Easyship vs. 3PL Providers: Boost Profitability and Control with eFulfillment

TL;DR: For national brands striving to boost profitability and control over their logistics operations, Easyship offers a superior alternative to traditional third-party logistics (3PL) providers. With significant cost savings, enhanced flexibility, and superior customer satisfaction through advanced eFulfillment services, Easyship allows businesses to streamline operations and focus on growth.

For national brands seeking to enhance profitability and maintain control over their logistics operations, the choice between traditional third-party logistics (3PL) providers and modern solutions like Easyship's eFulfillment services is crucial.

Easyship stands out by offering significant cost savings, greater flexibility, and superior customer satisfaction through advanced technology and streamlined processes.

This blog post explores how Easyship’s comprehensive eFulfillment services can outperform traditional 3PL providers, empowering brands to optimize their supply chains and focus on growth.

Third-Party Logistics Providers

A third-party logistics provider (3PL) offers outsourced logistics services, encompassing everything from warehousing and inventory management to shipping transportation services and returns.

They have been a go-to solution for many businesses aiming to streamline their supply chain operations without the burden of managing logistics in-house. Here’s a closer look at the typical services offered by a third party logistic provider and the potential drawbacks:

Services Offered by 3PLs:

• Warehousing and Storage: 3PLs provide storage solutions, often spread across multiple locations, which can help businesses manage inventory more efficiently.
• Order Fulfillment: From picking and packing to shipping orders at fulfillment centers, a 3pl provider will handle the entire fulfillment process.
• Transportation and Logistics Services: 3PLs leverage their networks to offer various shipping options, often at discounted rates due to volume.
• Reverse Logistics: Handling returns and restocking can be managed by third party logistics services, reducing the operational burden on businesses.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Cost: While 3PLs can provide economies of scale, their services often come with significant costs that can eat into profit margins.
• Control: Outsourcing logistics means relinquishing some control over the fulfillment process, which can lead to inconsistencies in customer experience.
• Flexibility: 3PLs may not always offer the flexibility needed to adapt quickly to changes in demand or market conditions.

Supply Chain Management

Effective supply chain management is crucial for any brand looking to maintain a competitive edge. It involves overseeing the entire entire supply chain, from the production flow of goods and services to raw materials and the final product delivered to customers.

Here’s how Easyship and traditional 3PLs differ in their approach to supply chain management:

Traditional 3PL Supply Chain Management:

• Fragmentation: Many 3PLs operate through a network of sub-contractors, leading to potential fragmentation and communication challenges.
• Standardized Solutions: 3PLs often provide standardized solutions that may not align perfectly with a brand’s unique needs, impacting efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Easyship’s Integrated Approach:

• Centralized Platform: Easyship offers a centralized platform that integrates with over 55 eCommerce platforms, providing a seamless logistics experience.
• Real-Time Visibility: Easyship’s dashboard provides real-time visibility into the entire logistics process, from order creation to delivery, ensuring transparency and control.
• Customizable Solutions: Easyship allows businesses to tailor their shipping strategy to match their specific requirements, offering greater flexibility.

Logistics Services

When it comes to logistics services, the ability to choose the right solution can significantly impact a brand’s bottom line. Let’s explore how Easyship and 3PL providers compare in terms of services and the benefits they offer:

3PL Logistics Services:

• Comprehensive Service Range: 3PLs offer a wide range of services, including freight forwarders, cross-docking, and reverse logistics.
• Established Networks: Leveraging established relationships with carriers and suppliers, 3PLs can often negotiate better rates and services.

Easyship’s Advanced Logistics Services:

• Multi-Carrier Shipping: Easyship provides access to over 550 courier services globally, enabling brands to choose the most cost-effective and efficient shipping options.
• Automated Shipping Solutions: Easyship’s platform automates the shipping process, reducing manual intervention and increasing productivity by up to 4X.
• Branded Tracking: Enhancing the customer experience, Easyship offers branded tracking updates, increasing trust and satisfaction by over 61%.
• Insurance Options: With Easyship, businesses can safeguard customer orders with up to $10,000 in shipping insurance, offering peace of mind.

Easyship vs. 3PL Providers

The choice between Easyship and a traditional third party logistics company can be pivotal for brands looking to enhance profitability and control over their operations. Here are some key benefits of choosing Easyship:

Easyship’s advanced technology and streamlined processes offer significant advantages over traditional 3PL providers, empowering businesses to optimize their logistics operations, achieve cost savings, and enhance customer satisfaction.

By choosing Easyship, brands gain greater control, flexibility, and efficiency in their fulfillment processes, enabling them to focus on growth and customer retention.

Easyship eFulfillment Success Case Study: eBay International Shipping

The eBay International Shipping (eIS) program showcases a successful partnership between an eCommerce giant and a leading fulfillment service provider. This initiative has transformed how eBay’s U.S. sellers engage in international shipping, making the entire fulfillment process as seamless as domestic shipping.

