Introduction
Ecommerce has changed the game for businesses and transformed the way companies operate, particularly in the area of logistics. Given the ever-increasing number of consumers choosing online shopping, ecommerce businesses must now deliver faster, cheaper and better than ever. This could make managing logistics in-house a cumbersome bottleneck in their operation. This is where 3PL logistics for ecommerce can change the game for a business.
Third-party logistics (3PL) companies manage everything from warehousing, inventory management, order fulfilment, packaging, shipping, and more (such as returns and other customer service functions) for ecommerce businesses. By partnering with an established 3PL like Dispatch Solutions, ecommerce businesses can eliminate the logistics fuss and put themselves in a better position to conflict for business in a very competitive ecommerce environment.
This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to know about 3PL logistics for ecommerce, the benefits associated with using Dispatch Solutions, and how your ecommerce business can thrive through outsourcing logistics.
What is 3PL in Ecommerce?
Third-party logistics (3PL) refers to the use of an external provider to fulfill supply chain operations and logistics activities. Providers typically specialize in one or more of the services listed below:
- inventory management
- Warehousing
- Picking and packing
- Order fulfillment
- Domestic or international shipping
- Processing returns
For ecommerce businesses, 3PL manages all back-end logistics, so businesses can focus on product development, sales, and customer service.
Why Ecommerce Businesses Need 3PL Logistics
Establishing an online store involves a lot more than creating a site and putting some products online. Once the order has been made, now the workload begins; locating the product, packing it securely, shipping it on time, tracking it, answering customer questions, and managing returns, etc.
If you don’t have a strong logistics partner, online businesses can easily be swamped. That is where Dispatch Solutions, a 3PL logistics for ecommerce company, can simplify logistics, using a technology-enabled agenda.
Common Challenges Faced by Ecommerce Businesses Without 3PL
- Late deliveries resulting from insufficient fulfillment infrastructure
- Limited scalability when order volume surges
- Inventory mismanagement and overselling
- High operational costs among warehousing, labor, and last-mile delivery
- Poor customer experience from missed or damaged deliveries
With Dispatch Solutions, you get an entire full-stack logistics ecosystem that was built to grow with your ecommerce brand.
Services Offered by Dispatch Solutions as a 3PL Logistics Provider
Dispatch Solutions delivers comprehensive logistics solutions for ecommerce businesses, to any extent. From a startup that requires a few orders each day to a major company with many thousands of high volume orders, our solutions will give you the ability to meet your order volume accurately, efficiently, and with great customer satisfaction.
Warehousing and inventory management
We have fulfillment centers strategically placed across India to reduce your logistics costs and delivery times. We provide real time, inventory monitoring systems which instantaneously update your stock levels and reduce the possibility of stockouts or high overstocks.
Order Fulfilment and Packaging
Our automated fulfillment centers leverage the latest technology to provide accurate picking, packing, and shipping. Our packaging solutions focus on security and branding, giving the item an extra special unboxing experience.
Shipping and Last-Mile Delivery
Dispatch Solutions works with several courier companies to provide fast and reliable last-mile delivery options, including same-day and next-day deliveries. We dynamically allocate carriers to best meet your shipping rates and delivery performance and expectations.
Reverse Logistics and Returns Management
Returns are inevitable when selling ecommerce. Our easy return management solution makes pickups, inspections, and restocking easier so your customers are happy. Happy customers lead to loyal customers.
Cash on Delivery (COD) Handling
COD is a popular payment method in India. Dispatch Solutions manages your COD orders, reconciliations and remittances. We allow you to focus on sales growth instead of worrying about the nuances of payments.
Ecommerce Platform Integration
We integrate seamlessly with popular ecommerce platforms, including:
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
- Magento
- Amazon
- Flipkart
- Custom APIs
We enable real-time syncing of your orders, inventory, and tracking information.
Benefits of Choosing Dispatch Solutions for 3PL Logistics for Ecommerce
When you choose to partner with Dispatch Solutions, you are choosing a trusted logistics partner with exceptional ecommerce fulfillment knowledge. This is why our clients love working with us:
Faster Delivery
Happier Customers Our ability to ship from multiple warehouse locations around India, and partnerships with shipping and logistics providers helps us ship faster to every corner of India. We take shipping times seriously, and work hard to exceed customer expectations.
Affordable Shipping
Because of our partnership with a variety of couriers, we get the advantage of discounted deliveries of shipping bulk and save you money while getting the same safe and fast deliveries that you expect and want from Dispatch Solutions.
Scalable Operations
Whether you’re fulfilling 10 orders or 10000, we have the infrastructure to scale with your business. Dealing with seasonal spikes or busy sale periods? We have your back!
Real-Time Visibility
Our technology dashboard provides transparent, live updates on order status, inventory, shipments, and returns. You can make data-driven decisions with full visibility.
Reliable Support Team
Our support team is dedicated to making sure you get a fast resolution to questions, order issues, or escalations. We are an extension of your business.
