Outsourcing ecommerce logistics made easy for beginners

Premier Global Logistics

·November 18, 2025

·9 min read

Outsourcing ecommerce logistics made easy for beginners — Image Source: pexels

Outsourcing ecommerce logistics means you let another company handle key parts of your online store’s order process. This includes storing your products, packing orders, shipping to customers, and managing returns. Many businesses trust outside experts for these tasks:

57% of ecommerce companies already outsource some or all fulfillment.
This number has grown from just 29% in 2020.
Another 20% plan to start outsourcing fulfillment soon.

You can see how this approach helps companies grow:

Benefit	What It Means
Cost Savings	You could cut operational costs by up to 70%.
Scalability	You can adjust your operations quickly as your business grows.
Enhanced Customer Experience	You offer better support and service for your customers.
Access to Expertise	You use skilled professionals for logistics without hiring them full-time.
Focus on Core Competencies	You spend more time on product ideas and sales instead of shipping details.

Key Takeaways

Outsourcing logistics can save you up to 70% in operational costs. This allows you to invest more in product development and marketing.
Using third-party logistics (3PL) providers helps you scale your business quickly. You can handle more orders during busy seasons without extra hiring.
Focus on your core business tasks while experts manage your shipping and returns. This leads to better customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Choose a reliable 3PL partner by comparing their services, pricing, and customer support. Make sure they can grow with your business needs.
Start by auditing your current logistics setup. Identify bottlenecks and decide which tasks to outsource for a smoother operation.

What is outsourcing ecommerce logistics?

Simple definition

Outsourcing ecommerce logistics means you let a specialized company handle the movement and management of your products. You do not need to run your own warehouse or pack and ship orders yourself. Instead, you trust experts to take care of these important steps for you. This process covers everything from storing your products to sending them to your customers and even handling returns.

When you use outsourcing ecommerce logistics, you gain several advantages:

You can focus on growing your business and creating new products.
Experts manage your inventory, packing, and shipping.
You save money on shipping and storage costs.
You get access to large warehouse networks and advanced technology.
Your customers receive their orders faster and more reliably.

Many companies use plugins, middleware, or APIs to connect their online stores to logistics partners. This makes the process smooth and easy to manage.

Note: Good logistics management helps your business run smoothly and keeps your customers happy.

Key players involved

Several key players work together in outsourcing ecommerce logistics. Each one has a special role in making sure your orders reach your customers on time.

Stakeholder Type	Role in Outsourcing Logistics
Third-Party Logistics (3PL)	Manage supply chain tasks like storage, packing, and shipping
Clients (eCommerce businesses)	Outsource logistics operations to 3PL providers
Technology Vendors	Provide tools and systems to support logistics operations

You, as the ecommerce business owner, decide what to outsource. Third-party logistics providers handle the day-to-day work. Technology vendors help connect your store to the logistics system. This teamwork leads to faster order fulfillment, lower costs, and a better experience for your customers.

How outsourcing ecommerce logistics works

Step-by-step process

When you use outsourcing ecommerce logistics, you follow a clear process from the moment a customer places an order to the final delivery and even returns. Here is how the typical workflow looks:

Order placement: Your customer selects items and completes the purchase on your online store.
Inventory management: The system checks if the products are available in the warehouse.
Order processing: The order gets confirmed and sent to the fulfillment center. The warehouse tags the order and generates an invoice.
Picking and packing: Warehouse staff pick the items from storage and pack them carefully, sometimes using branded packaging.
Shipping coordination: The logistics partner arranges for the shipment and hands the package to a carrier.
Delivery: The carrier delivers the order to your customer’s doorstep.
Returns management: If your customer wants to return an item, the process starts again with return authorization, shipping, inspection, and restocking.

A good warehouse management system (WMS) tracks your stock and orders. It connects with your online store and gives you a complete view of your inventory. This helps you manage your business more efficiently.

Returns play a big role in ecommerce. In 2023, 17.6% of merchandise bought online was returned, which is much higher than in-store purchases. Third-party logistics providers handle returns by letting customers start the process online, approving the return, providing prepaid shipping labels, inspecting the returned items, and then restocking or processing refunds. Fast and accurate returns make your customers happier and more likely to shop with you again.

Tasks handled by 3PL partners

When you choose outsourcing ecommerce logistics, third-party logistics (3PL) partners take care of many important tasks for your business. Here are the main jobs they handle:

Task	Description
Receiving Inventory	Accepting and preparing incoming stock for storage.
Warehousing	Storing your products in organized, secure facilities.
Inventory Management	Tracking stock levels and updating your online store automatically.
Picking Orders	Selecting the right items from inventory for each customer order.
Packing Orders	Packing items safely and neatly, sometimes with custom packaging.
Order Processing	Managing the full order cycle from receipt to shipment.
Shipping Coordination	Arranging delivery with carriers and providing tracking information.
Managing Returns	Handling returns, inspecting items, and restocking or processing refunds.

You do not need to rent a warehouse or hire staff. Your 3PL partner uses advanced software to manage inventory and orders. This saves you money and lets you focus on growing your business.

Outsourcing ecommerce logistics helps you avoid the stress of daily shipping and returns. You can spend more time on product development and marketing while experts handle the rest.

If you want to get started, you should first decide your budget, gather your business data, and list your must-haves. Then, compare different 3PL providers and complete the onboarding process. This step-by-step approach makes the transition smooth and helps you find the right partner for your needs.