Watch: Behind-the-scenes at the eBay International Shipping Hub

Overview of the eIS Launch with Easyship

In September 2022, eBay announced the launch of its new eIS program, powered by Easyship’s market-leading technology and logistics expertise. This program replaced the older GSP and eISD systems, aiming to simplify cross-border shipping for U.S. sellers through Easyship's cutting-edge eFulfillment centers.

Key Achievements:

• Broad Adoption: Within the first six months of its launch, the eIS program successfully migrated over 500K sellers and 240 million listings, while customer satisfaction soared to a five-year high.
• Massive Scale: The program handles over 10.4 million shipments per year, connecting to 200+ countries and territories through 550+ courier solutions.
• Infrastructure Expansion: Following the launch, Easyship rapidly expanded its smart shipping hub facilities. Within four months, a new facility in Los Angeles complemented the main U.S. Shipping Hub in Chicago.

Operational Excellence

Easyship’s innovative approach includes:

• First-Mile to Last-Mile: Handling everything from first-mile labeling and optimal route calculation to last-mile labeling and package tracking.
• Compliance and Efficiency: Ensuring trade and carrier compliance at Easyship shipping hubs, with a focus on safety and documentation.
• Financial Operations: Managing billing and financial reconciliation on eBay’s behalf, providing full transparency with consolidated billing.

Results for eBay

• Boost International Growth: Easyship’s infrastructure and technology have scaled to handle over 200K packages weekly, powering 10.4 million international packages annually.
• Improved Conversion Rates: Providing transparent pricing at checkout, including all shipping and tax, which has significantly boosted conversion rates.
• Flexible and Cost-Effective Carrier Options: The carrier rate shopping feature freed eBay sellers from relying solely on USPS Priority Mail International, offering flexibility during supply chain disruptions.
• Operational Compliance: Smart U.S. Shipping Hubs ensured 99% dimensional weight accuracy and minimized courier adjustments and compliance fines.
• Transparency and Cost Savings: Easyship’s algorithm and efficient hub operations have led to overall savings in shipping costs, with the ability to define custom shipping rules and link courier accounts for optimal shipping solutions.
  

Unlock Growth with Easyship eFulfillment

Tired of outdated fulfillment solutions holding back your global ambitions? Easyship offers a modern, tech-driven approach to fulfillment, seamlessly connecting you with US customers and empowering you to conquer markets worldwide.

Beyond Storage and Shipping

• Industry-leading Technology: Enjoy real-time inventory visibility, digital reporting, and a user-friendly platform for effortless management.
• Highly Competitive Pricing: Get top-tier service without breaking the bank, ensuring cost-effectiveness in your fulfillment operations.
• Flexible and Scalable: Adapt to any product type, order volume, or seasonal surge with confidence.
• Global Reach, Single Solution: Eliminate the hassle of multiple regional providers with our integrated network.
• Performance Transparency: Clear KPIs, SLAs, and benchmarking showcase our commitment to excellence.
• Enhanced Reporting and Visibility: Detailed reports and real-time inventory keep you informed and in control.
• Robust Returns Management: Streamlined processes for efficient handling of returns and reverse logistics.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Benefit from direct contact with the warehouse, ensuring smooth communication and operations.

Designed for Growth

• Modern & Tech-Centric: Ditch outdated systems and embrace our future-proof technology.
• Focus on Fulfillment, Not Logistics: We handle the nitty-gritty while you focus on your business.
• Addressing Your Pain Points: We understand your challenges and provide tailored solutions.

Services Offered by Easyship eFulfillment

Easyship provides a range of fulfillment services designed to streamline and enhance your logistics operations:

• Crowdfunding Support: Specialized services for handling crowdfunding campaigns, including order processing and warehouse handling.
• Packaging Solutions: Offering a variety of packaging materials, from polybags and bubble mailers to customized boxes of all sizes.
• Order Processing: Efficient processing including handling of additional items and overweight orders.
• Storage Solutions: Choose from per-item charges to pallet storage, with further options available.
• Receiving and Putaway: Grouped and individual item handling to streamline the initial storage process.
• Additional Services: Including order cancellation, return processing, and inventory counting, with advanced labeling options.
• Value-Added Services: Palletization, container handling, and enhanced customer-specific requests to meet all your logistical needs.

Unlock your business's fulfillment potential with Easyship's comprehensive range of services, designed to optimize every aspect of your fulfillment process.

Work With Our Experts: Get a Quote Today

Sign up today and you will be assigned a dedicated account manager immediately. They will help craft the right fulfillment strategy for your business, with competitive pricing tailored to your specific needs. Get a quote today and take the first step towards optimizing your logistics with Easyship.

Summary

For national brands aiming to boost profitability and maintain control over their logistics operations, Easyship offers a compelling alternative to traditional 3PL providers. With its advanced eFulfillment services, Easyship provides significant cost savings, enhanced flexibility, and superior customer satisfaction.

By integrating Easyship into your supply chain, you can streamline operations, reduce costs, and focus on growing your business. Ready to transform your logistics and boost your profitability? Sign up for Easyship today and experience the future of eFulfillment.