If the products your company sells or manufactures need to be assembled or bundled together before the package is shipped to the end customer, your business will benefit from a 3PL company’s custom kitting services.
Using a single SKU lets you ship commonly purchased-together items faster and easier.
Let’s look at how the process works, and to start let’s look at what a 3PL company does.
What is 3PL?
3PL stands for third-party logistics, and the companies that supply these services are called 3PL providers.
Efficient supply chain logistics are essential to running a business and doubly so for online and eCommerce businesses with no physical location.
While some large businesses can afford to invest in their own logistics teams and technology, most small and medium-sized companies prefer to outsource the logistical part of their business.
Using a 3PL can save money on labor and infrastructure, and these experts are often more efficient at handling logistics than any small business would be on its own.
One area where businesses may need extra help is in grouping similar items together as a single product.
That’s where the custom kitting services of a 3PL company can make a big difference to a small business’ bottom line.
3PL Custom Kitting and Your Business
Kitting basically means grouping separate but related items together and assigning them a new SKU. The kit is then shipped to the customer as a single unit.
Custom kitting lets you ship multiple items to consumers quickly instead of packing and shipping each product individually.
A kit contains a range of items that are typically ordered together. For example, a bedding kit with coordinated sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and matching rug.
In the 3PL warehouse, when an order comes in for a custom kit, the bundled package is located via an inventory management system, collected, and shipped to the customer.
Custom kitting can help your business in many ways, especially by simplifying and improving deliveries and inventory management.
Let’s explore the advantages of 3PL custom kitting.
3PL Custom Kitting Services and Benefits
3PL custom kitting can help your business in many ways. For example, if you partner with a full-service 3PL provider, you won’t have to worry about storing or delivering your products.
With a 3PL company’s services, all of your inventory can be conveniently stored in cost-efficient warehouses, and shipped using the 3PLs fleet of delivery vehicles.
And when bundling products, finding a 3PL that provides custom kitting services can help your company fulfil orders quickly and cost-efficiently.
You can use these savings to keep growing your business.
Top 3PL Companies for Custom Kitting Services
Only a handful of 3PL providers offer custom kitting, so if you want to use this service, first check that it is included in the company’s offerings.
RedStag
Thanks to fulfilment facilities on both US coasts, RedStag Fulfillment provides comprehensive coverage of the US and delivers to customers within two days.
The company offers accurate and timely order fulfilment, making sure that all things are provided in compliance with the service level you have chosen. RedStag also offers custom kitting services.
Pricing varies based on the quantity, weight, and services required.
ShipBob
With over 30 warehouse locations, ShipBob has swiftly gained a reputation for offering automated 3PL solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses.
One of the services offered by ShipBob is an all-in-one shipment fee that includes several 3PL processes and a special cost structure tailored to each client’s demands.
The company also offers custom kitting services.
FedEx
Business owners will like collaborating with FedEx since they offer exceptional customer care and will help you navigate the various logistical procedures.
Current expenses, capacity factor, and item count all affect costs for different services provided by logistic companies. FedEx includes custom kitting in their list of services.
How to Find the Best 3PL for Your Business
If you want to give your customers the best, make sure the logistics partner you hire is reputable and offers the services you need.
3PL companies provide a wide range of services that can be useful to your business, such as warehousing, custom kitting, and labelling, so get an idea of what you need before choosing a provider.
3PL Custom Kitting FAQs
- What are some benefits of working with a 3PL?
Working with a 3PL gives you access to integrated technology and inventory management tools, which you might not be able to otherwise access. Aside from tech, 3PLs have numerous warehouses and services that most small-businesses don’t usually have internally. When it comes to a more invested service like custom kitting, going with a 3PL may be the way to go.
- Can 3PLs help me grow my customer base?
A 3PL supplier has a network of locations and services, so if you want to grow your business, find one that works where your customers already are to deliver improved service, or find ones that operate where you are ready to expand.
- Is Freightos.com a 3PL?
No. Freightos.com is an online booking platform – not a logistics provider. This means that Freightos.com can help when it comes to finding shipping to a 3PL service provider warehouse, but will not be providing these services directly.
To learn more about 3PL check out our other guides including (3PL) Third Party Logistics Providers, How Does 3PL Work, and Third-Party Fulfillment.
