As your brand grows, choosing the right fulfillment provider is crucial. A reliable provider helps keep your operations smooth, ensures fast shipping, and supports your brand’s growth. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one? Here are three simple questions that can help you find a fulfillment provider who’ll meet your needs now and in the future.

1. What Portion of Your Total Volume is From Your Largest Client?

A fulfillment provider’s client mix shows how they prioritize service. If one big client dominates, that can mean delays for you if that client needs extra attention.

a) Why This Matters

If a provider relies too much on one client, they may struggle when demand spikes. According to Logistics Management, balancing client needs is one of the biggest challenges in fulfillment.

b) What to Look For

Choose a provider with a balanced client mix. This reduces your risk of delays if demand shifts. Providers who prioritize all clients with fair SLAs (service level agreements) are a good choice.

c) Quick Tip

Ask about their biggest client’s share of total volume. If it’s over 40%, be cautious. You can also ask how they handle peaks to avoid delays.

2. What’s the Average Tenure of Your Hourly Staff?

High turnover in fulfillment centers leads to mistakes and slower shipping. A stable workforce is essential for reliable service.

a) Why This Matters

When employees leave often, it disrupts order flow and can increase errors. Deloitte found high turnover increases fulfillment costs by up to 50% due to retraining.

b) What to Look For

Seek out providers with stable, long-term staff. Employees who stay longer work more efficiently and accurately. Providers with low turnover often invest in their team’s well-being, leading to a smoother fulfillment process.

c) Quick Tip

Ask about staff tenure and retention programs. A strong provider will prioritize long-term, well-trained employees.

3. Does Your Client Portal Show More Than Just Inventory and Orders?

A robust client portal can change the game. You want more than inventory numbers; you need insights that help you make decisions quickly.

a) Why This Matters

Basic inventory tracking isn’t enough as your brand grows. A detailed portal helps you see every part of fulfillment, from delay reasons to inventory forecasts. This transparency helps you respond fast, avoid stockouts, and cut costs.

b) What to Look For

An ideal fulfillment provider offers insights like:

– Exception Reporting: Track reasons for shipping delays or stock issues.

– Inbound Appointment Info: Know when stock arrives to manage orders effectively.

– Inventory Forecasting: Use past data to plan stock levels.

c) Quick Tip

Choose a provider with a portal that covers these features. It’ll help you plan better and catch issues early. This reduces the need for extra operational hires.

Why ShipSage is Your Go-To Fulfillment Partner

Picking the right fulfillment provider makes a huge difference in scaling your brand. Asking about their client balance, staff stability, and portal features reveals how well they can support your growth. You need a partner who’s fair, efficient, and equipped with the right data tools.

At ShipSage, we’ve got you covered. Our balanced client portfolio, dedicated workforce, and powerful client portal give you the transparency and reliability you need. With advanced insights like exception tracking, inbound info, and inventory forecasts, ShipSage helps you stay proactive and efficient.

Ready to grow with a fulfillment provider that knows what you need? Contact ShipSage today to see how we can streamline your operations and support your brand’s growth.