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Over the years, we’ve had conversations with countless companies and specific themes come up repeatedly when discussing why they’re ready to make a switch. Here are three common challenges businesses face when looking for a new 3PL partner and how Barrett can help solve them: 1. Missed SLAs (Service Level Agreements) Missed SLAs can disrupt your entire supply chain, leading to dissatisfied customers and lost revenue. Consistency in meeting deadlines and delivery standards is crucial for your reputation. At Barrett, we prioritize transparency and operational excellence to ensure your SLAs are not just met but exceeded. 2. Complex Transaction Rates Hidden fees and overly complicated pricing structures can make it difficult to forecast costs and maintain your bottom line. We believe in clear and straightforward pricing models that align with your business goals, providing the predictability you need to focus on growth. 3. Difficulty Scaling with Demand Your business needs a 3PL partner that can grow WITH you, whether it’s seasonal demand, expanding into new markets, or handling rapid e-commerce growth. Barrett offers scalable and personalized solutions designed to flex with your needs, ensuring you have the resources and infrastructure to thrive in any market condition. A Partner Invested in Your Success We go beyond traditional 3PL services by becoming a strategic partner invested in your success. Our team takes the time to understand your unique challenges and craft tailored solutions that drive efficiency and customer long-term satisfaction. Complimentary Supply Chain Consultation with Barrett Is your supply chain facing these challenges? We’re here to help. Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation and discover how Barrett can provide the solutions you need to scale your business with confidence.

When Every Second Counts: A Medical Fulfillment Success Story "Yesterday, around noon, we began receiving urgent emails from our Medical Centers in Texas. They needed recalled products returned immediately after four burn patients were admitted to the ICU. Their current inventory wasn’t sufficient to continue treatment, making the situation incredibly dire for the sickest of the sick. The Barrett Logistics team jumped into action immediately, working tirelessly to secure a carrier to deliver as early as possible. Their swift response and clear communication brought immediate calm to a chaotic situation. A carrier was loaded early this morning, and the critical product was delivered by 3:30 PM. This is just one of many instances where Barrett and their FSL partners have gone above and beyond to ensure that the hospitals we serve can provide life-saving treatment." - Medical Center in TX and Barrett Partner Medical device fulfillment isn’t just about logistics – it’s about lives. The stakes are high and every step in the supply chain must be executed with precision, compliance and attention to detail. Whether delivering life-saving equipment to hospitals or ensuring patients receive critical at-home medical devices on time, a robust fulfillment strategy is essential to meet the demands of this specialized industry. Why Medical Device Fulfillment Requires a Unique Approach Medical device fulfillment isn’t like other industries. It comes with its own set of challenges, including strict regulatory compliance, temperature-sensitive storage requirements and the need for real-time tracking. Any misstep could have significant consequences, making it critical to partner with a 3PL provider that understands the complexities of this field. Here’s why fulfillment for medical devices demands a specialized approach: Regulatory Compliance : Fulfillment centers handling medical devices must adhere to FDA guidelines, ISO standards, and other stringent requirements. Every step, from storage to transportation, must be documented to ensure full traceability. Temperature Control : Many medical devices and supplies require temperature-controlled environments. Fulfillment providers must have advanced cold-chain storage and monitoring systems to maintain the integrity of these products. Accurate Order Fulfillment : The margin for error is nonexistent. A misplaced or delayed shipment can disrupt patient care or cause compliance issues. How a Strong Fulfillment Partner Adds Value Partnering with an experienced 3PL provider can streamline medical device fulfillment while reducing risks. Here’s how: 1. Scalability for Growth The medical device market is growing, and demand can spike unexpectedly. A 3PL partner with scalable solutions ensures your business can respond quickly to market demands without compromising accuracy or compliance. 2. End-to-End Visibility Real-time tracking and reporting are non-negotiables. A strong 3PL provider invests in technology that offers complete visibility into your supply chain, from inventory levels to delivery statuses. 3.Focus on Compliance Managing regulatory requirements in-house can be overwhelming. A fulfillment partner with experience in medical devices will handle these complexities, from maintaining sterile storage to ensuring proper audit documentation. 4.Enhancing Patient Trust Timely, accurate deliveries build trust with patients and healthcare providers alike. Fulfillment isn’t just a logistical operation – it’s an extension of your brand’s promise to deliver care and reliability. Barrett Distribution: Your Trusted Partner in Medical Device Fulfillment At Barrett , we understand that precision, care and compliance are at the heart of medical device fulfillment. With decades of experience in 3PL logistics and a focus on meeting the highest industry standards, we help medical device companies streamline their operations while maintaining the highest levels of accuracy. Our fulfillment solutions are designed with the medical industry’s unique challenges in mind: Specialized Storage 91¹ú²ú : From climate-controlled environments to secure facilities, we ensure your products are stored safely and compliant with regulatory standards. Technology-Driven Visibility : Our advanced warehouse management systems provide real-time insights into your inventory and orders, ensuring transparency at every step. Scalable 91¹ú²ú : Whether you’re a start-up or an established company, our flexible fulfillment services are built to grow with you. The Bottom Line When lives depend on your products, you need a trustworthy fulfillment partner. At Barrett, we’re proud to support medical device companies in delivering their mission-critical products with precision and care. Ready to elevate your fulfillment strategy? Schedule a call now and let’s talk about how we can help you focus on what matters most – improving patient outcomes.