Benefits and challenges

Main benefits

When you choose to let experts handle your logistics, you unlock many advantages for your business. Here are some of the main benefits:

Cost savings: Third-party logistics providers often secure better shipping rates. You can save 15-30% on shipping costs through their strategies, such as negotiated carrier rates and zone skipping. You also avoid spending money on warehouses and technology.
Efficiency: You do not need to build your own logistics system. Outsourcing helps you cut costs by skipping big investments in infrastructure. You can also adjust your logistics spending during busy seasons.
Expertise: Logistics partners bring specialized knowledge. They help you avoid mistakes and keep your supply chain running smoothly. Their experience means you meet delivery deadlines and manage inventory well.
Scalability: You can grow your business quickly. During big sales or holidays, you can handle more orders without hiring extra staff or renting more space.
Focus on your strengths: You can spend more time on marketing and product development. Your logistics partner takes care of shipping and returns.
Customer satisfaction: Fast and accurate shipping makes your customers happy. Reliable delivery and easy returns encourage repeat business.

Tip: Many ecommerce businesses report higher customer satisfaction and lower costs after switching to a logistics partner.

Common challenges

While the benefits are clear, you may face some challenges when you start. Here are the most common issues and ways to solve them:

Challenge Type	Description
International Shipping Challenges	Customs delays, high cross-border shipping costs, product restrictions, and longer delivery times.
Inventory Management Challenges	Stockouts, overstocking, and inaccurate inventory tracking can hurt sales and customer trust.
Shipping Delays	Traffic, weather, customs, and other bottlenecks can slow down deliveries and frustrate customers.
Rising Expectations for Delivery	Customers want fast shipping. You need to meet these demands to stay competitive.
Real-time Tracking	Customers expect to track their orders. You must provide updates to keep them informed.

To overcome quality control issues, you can use barcode scanners or RFID technology for accurate picking. Organize your inventory and check orders before shipping. Regular cycle counts and inspections help keep your stock accurate. Always inspect returned items to catch problems early.

Note: Good communication with your logistics partner helps you solve problems quickly and keeps your customers happy.

Getting started with outsourcing ecommerce logistics

Steps for beginners

You can start your journey by understanding your current logistics setup. Begin with a deep, honest audit of your operations. This helps you see what works and what needs improvement. Next, identify any bottlenecks that slow down your order process. Separate your core business tasks from those you can outsource. This makes it easier to decide which services you need from a logistics partner.

Step	Description
1	Conduct a deep, honest audit of current operations to understand existing capabilities and challenges.
2	Identify operational bottlenecks to pinpoint where processes are failing or inefficient.
3	Separate core from non-core functions to clarify what tasks can be outsourced effectively.

After your audit, research potential third-party logistics providers. Look for partners who offer the services you need and can grow with your business. Use these criteria to compare your options:

Criteria	Description
Service Offerings	Check if they provide warehousing, fulfillment, and shipping.
Reliability	Review their track record for on-time delivery.
Pricing Transparency	Make sure there are no hidden fees.
Customer Service	Test their support and responsiveness.
Technology Integration	Ensure their systems connect with your store.
Flexibility	See if they can adapt to your changing needs.
Network and Infrastructure	Consider their warehouse locations and transportation resources.
Customization	Ask if they can tailor services for your business.

Once you choose a provider, focus on onboarding. Communicate your needs clearly. Integrate your systems and prepare your inventory for shipment. Place test orders to check everything works smoothly.

Tips for a smooth transition

You can make the switch easier by following a few best practices:

Map out your current and future processes.
Train your team and the 3PL staff on your products and needs.
Test performance using key metrics like fulfillment speed.
Set up real-time feedback to catch issues early.
Review your goals and KPIs regularly for improvement.

Tip: Keep your team, suppliers, and customers informed about the transition. Clear communication helps everyone adjust and keeps your business running smoothly.

Outsourcing ecommerce logistics can help you save money, scale your business, and improve customer satisfaction. Before you decide, think about your product type, business goals, and budget. Here are key factors to review:

Factor	Description
Product Characteristics	Size and fragility of your items
Business Priorities	How outsourcing matches your company goals
Financial Analyses	Cost-effectiveness of outsourcing logistics
Communication & Teamwork	How well you can work with a logistics partner

Balance quality and price when choosing a provider.
Make sure the provider can grow with your business.
Check their technology and customer service.

For more guidance, explore resources like the Ecommerce Fulfillment Outsourcing Guide by Saddle Creek Logistics Services.

FAQ

What is a 3PL provider?

A 3PL provider is a company that stores, packs, and ships your products for you. You send your inventory to them. They handle orders and returns so you can focus on growing your business.

How do I know if my business is ready to outsource logistics?

You may be ready if you spend too much time packing orders or if shipping mistakes happen often. If your sales are growing fast, outsourcing can help you keep up.

Will I lose control over my customer experience?

You keep control by choosing a good partner and setting clear rules. Many 3PLs let you use your own packaging and provide tracking updates to your customers.

How much does outsourcing ecommerce logistics cost?

Costs depend on your order volume, storage needs, and special services. Most 3PLs charge for storage, picking, packing, and shipping. Ask for a clear price list before you sign up.

Can I use my own branded packaging with a 3PL?

Yes, many 3PLs offer custom packaging options. You can send them your branded boxes or inserts. This helps you keep your brand strong and your customers happy.