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Building a Winning Fulfillment Strategy for Your E-Commerce Business in 2025

Katherine Wroth • January 8, 2025
  • Are fulfillment errors holding back your e-commerce growth?
  • Are your warehouses positioned to cut down on shipping times and costs?
  • Is your fulfillment strategy scalable enough for business growth and seasonal demand?
  • Are you creating a fulfillment experience that drives repeat purchases and customer loyalty?


If these questions make you question your current approach, it’s time to rethink your fulfillment strategy. This blog will guide you through the key elements of a successful fulfillment strategy and how to overcome common obstacles to ensure sustainable growth.


馃搱 Order Volume: Scaling for Growth


Order volume is one of the most critical factors to consider when designing your fulfillment strategy. For businesses with smaller volumes, manual processes or in-house fulfillment might suffice. However, as your business grows, increased order volumes can quickly overwhelm your existing systems.


Scaling for higher order volumes often requires additional resources such as automation and skilled labor. Automation tools like warehouse robots or conveyor systems can improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.


At Barrett, we invest in technology, so you don’t have to. Our facilities are equipped with drones and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), providing the scalability and flexibility needed to meet increasing demands. Customers can experience faster shipping times and a more seamless shopping experience.


鈴 Speed and Accuracy: The Cornerstones of Customer Loyalty


Fast delivery is no longer optional. It is the new standard that customers today expect and demand. However, speed without accuracy can lead to mistakes that erode trust and loyalty. Fulfillment strategies prioritizing speed and accuracy are essential for reducing errors, minimizing returns and fostering long-term customer relationships.


To achieve this balance, consider adopting advanced order management systems that streamline the picking and packing. At Barrett, we use License Plate (LP) accuracy, barcode scanning and real-time inventory tracking to ensure orders are fulfilled accurately and efficiently.



馃搷 Warehouse Location: Optimizing for Efficiency


The proximity of your warehouses to your customers can significantly impact shipping times and costs. Strategically located warehouses reduce transit times and help meet customers' expectations for fast delivery.


A network of distribution centers in key regions allows you to ship products from locations closer to your customers, lowering shipping costs and improving delivery speeds. Partnering with a 3PL like Barrett, with established facilities nationwide, can help you expand your geographic reach without needing heavy capital investment in real estate.



鉁 Scalability: Planning for the Future


Your fulfillment strategy should be designed to grow with your business. A flexible and scalable approach ensures that you can adapt to seasonal fluctuations, new product launches and increased order volumes as your business evolves.


For example, outsourcing fulfillment to a 3PL provider can provide the infrastructure and expertise needed to scale up quickly during busy seasons like the holidays without overextending your internal resources. A scalable solution lets you focus on core business activities like marketing and product development.


Insider tip:  Some 3PL providers take on new clients without considering whether they can handle the volume over time. At Barrett, we’re committed to long-term partnerships, growing with you every step of the way.


馃摝 Customer Experience: The Final Touch


Fulfillment is not just about getting products to customers—it’s about creating a memorable experience. Details like easy returns, eco-friendly packaging and personalized touches can leave a lasting impression and build customer loyalty.


Personalized fulfillment can include branded packaging, handwritten thank-you notes or special offers can enhance the unboxing experience and encourage repeat purchases. Similarly, a smooth and hassle-free return process shows customers that their satisfaction is a priority, further strengthening their trust in your brand.


Ready to Build Your Fulfillment Strategy?


With over 80 years of expertise, Barrett Distribution delivers personalized, scalable 3PL solutions tailored to your unique needs. From advanced technology to strategically located warehouses, we equip your business with the tools and expertise to streamline operations and fuel growth.


Let’s build your winning fulfillment strategy today. Contact us today to connect with a Barrett 3PL expert for a complimentary supply chain consultation.