The health and beauty e-commerce sector is booming, with sales projected to grow 77% by 2026, reaching $358.4 billion. But with rapid growth comes challenges, especially in logistics and fulfillment. Products in this sector often require careful handling, specialized packaging and fast delivery to meet customer expectations. This is where a trusted third-party logistics (3PL) provider becomes an essential partner. In this blog, we'll explore key insights into the beauty industry, 3PL fulfillment for health and beauty and the benefits of teaming up with a specialized logistics partner. Top Beauty Industry Statistics Provided by Statista Overall, the future looks bright for the beauty industry. Here are a few eye-opening statistics to get on beauty and health: The beauty industry generates over $100 billion in revenue worldwide. The men's personal care market is projected to hit $276.9 billion by 2030. Skincare is projected to create up to $177 billion by 2025. Beauty companies spent an estimated $7.7 billion on advertising in 2022. Cosmetic retailers report $17.09 billion in online sales. Health and Beauty Fulfillment: Tackling the Toughest 3PL Challenges 1.Fragile and Perishable Products Many health and beauty products, such as cosmetics and skincare, are delicate or have expiration dates, requiring careful storage and transportation. 2. Diverse SKU Management With hundreds of product variations, from different shades to formulations, managing SKUs efficiently is crucial for smooth operations. 3. Temperature-Sensitive Storage Certain items, like serums and natural products, demand temperature-controlled environments to maintain their efficacy and quality. 4. Regulatory Compliance Health and beauty products must often adhere to strict industry and government regulations, especially for labeling and shipping. 5. High Customer Expectations In the age of next-day delivery, customers expect fast, accurate and beautifully packaged orders. How 3PLs Address Health and Beauty Fulfillment Needs 1.Specialized Warehousing and Handling 3PL providers offer facilities with climate control and advanced inventory management systems to ensure products are stored and handled with care. 2. Custom Packaging and Branding Many 3PLs offer customizable packaging options to align with brand aesthetics, creating a memorable unboxing experience for customers. 3. Efficient Order Management With advanced technology, 3PLs streamline order processing, reducing errors and ensuring timely delivery. 4. Returns and Reverse Logistics Managing returns is a critical component of customer satisfaction. 3PLs provide seamless reverse logistics solutions, ensuring easy returns for customers and efficient restocking for brands. 5. Scalability As your health and beauty brand grows, a 3PL partner can scale operations to meet increased demand, helping you expand without operational bottlenecks. Why Barrett Distribution Is the Right Partner for Health and Beauty Brands Are you looking for a 3PL with experience managing personal care and health and beauty fulfillment? You've come to the right place! We offer scalable e-commerce solutions, retail consolidation services and vendor compliance processes for mass retailers. At Barrett, we understand the complexities of health and beauty fulfillment. With over 80 years of experience, we offer tailored logistics solutions to meet your brand's unique needs. Our services include: Climate-controlled warehousing Custom packaging and labeling options Advanced inventory management systems Expertise in compliance and regulatory requirements Efficient shipping and reverse logistics solutions Whether you're a high-growth beauty startup or an established health brand, Barrett is committed to ensuring your supply chain operates seamlessly. This lets you focus on what you do best—delivering exceptional products to your customers. Let Barrett Distribution help you focus on creating exceptional products while we handle the complexities of fulfillment.  Contact us now to schedule your complimentary supply chain consultation today!

