Outsourcing e-commerce logistics: when and how?

At launch, packing your own orders makes sense. But as sales grow, logistics becomes a job of its own. Here is how to know when it is time to hand it over, and how to do it well.

Signs it is time to outsource

• Time: the team spends more hours packing than growing the brand.
• Errors: wrong items, late parcels, unhappy customers during peaks.
• Space: stock is spilling out of the office or stockroom.
• Channels: you are adding stores, resellers or marketplaces.

Choosing the right logistics partner

Location

A warehouse close to your customers and major roads shortens lead times. In the Paris region, being near the city and Charles de Gaulle Airport allows late carrier collections.

Integrations

Your provider must connect to your online store and marketplaces, so orders flow in automatically and stock is always accurate.

Peak handling

Ask how the provider scales its teams during sales and holidays, and which lead times it guarantees at those times.

Transparency

Clear pricing, shared quality metrics and the option to visit the warehouse are good signs.

Steps of a successful migration

1. Audit: volumes, SKUs, channels, seasonality.
2. Integration: store connection, catalogue import, carrier setup.
3. Stock transfer: receiving, inspection and put-away.
4. Go live: a ramp-up period with close monitoring.

Thinking about outsourcing? Let’s talk.

Frequently asked questions