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By Katherine Wroth March 11, 2025
Franklin, MA – March 10, 2025— Barrett Distribution , a leading provider of third-party logistics (3PL) solutions, has been named one of Fulfill.com’s Top 50 U.S. 3PL Companies for 2025. Fulfill.com’s annual Top 50 3PLs list highlights the best logistics companies based on operational excellence, technological innovation and a proven track record of success. This recognition reflects Barrett’s decades-long commitment to delivering efficient, scalable and client-focused logistics services. “Being recognized as a Top 3PL Provider by Fulfill.com is a testament to our team’s relentless focus on service excellence and passion,” said Bryan Corbett , Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We take pride in delivering personalized, efficient logistics solutions that drive success for our clients, and we are honored to be named a Top 50 3PL.” Barrett’s expansive fulfillment network covers over 7 million square feet across 25+ facilities, with key hubs in Boston, New Jersey, New York, Baltimore, Memphis, Dallas and California. This nationwide presence ensures fast logistics solutions tailored to high-growth brands. Joe Spisak , CEO of Fulfill.com, commented on Barrett Distribution Centers' inclusion in the Top 50 U.S. 3PL Companies for 2025: "Barrett Distribution Centers exemplifies the precision, scalability and innovation we look for in our Top 50 US 3PL Companies. Their ability to deliver tailored logistics solutions—whether for direct-to-consumer e-commerce, omnichannel fulfillment or complex B2B distribution—sets them apart in the industry. With over 80 years of experience and a proven commitment to operational excellence, Barrett continues to be a trusted partner for brands looking for reliable, technology-driven supply chain solutions." About Fullfill.com Fulfill.com is a matchmaking marketplace connecting companies with the highest-rated 3PLs. Built to simplify the RFP process and ensure brands partner with the best 3PL for their specific needs, Fulfill (Fulfill.com) is bringing scale to both 3PLs *and* the companies they service. About Barrett Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement, and direct access to senior leadership decision-makers. As a member of Inc.'s fastest growing companies list 15 times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. eCommerce brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . Contact Information 锘 Katherine Wroth Marketing Manager katherine.wroth@barrettdistribution.com Official Release Here
By Katherine Wroth February 26, 2025
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By Katherine Wroth February 25, 2025
Are you struggling to keep up with order fulfillment for your apparel brand? Or are you just beginning to explore third-party logistics to see if it aligns with your business goals? Either way, this guide is for you. Managing order fulfillment in the apparel industry—online or in physical stores—comes with many challenges. Warehousing, packing, shipping, logistics, returns, tracking and customs clearance require significant time and resources. With limited hours in the day, handling all these aspects yourself can quickly become overwhelming (and that’s probably why you’re here). Hiring additional staff may help, but it also increases operational expenses and can complicate supply chain efficiency. The Solution: Partnering with a Trusted 3PL Barrett Distribution specializes in handling logistics and fulfillment operations for top apparel retailers and manufacturers. Outsourcing fulfillment to a trusted 3PL partner like Barrett saves costs and enhances efficiency. This guide will break down the key benefits of working with a 3PL provider and how to choose the best one for your needs. 锘 Understanding 3PL in Apparel Fulfillment A 3PL provider manages your inventory’s storage, fulfillment and distribution. This includes warehousing, order picking, packing and shipping. Many 3PLs also handle customer service and returns. Why should you outsource apparel fulfillment instead of managing it in-house? Cost Efficiency – You pay only for processed orders instead of maintaining a full-time logistics team. Improved Fulfillment Processes – Faster, more reliable order fulfillment enhances customer satisfaction. Let’s explore how 3PLs work and why they are game-changers for apparel businesses like yours. How Does a 3PL Work? While 3PL services can support a wide range of industries, here’s how they work specifically for apparel brands: Step 1: Choosing a 3PL Partner Selecting the right 3PL is a critical process. The provider you choose will integrate into your operations and support your long-term growth. Keep in mind that 3PL services differ from freight forwarding or on-demand warehousing. Understanding these differences will help you make a more informed decision. Step 2: Sending Your Inventory Once you’ve chosen a 3PL provider, you’ll send them your inventory for warehousing. This ensures order fulfillment begins as soon as a customer makes a purchase. Step 3: Storing Inventory Your 3PL partner will store your inventory in strategically located warehouses for easy retrieval and shipping. This optimizes fulfillment speed and reduces delivery times. Step 4: Order Picking and Packing When a customer places an order, the fulfillment process begins. The item ordered is retrieved from storage, packed securely and prepared for shipping. Depending on your provider, this process may be managed manually or with advanced inventory software for greater speed and accuracy. 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Barrett reduces these costs by leveraging existing infrastructure and volume discounts on shipping. Minimizing shipping errors and optimizing order fulfillment can also help reduce costly mistakes and returns. 3. Scalability As your business grows, so do your logistics needs. Barrett currently operates 25+ facilities across the United States. With over 6 million square feet of space specifically designed for warehousing, distribution, transportation and omnichannel eCommerce fulfillment, Barrett will scale your brand to ensure success. Barrett has over 80+ years of 3PL expertise and the resources to scale operations up or down based on demand, allowing you to expand without significant overhead costs. When Should You Consider a 3PL? Not every business needs a 3PL, but if any of the following apply, it may be time to explore outsourcing your logistics: You’re fulfilling 10+ orders per day – Managing fulfillment in-house may become too time-consuming and costly. You’re expanding and scaling operations – A 3PL can simplify shipping and customs management. You need faster shipping options – Two-day shipping has become an industry standard, and Barrett has the infrastructure to meet these expectations efficiently. Choosing the Right 3PL for Your Apparel Business Not all 3PLs are created equally. Some offer broad logistics solutions, while others, like Barrett, specialize in apparel and fashion fulfillment. When evaluating providers, consider: Technology Integration – Ensure the 3PL can integrate with your e-commerce platform for real-time inventory tracking and order processing. Warehouse Locations – Choose a provider with fulfillment centers close to your customer base to reduce shipping times and costs. Scalability – The 3PL should be able to accommodate your business growth. Return Management – A provider with strong reverse logistics capabilities will improve your customer experience. Barrett Distribution: Your Trusted 3PL Partner Since 1941 Are you looking for a trusted 3PL partner for your apparel business? Barrett offers personalized fulfillment solutions designed to help you scale and succeed. Contact us today to receive a complimentary supply chain consultation.
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