B2C e-commerce may lead in popularity, but B2B is quickly gaining importance. According to Statista, B2B e-commerce is projected to exceed $3 billion in sales by 2027, highlighting its growing omnichannel capabilities. Unlike direct-to-consumer models, B2B fulfillment has its own complexities, from larger order volumes to stricter delivery timelines. In this post, we’ll explore B2B fulfillment, how to source the right provider for your e-commerce business and how to choose the ideal partner to meet your growing needs. What Is B2B Fulfillment? B2B fulfillment refers to managing and delivering goods from one business to another. Unlike B2C fulfillment, which typically involves smaller orders shipped to individual customers, B2B fulfillment handles bulk orders with specific requirements, such as: Large quantities of products Custom packaging or labeling Coordinated delivery schedules Specialized shipping methods (e.g., freight or pallets) B2B fulfillment often requires strict compliance with contractual agreements, making accuracy, efficiency and reliability critical to success. The Key Components of B2B Fulfillment 1. Order Processing B2B orders are often more complex than B2C orders. They may involve multiple SKUs, custom configurations, or specific delivery instructions. Streamlined order processing ensures accuracy and efficiency. 2. Inventory Management Effective inventory management is vital for meeting B2B demands. Real-time inventory tracking and forecasting help ensure the right products are available when needed. 3. Warehousing Warehousing for B2B fulfillment requires sufficient space for large volumes and tailored processes, such as palletization or staging for bulk shipments. 4.Shipping & Delivery B2B shipping often involves freight carriers, strict delivery windows and specialized handling requirements. Timely, accurate delivery is essential for maintaining client relationships. 5. Returns Management Efficient handling of returns and exchanges is just as important in B2B as in B2C, especially when dealing with high-value goods or large orders. How to Get B2B Fulfillment Right 1. Partner with a Reliable 3PL Provider A reliable third-party logistics (3PL) provider like Barrett can streamline your B2B fulfillment operations. With over 80 years of expertise, Barrett offers comprehensive solutions, including bulk shipping, custom logistics strategies, and regulatory compliance, ensuring your supply chain operates efficiently and effectively. 2. Invest in Technology Technology is the foundation of efficient B2B fulfillment. Implement tools like inventory management software, real-time tracking and data analytics to improve visibility and decision-making. 3. Prioritize Accuracy and Compliance In B2B fulfillment, even minor errors can have significant consequences. Focus on accuracy throughout your processes, from order picking to labeling, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and client contracts. 4. Enhance Communication and Transparency Clear, proactive communication is essential for maintaining strong B2B relationships. Provide clients with real-time updates on order status and delivery schedules. 5. Adapt to Customer Needs Flexibility is critical in B2B fulfillment. Whether a client needs custom packaging, a special delivery window, or last-minute order changes, adaptability helps build trust and long-term partnerships. Why B2B Fulfillment Matters Getting B2B fulfillment right isn’t just about meeting operational needs—it’s about creating value for your clients. Reliable fulfillment helps businesses: Reduce supply chain disruptions Improve operational efficiency Build stronger client relationships Support scalability and growth Barrett Distribution: Your Partner for B2B Fulfillment At Barrett, we understand the complexities of B2B logistics. Our tailored solutions help businesses streamline their fulfillment processes, improve efficiency and meet the unique demands of your clients. From warehousing and inventory management to shipping and returns, we’re here to support your B2B journey. Ready to optimize your B2B fulfillment strategy? Contact us today to learn how Barrett can help your B2B business thrive.

