If you run an online store, you've probably heard the word fulfillment. But what does it mean exactly, and does your store need it?
Fulfillment defined
Fulfillment is everything that happens to an order from the moment the customer clicks "checkout" until the product is in their hands. When you work with a fulfillment company, it handles all of these steps for you from its warehouses.
The fulfillment process step by step
1. Receiving: you send your products to the fulfillment warehouse, where they are counted, checked and logged in the system.
2. Storage: products are placed in assigned locations under the right conditions. Perfumes and cosmetics, for example, need controlled temperatures.
3. Inventory management: quantities are tracked in real time, you're alerted when a product is running low, and expiry dates are monitored.
4. Picking: when an order comes in, the right product is picked in the right quantity.
5. Packing: the order is packed to protect it in transit and to reflect your brand.
6. Shipping and delivery: the order is delivered to the customer, with tracking.
7. Returns: returned items are received, inspected and put back into stock if they're in good condition.
When does your store need a fulfillment company?
- When packing and shipping orders takes time you should spend growing the store.
- When you run out of space for your stock.
- When orders get delayed during peak seasons.
- When you sell sensitive products that need special storage conditions.
- When you want to expand to other cities in the Kingdom.
What to ask before choosing a fulfillment company
- Are the warehouses licensed and suitable for your products?
- Is temperature-controlled storage available if you need it?
- How can I track my stock and orders?
- Which cities does delivery cover?
- How are returns handled?
- How is pricing calculated?
FAQs
Is fulfillment suitable for small stores? Yes. Many stores start with fulfillment early because it saves them from renting a warehouse and hiring a team.
What's the difference between a fulfillment company and a shipping company? A shipping company only moves the order. A fulfillment company stores, picks, packs, ships and manages returns.
Fulfillment with Safe Choice Logistics
Safe Choice Logistics offers end-to-end fulfillment from SFDA-licensed warehouses, with specialist experience in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and perfumes. Get started.