If your current 3PL is slowing you down with hidden fees, shipping delays, or lack of tech, it’s probably time to switch. The right third party logistics partner improves accuracy, lowers costs, and scales with your business. ShipBots makes the transition painless.
Picture this: you’re running an ecommerce store, customers are hyped about your products, but your fulfillment provider keeps tripping over itself like it’s never seen a pick list before. Orders go missing, shipping takes forever, and your costs creep higher each month. Sound familiar? Then it might be time to look for a new 3PL provider.
The good news? Switching isn’t as scary as it sounds. In fact, finding a 3PL that actually knows what it’s doing can transform your supply chain, whether you need help with ecommerce warehousing, pick and pack fulfillment, or even specialized solutions like Shopify fulfillment.
And if you’ve been burned before (late orders, rising costs, angry customer reviews), you’re not alone. Let’s break down the six big warning signs it’s time to bail on your current 3PL, and what to do next.
A lean supply chain should feel like a well-oiled machine, not a hamster wheel. If your 3PL keeps duplicating tasks, mismanaging inventory, or making you double-handle orders, you’re losing money.
Redundancy often leads to higher carrying costs and dreaded dead stock (learn the difference between inventory vs stock). A smart 3PL helps you avoid this with real-time inventory tracking, accurate pick lists, and tight order flow.
Remember when your 3PL promised fast shipping and total accuracy? Then reality hit: delayed orders, sloppy packaging, and mysterious “handling fees” you never agreed to. If the service you’re paying for doesn’t match what’s delivered, you’re bleeding money and reputation.
A quality provider should update fulfillment processes regularly, whether that’s improving warehouse shipping efficiency or testing new solutions like drone delivery. If yours isn’t evolving, it’s holding you back.
Your business is growing (congrats), but your 3PL seems stuck in the past. If order volumes rise and your provider can’t keep up, you’ll hit a ceiling fast.
A scalable provider should handle everything from bulk replenishment to niche needs like subscription box fulfillment or fashion fulfillment. They should also know how to manage seasonal surges without blowing deadlines.
Nothing says “bad partner” like a surprise bill. Some 3PLs bury fees for storage, returns, or packaging deep in their contracts. Before you know it, your costs are 20% higher than planned.
Smart operators keep a close eye on supply chain formulas to track true costs. If your current provider dodges transparency, it’s time to walk.
Customers expect fast, accurate deliveries. According to Capgemini Research Institute, the average success rate for a first delivery attempt is only around 90% in the UK, and that’s enough to tank customer trust if your 3PL is behind the failures.
If you’re constantly paying more for slower delivery, that’s a sign. A modern 3PL uses multiple fulfillment centers and strong carrier relationships to reduce both delays and costs. (Need proof? Check out how the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach shape ecommerce fulfillment speed.)
Few things hurt worse than a one-star review that reads: “Wrong item, late shipping, never again.” Order accuracy isn’t optional. If your provider keeps messing up, customers won’t give you second chances.
Switching to a detail-oriented 3PL helps prevent bad press, churn, and reputational damage. Your brand deserves fulfillment that works as hard as your marketing campaigns.
Switching isn’t just about ditching your current provider, it’s about choosing one that won’t put you back in the same mess. Here’s what to evaluate.
Automation, real-time tracking, and integrations with platforms like Shopify aren’t extras, they’re the baseline. A tech-forward provider should connect with your ecommerce stack, streamline kitting and fulfillment, and cut errors before they start.
The best partners optimize your entire supply chain, not just one part. From inbound receiving to direct-to-consumer fulfillment, they should support the whole journey.
Fulfillment isn’t just about speed, it’s about geography. Providers with multiple ecommerce warehouse locations help you store inventory closer to customers, cutting both delivery times and shipping costs.
So you’ve decided to move on. Now what? Switching doesn’t have to feel like breaking up with your high school sweetheart, messy and drawn out. Follow these steps instead.
Audit everything: locations, processes, and costs. If your current 3PL left you with surplus or dead stock, use this transition to reset smarter.
Don’t leave buyers in the dark. Share updates on social, post notices on your site, and send emails if delays pop up. Customers appreciate transparency.
Run both providers in parallel for a short period. Clear out old stock with a sale before fully migrating to your new partner. That way, you minimize disruption and keep orders flowing.
If you’ve read this far, chances are your current 3PL is giving you headaches. ShipBots makes the switch smooth.
We’ve onboarded countless brands from struggling providers, helping them streamline fulfillment with data-driven insights, scalable solutions, and eco-friendly options. Whether you need 3PL kitting services, apparel fulfillment companies, or flexible subscription box fulfillment, we’ve got you covered.
At ShipBots, we don’t just manage orders, we help you forecast demand, cut costs, and wow your customers. Ready to make the move?
Sign up with ShipBots today and leave fulfillment stress behind.
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