Handling returns remains one of the biggest challenges for merchants in the new year. In 2024, eCommerce companies faced significant hurdles in managing returns. With $743 billion worth of merchandise returned in 2023, many retailers updated their returns policies to prepare for the year ahead. Now that peak season has ended, eCommerce merchants are navigating a surge of returns extending far beyond the holiday rush. Here are four key reasons why returns management is critical for e-commerce success in 2025. 1. Economic Uncertainty Drives Cost Management With the current economic climate, retailers focus on balancing costs across supply chains, including returns management. Despite economic uncertainties, eCommerce sales are projected to grow faster than they have since 2021, accounting for 19.8% of total sales, the most significant increase since 2020, according to eMarketer. This surge necessitates balancing cost management and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Automating returns processes can unlock cost savings while retaining customer loyalty. 2. Consumer Behavior Shifts Increase Returns Retail Dive reports that 87% of consumers intentionally order additional items to try on at home, returning the ones they don't want to keep. This practice, known as "bracketing," has become a common trend among shoppers. This behavior introduces unpredictability in margin calculations, inventory management and operations workflows. Notably, 64% of consumers make returns in apparel, shoes and accessories more often than any other product. 3. Implementing Return Fees and Customer Loyalty Retailers are considering return fees to manage costs, which raises concerns about customer loyalty. Some merchants find that customers will pay reasonable return fees if the return experience is positive. Retailers must assess customers' price sensitivity and develop fee policies that balance cost management with customer satisfaction. 4. Preparing for Returns Fraud and Policy Abuse Loop Returns research shows that returns fraud and policy abuse are rising, with 53% of US merchants citing returns fraud as a significant challenge. To combat this, retailers are tightening returns eligibility criteria and requiring more detailed information at checkout while striving to maintain positive returns experiences for loyal customers. Implementing eligibility tiers via loyalty programs can offer more lenient returns policies to loyal customers, helping protect against potential returns abuse. Barrett Distribution's Approach At Barrett Distribution, we understand the complexities of returns management during peak season. Our tailored solutions focus on cost-effective, customer-centric returns processes. By leveraging automation and data analytics, we help retailers navigate economic uncertainties, adapt to shifting consumer behaviors and implement effective policies to mitigate fraud and abuse. As the peak season calms, partnering with a logistics provider experienced in returns management is essential. Barrett is committed to helping retailers optimize their returns processes, ensuring a seamless experience for businesses and customers. Facing returns challenges? Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.

Periodically reviewing your 3PL provider is essential if you’re looking to scale effectively. Why? As your business scales, your warehouse management needs are likely to evolve. The 3PL provider you initially partnered with may not be well-positioned to support your business's long-term growth. Switching third-party logistics (3PL) providers is a significant decision, but when done correctly, it can unlock operational efficiencies, improve customer satisfaction and position your brand for scalable growth. While the process might seem daunting, the transition can be smooth and beneficial with proper planning and communication. Here’s how to switch to a new 3PL partner stress-free and strategically sound. 1. Assess Why You’re Switching Start by evaluating the reasons behind the switch. Are you looking for better scalability, improved service levels, or expertise in a specific industry, such as e-commerce or personalized fulfillment? Clearly outlining your goals ensures your new 3PL aligns with your operational needs and business objectives. There are various reasons why your current 3PL may no longer be ticking the boxes for your business. Here are a few signs to look out for that might indicate it's time to make the switch: My 3PL can't scale with me My 3PL isn't seeking to streamline their operations My 3PL is experiencing major logistical issues For example, many brands partner with Barrett Distribution because of our expertise in omnichannel fulfillment and high-touch personalized service tailored to luxury and boutique brands. Knowing your priorities will help you select the best 3PL partner. 2. Plan for Peak Season and Disruption Timing is everything when switching 3PLs. Avoid transitioning during peak seasons or other high-demand periods when order volumes are at their highest. A detailed transition timeline, built in collaboration with your new provider, ensures minimal disruption to your business. Your new 3PL should have a plan to maintain service continuity and you should work with your internal teams to adjust forecasts and prepare inventory accordingly. 3. Audit Your Data and Inventory Before the move, ensure your inventory data is up to date and accurate. Conduct a physical inventory count and compare it to your systems to resolve discrepancies. Clean, accurate data minimizes errors during the handoff and sets your new 3PL up for success. To create a seamless handoff, Barrett offers robust onboarding services including data alignment and integration with your existing systems. 4. Communicate with Stakeholders Switching 3PLs impacts multiple stakeholders from internal teams to customers. Develop a clear communication plan to keep everyone informed. Ensure your operations, finance and IT teams are aligned on the transition schedule and processes. Emphasize the benefits of the switch for customers. If the transition may cause temporary delays, be transparent and proactive in addressing their concerns. 5. Test, Then Transition Conduct a soft launch or pilot phase before fully transitioning to the new 3PL. This allows you to identify and resolve any operational hiccups, test integrations and ensure the 3PL can meet your KPIs before going live. At Barrett, we prioritize a collaborative approach during onboarding, ensuring all systems and processes are thoroughly tested before full implementation. 6. Monitor Performance Post-Transition Once the transition is complete, monitor the new 3PL's performance closely. Track KPIs such as order accuracy, delivery times and customer satisfaction. Use these metrics to evaluate the partnership's success and identify areas for continuous improvement. Why Choose Barrett Distribution as Your 3PL Partner? Switching 3PLs is a strategic move and selecting the right partner is critical to your success. At Barrett, we specialize in creating customized logistics solutions that align with your brand’s unique needs. Are you looking for a long-term 3PL partner that has experience with high-growth brands? Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.

