eCommerce Fulfilment Services

A fulfilment provider handles the entire order process for e-commerce businesses. This includes goods intake, storage, picking and packing, shipping, and often returns management as well.

The big advantage? You no longer need to manage warehouse space, staff, or shipping logistics yourself – freeing you up to focus entirely on growing your business.

Different fulfilment services offer different things. Some specialise in specific product categories or shipping regions, while others provide flexible solutions for a wide range of business models.

If you're aiming for long-term growth, it’s important to choose a fulfilment partner that can scale with your needs.

Fulfilment costs generally fall into the following categories:

• Software usage
• Storage fees
• Pick & pack charges
• Shipping costs
• Additional services such as returns handling or custom packaging

Many ecommerce fulfilment services offer flexible pricing models based on order volume. What matters most is a transparent pricing structure – no hidden fees or overly complex billing.

If you’re looking to optimise your costs, it’s worth comparing providers and making sure all fees are clearly broken down!

The UK has a large and fast-growing fulfilment market. While there’s no exact number, there are hundreds of fulfilment and 3PL providers operating across the country – offering a wide range of services, levels of specialisation, and pricing models. Some focus on specific sectors like fashion or electronics, while others act as generalists, covering a broad range of products.

Choosing the right fulfilment partner depends heavily on your individual business needs. It’s important to work with a provider that not only fits your current requirements, but can also scale as your business grows. Key factors to look for include modern, future-ready systems, scalability, and transparent pricing.

In short: the UK fulfilment market offers plenty of opportunities for businesses looking to outsource and streamline their logistics – but choosing the right partner is essential for long-term success.

Many Shopify merchants rely on third-party fulfilment providers to handle their orders efficiently and cost-effectively. Shopify makes it easy to integrate with external logistics partners, allowing orders to be automatically forwarded to the provider’s warehouse for processing.

Seamless Shopify fulfilment offers key advantages: faster delivery times, fewer errors, and better scalability – especially for multichannel sellers who operate beyond just the Shopify platform.

What matters most is choosing a fulfilment partner that connects directly with Shopify, ensuring smooth, automated, and reliable order processing.

• Learn more about how automated Shopify fulfilment works.

Outsourcing your fulfilment comes with a wide range of benefits: it saves time and money, reduces admin work, and allows your business to scale quickly. You no longer have to manage warehouse space, packaging supplies, or shipping processes – instead, these tasks are handled by a specialised partner.

A professional fulfilment provider also ensures streamlined operations, faster delivery times, and smooth order processing. That means your customers receive their orders quicker – improving satisfaction and increasing repeat purchase rates.

At Quivo, we offer a scalable fulfilment solution that flexibly adapts to your order volume. Our modern technology ensures real-time processing and efficient handling of every order.

• In this article, we break down everything you need to know about logistics outsourcing.

The cost of outsourced fulfilment varies depending on the provider and the range of services offered. Typically, it includes several key components – also outlined in our section on fulfilment costs:

• Storage fees – Based on the space your stock occupies. Some providers charge a flat fee, others bill per pallet or cubic metre used.
• Pick & pack fees – Charged per order, these cover the picking and packaging of items for shipment.
• Shipping costs – Depend on the size, weight, and destination of each order. A good fulfilment partner negotiates better rates thanks to bulk volumes.
• Additional services – This might include branded packaging, returns processing, or customisation.

Returns in particular can become a hidden cost trap. Make sure your fulfilment provider offers fair, transparent pricing for returns handling!

Fulfilment offers a wide range of advantages for e-commerce businesses – by streamlining operations, reducing costs, and simplifying the entire order process.

1. Lower fixed costs
   Running your own warehouse, hiring staff, and maintaining infrastructure is expensive. With a fulfilment provider, you only pay for the storage space you use and the orders you ship – no heavy overheads.
2. Faster delivery times
   With automated workflows, strategically located fulfilment centres, and optimised shipping routes, orders reach your customers quicker – often by the next day.
3. Scalability
   A good ecommerce fulfilment service grows with your business. During peak periods, you can easily scale up without worrying about staff or warehouse expansion.
4. Better shipping rates
   Fulfilment providers ship in bulk and negotiate better rates with carriers. Those savings are passed on to you.
5. Less admin hassle
   Inventory, packing, and shipping are time-consuming. By outsourcing fulfilment, you can focus on growth, product development, and marketing instead.
6. Higher customer satisfaction
   Optimised fulfilment reduces errors and speeds up delivery. That means happier customers, more repeat purchases, and better reviews.
7. International shipping made easy
   Many fulfilment services offer global distribution and customs handling – making it easier to expand into new markets.
8. Efficient returns management
   Returns are part of e-commerce. A professional fulfilment partner processes them quickly and smoothly – helping you maintain service quality and reduce costs.

A fulfilment provider like Quivo does far more than just store and ship your products. In addition to standard services, we offer specialised features that can make a real difference depending on your industry and business size. 

Here's an overview of key ecommerce fulfilment services:

1. B2B Fulfilment – Shipping to Retailers and Wholesale Partners
In addition to classic B2C fulfilment, many providers offer B2B solutions – handling larger shipments for distributors, resellers, and business partners. This includes:

• Pallet shipping
• Custom shipping terms for wholesale
• Special packaging for retail or bulk orders

2. Custom Packaging – More Than Just a Box
Packaging is a powerful branding tool. Some fulfilment services offer fully customised packaging options, such as:

• Branded packaging – Printed boxes or packaging featuring your logo
• Gift wrapping – Ideal for special occasions or subscription boxes
• Sustainable packaging – Eco-friendly materials and plastic-free alternatives

3. Lot Tracking & Serial Number Management
In industries like pharmaceuticals, food, or electronics, traceability is essential. Fulfilment providers that offer batch or lot tracking help you monitor products by production date or lot number. Serial number tracking allows for precise identification – vital for warranty claims or product recalls.

4. Returns Management – Smooth Handling of Returns
A professional fulfilment partner also manages returns efficiently. This includes:

• Receiving & inspection – Checking whether returned items are resellable
• Restocking or recycling – Depending on product condition
• Automated refunds – Faster processing for a better customer experience

Not every fulfilment service suits every business model. The partner you choose can have a major impact on the success of your logistics setup. Here are the key criteria you should consider when comparing providers:

1. Industry Experience & Specialisation – Is the Provider a Good Fit?
A fulfilment company with experience in your industry can offer more efficient processes and meet specific requirements. This is especially important when handling sensitive products like food, electronics, or fashion – where high return rates are common.

2. Technology & Shop System Integration
A strong ecommerce fulfilment service should integrate seamlessly with your existing tech stack. Look for providers that offer native connections to platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Amazon FBA – enabling automated order transfers and real-time updates.

3. Transparent Pricing – No Hidden Fees
Some fulfilment providers use complex pricing models with hidden costs. Make sure storage, picking, shipping, and returns are all clearly priced. A transparent cost structure helps you protect your margins and plan ahead with confidence.

4. Flexibility & Scalability – Can the Provider Keep Up With Your Growth?
Your logistics partner should scale with your business. During high-demand periods – like holiday season or Black Friday – they should be able to handle increased volumes without delays.

5. Locations & Shipping Options – How Fast Can They Deliver?
Providers with strategically placed fulfilment centres can ship orders faster and more cost-effectively. If you sell internationally, check whether global shipping and customs support are included.