Many B2C and B2B businesses no longer handle shipping and packaging responsibilities in-house. After all, outsourcing offers them a way to cut costs and decrease logistical overhead. Instead of staff, they rely on fulfillment centers.
The market reorganization has led to the rise of companies designed to help with shipping, distribution, and fulfillment. These are known as third-party logistics companies or 3PLs.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Mel Printing, a top-quality provider in the 3PL space. We’ll also explore the benefits of choosing a 3PL partner to provide your customers with fast shipping services.
What Is a 3PL Partner?
The term “3PL” stands for third-party logistics. A 3PL partner is a fulfillment company that handles certain aspects of the distribution process.
Originally, 3PL companies primarily focused on the storage and transportation of goods.
However, modern 3PL partners are much more integrated into supply chain operations. A fulfillment company can assist your business with a wide array of tasks from packaging to return processing and everything in between.
Benefits of a 3PL Partner
There are several substantial benefits to working with a 3PL partner like Mel Printing. A few of these advantages include:
Quality Customer Service
A modern 3PL organization will handle virtually all customer-service-related issues. They will interact with customers before purchase, during the shipping process, and after delivery.
This integration allows your team to focus on other issues, such as perfecting your products and building market share.
During the pre-purchasing phase, the fulfillment center will handle everything from supply chain management to pricing. They will manage daily shipping responsibilities to ensure that your products are delivered on time.
Once items are shipped, the 3PL partner will provide customers with regular tracking updates to let them know their product is on the way. If the recipient has an issue with the product, the 3PL partner will even facilitate returns.
Flexible Solutions
Fulfillment centers have an abundance of shipping and logistics resources. As a result, they can offer your business the flexibility it needs to operate smoothly. This flexibility is especially important during peak seasons or during the holidays.
3PL partners will help your business create solutions that look at the bigger picture.
Their wide focus includes adapting shipping processes, seeking out more affordable carrier contracts, and ensuring that you comply with applicable regulations.
Save Time and Money
Once you have established a partnership with a reliable 3PL provider, you’ll often find that you can save both time and money.
Your new partner can save you time by managing transportation needs using dedicated software. You will be able to automatically set load scheduling based on the needs of your business.
Once you have input the information into the management platform, your fulfillment center will take it from there!
A 3PL partner will reduce costs by helping you find the best shipping rates. You can avoid overage charges or markups that do not align with fair market prices. In addition, you will only be billed for services you use.
For instance, the 3PL may ship your products using an LTL (less than truckload) method. This method means that you do not have to pay for the cost of an entire trailer.
You will also save money by eliminating the need to invest in inventory technologies and infrastructure, as the 3PL provider will already have these resources in place.
5 Things to Know About Partnering with Mel Printing
Mel Printing is well-known for its high-quality printing, graphic design, and custom kits. However, you may not know that they are the best fulfillment center in the Midwest.
Here’s a quick look into some of the important things to know about a partnership with Mel Printing.
Provides Multiple Services
In addition to printing, kitting, and assembly, Mel Printing also offers comprehensive warehousing and fulfillment solutions.
This service includes both national and worldwide shipping. Mel Printing is a true do-it-all 3PL partner that can be an asset to any business.
Offers 2-Day, Overnight, and Next-Day Shipping
Whether they’re making a purchase online or emailing a company about one of their services, the modern consumer expects an immediate response.
For companies in the B2C and B2B spaces, meeting this expectation requires fast shipping services. But arranging rapid shipping on your own can be quite a challenge.
Fortunately, fast shipping is another perk that Mel Printing offers. They have a variety of shipping options, including 2-day, overnight, and next-day shipping services.
More Control Over Your Customer Data
While the idea of working with a massive company like Amazon, Etsy, or Walmart may seem appealing at first glance, it does have a few drawbacks.
If you sell using these marketplaces, you will have limited access to customer data. This lack of knowledge can drastically impact your ability to stay in touch with customers for lead generation and email marketing purposes.
By integrating Mel Printing’s services into your business model, you can gain more control over valuable customer data.
Handles Customer Returns and Experience
Despite your best efforts, there will be instances in which customers need to return your products.
While returning a product can be a negative experience, when you partner with Mel Printing, you’ll find that returns can become positive opportunities for a great customer service experience.
Mel Printing’s customer service team will ensure that your loyal buyers get the help they need. The team will facilitate a smooth return process and positively represent your brand.
Provides Samples of Customized Packaging
Custom printing and packaging can help your brand stand out from the competition.
However, it is important to ensure that the custom designs are up to your standards before you start using the new packaging to ship your products.
Mel Printing offers custom kits that are perfect for businesses that are launching a new item or running a seasonal special. They can provide you with samples of the customized packaging so that you can see the quality of the final product for yourself before you commit to a particular design or style.
The best part? These samples are free. You will not be charged unless you elect to incorporate the packaging into your shipping process.
Innovative Fulfillment Solutions from Print Bind Ship
If you would like to reap the benefits that 3PL partnerships and expert fulfillment services provide, Print Bind Ship can help. In partnership with Mel Printing, we can assist your company with custom printing services, fast shipping, and comprehensive fulfillment solutions. Contact us today for a free quote!