May 29, 2024 / By westwaywarehouse
Get ahead of the competition with Westway Fulfilment
When considering third-party logistics (3PL) providers, a cosmetics business might choose a smaller fulfilment warehouse over a larger one for several reasons.
What is a 3PL provider?
A 3PL provider is a company that offers outsourced logistics services. In our context, 3PL provision can refer to one or multiple facets of procurement and fulfilment activities. Westway is a 3PL provider that offers warehouse storage, transportation, packaging solutions, e-commerce communication, B2B and B2C fulfilment.
Advantages of using a small business third party-logistics provider
1. Specialised expertise: We are a smaller fulfilment company that specialises in handling cosmetics and beauty products. We have 20 years of experience in managing inventory with specific storage requirements. We always ensure that products are stored and handled correctly, thus maintaining their quality and shelf life.
2. Personalised service: As a smaller 3PL provider, we offer a more personalised, attentive service. As we are a small, dynamic team, we have the capacity to be more responsive to the specific needs of cosmetic businesses. We are able to provide customised solutions and efficient adjustments to suit customers’ needs. We really believe in creating strong, working relationships with the people we work with. As our client you will always have direct contact with the team and a regular point of contact.
3. Cost savings: As a smaller 3PL provider, we are able to offer more competitive pricing compared to larger companies. We always operate with complete transparency and with no hidden costs.
4. Flexibility and agility: We know how important it is for cosmetics businesses to be positioned to respond rapidly to changing market trends, seasonal promotions and campaigns. Our size means that we can adapt quickly to changes in demand or business processes.
5. Closer working relationships: Choosing a smaller business to be your third-party logistics provider creates closer, more collaborative business relationships. You will have a dedicated account manager which helps to foster improved communication and understanding.
6. Geographic advantage: We are strategically located close to motorway networks, airports and QVC HQ. which reduces shipping times and costs. This proximity can enhance customer satisfaction by reducing delivery times and reducing shipping costs.
7. Quality control: Smaller warehouses often have better control over handling and packaging processes. For cosmetics businesses, this can mean fewer errors and higher quality assurance as we, as the 3PL provider, are able to pay more attention to the specific requirements of each product.
8. Scalability: As your business grows, choosing a small business third-party logistics (3PL) provider can offer more scalable solutions, allowing for gradual increases in storage and fulfilment capacity. This can be more manageable and cost-effective than committing to a large warehouse from the beginning.
9. Innovation and technology: Some smaller 3PL providers are highly innovative, using the latest technology and best practices to optimize their operations. They may offer advanced inventory management systems, real-time tracking, and other technological solutions that can benefit a cosmetics business. We are also open to suggestions and change. If you have a specific system and way that you do things, we are happy to adapt to your processes. We offer batch recording and real time stock spreadsheets to ensure your website stock is kept up to date.
10. Niche focus: small business third-party logistics (3PL) providers might focus on specific niches or industries, offering tailored services that larger providers are unable to. For a cosmetics business, this means the 3PL provider can offer services such as custom packaging, re-labelling, or subscription box fulfilment.
In conclusion, a cosmetics business might choose a small business third-party logistics (3PL) provider to benefit from personalised service, specialised expertise, cost savings, flexibility, and closer relationships. These advantages can help the business maintain high standards of quality and customer satisfaction while managing costs effectively.