Until the 1920s, shopping primarily occurred at the local neighborhood corner store or small-town square. Then, chain and department stores emerged, offering a broader variety of goods and transforming shopping into an experience. By 1956, the first shopping mall was constructed, and large retailers began to dominate, gradually pushing out smaller mom-and-pop shops. However, no shift has reshaped the retail world as profoundly as eCommerce. Today’s retail landscape is a digital frontier where anyone with a product and an internet connection can reach a global audience. Yet, this transformation has brought a range of challenges, leaving retailers and suppliers navigating a complex and evolving marketplace. Rising inflation threatens margins, labor shortages complicate peak demand management and the shift to omni-channel distribution adds complexity. Meanwhile, changing consumer expectations are driving a need for greater speed and adaptability. These challenges underline the importance of having an efficient, agile, optimized and sustainable supply chain that can flex during unexpected peaks, overcome disruptions and meet new challenges as they emerge. One way to achieve this is by partnering with an experienced third-party logistics provider (3PL) like Barrett Distribution. Here are five key benefits of outsourcing retail logistics to a reputable 3PL. 1. Access to Skilled and Scalable Labor Labor shortages remain a significant hurdle, especially during peak seasons. By tapping into a 3PL's expansive labor pool, retailers can quickly scale their workforce to meet fluctuating needs. Barrett streamlines recruiting and onboarding processes, ensuring the right talent is matched to the right roles. This helps retailers efficiently manage growth and seasonal surges with confidence. 2. Investment in Automation and Innovation Staying competitive in today’s fast-paced retail environment requires constant innovation. Many companies, however, lack the resources to prioritize supply chain digitalization and automation. Barrett continuously invests in advanced technologies like autonomous mobile robots and predictive picking algorithms, enabling clients to meet market demands with enhanced efficiency. These scalable innovations provide the flexibility needed for future growth. 3. End-to-End Supply Chain Visibility Comprehensive visibility is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially in direct-to-consumer retail. While most companies utilize transportation visibility tools, they often fail to cover a product's full journey. Barrett offers end-to-end visibility that spans warehousing, packaging, and transportation. This capability ensures seamless inventory management and optimizes product flow, allowing retailers to respond quickly to customer needs. 4. Sophisticated Data Analytics and Insights Retailers often underutilize the power of data analytics to make faster, smarter decisions. By partnering with a 3PL that excels in data analytics, businesses gain actionable insights into efficiency, sustainability and customer behavior. Barrett leverages cutting-edge technologies like predictive analytics and artificial intelligence to identify trends, benchmark performance and uncover new opportunities. This data-driven approach ensures retailers stay ahead of shifting market demands. 5. Customized and Efficient Packaging 91¹ú²ú A one-size-fits-all packaging strategy no longer works. Barrett integrates materials management and packaging into distribution operations, reducing costs and increasing speed. Their tailored approach ensures packaging aligns with consumer expectations for quality, sustainability and efficiency across all channels. Focus on Your Business—Leave Logistics to the Experts Today’s consumers expect memorable and convenient shopping experiences, whether in-store or online. Meeting these expectations requires a well-managed supply chain that can adapt to challenges and capitalize on opportunities. By outsourcing logistics to a trusted 3PL like Barrett, retailers can concentrate on their core strengths while relying on experts to handle the complexities of supply chain management. Why Barrett? We empower retailers to navigate uncertainty, enhance agility and deliver superior customer experiences, helping businesses thrive in a competitive retail environment. Are you ready to optimize your retail supply chain? Discover the Barrett way— contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.