk you through what you need to know.

Amazon’s Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) program allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. When customers place orders, Amazon handles the picking, packing, shipping, and customer service. It sounds straightforward, but the reality is more complex.

Understanding Amazon FBA Basics

Amazon FBA works well for businesses selling primarily on Amazon’s marketplace. Your products get the coveted Prime badge, which can significantly boost sales since Prime members prefer fast, free shipping. Amazon handles customer service inquiries, returns, and refunds—removing a major operational burden.

However, FBA comes with strict requirements. Your products must meet specific packaging standards, labeling requirements, and inventory restrictions. Amazon charges storage fees based on cubic footage, which can become expensive for bulky items that don’t sell quickly.

Control and Flexibility: Where FBA Falls Short

Here’s where I see many of my clients struggle with Amazon FBA—the lack of control. You can’t choose your shipping carriers, customize packaging with your branding, or control the customer experience beyond the initial product listing. Everything ships in Amazon-branded boxes, and you have no say in delivery methods.

For businesses that value brand identity and customer relationships, this can be problematic. You’re essentially handing over your customer experience to Amazon, which may not align with your brand values or service standards.

Storage Costs and Hidden Fees

Amazon’s fee structure is notoriously complex. While they advertise a simple per-item fulfillment fee, there are numerous additional charges: long-term storage fees, removal fees, return processing fees, and seasonal storage surcharges. These costs can quickly eat into your profit margins.

I’ve worked with businesses that discovered their Amazon FBA costs were 30-40% higher than expected due to these hidden fees. For companies with seasonal inventory or slower-moving products, storage costs can become particularly burdensome.

Shipping and Branding Limitations

With FBA, you lose control over the unboxing experience—a crucial touchpoint for building customer loyalty. There’s no opportunity for branded packaging, personalized notes, or promotional inserts that could drive repeat purchases.

Additionally, Amazon’s shipping methods may not align with your sustainability goals or customer preferences. You can’t choose eco-friendly packaging options or work with local carriers who might offer better service in specific regions.

Recommendation Based on Business Needs

Amazon FBA makes sense if you’re exclusively selling on Amazon, have small, lightweight products, and prioritize hands-off operations over brand control. It’s particularly effective for high-volume sellers who want to leverage Amazon’s massive logistics network.

However, if you sell across multiple channels, have larger products, want to maintain brand identity, or prefer predictable pricing, consider alternative ecommerce fulfillment solutions. At Medallion Fulfillment, we’ve helped many businesses transition away from FBA to achieve better cost control, enhanced branding opportunities, and improved customer relationships.

Making the Right Choice for Your Growth

The best fulfillment solution depends on your specific business model, growth goals, and priorities. Amazon FBA isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s about finding the right fit for your unique needs.

Before committing to any fulfillment service, carefully evaluate your current and projected order volumes, product characteristics, sales channels, and brand objectives. Consider speaking with fulfillment experts who can provide unbiased guidance based on your specific situation.

Ready to explore your fulfillment options? Contact our team at Medallion Fulfillment to discuss how we can support your business growth with flexible, cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs.

What is a Pick and Pack Service?

Pick and pack worker from a fulfillment company.

Pick and Pack Fulfillment: Essential Guide for E-commerce Success

At Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, we’ve seen firsthand how efficient pick and pack operations can make or break an e-commerce business. After processing thousands of orders daily for our clients, we understand that getting products from your warehouse shelves to your customers’ doors requires precision, speed, and expertise.

Pick and pack fulfillment forms the backbone of successful order processing. When done right, it creates satisfied customers who return again and again. When done poorly, it leads to returns, complaints, and lost revenue.

Understanding the Picking Process

The picking phase begins the moment we receive your customer’s order. Our team generates a detailed pick ticket that specifies exactly what items need to be collected, their warehouse locations (including aisle, shelf, and bin numbers), and quantities required.

We use strategic picking methods depending on your order volume and product types:

Piece picking works best for smaller operations, where our staff handles one complete order at a time. Batch picking increases efficiency by grouping similar orders together. For high-volume clients, we employ zone picking, where team members focus on specific warehouse areas, passing orders along as needed.

Each method has its place, and we select the approach that maximizes accuracy while minimizing fulfillment time for your specific business needs.

The Packing Process Explained

Once items are collected, they move to our packing department where quality control takes center stage. We inspect every order against the original pick ticket—that’s our second accuracy check. The packing team then selects appropriate shipping containers and protective materials to ensure your products arrive undamaged.

Our automated shipping software generates barcoded labels for tracking, whether we’re using UPS, FedEx, USPS, or other carriers. We track packages from the moment they leave our facility until they reach your customers.

Different Picking Methods for Maximum Efficiency

Wave picking combines the best of batch and zone strategies. Team members stay within designated warehouse zones but handle multiple orders simultaneously. This approach works particularly well for businesses with diverse product catalogs and varying order sizes.

The key is matching the picking method to your business model. High-volume, single-item orders benefit from batch picking, while complex orders with multiple SKUs often require piece picking for accuracy.

Benefits of Efficient Pick and Pack Operations

Streamlined pick and pack processes deliver measurable results. Our clients typically see 99.9% order accuracy rates, faster shipping times, and reduced operational costs. When your fulfillment company handles these complex logistics, you’re free to focus on growing your business rather than managing warehouse operations.

Efficient operations also mean better customer satisfaction. Fast, accurate order processing leads to positive reviews, repeat purchases, and word-of-mouth referrals that fuel business growth.

Partner with an Experienced Fulfillment Company

Let’s be honest selling is what you know and love. An experienced fulfillment company like Medallion offers advantages you simply can’t replicate in-house: established carrier relationships, bulk shipping discounts, advanced warehouse management systems, and staff trained specifically in pick and pack operations.

We handle everything from receiving your inventory to shipping finished orders, including returns processing and customer service support. Our multiple warehouse locations, including one near the Port of Los Angeles, enable cost-effective distribution nationwide.

Ready to Optimize Your Fulfillment?

Efficient pick and pack fulfillment isn’t just about moving products—it’s about creating exceptional customer experiences that drive business growth. Contact us today to learn how Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics can streamline your operations and reduce your shipping costs while improving customer satisfaction.