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.

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.

3 Reasons Ecommerce Businesses Should Partner with a Fulfillment Company in 2025

Fulfillment Partner for Ecommerce Business

What if your ecommerce business could save time, cut costs, and keep your customers happier than ever—all at once? It’s not just wishful thinking. The key lies in outsourcing your fulfillment operations to a trusted partner.

The ecommerce landscape is shifting faster than ever before. Consumer expectations for rapid delivery continue to rise, global supply chain disruptions are increasing costs, and sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. The challenges are real, and the stakes are high. Yet, the solution is simpler than you think.

Partnering with a fulfillment company could be your game-changing move for 2025. Here’s why.

1. Satisfy Demand for Lightning-Fast and Reliable Shipping

A recent survey found that over 65% of customers expect same-day or next-day delivery. Failing to meet this expectation could cost you customers—and fast. But meeting it on your own involves significant investments in warehousing, logistics technology, and workforce scaling.

That’s where fulfillment companies excel.

Take Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics, for example. They provide seamless order processing, pick-and-pack services, and shipping solutions across the globe. Their expertise ensures your products are delivered quickly and reliably—without you needing to overhaul your operations.

Plus, it’s not just about speed—it’s about reliability. Studies show that shipping issues are among the top reasons for customer dissatisfaction. By outsourcing to a dedicated fulfillment provider, you can significantly reduce errors, delays, and lost packages, keeping your customers happier (and more loyal).

2. Navigate Global Supply Chain Disruptions and Rising Costs

With ongoing global supply chain disruptions and rising transportation costs, fulfillment has become a minefield for ecommerce businesses. Managing these complexities in-house isn’t just stressful—it’s expensive.

Fulfillment companies are built to handle these challenges. They use advanced tools and strategies to optimize inventory management, reduce shipping costs, and adapt to unpredictable changes in logistics networks.

Partners like Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics offer significant cost efficiency. Why?

  • Shipping Discounts: They leverage their bulk shipping volume to secure lower rates, passing those savings directly to you.
  • Inventory Optimization: Advanced systems track and manage inventory so you can avoid overstocking or stockouts.

The result? Your bottom line gets a healthy boost—even in an unstable market.

3. Meet Increasing Consumer Demand for Sustainability

Consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever, and ecommerce businesses are under pressure to follow suit. Over 70% of shoppers are willing to pay more for sustainable options, making eco-friendly practices a competitive advantage.

But implementing greener packaging and fulfillment practices in-house isn’t always feasible—it’s costly, logistically challenging, and time-intensive.

Fulfillment companies specialize in sustainable solutions. Medallion, for instance, supports businesses with eco-friendly packaging and practices. By partnering with them, you can reduce your environmental impact without compromising efficiency or profitability.

Beyond operational changes, sustainability isn’t just about what you do—it’s about what your customers see. Imagine showing your buyers that your business actively prioritizes reducing waste. The credibility and trust you’ll build can set your brand apart.

The Future of Fulfillment: What’s Next?

The fulfillment landscape is evolving rapidly, and emerging technologies are raising the bar for efficiency and innovation. Think drone deliveries, automated warehouses, and AI-driven data analysis. By partnering with forward-thinking fulfillment companies, you gain access to these advancements without shouldering the cost or learning curve alone.

For example, Medallion isn’t just about meeting today’s expectations—they’re positioning businesses to thrive in the future. Their flexible fulfillment solutions grow with your business, ensuring that you stay competitive in an ecommerce world that’s only getting faster and smarter.

Case in Point

Still on the fence? Consider this. A growing ecommerce business once spent over 40 hours a week managing orders, only to see disappointed customers due to late deliveries and inventory errors. After partnering with Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics, the company reduced its workload by 60%, doubled its order capacity, and improved customer satisfaction ratings by 30%.

Real results like these are why fulfillment companies have become indispensable allies for ecommerce businesses.

Turn Fulfillment Into Your Strength in 2025

The message is clear. To stay competitive in the coming year, you can’t afford to tackle fulfillment alone. Fast shipping, cost efficiency, and sustainability are no longer optional—they’re non-negotiables.

The good news? With the right fulfillment partner, these challenges become opportunities.

Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics offers tailored solutions that help ecommerce businesses like yours succeed now and in the long run. Whether you’re a startup or scaling to new heights, their expertise can transform fulfillment from a headache into a competitive edge.

Don’t wait until 2025 catches up with you. Explore partnership opportunities with Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics today and take the first step toward smarter, more efficient operations.

Discover the Medallion difference

How Ecommerce Startups Can Benefit from Working with a Fulfillment Company

Small Business Owner Looking for a Fulfillment Warehouse

Starting an eCommerce business? The growth in online shopping in recent years can make this a lucrative move. But keep in mind that running this type of business involves several tasks. You’ll need to ensure that orders are processed, packed, and shipped as quickly and accurately as possible.

A fulfillment partner can help with this, so your new company can thrive. Learn more about the benefits of working with a fulfillment warehouse.

Fulfill Orders Promptly

This type of partnership can save you significant amounts of time. Fulfillment companies can take care of order processing, picking, packing, shipping, and returns. This helps the entire process run smoothly, so customers can receive their orders in a shorter timeframe.

With a fulfillment partner handling these tasks, this also frees up your time to focus on growing your business. You can work on marketing campaigns and other aspects of managing a startup to help it succeed.

Save on Operating Costs

Having to find enough space to store merchandise can be challenging for new eCommerce businesses. As your company grows, this can become even more difficult and expensive. Instead of renting a warehouse, partner with a fulfillment company.

These companies can provide the room needed to store products. That means you don’t have to pay for a separate warehouse of your own and the staff needed for it. You can save on these operating costs and use that money for marketing or other purposes.

Grow with Ease

If your eCommerce business experiences rapid growth, having a fulfillment partner allows you to easily handle it. Your warehouse partner can ensure that new orders are fulfilled as quickly as possible.

Looking for a fulfillment warehouse for your eCommerce startup? Contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics to find out more about how our experts can help your business succeed.

Improve Your eCommerce Business With a Fulfillment Company

Fulfillment Company Shaking Hands with a eCommerce Business Owner

Keeping customers satisfied is how you help your eCommerce business thrive. That means being able to fulfill orders quickly and get them shipped to customers as soon as possible. Handling this on your own can become a big problem as your company grows. Partnering with a fulfillment company can help keep your eCommerce business running smoothly.

What Do Fulfillment Companies Do?

These companies deal with every step of the fulfillment process. That includes receiving inventory, managing it, fulfilling orders, and handling returns. Fulfilling orders involves picking products that were purchased, packing them, and shipping them to customers. All of these tasks can take up a lot of your time as a business owner. With a fulfillment partner, you won’t have to worry about taking care of the fulfillment process.

Benefits of Hiring a Fulfillment Partner

Working with a fulfillment business can free up a lot of your time. These businesses can take several tasks off your shoulders, so you can focus on marketing your eCommerce business and taking care of other tasks. Other benefits include boosting customer satisfaction, turning more consumers into your loyal customer base, and increasing brand awareness to draw more customers. An experienced fulfillment business can help you earn a reputation for getting orders to customers as quickly as possible.

How to Find a Fulfillment Business

When you’re looking into potential fulfillment partners, how do you know which one to choose? Look for a business that can provide fast and reliable shipping speeds. Your ideal fulfillment partner should also offer years of industry experience, scalability, data and analytics reporting, and the latest technologies to improve the fulfillment process.

Ready to start working with a fulfillment company to help your business thrive? Contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics to get more details on our services.