How to Choose a Fulfillment Company

Outsourcing your fulfillment services means you are about to add a vital link in the chain of your company. They can handle your order processing, maintain inventory control, store your products - ¦you name it. So it is a good idea to pay the fulfillment company a visit in person and kick the tires a little bit before you sign them up. Here are some things to look for on the day of your visit.

The warehouse

Take a good look around the fulfillment service's main warehouse facility. This is going to be your product's home and away from and the last place they will be before they head off to the customer. Is the area clean? Is it well-organized? Let your instincts be your guide as you get a feel for the area.

Computer Systems

Because the fulfillment service will play a big role in your inventory control, ask about their network and software systems. You want to be sure the company is using top notch technology that is going to be compatible with your own systems.

Careful packers

Watch the people on the floor as they pack and ship products. Are they handling everything with care? If several precious vases were dropped during your visit, you might want to find another alternative.

Good Flow

How is the "flow" on the floor of the warehouse? Are employees communicating with one another? Are they getting things out the door in a timely, but careful fashion? The best fulfillment services run like a well-oiled machine on the slowest days as well as their busiest.

Good People

Talk to the folks on the floor a little bit. Do they seem to genuinely care about their work? In a sense, these people are about to become representatives of your company, so a mini-interview with a couple of them is completely appropriate.