How Dispatch Solutions Helps Different Types of Ecommerce Businesses
Small Businesses and Start-ups
When starting an e-commerce brand, investing in either space for a warehouse or hiring any type of staff can be cost prohibitive. Dispatch Solutions enables small businesses to start small, with flexible plans and zero upfront infrastructure cost.
D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) Brands
D2C brands are all about customer experience and brand development. Our custom packaging in combination with real time tracking and branded (custom branded) delivery surprises and delight customers.
Marketplace Sellers
Are you selling on Amazon, Flipkart, or Meesho? We connect directly with your seller dashboards, so that we can automatically fulfill your orders from the warehouse closest to your customer.
Subscription Box Services
If you are selling subscription models, having timely deliveries is key. Our 3PL Logistics system ensures that every box arrives at your customers door on time, every month.
Choosing the Right 3PL Logistics Partner: Why Dispatch Solutions Stands Out
There are many 3PL logistics companies, but not all are created equal. Choosing the right partner is a strategic decision that can impact your growth.
Here’s how Dispatch Solutions is different:
| Feature | Dispatch Solutions | Traditional 3PL |
| Ecommerce-first | ✅ Yes | ❌ Often not |
| Real-time dashboard | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited visibility |
| COD & Returns support | ✅ Fully managed | ❌ Usually manual |
| Pan India reach | ✅ Warehouses across India | ❌ Limited locations |
| Tech integrations | ✅ Seamless API & plugins | ❌ Often outdated |
| No minimum volume | ✅ Ideal for startups | ❌ High minimums |
Trends in Ecommerce Fulfillment and 3PL
This ecommerce space is changing dramatically and there are several trends that Dispatch Solutions is already responding to:
Hyperlocal Fulfilment
With the use of several micro-warehouses we are enabling the hyperlocal delivery models for groceries, clothing and essentials that can reduce delivery times to as little as 2 hours.
Automation and AI
From AI based demand forecasting to robotic picking and packing, we are continuously updating the way we process orders to drive faster turnaround and reduce errors and delays.
Green Logistics
Our commitment to sustainability takes many forms: using sustainable packaging, making route adjustments to reduce miles driven, and exploring the use of electric vehicle deliveries.
Omnichannel Fulfilment
We enable ecommerce businesses who operate on multiple channels – website, app, marketplaces and offline – to have a single inventory / fulfillment solution.
How to Get Started with Dispatch Solutions
The onboarding process with Dispatch Solutions is easy, quick, and tailored to your business preferences. It looks like this:
Step 1: Consultation
Set up a free consultation with one of our logistics experts. We’ll take the time to understand your product type, order volume, and fulfillment goals.
Step 2: Integration
Link your ecommerce store or marketplaces using our APIs or plugins.
Step 3: Inventory Inbound
Send the inventory to our closest fulfillment center. We’ll barcode it, sort it and stock it for you.
Step 4: Go Live
Start receiving and fulfilling orders right away. Track everything using your dashboard.
Case Studies: Brands Growing with Dispatch Solutions
Case Study 1: Fashion D2C Brand in Noida A D2C apparel brand faced challenges of delayed deliveries and mismanagement of returns.
- After onboarding with Dispatch Solutions:
- Delivery time decreased by 35%
- RTO (Return to Origin) decreased by 25% Customer ratings improved on their site and Amazon
Case Study 2: Seller of Electronics on Flipkart
A seller of electronics on Flipkart, as is typical with many sellers, saw spikes during sales events, but with our scalable 3PL system, this seller could manage 4x their normal order volumes without delays or having to hire staff.
Conclusion
In the rapidly changing world of ecommerce today, logistics has gone from a back-end task to one of the biggest growth drivers for your business. Careful logistics management relates directly to your customer’s satisfaction, the speed at which they receive it, and the ability of your business to scale. There is nothing of greater significance than having a flexible and tech-enabled 3PL logistics partner like Dispatch Solutions.
Dispatch Solutions equips ecommerce entrepreneurs and brands – from hyper growth D2C brands and marketplace sellers to enterprises – with efficient rate, cost-effectively and at speed, a comprehensive logistics offering to support their operations. Our logistics offerings include – real-time tracking, automated fulfilment, warehousing, inventory management, returns, and last-mile delivery anywhere in India.
With a robust infrastructure base, the latest technology integrations and our tried and tested systems, Dispatch Solutions take the complexity out of your logistics so that our online sellers can focus on the things that matter – building their brand, and servicing their customers. We can adapt to your business needs and support meeting the changing expectations of the consumers, and stay ahead of the competition in the digital marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que: What is the minimum order volume for Dispatch Solutions 3PL services?
Ans: We support businesses of all sizes, including startups. No minimum order volume is required.
Que: Can I use my own packaging materials?
Ans: Yes. You can supply your custom packaging, and we’ll use it for your orders.
Que: How are shipping charges calculated?
Ans: Shipping is based on product weight, dimensions, destination, and service level (standard/express). Our dashboard gives you exact rate calculations.
Que: What happens during returns?
Ans: We inspect the returned product, restock if applicable, and update your inventory.
Que: Can I track all orders in one place?
Ans: Yes. Our dashboard consolidates all order, inventory, and shipping data in one platform.